BLCN DESIGN puts hotel experience centre stage

In the world of hospitality, it is all about the experience. Every hotel needs its own unique story, a story that begins as soon as guests step through the door. That's where BLCN DESIGN comes in. As a full-service design agency, it goes beyond designing interiors. Bart Balcaen and his team are masters at creating intriguing hospitality concepts worked out to the finest detail.

"Until a few years ago, hotel lobby, corridors and rooms were decorated without a broader story. A lot was copy-pasted and the whole thing was uninspiring. Today, you can no longer get away with that," laughs Bart Balcaen. "It all starts with a vision and a concept. What experience do we want to offer our guests? What can they experience with us that they have never seen or felt before? It's all about defining the hotel's identity and linking the interior design to it. That's where BLCN DESIGN is happy to help. Our baseline is 'We treat you to fresh ideas'."

To shape that concept, BLCN DESIGN always starts from the owners or managers. Some know very well what they want, others give Bart's team carte blanche. Bart: "We listen to the owners and ask questions. As a result, we always come up with a different end result. We challenge ourselves to offer something unique, always in our well-known style, which we call metropolitan eclectic. We start with an idea and arrive at a total experience. From the concept to the interior, the smell and the total experience, even recruiting suitable staff: customers count on us for a 360-degree concept. We work with various partners in this."

Every interior is a direct result of that concept. For example, BLCN DESIGN has been involved in the imposing SKY Hotel in Ostend from the start. "It will be a one of a kind concept and interior in the Benelux. SKY Hotel is the working name. The name and concept will be announced in October, so keep your ears open." 

By the way, not every hotel that Bart and his team take on is a new construction project. Those who want a new atmosphere in their existing hospitality concept can also turn to them. 'We don't renovate, we transform spaces' is not one of their slogans for nothing. They offer hoteliers the full package, with interior design, materialisation, technical plans, site follow-up and coordination, and even distribute stylish hotel furniture from Eichholtz and other well-known partners. Looking for and integrating 'piece-uniques' is one of their strengths in creating unique interiors and experiences.

Whether they are designing a hotel or developing a retail concept, hospitality is ingrained in every BLCN DESIGN project. "That can very easily be a cosy seating area and hospitality corner in a shop," Bart explains. "Welcoming your customer and expressing hospitality is in our DNA. We think along how to offer your guests pleasure, comfort and experience. You also feel this vision when you step into our Gallery in Ostend. Clients are welcomed as they should be, with a coffee or cappuccino in our own lobby. You feel and see the full experience from A to Z. The candles are always burning, so to speak."