Newspaper article: Het Nieuwsblad November 20, 2024

Designer and artist Christl Dekimpe is launching a new furniture line next year. The Dadizele native took over her parents' business thirteen years ago. "I've since found the perfect balance between art and design."

The Dekimpe family writes a compelling entrepreneurial story along Industrielaan in Dadizele. Albert and Erna Dekimpe founded a furniture store there 57 years ago, specializing in Italian furniture. Thirteen years ago, their daughter Christl, who had already helped out, followed in their footsteps.

"I've long dreamed of having my own furniture line, but it's not without its challenges. Step by step, collection after collection, I've built up my furniture line with my own designs: tables, chairs, dressers, and sofas. I design everything you might find in a living room," Christl explains.

This summer, an idea for a new collection emerged again. "All the sketches are now finished, and the plan is to present the line next year."




Materials
Christl Dekimpe is much more than just a designer, however. You can discover her artwork in the gallery at the front of her business. Art also hangs in the bar, which she designed between the gallery and the furniture showroom. "That artistic side has always been there, really. I was lucky enough to be able to help out in my parents' business. That's where I learned everything about materials."

Christl specializes in Useful art , art with a purpose. From lighting to seating elements, or even a personalized wine box, as the winner of the recent Moorslede Culture Prize received. "The fact that I'm both a designer and an artist makes it equally enjoyable. I feel like the two are perfectly balanced right now."

Christl enjoys creating personalized projects. "I truly adapt to the client, and I consider that one of my strengths. Anyone who wants a classic table can definitely get one here. Everyone has their own taste, and I respect that." 




Name recognition

In recent weeks, her designs and artwork have been on display at various fairs. For example, Dadizeelse was on display at the Belgian Design Island during the Furniture Fair in Brussels. Numerous of her artworks were also on display at the Wonder Festival in Kortrijk. "Year after year, I try to increase my name recognition. And that seems to be working very well. You can achieve a lot if you keep at it."

Christl already had projects abroad. She's looking forward to the future with hope. "It's now up to me to continue evolving as a designer and artist."