The Rika fashion creations have a bit of celebrity following—Helena Christensen and Madonna are among fans—and the brand is known also for a luxury a biannual print magazine that celebrates strong female personalities.
This should serve as a clue to the force behind the all of this, the fashion house, the magazine and now the Maison Rika: Swedish-born Ulrika Lundgren—fashionista, tastemaker and interior designer whose strong personal taste shapes all things Rika.
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From historic grand dames to quaint canal-side townhouses
For the Maison Lundgren picked a former art gallery space, aiming to convert it into a contemporary boutique hotel. The designer kept the old building’s authentic elements—exposed beams and glossy black floors—as a canvass to a decor composed of custom designed furniture and a collection of unique, meticulously selected objects from personal travels.
Lundgren treated Maison as an extension of her own home—memorabilia, art, design and fashion books along with fresh flowers create a homely feel, to the background of the über-cool black & white colour palette. The resulting decor is simply effortless.
Located near the Rika flagship boutique in a traditional Amsterdam townhouse overlooking a canal, this petite guest house is three storey-high, with the third and second floors having only one room each. A reception area downstairs and a lifestyle store hosting pop-up events throughout the year complete the house.
“My interiors, like my clothes and bags, are quite urban, but I don’t like coldness, so I soften the edges and add warmth.’’
— Ulrika Lundgren
The rooms are warm and classically elegant. Modern but with a vintage touch, they features unique art pieces by Sang Ming and John Derian on the walls. The bathrooms are tiled black—with matching handmade black copper wash basins.
Going well with the homely feel is the hotel’s aim of ensuring that the guests enjoy the genuine, off-the-tracks Amsterdam. The Rika staff are on hand to make personal recommendations for restaurants, local hotspots and offer tips for discovering the city.
The room rate includes WiFi, bottled water, tea/coffee facilities, copy of the latest Rika Magazine and the signature canvas tote bag. Breakfasts are not included, but the area abounds with authentic little cafes.
More information and booking on Rika website. All photos © Maison Rika
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Author: Travel+Style. Last updated: 28/05/2023
From historic grand dames to quaint canal-side townhouses
