Bleu: A Brussels Café Blending Modernism with Californian Soul
Marie Convent and Charlotte Loriers open a design-focused café in Brussels.
1Inspired by Surrealist Poetry
The café Bleu takes its name from the 1970s Blue Tower in Brussels, referencing a playful line by poet Paul Éluard. Founders Marie Convent and Charlotte Loriers sought to contrast the skyscraper's corporate glass exterior with a warm, soulful interior palette. This design choice creates a distinct, inviting atmosphere for city dwellers.
2Californian Modernism Meets Hygge
Designed by Nelly Smets and Iolie Coufopandelis, the 230-square-metre space draws inspiration from Californian mid-century modernism. The interior balances functional simplicity with a Nordic-inspired sense of hygge. By utilizing natural materials like walnut and travertine, the designers achieved a space that feels both disciplined and deeply comfortable for all visitors.
3Spatial Configuration and Light
The café leverages the tower's expansive street-level glazing to flood the open-plan interior with natural daylight. Seating arrangements are highly varied, ranging from window counters and banquettes to a large communal table. This layout successfully accommodates different rhythms of use, from quick morning coffee stops to long, leisurely afternoon conversations.
4Tactile Materiality and Texture
The interior design emphasizes rich, earthy tones through walnut wall panelling and terracotta floor tiles. Soft greys and beiges are introduced via hand-plastered walls and a travertine bar. Notably, the exposed ceiling beams feature a textured spray insulation, which provides a tactile, rough counterpoint to the smooth wood and stone surfaces.
5Commitment to Local Craftsmanship
Bleu prioritizes bespoke furniture created in collaboration with local makers like Duplex Studio and Sonian. Pieces include solid-beech chairs by Lionel Jadot and tables featuring reclaimed industrial materials. This focus on craftsmanship extends to Belgian-made ceramics by Serax, reinforcing the café's dedication to quality design and supporting regional artistic production.
6Artistic and Sculptural Elements
A monumental diptych by Spanish-Guinean painter Chidy Wayne serves as the café's visual centerpiece, adding spontaneity to the disciplined architecture. Above the communal table, Ingo Maurer’s Floatation pendant light introduces sculptural elegance. These artistic additions provide a sense of lightness that complements the earthy, grounded tones of the primary furniture.
7Curated All-Day Menu
The menu is anchored by a coffee program developed with Antwerp’s Rush Rush Coffee. Offerings range from standard espresso to the signature Bleu Bergamote, a blue-hued drink featuring spirulina and bergamot foam. The selection expands throughout the day to include matcha lattes, fresh juices, organic wines, and a variety of pastries.
8Redefining Urban Modernism
Bleu succeeds by balancing aesthetic rigor with everyday comfort, proving that modernism can be soft and inviting. By focusing on how people inhabit a space, Convent and Loriers have created a landmark that feels distinct from its corporate surroundings. It stands as a testament to thoughtful, human-centric design in urban environments.