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published on 12.07.2022

Nik Aelbrecht for Cappellini

Last June, during the Salone de Milano, the Italian brand Cappellini presented Openup, a new table design by Nik Aelbrecht. Facilitated by the Belgian designer's participation in the Stockholm furniture & light fair three years ago, this link-up initiated by Belgium is Design sounds like an obvious choice.

The context

In February 2019, Nik Aelbrecht (32 years old, graduate in architecture and furniture design) participates in the collective stand of Belgium is Design in the Greenhouse section of the Stockholm furniture & light fair, together with Tenue de Ville (wallpaper), Dim Atelier (lighting) and Nicolas Bovesse (carpets), among others. On this occasion, Giulio Cappellini fell in love with this table, which was shown for the first time in a prototype version. Three years later, the Italian publisher presented Openup, the Belgian's table in its original rectangular version, as well as in a round version. This edition once again proves Cappellini's dynamism in the search for young talent, but also the importance of Belgium is Design's actions to promote Belgian talent abroad.

Design under the sign of openness.

With Openup, the Belgian designer, who heads his own studio based in Brussels, offers a collection of tables under the sign of purity and lightness. A subtle and very poetic play of lines and shadows that fits perfectly into large spaces such as lofts or open-plan homes. The laser-cut base in painted metal (white or black) supports a tabletop in ash plywood (choice of two shades) or white Carrara marble. In keeping with the sober and racy character of his previous creations, the designer has chosen an ultra-sober palette that is both contemporary and uncompromising