born with this type of creativity.
Where do I get my inspiration?
Through every aspect of my
life. I love beautiful things: art,
people, clothing, restaurants,
you name it.”
Naturally, comparing to a
house there are many distinct
factors involved. Techniques, the
kitchen, … I did seek advice and
the same goes for the lighting.
I have been working with kreon
for more than 15 years. I cannot
recall a single project where this
was not the case. I could draw
up a lighting plan myself but the
beauty of kreon is their unique
input. Every time they present
an idea which makes me think
‘Cool, I wouldn’t have come up
with that idea myself’. That is,
in addition to the quality of their
products, an exceptional asset.”
Carol Pareit: “We usually start
off with an extensive briefing
from the client or architect.
Together, we look at the
plans and try to interpret the
desired result. In most cases,
they already have rendering
available or an extensive photo
reportage of the building. We
also find it very important to get
the architect’s personal vision.
That is valuable information to
us.
Fine Fleur is the brand-new
restaurant of the renowned
chefs Thomas Diepersloot and
Jacob-Jan Boerma in the heart
of Antwerp. A restaurant with a
soul, which you can taste, feel
and even see.
From the moment you enter
the refined restaurant, you
experience a subtle combination
of a sleek and modern interior
that also radiates warmth and
cosiness.
Dennis T’Jampens: “Fine Fleur
is unique to me as it was the
first time I took on the design
of a restaurant. My previous
experiences were mostly
residential properties. But it
turns out that the concept, the
ideas and even the materials
do not differ much from a
house. Here you also want to be
comfortable and have a relaxed
time.”
Initially I visited the property
with the client. The authentic
architecture of the whole
location immediately attracted
me. The clients’ expectations
were clear: an “Instagrammable”
toilet and integrate the kitchen
into the overall space. Straight
away I had a crystal-clear
concept in mind. Next, I start
to draw and let the design
flow out. I think you have to be
“ It’s an exciting balance to merge your
own taste, the vision of kreon, the taste
of the architect and the uniqueness of
the building into one lighting plan.”
Daan van den Brande
↑
kreon esprit
ceiling in tailor-
made dark
bronze combined
with kreon ato
twin mounted
in between the
wooden beams.
Daan van den Brande: “Carol
is exceptionally good in
capturing an atmosphere and
a feeling. She hands me all the
information I need. I prefer to
let the complete concept sink
in first and then I start with the
conception of a lighting plan.
And of course, it’s an exciting
balance to merge your own
taste, the vision of kreon, the
taste of the architect and the
uniqueness of the building into
one lighting plan. But that’s
what makes it so fascinating!”
Light to highlight the desired
atmosphere that they wanted
to create. The atmosphere is
key, whether it is a residential
property, an office or hospitality
establishment; such as a
restaurant. I also look at the
lack of light. Lighting advice
is even advising to provide no
light in selected areas. That
creates a certain atmosphere.
It is our task to look from a light
technical perspective as people
are often too visually oriented.
Carol Pareit: “When the first
version of a lighting design is
finished, we present it to the
client as adjustments can still
be made at this stage. They can
also count on our advisory role
as our experience enables us to
see clearly whether the overall
concept is in balance.”
Daan van den Branden: “The
original design of Fine Fleur
had more light elements than
the final design shows. There
are also certain interior design
choices made that influenced
the lighting. That is when we
modify the design. The lighting
plan is always custom-made
but, in this case, even the
fixtures were custom-made.
We chose to extend the use of
esprits in function of the space.
Even the colour is tailor-made.
The pendants have a dark
bronze colour. In this situation
black would have been too
harsh and too present in the
space. We try to design together
to make sure the total concept
ends up being on point”
Carol Pareit: “You really get to
know the architect you work
with. It is a great advantage
that we have been collaborating
with Dennis for many years
already. One message on my
voicemail and I nearly have all
the information I need. (laughs)
We can also refer to previous
projects. ‘Shall we do this in
line of project X and do that like
project Y’. We grow together.
We have seen Dennis evolve in
his professional career. It is up
to us to evolve alongside him
and continue to offer the right
solutions.”
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kreonicle
33
interview
