Travel Thursdays - Belgium beyond the waffles

There are those who create and then there are those who know perfectly well how to use what has been created. While France, Italy and England have created some of the most classic decor looks over the centuries, Belgium, Holland, Sweden, Austria & Russia have perfected the art of knowing how to use those decor concepts in harmony and create stunningly perfect interiors.

Everyone has a different reason to travel and every trip has a different motive. Sometimes, you might want to just retreat and refresh or there are times when you like to get inspired. 

I had been to Belgium six years back, but my motive back then was to cycle up to beer gardens and get awed by the brick clad Gothic and Flemish architecture. But like fine wine, time makes you appreciate the complexities of things. So last year, I revisited a few cities of the Flemish Belgium and came back convinced that they know what they are doing. 

Like I have mentioned earlier in my blogs, if I find a place of historic importance that excels in authentic decor, I make sure to stay there. I feel that one of the best ways to learn aesthetic is by immersing in it. What do you think about this Relais and Chateaux gem, Hotel Heritage, Bruges among others. 

The Seating-

Who can resist these gorgeous Louis XVI settees. So exquisite and yet so elegant. In my opinion, a true work of art. 

And this set of Louis XV bérgere. The classic upholsteries always stand out. I love how they have brilliantly matched the beautiful grey velvet with the ever so royal jacquard. 

 Oh the parquet floors.  

Lucky to have working fireplaces in all the hotels we stayed in. I must say, quite handy when you have the perfect wine paired with the crisp Belgian breeze. 

Before I forget, I would love to mention I got obsessed with the small details of the chair right above us on the right. And I fell in love with the red upholstery on the chair below us. 

I always admire small petite chairs that can bring life to corners of any room. I also think that if you have the space, kitchens, walk in closets, bathrooms must always have a small side chair. The un-upholstered ones with cane weave are brilliant for the bathrooms. 

And let wing chairs be as artistic as this one. The classiest combination of gold with this shade of grey can not be understated.  

Window shopping is fun when you find neoclassic console tables like this one. When I found the price out, I thought maybe I'll ask my artisans to make one for me when they have the spare time. 

Storage, display & commodes - I find it hard to hide my love for commodes. But the Bombé shaped ones can't be paralleled. 

In my opinion, storage is quite futile if it fails to inspire. And so these gorgeous armoires stood out. Somewhere between the ever so subtle color palette that softens the features, and the brilliant design executed to perfection, there is very little that you can not fall in love with. 

Frames - Heartbreakingly often, the frame employed on any wall is ignored. I feel that the frame is as important, as the art it holds. The frame announces the importance of the art and adds a depth to the otherwise flat wall. Frame is the opportunity to add a unique story while bringing unparalleled beauty to the margins. In many ways, I am quite proud because the technique we use to make our frames at Parrot & Lily is superior in technique to quite a magnitude of late nineteenth century antique frames. Traditionally, the use of gesso (a moldable putty) has been quite prevalent in European frames. It is not uncommon for gilded ornaments to fall off after decades of use or physical impact. We at Parrot & Lily carve out every detail from solid wood so the ornaments can never be broken. 

These are some awe inspiring frames in every respect. 

It's always a pleasure to see frames so similar to our body of work. 

And the frames employed at Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam aren't mundane either. 

Ciel de lits are always a brilliant way to make any bedroom look and feel exquisite. I don't know if you do this as well, but I have a habit of checking the porcelain that I am being served in and I was delighted. 

 I always fall in love with bookstores like this. Very few things inspire as much as architecture, aesthetics and good books. 

If there is any piece from my travels, or yours that you would like to customize for your home, don't hesitate to contact us. 

After all, “Imagination is the only weapon in the war against reality.” - Alice in Wonderland. 

Always keep traveling.