2_2_DiscoverBenelux_23_Nov_2015_Scan Magazine 1 30/10/2015 13:01 Page 42
A stylish jacket for your home Marvelous designs for your bathroom, spa or kitchen and more: studio PIASTRELLE offers exciting and timeless combinations of exclusive mosaics, natural stones, hand-painted terracotta and designer tiles. TEXT: JANINE STERENBORG | PHOTOS: HUGO THOMASSES
PIASTRELLE is located at the heart of Amsterdam’s fashion and museum district. Owner Alexander Nickel says he feels right at home amidst the other top haute couture boutiques and design studios. “We share the same mindset: not only do we work with exquisite, high-quality materials, we also focus on innovative and tailor-made solutions. Plus, our collection includes top brands such as Sicis, Bisazza and Bardelli. What those designers create is art itself.”
wishes. And Nickel is not afraid to stock special products or unusual materials. “Even though our three-storey showroom is quite small, we have a wide range of products,” he explains. “We like to present a diverse collection that includes unexpected designs. Earlier this year, for instance, we got ourselves a hand-cut mosaic made from 50 per cent shells and 50 per cent gemstones. We loved it and admirers of these kinds of special designs know how to find us.”
Unexpected designs
Another eye catcher in one of PIASTRELLE's latest projects is a beautifully lit, onyx wall: by day, it is a stunningly coloured wall, and by night, it spreads a captivating
Besides these leading brands, PIASTRELLE works with smaller suppliers, with whom they directly collaborate to meet its clients’
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ambient glow. “Onyx is a translucent gemstone, so when the light is turned on, the room is illuminated with the striking, warm glow of the onyx rock.”
Comfortable jacket Creating a new style in your home is also a chance to learn more about your living environment. Nickel: “For example, when redesigning your bathroom, choosing the atmosphere you desire is the most important. Do you prefer a cool or a warm vibe? Bold or fresh? When you know this, the choice of material and colour follows naturally. It should feel like a comfortable jacket for your home.”