Staatsman
by Ingrid Van Der Veen

Ingrid Van Der Veen, the accomplished interior designer, was tasked with a remarkable project: the transformation of the ground floor of the historic Statenzaal, a structure dating back to 1874, into a welcoming restaurant space in Zwolle. The challenge at hand was to seamlessly blend history and elegance, resulting in a unique and accessible dining experience for the people of the city.

Ingrid’s primary objective was to avoid any pretentiousness and create an atmosphere that celebrated Zwolle’s rich heritage. From the moment guests entered, they were warmly greeted at a reception desk, setting the tone for their visit. The room’s pièce de résistance was the exquisite hand-painted ceiling, a true work of art, complemented by four neogothic chimneys in each corner. The rest of the space, while predominantly white with temporary walls, served as a canvas for Ingrid’s vision, a canvas that would transport visitors back in time.

Drawing inspiration from the ceiling’s colors, symbols, and forms, Ingrid meticulously crafted bespoke elements to harmonize with this historical marvel. These included a central bar, room dividers, carpets, a substantial wine cabinet, mirrors, and wall features, each carefully designed to enhance the overall ambiance.

The placement of the bar beneath the arches was a strategic choice, optimizing the space for dining while also allowing the restaurant to be divided into two distinct areas as per the client’s request. However, the most remarkable feature was the hand-painted tile panels adorning the bar. In collaboration with a skilled artist, Ingrid’s vision was translated onto wooden panels, mimicking traditional tiles. This not only ensured a perfect fit but also allowed for the intricate detailing to be perfected in the artist’s studio before being seamlessly installed on the bar, adding a unique artistic touch to the design.

Ingrid’s meticulous approach and her ability to draw inspiration from the ceiling’s artwork resulted in a harmonious fusion of history and modernity. The restaurant now stands as a testament to her talent, preserving the past while embracing the present. It’s a place where patrons can dine in an atmosphere that gracefully bridges the gap between Zwolle’s rich heritage and contemporary tastes.