Belgian Design in the Kitchen

Belgium is a concentrated design capital, host to some of the world’s most recognised designers from Axel Vervoordt to Vincent Van Duysen. Defined by craftsmanship, heritage and subtle grandeur, the Belgian design aesthetic has a tendency to reduce elements down to the bare minimum, drawing on warm and timeless materials – and products built to last. 

Gaggenau aligns to this distinctly Belgian mission with their luxurious professional-grade home appliances. Frequenting kitchens captured by eminent Belgian photographer Thomas de Bruyne, we’re uncovering how the revered style surfaces in the kitchen and why Gaggenau appliances are the customary choice for Belgian designers. 

Produced in partnership with Gaggenau

The Belgian design aesthetic is applauded for its use of natural materials, such as wood, plaster, marble and stone, that offer a characterful patina and tactility. This is coupled with the removal of any form of clutter, sticking by a mantra of ‘fewer but better’ objects. 

When asked how their Residence BR kitchen adheres to a Belgian aesthetic, Studio P Architects interior architect Julie Engels says it’s this use of quality natural materials, such as the wooden floor and quartzite alongside all-white joinery. “By using these materials, we are making the space timeless,” Julie says.

For Julie, integrated, top-tier appliances are essential to ensuring a minimalist resolution in Studio P Architects’ kitchens. As in their Residence BR kitchen, Julie says Studio P Architects lean on Gaggenau appliances. The designer likens Gaggenau appliances to a high-performance car, where the sky is the limit to your cooking abilities. “You don’t need to be a chef, with a good cookbook and Gaggenau appliances you’re good to go,” she says. 

Jeanne Van der Meulen of Belgian kitchen company Bulthaup Brugge says their kitchens capture simple luxury, through a balance of old and new elements. “Belgian kitchens have an exhale-inducing quality that sets them apart from conventional shabby chic,” Jeanne says. “Warm neutral hues and organic materials give a comfortable, welcoming feel that invites anyone to sit down and stay awhile,” she adds. Like Julie, Jeanne says Gaggenau appliances sit inline with this design philosophy, fitting perfectly with the Bulthaup brand and aesthetic.

Charly Doise, owner of Bulthaup Ligna Recta says dark shades in their Belgian kitchens create intimacy, ‘cocooning’ the kitchen. “The dark-stained wood forms a beautiful contrast with the matt-lacquer, anthracite appliances,” Charly says. “The colour-shifting wall panels offer a refined detail, while the timeless Café au Lait marble adds to the uniqueness,” he continues. 

With a shared focus on design heritage and tradition, Charly says Gaggenau appliances play a significant part in conceptualising their Bulthaup kitchens. “Craftmanship and the use of noble materials are important for both Bulthaup and Gaggenau; together they are the perfect match for end-consumers that demand both design and quality,” Charly affirms. 

A pioneering leader in high-quality, professional-grade home appliances, the enduring success of Gaggenau is founded on technological innovation, functionality and design. Their internationally-renowned products have revolutionised the domestic kitchen; the first-ever appliance manufacturer to offer the combi-steam oven to the private kitchen. Previously only available to professional kitchens, these combi-steam ovens offer health-conscious cooking methods through ideal conditions for steam cooking.

Two decades since launching their combi-steam oven for the home, Gaggenau has revealed a new technologically-advanced combi-steam oven in its 400 and 200 series. The private chef can now benefit from a refined combi-steam oven with adjustable automatic programmes.

Innovations also span the introduction of a multicore temperature probe, with the ability to precisely adjust the temperature at 1°C increments for sous-vide cooking. To take the fuss out of cleaning, Gaggenau are now the only brand in the world to offer a fully automated self-cleaning function on the plumbed 400 and 200 series combi-steam ovens.

Maintaining their commitment to sleek and minimalist design, the Gaggenau 200 series combi-steam oven, like the 400 series, now hides a full surface grill behind the ceramic glass. This is all in an enlarged cavity with glare-free LED lighting to highlight the five-star dishes within. 

Gaggenau appliances in Belgian kitchens are a subtle statement of luxury – just as the entire design aesthetic. Where technology bands together with quality materials and a pared-down aesthetic, Gaggenau appliances fundamentally attest the unrivalled Belgian design sensibility in the kitchen.  

Bring a Belgian design aesthetic into your own kitchen with premium kitchen appliances. See the est favourites in the product library here.