The Old-World Netherlands List

Before we knew Lilli Elias, we followed her company, Autumn Sonata, a design atelier that creates a gorgeous range of home textiles inspired by archival prints and heirloom objects. When we finally had a call and learned that she lives in Amsterdam—where she first moved to study archival research before founding her brand—and that she shares our love of old-world beauty and antiquity, we jumped at the chance to get her list of favorite patinated places in her adopted home that continue to inspire her. —Alex

What first drew me to the Netherlands six years ago was the Dutch enthusiasm for the Cabinet of Curiosities, and the way traces of antiquity seem to quietly exist in plain sight. I’d find them tucked into storefronts, nested behind canal houses, or hidden in sunlit courtyards. Walking along the canals, one can still catch traces of traditional Dutch calligraphy, 17th-century ornate stained glass, and intricate gable stones above doorways. The Netherlands is where I was living when I was first inspired to start Autumn Sonata, and continues to serve as inspiration.

Below is a list of places, including shops, markets, archives and homes that have inspired Autumn Sonata, places that still hold a sense of the “old world.”

Shops That Feel Like Time Capsules

Similar to so many big cities, glimpses of the old world are rare and heritage shops are rapidly shuttering. That being said, here are a few shops that have persisted (in many incarnations) and still evoke the sense that time has slowed for a moment:

Vlieger (Amsterdam) A paper store that’s been around for over 150 years. Wooden drawers, handmade marbled papers, a great collection of papers in all materials and thickness.

Jacob Hooy (Amsterdam) — An old apothecary with roots in the 18th century. 

Distillery ‘t Nieuwe Diep (Amsterdam) Tucked into a converted 1880 pumping station, this small distillery sits in the middle of a lush park and specializes in apple cider. It’s a lovely place to sit in the summer and relax. 

Dekker Antiquairs (Amsterdam) Antique jewelry with a long lineage; the family shop has been in business for 35 years – before, it belonged to Ron’s father, a watch dealer.  

Markets & Auctions

Antique markets here may not be what they were decades ago (or so I’ve been told), but I still find plenty of treasures. Most run from May through November. Some of my favorites include Curiosa Delft, Amsterdam Amstelveld, Antique & Book Market Den Hague (Haagse Antiek‑ en Boekenmarkt), Haarlem Flea Market Full flea & antique market schedule here
And if you’re in Amsterdam year-round:

Antiekcentrum Amsterdam is an indoor antique center open daily (except Tuesdays). 

For auctions, Derksen Veilingbedrijf and Venduhuis de Eland allow for bidding online. Collections can also be viewed in person several times per year.

Artisan Ateliers

Swarm (Amsterdam) is the creative studio of Leslie Oschmann, a Dutch-American artist based in Amsterdam for over 20 years. She transforms vintage paintings sourced from antique markets into unique objects and accessories, and also offers a curated selection of antique paintings from her studio.

Mandenmakerij De Mythe (Zuidschermer) Jan de Vos and José Schilder have been practicing the art of traditional basket weaving with willow branches (partially grown themselves) since the 1980s, offering everything from garden objects to eel baskets to urns. This is quite an impressive and practiced undertaking. The masters themselves offer apprenticeships and workshops, and baskets can be purchased via email and in person. 

Lampenkappenatelier Hennie Lasschuit (Haarlem)  A cherished institution in Haarlem for over 70 years, renowned for its dedication to the art of handcrafted silk lampshades. 

Natasja Sadi (Amsterdam) An artist and sugar flower master offering a unique (and edible) point of view of Dutch masters. Workshops are also periodically held.

Stine Berven Evensen (Amsterdam) Stine Berven Evensen is known for her beautiful work where she documents wildflowers from her surroundings by creating watercolor paintings on paper that resemble delicate, lifelike flowers. Stine also offers ‘flower tours’ of Amsterdam, and I would love to join one!

Christine van der Heide (Enschede) A Dutch artist specializing in scarves and prints crafted with the traditional Japanese stencil dyeing technique, Katazome. She also hosts workshops in katazome and washi.

Luna Faye (Amsterdam) Weaver and textile artist specializing in creating modern, mindful pieces using a handloom. She is also the co-founder of the Women’s Knitting Association, an Amsterdam-based organization dedicated to community building among female knitters.

TextielMuseum & TextielLab (Tilburg) A museum and working lab where Dutch textile heritage and innovation in textiles come together. As a visitor, you can observe professionals and students at work, gaining insight into the modern development of textiles. It’s quite a unique experience.

National Braiding Museum (Noordwolde) Located in the “Wicker Village of the Netherlands,” this charming museum celebrates the art of basketry and braiding. 

Castles 

Coming from the US, the thrill of a castle never really wears off. A few favorites include Kasteel De Haar (Utrecht), Muiderslot (just outside Amsterdam), Kasteel Ammersoyen (outside Den Bosch) and Slot Zuylen (Maarssen).

Historical Homes & Museums

The Netherlands is home to some very special house museums, including… 

Barlotti House (Amsterdam) A beautifully preserved 17th-century canal house, showcasing traditional Dutch design and elegant period architecture.

Museum Van Loon (Amsterdam) –  An opulent canal house that boasts period interiors and a serene garden.

Museum Willet-Holthuysen (Amsterdam) 17th-century townhouse filled with art, antiques, and decorative treasures, and a formal garden.

Rembrandt House Museum (Amsterdam) – A meticulous reproduction housed in the building where Rembrandt lived and worked. I especially love the curiosities room!

Het Schip Museum (Amsterdam), A striking example of Amsterdam School design, an architectural style prevalent in Amsterdam, between 1910 and 1930.

Museum Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder (Amsterdam) – Traditionally decorated Amsterdam canal house with a fully intact Catholic church tucked away in its attic.

Teylers House (Haarlem) – The oldest museum in the Netherlands – a great collection of  minerals, fossils, art, and scientific marvels. One of my favorites!

The Rijksmuseum is a must-visit for anyone interested in art and antiquities in general. I particularly love the doll house of Petronella Oortman.

If your visit aligns with Open Gardens Day in mid-June, go! It’s a rare look into the private gardens of canal houses over several days.

For the Archive-Inclined

Coming from an archival background, I can’t help but be mesmerized by the libraries and archives here. One of the most beautiful: Rijksmuseum Library and Archive.

Old-School Stays

The Dylan Amsterdam is located in the heart of the 9 Streets district, housed in a former 17th-century theater. It’s set directly on the Keizersgracht canal—one of the city’s most beautiful and historic streets.

The Conservatorium Hotel sits in Amsterdam’s museum district, and is walking distance to the canal belt. The building has a rich history, first as a bank and then as a music conservatory, before being transformed into a contemporary hotel.