When first entering the interior of the Brussels Royal Palace, it can be difficult to know what exactly the glowing green ceiling is made of. Many visitors offer their best guesses which range from silkworm yarn, wool, gem stones and painted shells. The ceiling itself rests above the intricately decorated and luxurious interior filled with ornate and classical art and designs.

The ‘Heaven Of Delight’ as the jewel beetle adorned ceiling is called, took four months to complete. The reason for choosing this particular bug was because of the jewel beetle’s unique shine and deep green hue. For an artist who has previously worked with various bodily fluids, the insect was a perfect choice as a rather macabre element to a modernist ceiling design.

The exquisite setting means the visitor will possibly assume that the ceiling is made from some precious rocks or gems. Upon close inspection they will see textile-like patterns in a layered format. Suddenly, they will be told what the ceiling is actually made from which has no doubt provided some squeals of amazement and even horror.

You can see more of this artist’s work on his website found here: The website of Jan Fabre.

H/T: dornob.com

The Moebius double armchair is made out of rattan and water hyacinth, the latter of which I have explored before on Home Interior Design Themes. The makers of this figure-of-eight double armchair, Onyx, are a relatively new company who specialise in making furniture out of renewable materials and through eco-friendly techniques. You can read more about their work on their website which can be found here: ONYX Furniture.

Leon Stynen is probably the foremost Belgian architect of the 20th Century. The scope of his work was legendry and his works are seen throughout Belgium and indeed across Europe. His style can be considered close to that of the more internationally acclaimed designer LeCorbusier who Stynen was good friends with during the latter part of his career. They both also knew well one of the designers I studied most at Art School, one Walter Gropius, founder of the Bauhaus.

Buildings designed by Leon Stynen include the Casino in Oostende (1949) and the Church of Harelbeke (1952), which in itself was an interesting piece of work merely for the fact that Stynen was rather anti-clerical.

The pictures below show the re-designed interiors of Stynen’s Antwerp home which was recently renovated. Much of the style and decor has been placed in a way that compliments and echoes the original style and period of his life. For anyone familiar with the works of the above designers, there will be a recognition of such features.

This wonderful spiral staircase brings to mind a quotation by the Czech playwright Vaclav Havel: “Modern man must descend the spiral of his own absurdity to the lowest point; only then can he look beyond it. It is obviously impossible to get around it, jump over it, or simply avoid it.”

The proliferation of books adorning the walls is something I greatly appreciate in any interior space. Notice in most of the pictures, books seem to be everywhere. Wonderful!

Books!! A wall is never more beautiful than when its covered with books from floor to ceiling. Can you tell I am a bookworm?

You can see more images of Leon Stynen’s refurbished home in the Belgian city of Antwerp here: LEON STYNEN

The oak ladder-cum-bookcase is the creation of leading Belgian furniture designer Casimir. Apparently he is one of those who likes to use a single name. However, despite the pretensions, his designs are both interesting and different from the norm. Some say sexy, others, that they are self-satisfied. You can judge for yourself by visiting the website of Casimir.

You can purchase this ladder from various dealers. However, you will need to contact the makers through the website above to discover where.

Some of the knots are full sized seats, the others are smaller cushions which can also be used with other items of seating furniture. The designers of these inspiring pieces are Belgium duo Emilie Lecouturier and Céline Poncelet. In 2006, the product and interior designers created their own company called Atelier BLINK. Their basic ethos is to create the unexpected in what we usually consider to be familiar objects.

You can read more about the Belgium design duo here: AtelierBlink
Hat/Tip

The couch consists of two separate and changeable seating elements. One section is composed of a laptop table built into the sofa seat which can also be used as a chaise longue. A lamp is attached to the more regular second section which arcs over the seating area to a position above the table. Underneath the seating is a comfortable level of foam.

A number of interiors would be suitable for such a simple yet structurally interesting item of furniture. However, for cat and dog lovers who live in wet climates, its probably not a good idea.

Belgian designer Bram Boo is the name behind the Oasis Couch.