'Always inspired by nature'
On the outskirts of Eersel lies Domein Oogenlust, a world where nature, craftsmanship and experience coincide. On the eight-hectare estate, nature forms both backdrop and starting point. But for visitors, the most striking features are the inspiring concept store (500m2) and the event location (900m2). Oogenlust is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year and is the life's work of Marcel and Monique van Dijk. Meanwhile, a new chapter has begun: son Wim took over the company on Oct. 30. We speak with Marcel van Dijk about signature, sustainability and the future of the trade.
Winter & Christmas inspiration
'The flowers have chosen me'
Norwegian florist Stein Are Hansen is outspoken in his opinions, committed to the floral profession and averse to lazy solutions. He advocates a model that re-establishes floral design in craftsmanship, sustainability and a businesslike approach. For his colleagues, he has a clear message: read the commission (giver) carefully, choose your own signature and dare to take the lead.
Dominant Christmas decorator
If you ask yourself what the most prevalent Christmas material is you would first think of pine greens and other traditional materials. Yet worldwide first place must surely be ceded to the poinsettia. Dominantly present, widely accepted as a Christmas symbol, and the most cultivated potted plant in the world.
'Creating warmth and light with flowers'
Oliver was born into flowers, his parents owning a garden center near Ostend. While training as a florist in Belgium and the Netherlands, he learned to transform the balance and beauty of nature into floral design, seeking the perfect harmony in his creations.
'Christmas I think is a fun and cozy celebration. You just see people getting happy because of the Christmas craziness. And of course it is also a family event. I have a close relationship with my family and together we celebrate a cozy Christmas. With floral creations you can bring warmth and light inside.
In the run-up to Christmas, there are a lot of decorations on the agenda. Thereby it is always fun to challenge yourself to create something original. Usually I start with drawing, that's how the ideas arise and I can start experimenting. I like to try out new materials. That design process does take a few days. As far as color is concerned, this year I am going for wine red, a color that is also very popular in fashion. Also, the traditional red and green will return - those remain classics.'
'I like to surprise. For example, I made some things in black, something people don't immediately associate with Christmas. That way you create something completely different for a change.'
Christmas, feast of light
Just when the days are shortening, floral designers can add warmth, glow and a festive touch to interiors with their arrangements. Handcrafted creations, natural materials and playful accents in wine red, bronze, gold or surprising black link an individual story to every room. Family and friends gather around the table, floral creations bring warmth and coziness. In the darkest time of the year, Christmas is rightfully the feast of light.