At Dôme Deco, the primary goal is to deliver innovative, creative, and high-quality designs with every new collection. 'We continually reinvent ourselves, pushing the boundaries of design to bring you inspiring, cosmopolitan pieces that resonate with modern living.'
'In this article, we take you behind the scenes with designer of the house, Gilles Knaepen, as he shares the creative process behind some of his exclusive designs for Dôme Deco—from initial concept to final creation.'
Dôme Deco's in house designer Gilles Knaepen.
How would you describe your design philosophy?
'As a designer, I'm deeply passionate about storytelling. I'm a thinker, always exploring ideas, but I adhere to one guiding principle: a product should have a modest attitude until it is interacted with. Imagine walking into a room filled with 50 to 100 items – all asking for your attention. It would be overwhelming, especially in a world that already overstimulates us. My aim is to create designs that contribute to the environment without overpowering it.'
What are the key characteristics of a 'modest product'?
'For me, a modest product embodies four main traits: timelessness, minimalism, discretion in color, material and shape, and integration into a cohesive whole. The last trait is the most crucial – when you enter a room, everything should feel harmonious, as if every item belongs together. You should easily recognize both the functional and aesthetic roles of each piece.'
Doesn't that risk making a product boring?
'It might seem so at first, but that's where the magic lies. Designing a product that is understated yet captivating is the challenge. I always strive to infuse my designs with a sense of value and intrigue. Take the GARA centerpiece, for example. It was conceived during a romantic period when I was preparing to propose to my girlfriend. This emotional state led me to wonder: what makes a relationship between two people so unique?'
How did that statement translate into the GARA centerpiece?
'A relationship is about the fusion of two individuals, each bringing their strengths and talents to create a complementary whole. This concept inspired me to design two interlocking shapes—one structural and the other protective. Though crafted from the same material, each serves a distinct purpose, yet together, they create something beautiful and meaningful.'
Can you walk us through the design process of the AGA mirror?
'The AGA mirror was born from another personal chapter in my life—building a home and creating a sanctuary from the outside world. I started contemplating the connection between our private space and the outside environment. In an interior context, this interaction often occurs in the hallway. The AGA mirror addresses this transition, offering a moment of pause as you move between worlds. The wider border adds functionality, providing a place to rest your keys, phone, or glasses, making it more than just a mirror but a purposeful part of your daily routine.'
Do all your designs originate from personal stories, or do you draw inspiration from other sources as well?
'While many of my designs are personal, I also draw inspiration from existing stories, myths, and cultural narratives. The KATLA hurricane, for instance, is inspired by the myth of the Icelandic volcano Katla. According to legend, Katla was a woman who owned magical pants that gave her incredible speed. After drowning a shepherd who discovered her secret, she fled and jumped into an ice crevasse, which triggered the formation of a volcano. In the design, the slim metal part symbolizes the ice crevasse, the wider framework represents the mountains, and the light source atop embodies the flowing lava.
Each of these designs tells a story—whether drawn from personal experience, mythology, or a blend of both. We hope these stories resonate with you and add depth to the pieces you choose for your home.'
More information:
Dôme Deco
Meerkensstraat 42
3650 Dilsen-Stokkem
+32(0)89 75 20 77
[email protected]
www.domedeco.com