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Collection by Aaron Britt

Best of Belgium

If chocolates, waffles, and frites are all you imagine comes from Belgium, you've not been paying attention. A rash of fabulous architecture, hip products, and smart shops keep us perpetually enthralled with this small Benelux nation. We continue to find reasons that this Northern European country is on par designwise with its Scandinavian neighbors, in part because so much Belgian architecture offers a playful mix of clean lines and colorful whimsy. Read on for four of our favorite projects, and one stellar guided tour of Antwerp.

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Designer Christiane Hogner, Bruxelles
Designer Christiane Hogner, Bruxelles
“Good architecture is always about the site, never about style,” says Dieter Van Everbroeck, who used a 300-year-old beech tree as a starting point for his design.
“Good architecture is always about the site, never about style,” says Dieter Van Everbroeck, who used a 300-year-old beech tree as a starting point for his design.
"Minimalism in general holds great appeal—to me that means clean spaces and simple materials with as little visual interruption as possible (including very little in the way of furnishings), so the eye travels easily around the space, giving a sense of expansiveness," says Rios.
"Minimalism in general holds great appeal—to me that means clean spaces and simple materials with as little visual interruption as possible (including very little in the way of furnishings), so the eye travels easily around the space, giving a sense of expansiveness," says Rios.
Rewind was another favorite discovery on the street. The shop, which is dedicated to what they call "ecodesign," sells environmentally friendly furnishings, jewelry, and housewares from local and international designers. We especially loved the wool felt cushions and rugs from Muskhane, a French company whose natural products are handmade in the Himalayas.
Rewind was another favorite discovery on the street. The shop, which is dedicated to what they call "ecodesign," sells environmentally friendly furnishings, jewelry, and housewares from local and international designers. We especially loved the wool felt cushions and rugs from Muskhane, a French company whose natural products are handmade in the Himalayas.