Balthazars Edition 2024
The annual Balthazar Awards celebrate outstanding works by designers and manufacturers at the Brussels Furniture Fair.
The awards are split into Best of Belgium, Best International, Best of Innovation and Love at First Sight. For the first time, we also have a Best of BDI award, which shines the spotlight on a young designer whose work is exhibited at the Belgian Design Island in Hall 3, a first at the fair. The independent jury is composed of Meubihome journalist Veerle Windels, Lennart Van Uffelen, designer and practice lecturer at LUCA school of arts, and Hans Lecompte, the driving force behind the VOMO course in Mechelen.
THE WINNERS ARE…
The jury chose the following winners and laureates of the BRUSSELS Balthazar Awards 2024!
BEST OF BELGIUM – WINNER
Moome with Noor
With Noor, Moome has produced a single-seater that is as attractive as it is discreet. Studio Segers’ design is restrained, although the version is available in some six colours. Timeless design goes hand in hand with comfort in this model. Did someone say 60s?
BEST OF BELGIUM
laureates
Passe Partout with Big Foot
A sofa to dive into. With a gorgeous back and distinctive, square cushions that look like they have tiny horns. Designed by Frederik Delbart, who worked meticulously to transform his design from paper into the actual sofa. Big Foot exudes strength but also has an incredibly soft side. And note the stitching.
Michel Denolf with Curvo
This man of the métier is a wizard in customization. The Curvo cabinet catches the eye thanks to its curved sides. Naturally complementing any living or working space, where design can mean just that little bit more. An exercise in detail, which is Michel Denolf’s stock-in-trade.
Best Innovation – WINNER
Mecam with Endossa
Mecam has long stood for innovations that have led to the ultimate seating comfort. Endossa is no different. A modular system from which every customer can select the perfect elements for their unique seating plan. A wide selection of fabrics and colours. Comfort guaranteed.
Best Innovation
laureates
Kreamat with Diva Let
Divas we all know, but Let comes from the Italian word for bed. But this daybed is much more than a place to sleep. During the day, it is a resting point in any interior. Remove the cushions in the evening, flip the seat cushion over and it transforms into an extremely comfortable mattress. Beautifully finished. Simple yet chic.
Medalounger with Triumph
A table that slides open at the push of a button and expands? That’s Triumph, an absolute crowd-pleaser. Both the base and tabletop come in various colours, but the true innovation lies in the simplicity and safety of the open-close system for anyone pressing the button.
Love at first sight – WINNER
Toon De Somer with Gaudi
Gaudi is a true eye-catcher. With the atmosphere of Mykonos or Ibiza. A piece of paradise made in Antwerp. The organic shapes are endless; the system is modular. You can even turn it into a TV cabinet if you prefer. The cabinet frame can be finished in over 200 colours or you can opt for full customization.
Love at first sigh
laureates
Unit 14 with Bill
The Bill side table is an absolute coup de coeur. It does everything: you can stash your newspaper inside, and pop your coffee cup on top. The jury was fascinated by the finish, which is not overly brushed.
Lucide with Fits
An interior lamp that you can play with to your heart’s desire. In on-mode, it emits an arc of light, which only grows as you move Fits further away from the wall. Playing with light, isn’t that what we all love to do?
Best International – WINNER
Dutch Bedding Company (M-Line) with Element
Element is the umbrella name for M-Line’s new collection. The jury was drawn to the overall concept, with the numerous combinations of headboards, side tables, legs and frame resulting in a fresh and light design. The ultimate bed for the young generation.
Best International
laureates
Dienne Salotti with Curvi
A sofa bed that doesn’t instantly remind you of a bed? That’s Curvi. Easy to handle with one hand and comfortable to sleep on. Spacious too because sleepers lie crosswise, and we mean literally. The entire system, including the base, is made in Italy.
Himolla with Pöff
A delightful single-seater for anyone seeking a moment of peace and quiet. The seat is available in three versions and delighted the jury with its inspiring look and high caressability factor. Once you sit down, you won’t want to move. German comfort at its best.
Best of BDI – WINNER
Glass-in-Wood by Lize Faassen
Lize completed an internship at a studio making stained glass windows and was impressed by the métier. A craft that is sadly disappearing, so Lize devised an alternative. This alumna of LUCA school of arts combined glass with wood to create this unique cabinet. A kind of futuristic peep box, in which craftsmanship and timelessness converge.
Best of BDI
laureates
Monta lounge chair, design by Mike Polfliet (M-nder collection)
Futureproof design is the name of the game for this designer. Not art for art’s sake, but designing with fewer materials and, above all, less waste in the long run. This Vomo alumnus devised this outdoor seat Monta, crafted from padauk wood and with a cushion filled with recycled polyether flakes. All produced locally and easy to disassemble.
Loops by Bent Fierens
Loops should be read as a very personal quest. This designer loves problem-solving but, every now and then, he hits a brick wall. But he invariably perseveres and embraces the problem until he succeeds. As evidenced by Loops, a stool that equally accommodates a book or a coffee cup.
