The two-day event Design Nation in Kortrijk attracted many visitors. The exact number is not yet known, but it is certain that this fair, intended as a meeting place for professionals from the design and furniture sector, is clearly in demand. Nevertheless, the organisation has announced that it will skip Belgium next year and head to Berlin on 22 and 23 October 2025.
The second edition of Design Nation at Kortrijk Xpo was in demand. Even before the start, there was a queue of waiting visitors.
The fair featured a varied range of lighting, carpets, wall and floor coverings and a larger number of furniture companies than before, showing that more furniture brands are looking to connect with (interior) architects and the hospitality sector. Noteworthy was the smaller number of furniture retailers among the visitors, which some exhibitors felt was a miss.
Our Dutch sister Wonen360 toured various exhibitors on the first day (Thursday 17 October). This resulted in the following report.
By far the most of the 109 exhibitors were from Belgium, including Revor Group. Isabelle Malysse poses by the new bedbox Ami, ideal for small households. 
Pieter Coesel (centre) with his father on the left and agent Paul van Doremalen on the right, with the durable quality cabinet Capri Riva 540 Sunset (with walnut veneer) in front and the three display cabinet Cobra 963 with maroon doors next to it. "Belgium is an important market for us," Pieter indicated.
Fiona de Witte (left) with Valérie Steyaert. Labels Angelo Rugs and Manuel Larraga had found each other: both brands make handmade objects (rugs and furniture).
"Belgium is a market where we can do more," Jan-Wout Hulstein of Asiades, pictured in the middle with Peter de Lijster and Sem Renders (right). "It's a big plus that at Design Nation you don't have to build anything. You put your furniture down and you're done."
Bart Vandoorn and Steven Vermeylen of Bulo, posing by table H2O, which has been in the collection for more than 30 years and at this fair featured a ceramic top, pressed under pressure of 25,000 tonnes and therefore scratch-resistant. 
Daniëlle de Lepper (2nd from left) of Dôme Deco speaks to visitors. The Belgian interior design label's collection caught the eye of a large audience.
Michaël Deslypere with partner Charlotte Vanden Berghe ofBelgian table and chair brand Robu. At Design Nation, the new Ripple table collection was launched. The metal table top evokes the atmosphere of a rippling water surface, balancing on seemingly randomly stacked wooden spheres. 
Founder Nele Vlaeminck of SOFAR, a concept that fits perfectly with the circular economy. It is distinguished by a fully recyclable aluminium frame and cushions made of a single material, without the use of glue or staples, making repair and recycling easier. Moreover, each SOFAR piece of furniture is produced in Belgium and comes with a digital passport with maintenance and recycling tips, putting the brand ahead of the circular future of the furniture industry.
Sander de Geus and Nicole Berendsen at the stand of FreiFrau & Janua, which showed, among other things, an expansion of its chair collection Marie. "This way, the family is getting bigger and bigger. Soon, bar chairs will be added," De Geus said.
Kris Theuns at a new cabinet from the Impressa line, equipped with a turning element (furnspin), launched together with Hettink. "This makes us the first in Belgium," Elke Theuns told us.
Belgian furniture brand Unit 14 presented a new collection of chairs, produced in Europe. Managing director Sylvester Vrints and Maïté Van Houtte (sales and marketing manager) have big plans for the near future. A label to keep an eye on.
Bas Quist of Bolia by Home for Brands expects the necessary growth, as many professionals do not yet know that they too can work with Bolia. "We not only have our own shops, but also retailers, interior designers and property developers can work with us," he stresses.
A view inside the busy Liquidfloors and Odilon Creations stand. 
Andreas Deklerck (right) of Joli (together with Per/Use in one stand) presented the new Arcs table, featuring a wooden tabletop, a design by Jeffrey Huyghe. Product developers Dries Laperre and Alain Mannes wanted to know all about it.
A look at the stand of office and project designer Toon De Somer and furniture manufacturer TOOON. Toon De Somer (third from left) explains the latest table creation to visitors, with Anthony Coates speaking to another interested party in the background.
Hilde Francq gave a lecture on the theme 'The age of Resistance', which attracted a large audience.
Next year, enthusiasts should not be in Kortrijk, but in Berlin on 22 and 23 October.
More information:
Design Nation
www.design-nation.eu