Location: Ostend Interior Architect: Anthony Boelaert
A touch of French charm on the Belgian coast
Brassi Grand Café on the Belgian coast exudes quality and charm. Expertly designed by interior architect Anthony Boelaert who was commissioned to transform the Ostend Casino into a contemporary restaurant with a French touch.
When you think of Brassi, green comes to mind, however, the interior is far from monotonous. Original features like the marble floors and windows were maintained, allowing the architect to exercise his creativity and provide the restaurant with a contemporary, French-inspired makeover we expect from a French Bistro. The undulating lines in the flooring, lighting, and bar furniture paired with Orac Decor® wall panels and static bar elements exude classic elegance while maintaining a fresh, modern feel.
“There must be a logical flow for both staff and visitors.”
To ensure a comfortable and logical flow, Anthony took a thoughtful approach to his design process, exploring the needs of the restaurant from both the staff and the visitors' perspective.
In designing Brassi Grand Café, Anthony sought to create a space that is visually engaging, combining classic and modern elements to achieve a timeless result. He recommends including mouldings as wall coverings in future projects for added depth and texture.
Acoustic islands
The tables in the room are grouped together by undulating floor coverings that create distinct visual islands. Initially, the original tiles didn't absorb noise well, so green carpets were added as an additional flooring option. The decision was soon made to choose the carpets based on their acoustic benefits, which ultimately proved to be a valuable addition to the space.
Classic vs. Modern
"In a public place, it is important that the space is interesting enough for the visitor, especially in a restaurant, where customers spend several hours. I always search for elements that can make walls visually engaging. The Orac Decor® 3D wall panels, with the classic panels at the bottom and the linear pattern at the top, combine to create a timeless look that won't get boring."
Orac Decor® partnership
"I've been able to get the right product advice and sample materials from Orac for years. Thanks to the good relationship that I have with the project manager, I can act quickly if there are any changes or technical issues, so that the delivery deadline is not jeopardised. You can certainly call me a satisfied customer."
The ultimate tip from Anthony Boelaert?
"I've noticed a recent surge in the use of mouldings and would highly recommend incorporating them as wall coverings in your upcoming projects. By blending classic and modern elements, you can achieve a timeless aesthetic that will elevate any space."
