- Art & Design
In an era when designers are constantly looking for innovative and sustainable ways to use materials, Silestone by Cosentino is once again emerging as a pioneer with the Le Chic Bohème collection. The collection, launched on 17 October 2024 in Merchtem, includes design capsules by Belgian designers Daan De Wit and Justine Kegels. Both artists translate their vision of aesthetics and functionality into stunning, sustainable creations, bringing Silestone's complex layering to life in a unique way.
Daan De Wit, an emerging designer known for his minimalist approach and attention to materials, works with Jardin Emerald from the Le Chic Bohème collection. His Stratum collection, in which he plays with depth, balance and durability, includes two impressive creations: Stratum Basim and Stratum Saxum. Basim is a totem-shaped side table that emerges from the clever accumulation of ring-shaped elements, designed to minimise material waste without sacrificing aesthetics. The result is an object that looks robust but is subtly built on a base of minimal material surface area. Stratum Saxum, inspired by the natural beauty and tranquillity of rock formations, continues this theme by emphasising simplicity and strength. De Wit's designs put a layer of meaning and symbolism over the stone, showing how art and sustainability can reinforce each other. 
Justine Kegels, an interior designer with an all-encompassing vision of design, focuses her creations in Château Brown and Blanc Elysée in collaboration with Belgian brand Modular. In this collection, she effortlessly intertwines art with functionality. Her coffee table and side tables in these particular colours are objects that both attract attention and surprise with their simplicity. ‘It was a challenge but a pleasure to integrate two different brands into a single, functional piece of furniture,’ says Kegels. Her playful use of robust lines and refined details creates an optical floating effect, which combined with Modular's lighting adds a dynamism to the objects that Kegels herself describes as ‘living art’.
The use of an innovative moulding system creates a continuous vein pattern that adorns the surface of the stone
Cosentino's Le Chic Bohème collection not only makes an aesthetic statement but also sets strict ecological standards. The manufacturing process reflects Cosentino's commitment to sustainability by using 99% recycled water and 100% renewable energy. The Hybriq+® technology, which reduces silica content and integrates recycled raw materials, also emphasises this commitment to eco-friendliness and safety in production. The use of an innovative moulding system creates a continuous vein pattern that decorates the surface of the stone while adding a deeper visual layer to the material. These innovations not only enhance the aesthetic value, but also show how technological advances can contribute to more sustainable and safe working practices in the industry. 
With this, Cosentino continues to live up to its leading position in hybrid mineral surfaces. With Silestone Le Chic Bohème, they underline their commitment to aesthetics, functionality and sustainability. The collection offers designers like Daan De Wit and Justine Kegels not only a canvas for creativity, but also an environmentally conscious way to bring art and design to life. In every layer of Silestone, these artists find the opportunity to convey their vision of beauty, sustainability and craftsmanship, making a lasting impact on the world of interiors and design.
Photography by Thibault De Schepper
Text by Celien Hemelaer