Blueness Restaurant in Antwerp by Space Copenhagen

Photo by Eline Willaert/Destroyers Builders.

Space Copenhagen Blueness Retaurant Antwerp Photo Eline Willaert Yellowtrace 03

Photo by Eline Willaert/Destroyers Builders.

Space Copenhagen Blueness Retaurant Antwerp Photo Eline Willaert Yellowtrace 04

Photo by Eline Willaert/Destroyers Builders.

Space Copenhagen has just completed the design of Blueness, a new upscale restaurant in Antwerp’s celebrated fashion district. Located in the heart of the city and occupying the ground floor of a 17th Century renaissance building, the interior has been transformed by the Danish design studio to express the hybrid duality between the building’s past grandeur and its present function. The outcome infuses classical interior architecture with a modern Scandinavian design aesthetic.

The building’s classical spatial proportions have been placed centre stage, with fragments of original detailing that have survived for centuries still evident. Tall ceilings arch above columns with carved and decorative elements in sandstone and marble, while elaborate metalwork framing adorns the various openings and windows within the space. The design of the restaurant has been envisioned by Signe Bindslev Henriksen and Peter Bundgaard Rützou, Space Copenhagen co-founders, as a wonderous journey through time, where the restaurant bears witness to the different purposes and activities of the building throughout history.

Photo by Peter Paul De Meijer.

In the dining room, comfortable and effortless furniture in subtle tones of natural wood, stone, brass and linen blend with dreamy and ambient lighting provided by a sculptural Candlelight Chandelier. This bespoke cast brass piece by artist Valentin Loellmann has four arms that stretch down from the ceiling with platforms for candles that provide gentle, diffused light. Soft benches upholstered in warm rose fabric by Sahco and Kvadrat surround bespoke light oak tables, bringing a touch of Scandinavian comfort and simplicity to the space. Other tables are flanked by Loafer Dining Chairs designed by Space Copenhagen for &Tradition, upholstered in sand-coloured canvas.

A custom bar commissioned by Space Copenhagen from Destroyers Builders is hand-made in a beautiful deep red walnut wood, rounded edges and soft curves which have been carefully treated to create a smooth tactile surface. For the work surfaces, the dark red walnut merges with brushed steel for easy cleaning and maintenance. The monumental bar is fronted by dark oak high Spine barstools designed by Space Copenhagen for Frederica Furniture. As well as creating the bar, Destroyers Builders has also crafted a futuristic waiter’s station in cast aluminium.

Photo by Peter Paul De Meijer.

A central part of the design of Blueness is the otherworldly art and design works that adorn the walls throughout the restaurant and bar. Space Copenhagen worked closely with a selection of artists to create bespoke pieces that feature throughout the hospitality venue. These spectacular works include four custom pieces by Latvian designer Germans Ermičs, the largest of which transforms the main staircase into an immersive art experience with copper-toned cladding, moving from dark to light tones as guests descend.

In the basement, Ermičs also created a densely saturated colourful light installation positioned behind wrought metal bars dating back to the 18th Century, which creates an eerily magnetic and abstract space. Upstairs, Dutch artist Mae Englegeer has provided bespoke tatami drapes for the window, their muted tones bringing serenity to the room.