Vondels Chefsbar is a new restaurant in Utrecht where culinary craft and spatial experience are closely intertwined. Designed in its entirety by Daphna Laurens, the interior translates the restaurant’s informal, chef-driven concept into a coherent spatial narrative focused on openness, interaction, and atmosphere.

The open kitchen forms the physical and conceptual core of the space. Positioned centrally, it dissolves the traditional boundary between kitchen and dining room, placing the chefs in direct dialogue with the guests. This transparency informed the overall layout, creating clear sightlines and a natural flow between bar, dining areas, and transitional spaces.

The interior is deliberately restrained. Rather than relying on overt gestures, the design emphasizes materiality, proportion, and tactility. A warm and understated palette is combined with carefully selected textures and lighting to create a space that feels contemporary and grounded. The design supports different rhythms throughout the day — calm and approachable during lunch hours, gradually shifting toward a more energetic and social atmosphere in the evening.

The bar plays a pivotal role as a social anchor within the restaurant. Its placement and design encourage spontaneous interaction, reinforcing Vondels’ identity as a place where moments arise naturally — whether seated, standing, or passing through.

Every detail, from furniture and lighting to finishes and custom elements, was developed as part of a holistic interior concept. The result is an environment that feels intuitive and welcoming, allowing food, craft, and human connection to remain at the forefront.

Vondels Chefsbar embodies an interior architecture that is purposeful yet relaxed — a space designed not to dominate, but to support and enhance the experience of dining in the city.

For this interior we worked with Vescom, Label Vandenberg, Audo, Pholc, And-light, Polspotten, Mutina, Sartoria, Romar-Voss floor systems, Hi-macs and Fenix.