The Fritz: hotel interior with character

Colour, art and customisation: the building blocks of a boutique hotel with a signature of its own

Ross Tucker's team, specialising in interior design and serial custom-made furniture, recently used its expertise for the realisation of The Fritz Hotel in Amsterdam. This project highlights Ross Tucker's comprehensive and all-encompassing services, from interior design to full realisation. For this hotel, the company designed a complete concept that perfectly complements the character of the nearby Rijksmuseum.

Ross Tucker works in a variety of sectors, including leisure homes and student accommodation. This hotel project is an example of their ability to create a unique and sophisticated experience, without compromising on functionality. Originally the plan was to renovate the outdated hostel, but this changed dramatically when interior designer Femke Scholten challenged the owner to go a step further and turn The Fritz Hotel into a luxury boutique hotel.

Scholten explains: "We immediately had a clear vision for this project. The location and the beautiful historical building called for more than a hostel. We presented a concept showing what was on offer in the area and what we thought was possible. Creating a boutique hotel requires more commitment and time, but we are convinced that this investment will pay for itself." The challenging proposal struck a chord with the owner, and Ross Tucker was given free rein to develop an overall concept in which every detail was considered.

Small in size, big in experience

The Fritz Hotel, located on the Weteringschans, was designed with attention to detail. During the renovation, a lift was placed in the patio, and all 20 rooms, spread over six floors, were given private bathrooms, resulting in even more compact rooms. Functional designs, such as a wall cabinet for the kettle, coffee maker, safe and storage space, and a suitcase bench with minibar, make optimal use of the limited space. "Although some rooms cover only 8 m², each room exudes a harmonious balance between aesthetics and functionality. That's where our strength lies," says Anita Bosman, co-owner of Ross Tucker. "We are experts in providing custom-made solutions for small spaces, without making it feel cramped."

Colour and art as inspiration

A special aspect of this project was the inspiration taken from the nearby Rijksmuseum. Ross Tucker worked with the Rijks colour palette, developed by Sikkens. The art historical atmosphere of the museum, with its warm hues and rich details, was the starting point for the colour palette. "We wanted to give the hotel its own identity, exuding both luxury and artistry, with warm, embracing tones on the walls, ceilings and floors. In a number of rooms, cut-outs of artworks by Jan Toorop and Rachel Ruysch have been applied as wallpaper." All subtle references, and thus a nice prelude to a visit to the museum. Together with the bold graphic shapes used in the corridors and rooms, this gives the hotel an elegant yet vibrant character. Every detail, from bed legs to wall sockets, has been carefully selected to enhance this experience.

Customisation and flexibility

Ross Tucker excels at customisation, and this project was no exception. "We design furniture that we can customise in series, from as little as about ten pieces. So we offer a specific solution for every project." But Ross Tucker's services go beyond furniture alone. Although construction work falls outside their expertise, Ross Tucker takes care of the rest of the process. "Whether it is laying floors, supplying and fitting curtains, painting or installing lighting, we offer solutions in every area," Bosman said.

Thanks to this integral approach, Ross Tucker created an authentic interior that reflects the charm of the surroundings and the property. The result is a stylish boutique hotel where every element - from the bold graphic shapes to the historic colour palette - contributes to a unique ambience that harmoniously blends aesthetics and functionality.