COLLECTION_ gifts from Belgium

Belgian gift ideasWhile we’re spending money on Christmas presents for our loved ones, we might as well make sure they’re not the only one benefiting from our gifts, right?  My first choice always goes to local,  sustainable, second hand, made by a small business or an experience instead of something materialistic.  To help you a little on your hunt for the perfect gift, I’ve kept every budget in mind and collected nine ideas that are designed and/or made in Belgium or are Belgian initiatives.    Need more inspiration?  Make sure to dive into my archives.  Happy shopping!

    1. The elegant, timeless and practical Mariko handbag by Lies Mertens, made out of bio leather and built to last.  Get it here.  For a more affordable design, discover the wallets (one of which is named after me!) in her Antwerp boutique.
    2. Corian disk earrings by Anna Rosa Moschouti, made out of surplus materials from kitchen and bathrooms.  Buy them here.
    3. Silkscreen print based on Michael Graves’ resort in El Gouna, handmade by Astrid Nieuwborg.  Order it here.
    4. Stained glass mirror by GLASenGLAS, available in different sizes and colors.  Find it here.
    5. Terra table lamp, originally a handmade gift from Antwerp based Lauren Van Driessche to her partner, now (thanks to Serax) available for us as well here.
    6. testhereThese These vintage vases are just one of the many treasures sold by Orence store.  Second hand is the most sustainable option and budget friendly as well!  Find them here.
    7. The museum pas, which gives you one year of free access to more than 150 Belgian museums.  Bonus points if you give a pair to a couple, or give yourself one as well: one year of cultural dates guaranteed!  If you order now, you can get a limited edition that features De ijsvogels by Emile Claus. Discover it  here.
    8. Mambo baskets is a Belgian based company that sells baskets made in Kenya, by women who are now able to send their children to school and pay their medical bills.  Get them here.
    9. A flower subscription is a gift that keeps on giving.  For Antwerp locals, I recommend Wilder, a flower subscription that follows the seasons, bringing you long lasting dried flower bouquets during winter.  Read more here.

 

COLLECTION_ interior & architecture books

interior architecture books

The end of the year is approaching and thus it’s about time I shared some gift ideas with you.  Up first, nine books that will make your fellow (interior) architecture lovers swoon. From monographs on renowned architects to collections of inspiring interiors, there’s something for everyone with a heart for design in here.

  1. “Ricardo Bofill, visions of architecture”, a monograph on the iconic Spanish architect known for surreal and poetic spaces and one of my personal favorites! Buy it here.
  2. “Think Radical Vintage” is another book in the inspiring “Think…” series, this time featuring interiors that combine vintage design in the most interesting ways.   Get it here. (By the way, you can already get a sneak peek of that cover interior on the blog!)
  3. “Vincent Van Duysen, works 2009-2018” is already the second book of one of Belgium’s most renowned architects.  With pictures by Hélène Binet, one my favorite photographers, this one is an absolute gem.  Order it here.
  4. “Vincenzo de Cotiis, works” features the Milanese architect and artist who is always exploring the ambient tension between crumbling antiquity and futuristic minimalism.  Find it here.
  5. Gio Ponti is considered as one of the most influential architects of the 20th century and a great source of inspiration for Vincenzo de Cotiis, so his monograph “Gio Ponti, archi-designer” had to be included on the list. From architecture and furniture to installations for private homes or public buildings, this book is brimming with inspiration.  Click it home here.
  6. In “Axel Vervoordt, interieurportretten”, you’ll find 17 projects by the Belgian art collector and interior designer.  FYI: Kanye West and Kim Kardashian are already fans… Buy it here.
  7. “Wild at heart” is the second hook of the duo behind Coffeeklatch, this time focusing on beautiful homes that are shared with pets. For sale here.
  8. Vincenzo de Cotiis’s other architectural hero couldn’t be excluded from this list either.  “Carlo Scarpa, architecture and design”, covers all 58 of his structures. Get your hands on it here.
  9. Norm architects and Kinfolk joined forces for “The touch: spaces designed for the senses”.   The book features beautiful homes, hotels, museums, and retail stores— from contemporary designers by Ilse Crawford and Bijoy Jain to classic cases by Arne Jacobsen. Discover it here.

COLLECTION_ ceramics

When talking about interior trends in 2019, handmade ceramics is one that you cannot miss.  I’m not usually one to follow trends (I prefer to buy things that I will love for a long time, more on that here), but buying objects made with love by talented designers is something I can get behind.  These items might cost a little bit more than your average coffee cup or teapot, but if you look at them as functional pieces of art – they are pretty affordable.  I’ve collected a few of my favorites from local and not so local artisans, but if you can’t get enough: have a look at my pinterest board!  You can already find one of these designs in my home (can you guess which one?), but looking at these, I might have to add a few more…

  1. Teapot by Ghost Wares, available here.
  2. Loop handle mug by Iandyourceramics, for sale here.
  3. Apricot and speckled cups by Maevo Studio.  Get it here.
  4. Black and white mugs by KBclay.  Order them here.
  5. Candy plate by Clay Club.  Find it here.
  6. Speckled espresso cups by Lauren Van Driessche.  Buy them here.
  7. Ripple espresso cups (cast from a 3D printed mold) by Bilge Nur Saltik.  Get your hands on them here.
  8. Speckled mugs by Barton Croft.  Discover them here.
  9. Coffee dripper by Birdmans Home.  For sale here.

COLLECTION_ a gift guide

With the 25th approaching, of course I couldn’t stay behind with helping you pick the perfect gifts for your loved ones.  So here’s my last minute gift guide, featuring everything from young designers to wellknown brands. With prices starting at €20, there’s something in here for everyone. Happy shopping!

  1. Balance candle holders by Firm Living.  Buy them here.  (Also crushing hard on this bowl, this candle holder and these glasses from the Danish brand.)
  2.  A white facade, five floors and an open door – a book about one of Antwerp’s finest places, for sale here.
  3.  Milky way mirror with marble foot by Jentendesigns, order it here.
  4.  Dit is een goede gids – a book for those interested in living a more sustainable lifestyle.  Get it here.
  5.  Speckled cups by Maevo studio, available  here.
  6. Snug candle holder (available in different colors) by Sanna Volker, find it here.
  7.  Art cheques from kunst in huis – a subscription to their library of art.  Find the campaign I shot for them here and (featuring enthusiastic clients) here.
  8.  CMMC bag with a limited edition print by Lies Mertens.  Get your hands on it here.
  9. Bow earrings with hoops by Barelli Manon.  Discover them here.
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COLLECTION_ gifts

collection-gifts

With the holidays coming up, I’m sure many of you are still stressing about what gifts to buy.  I’ve collected some of my favorite gifts, all available to order online so you won’t even have to run out the door to get them!  How’s that for relieving your holiday stress!  Once you’ve ordered these beauties, all there’s left to do is wrap them with a pretty paper… Lucky for you, I’ve got some inspiration for that here as well.  Now, get into the holiday mood with these christmas themed blogpost from my archive and go enjoy the holidays!

  1. “Micro-factories: move aside mr. Ford” by John and Masa Kleinhample from Klein agency talks about creative companies that combine traditional crafts with digital communication.  Get it here.
  2.  Rivet necklace in silver by anna + nina, buy it here.
  3.  Scented candle in spiced pumpkin by pommesfrites.  Order it here.
  4.  Handmade macrame wall hanging by Bermudadream, find it here.
  5.  The limited edition “Box of wonders” containing the “Wonders are collectible” book by Animaux Spéciaux’ Jeroen Lemaitre (who you might remember from this blogpost) and an original artwork by the man himself.  Purchase the giftbox here or the book here.
  6.  Kikkerland whiskey glasses and chaise longue whiskey stones to keep your drink cool without the watering disadvantages of normal ice cubes.  Get the glasses here and the stones here.
  7.  Soap hanger from Meraki in bamboo charcoal, sesame scrub or mangosteen, available here.
  8.  Cordon coffee roasts its coffee right here in Antwerp and delivers it at your or your loved one’s doorstep, while supporting my friends’ film project Echangeur at the same time.  Sounds like a win-win!  Get your caffeine fix here.
  9. “Wonderplants” shares the interiors of 20 plant lovers.  Find it here.

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