One of the qualities I admire most in people is consistency. This is especially the case when talking about design, fashion or any other creative discipline. When I heard MAGAZYN, the brainchild of Thomas Haarman, which I featured as a shelter before, had moved to a new location I couldn’t wait to have a look. Thomas embodies consistency from his selection of objects to, may I say, the way he dresses. I was extremely eager to see what he would do if he had more square meters at his disposal to showcase his exquisite curation.
This new location is the perfect fit to display Thomas’ unique finds and the opportunity to now also present furniture to his loyal customer base. From chairs made in a small Danish atelier to a robust German table made in Berlin. While I was wondering around I confessed I could live in his shop. His genuine smile gave away I wasn’t the first visitor to mention this.
I would trust Thomas blindfolded to furnish my house. His world is one of texture and restraint without becoming cold or minimal. Think an elegant and harmonious mix of warm grey tones and natural materials like wood and stone with a dash of concrete.
What’s not to like? The more I look at this picture the more head over heels I am with this shelving system.
So whether you are looking for new bedlinnens or some timless tableware, furniture that will stand the test of time or a gift for a loved one…
MAGAZYN
Steenhouwersvest 34A
2000 Antwerp
all pictures by elisabeth for aestheticshelter.com
My mother taught me as a kid to make a wish when I ate my first strawberry of the season. They were still slightly expensive but I just couldn’t resist. Am I the only one with this odd family tradition or does it ring a bell?
By the way pictured above is the greatest feature of our new home: the granito kitchen floors. Love at first sight!
picture by elisabeth for aestheticshelter.com
You might have wondered what I’ve been up to since my last post. Time just kept on ticking away. The last 3 months have been a bit of a rollercoaster ride, albeit a fun one. First I accepted a job offer in our lovely capital, which I appreciate and love every day a bit more. This does mean I have to wake up at six to commute every day (just so you know i’m preparing this post way past my bedtime…it 10 AM…sigh) but it’s all worth it. Then I had the marvellous idea to move into a new apartment. Actually not just move but help the landlord, a friend, to remodel: sanding doors, varnishing floors, painting walls, even installing the Ikea kitchen (Ikea; friend or foe…I still don’t know).
You must know I hold this blog dear to my heart. My aim is to share things that inspire and are genuine. Creating real content has been of major importance from day one. Being a horrible multitasker, i just lacked energy to take pictures or to talk. I needed to focus on those major shifts in my life. The blog just had to wait. Slowly yet surely I felt the urge to pick up my camera again and snap away. And look…two giraffes and a vintage clock. I like…and I hope so do you.
picture by elisabeth for aestheticshelter.com
When it comes to entertaining my best advice is know where to find the good stuff, and with good stuff I mean the real deal. Let’s face the facts Bree Van De Kamp is a fictional character, only few of us have the time or skills to whip up a three course dinner from scratch. So when in a rush, lazy or overwhelmed by festive frenzy make sure you know where to find those delicious time saving solutions. When it comes to dessert I have my favourite addresses but this time I was up for something different.
I never leave a grocery trip to the Saturday food market without the Wafeltjes van ons Bomma. If there is a cue in front of the van it’s because this is where the good stuff can be found. Just select whatever waffles you fancy and your order will be made right there on the spot. I always order the double chocolate ones with chunks of chocolate inside. Ever since the friendly vendor suggested to warm them for a couple of seconds in the microwave this is my favourite afternoon snack. Just add some vanilla ice-cream and you are in dessert heaven. Since some of you might be looking for a more festive holiday solution this time I added some crushed pistachio’s and served with Baileys.
Mouth-wathering yet?
all pictures by elisabeth for aestheticshelter.com
