Inflight Magazine of Brussels Airlines

Design

Isabel Lane remembers that practical can still be beautiful, and has the lowdown on Quinze & Milan

TREND WATCH Essential style

It’s the time of year when it only seems right to spend some money on those household necessities, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the fun factor… try these affordable and cheerful finds to brighten your home

Dish bunny

Ahhhh. Purchase this dish rack and, thanks to designer Chris Koens, you’ll be smiling every time you do the washing up! €27,50, www.dutchbydesign.com

Trådig fruit bowl

Bang on-trend with its colourful framework, this bowl will have you wanting to arrange your fruit into a still life worthy of inspiring an old master… €24,95, www.ikea.com

Spillikins table

This vintage-look table comes in primary shades of yellow, blue and red. Lightweight and storable, use it all the time or pull it out for entertaining. €59, www.conranshop.fr

PROFILE Quinze & Milan

Funky and fun furniture from a Belgium-based design team

Established In 1999 by Belgian conceptual artist and designer Arne Quinze; there’s now a team of 10 designers.

What? Specialises in ‘untypical furniture’.

Where? Based in Kortrijk, Belgium (which is also home to the Design Biennial Interieur), but the products are sold across the world.

Inspired by Geometry and vivid colour palettes; the first Quinze & Milan piece, ‘Primary Pouf 01’, was a neat cube of laser-cut polyurethane foam available in various over-the-top hues.

They say “We are creators of atmosphere. We set out to challenge the reigning minimalism: upbeat and colourful, wild and sexy, street-smart and care-free, loud and outrageous.”

Favourite Brussels spots The cool clothes store Hunting & Collecting (17 Rue des Chartreux), and the soulful wine and tapas bar Delecta (2 Rue Lannoy) on a small street next to Flagey – every Thursday it organises the successful ‘Les apéros du Delecta’, with great DJs, which attracts lots of hip young things. Also Henri restaurant (113 Vlaamse Steenweg), which is super-swanky with a modern, minimal interior.

What’s next? “More collaborative projects, and we’ve just furnished the new Centre Pompidou in Metz by Shigeru Ban.”

We love The Eastpak sofa for epitomising utilitarian chic. www.quinzeandmilan.tv

LOG ON TO…

We’re loving the new look of revamped online store www.Finnishdesignshop.com; not only does it feature the best in Finnish and Scandinavian design, from Georg Jensen to Muuto, but there are also interviews with designers, monthly themes and a gift idea section.

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