Van Stapele, a beloved bakery in Amsterdam, was originally tucked away in a cozy alley in the heart of the city. However, due to its overwhelming success, the bakery had to relocate to a bigger space nearby. To preserve the enchanting atmosphere that made Van Stapele so special, Studio Modijefsky was given the responsibility of overseeing the expansion.
Since 2013, this delightful bakery has been renowned for its mouthwatering cookies. Imagine a single brown chocolate cookie with a luscious white chocolate center – it’s a treat that has captured the hearts and taste buds of locals and tourists alike. Such is the demand for these delectable delights that long queues form outside the bakery every single day.
Despite being only a decade old, the original location exuded a timeless ambiance. The new design effortlessly captures this essence by employing a thoughtful selection of natural materials in a color scheme inspired by the famous cookie, featuring various shades of brown and cream white. The combination of classic charm and modern allure is achieved through the harmonious integration of warm brown wood, antique brass accents, and intricate detailing.
Elements from the old shop are reimagined in new forms, such as the weathered stucco that now represents the original wallpaper, and a curtain in the brand’s signature colors of cream white and desaturated mint. The brand’s history is further showcased through design elements, including playful and interactive automated window displays that demonstrate the cookie-making process.
Equally important, the new Van Stapele store preserves the captivating feature of proximity to the baking process that was cherished in its predecessor. In the original shop, the limited space allowed customers to observe the baking process up close, almost as if they were stepping into the oven themselves. Studio Modijefsky has successfully recreated this enchantment in the new store, ensuring that customers can still experience the same sense of closeness to the baking process.
The store’s enchanting atmosphere is created by an open and inclusive set-up that immerses customers in the journey of each cookie from the oven to their hands. The magic of the store is evident in every detail, reminiscent of a Willy Wonka style experience. Upon arrival, customers are greeted by the baking area on the left side, visible through a large glass wall. This area features marble tables where cookies are rolled, with an oven wall in antique brass as the backdrop.
After baking to perfection, the cookies are carefully placed on a tray in a custom-made cabinet that spans the width of the store. A conveyor belt transports the cookies into the shop, creating a mesmerizing sight for customers waiting for their orders to be packed. As customers follow the cookies on their journey, they approach the focal point of the store: a long counter made of white beige marble and dark brown wood, where they can finally get their hands on the warm, delicious treats.
On the right side of the store, a special surprise awaits children: a grab cabinet that dispenses a golden cookie dough ball when a coin is inserted. The ball travels through a track that winds through a model of the old shop building, culminating in a small present for each child, creating a lasting memory.
Despite the store’s size, queues are still likely due to the popularity of the cookies. To address this, Studio Modijefsky has taken care to create attention-grabbing elements throughout the space. Looking up, one can see that the flat ceiling has been enhanced with stepped ceiling cassettes adorned with antique mirrors and softly glowing sphere lights. Additionally, three chandeliers hang above the counter, creating a spacious effect. Looking down, the bespoke floor embellishes and enhances these design elements. Inspired by the nearby Dam Square and Rokin, the custom-made terrazzo tiles feature a fan pattern in a mix of different brown marbles in cream-colored cement, harmonizing with the local context.
This meticulous attention to detail is a reflection of the bakery’s founder, Vera van Stapele, who dedicated months to perfecting the recipe. She has created a world filled with awe-inspiring details that combine imagination and ingenuity. For example, timers have been integrated into the oven walls to ensure cookies are removed and cooled at precisely the right moment, achieving the perfect combination of crunchy and chewy. Baking tables are equipped with lights to indicate the ideal placement for each cookie.
The new iteration of Van Stapele‘s cookie heaven exemplifies the fusion of tradition and modernity. With enchanting design principles at play, the space radiates wonder and delight, inviting customers into a world where each visit is an adventure. As a final touch, a large custom-made bronze cookie adorns the front door. Even when all the cookies are sold out and the store closes, there will still be one beautiful cookie for everyone to enjoy.