This blink-and-you’ll-miss-it shop has a rather contrasting reputation. The specialist bar none in decorative elements ranging from borders and trimmings,  through to ropes and laces has become a bit of a legend since it opened for business in 1938. Among its regulars, van de Kerkhof proudly counts the National Ballet Palace het Loo and the Dutch Opera Foundation. How’s that for some casual name dropping? The grandfather of current owner Manuelle originally established the business on the Wolvenstraat, on the other side of the bridge across the Prinsengracht.  The shop only moved to the Elandsgracht in 2010 and was in time handed down to the son, who in time handed the shop down to Manuella, who continues expanding the shop’s service and reputation. Step inside this place and you do actually feel as if you stepped into a different dimension. Such warmth and lovely colours meet your senses here that you walk around in amazement for a while.