6 design hotspots to explore in Brussels

Belgian architect and designer Caroline Notté has created a sublime homage to the Bauhaus movement inside a modernist house built by Louis Herman de Koninck. The airy interiors where Notté works are filled with her colourful rugs inspired by the design movement launched 100 years ago.

Nina Bodenhorst welcomes you in her downtown Brussels atelier and shop where she creates original leather bags and wallets made from hides sourced from a local tannery. She also produces unusual items including menu holders, leather aprons and place mats for Brussels restaurants. Drop in during Design September to find out more.

During Design September, you have a rare opportunity to step inside the stunning 1928 modernist house designed by Victor Bourgeois for the expressionist sculptor Oscar Jespers. The striking curved front sparked off a furious reaction in this quiet bourgeois neighbourhood, but it soon became a meeting place for avant-garde artists such as Kandinsky and Klee. Jespers worked in the studio until his death in 1970, producing bold modern works such as the Four Seasons frieze on the CGER building opposite the Radisson SAS hotel. The house will host an exhibition of furniture by designer Marc Baroud during Design September. Visits by appointment only.

Located in former public baths in Forest commune, Galerie de l’Ô hosts exhibitions of modern ceramic art in its cool modern interiors. For Design September, the gallery is bringing together five artists who work with ceramics in an exhibition called La Céramique autrement.

Victor Horta launched the art nouveau design movement in Brussels in the 1890s. His astonishing private home and studio in St Gilles commune was turned into a museum in 1961. Horta designed everything in the house from the door handles to the astonishing attic space. As part of Design September, French artist Marie-Ange Guilleminot will exhibit sensual lace, felt and cotton objects in Horta’s interiors.

Brussels designer Carine Gilson has a small atelier in Anderlecht district where her team create exclusive lingerie from delicate silk and French lace. Gilson draws her inspiration from Japanese kimonos and the myth of the Garden of Eden. Her luxurious handcrafted underwear is sold in an elegant space hidden down a cobbled lane near Place Louise. Designed by Beirut team David/Nicolas, the new store has been shortlisted for the 2019 Commerce Design Awards.