When it comes to interior decoration I have a soft spot for brass objects and colourful fabrics. If you are looking for the latter Anne-Marie Witmeur’s shop in Ixelles is the right place to be. I discovered the shop the same day I stumbled upon Bonnie & Jane (it is located a bit further down the same street). Here you’ll find a great selection of handwoven blankets and throws from India and killims and pillows from other far of places.
The shop also offers a great selection of handcrafted furniture, objects and jewellery. Every object has a story to tell and the warm and kind shop owner is more than happy to share them with you. I fell head over heels for these painted wooden screens. Ever i saw similar ones here and here I am dying to find my own to hang in the bedroom.
These colourful bowls, made of recycled phone wires, were sourced in South Africa. I wouldn’t mind having these at home to brighten up those gloomy autumn days…
Anne-Marie Witmeur
Rue Darwin 52a
1050 Bruxelles
all pictures by elisabeth for aestheticshelter.com
A couple of weeks ago, in the midst of our very short Indian summer, I was invited by Ike and Kahtryn of Ampersand House for a private viewing of their current exhibition: Brazilian Modern, Icons and Innovation. As I experienced during my first visit the selection of furniture, art and objects was exquisite and refined adding a new dimension and perspective to this maison de maitre. My favorite space this time was the dining area. Think beautiful handwoven rugs, dark exotic wood and striking lighting fixtures.
The lovely enthusiastic galerist Laurence of Gallery Transversal, who represents the exhibited artists, talked me through most of the pieces. This is how I got to know the work of Mariannita Luzzati.
Beautiful, isn’t it? The other spaces were off course as thoughtfully curated.
And this time a gorgeous selection of jewelry made by Brazilian artists Vera Cortes and Bettina Terepins was also on display. I fell head over heels for Laurence’s ring.
Needles to say I’m starting to cultivate a deep crush for Brazil. Make sure to check the outtakes on the Facebook page.
Brazilian Modern: Icons and Innovation (till Saturday 29th September)
Ampersand House
30, rue Tasson Snel
1060 Brussels
all pictures by elisabeth for aestheticshelter.com
I saw yesterday on the shops Facebook page how the new collection is bit by bit arriving in store. It reminded me I urgently needed to share the pictures of this little gem called Bonnie & Jane located in Brussels Ixelles neighborhood. I discovered the store end of June strolling through the streets of our lovely capital. Back then the sales hadn’t started yet but Anne, who runs the shop together with her friend Laurie, was so kind to let me know that if there was anything I liked a discount could be arranged. I still regret I didn’t pick up that beautiful kaftan pictured below. Why oh why was I too lazy to fit anything that day. It ‘s everything i am currently craving for…something airy and breezy with dip dye and pompoms…
Everything in the shop is for sale, from the clothes to the furniture. This isn’t a new concept in retail but what makes this place so special is it genuinely feels as if you were hanging out at a friends place. A friend with great taste in clothes, a quirky taste in vintage furniture and with the cutest courtyard. All this thanks to the laid back and down to earth attitude of both shop owners. Seriously, like I had known them forever, they asked me where I found the bag I was carrying and they both loved, meanwhile inspecting it with enthousiasm. When later I inquired about the Emmanuelle chair, which unfortunately was sold already, Laurie was so kind to give me some tips on where to source a good one.
I just fell in love with their tiny courtyard and their mirror installation on the back wall. It inspired my latest DIY project which I hope to share with you really soon.
Told you, like being at an ultra cool friends place… which will soon, on September first, celebrate it’s first birthday. So Happy Birthday to Bonnie & Jane and thank you to Laurie and Anne for the coffee and chat.
Bonnie & Jane
Rue Darwin 34
1050 Bruxelles
all pictures by elisabeth for aestheticshelter.com
I think by now you should get the atmosphere and scale of the project. But, what do you see beyond this great 1950s chair?
Indeed, a beautiful city garden. As you can see the weather gods were not on my side the day of my visit. It actually started raining realy badly when I entered the garden but I was still able to take some pictures. Icing on the cake is that the garden and gallery are at your disposal if you wish to organize an event. Not only is Ampersand House a gallery of art and design, Ike and Kathryn provide an event service so they can accommodate you and your guests in this great setting. Sounds like a great plan, doesn’t it?
Thank you, Ike and Kathryn, for your hospitality and showing me around. I hope to visit the house again really soon.
all pictures by elisabeth for aestheticshelter.com
