Magazine

Elsevier Thema Interieur (October 2009)

Modern Time – Clock Delay by Bloomming

Published in Elsevier Thema Interieur, October 2009

In its overview of contemporary clock design, Elsevier selected Clock Delay by Dutch design studio Bloomming as one of the most remarkable interpretations of timekeeping.

The article explores how modern designers challenge the traditional clock, creating objects that do more than simply display the time. Among designs that use words, minimalist dials and reinterpretations of classic pendulum clocks, Clock Delay stood out for exposing the mechanics of time itself.

Modern Time

The newest generation of clocks does not always reveal the time at a glance. Instead, designers invite users to slow down, observe and interact with the object.

Clock Delay embraces this philosophy by turning timekeeping into a visual experience.

Unlike conventional clocks, Clock Delay consists of three large rotating gear wheels representing:

• Seconds
• Minutes
• Hours

As the gears rotate, the current time can be determined by observing where the three indicators align. Rather than presenting time instantly, the clock encourages a moment of reflection and understanding.

Clock Delay by Bloomming

Elsevier describes Clock Delay as an object that resembles an instrument from a distant era.

Constructed from stainless steel and aluminium, the clock exposes its complete mechanism. Every movement is visible, transforming the hidden workings of a clock into the central design feature.

The result is both functional and sculptural: a mechanical object that continuously demonstrates how time is measured.

Original Article Reference

The publication featured Clock Delay as item number six in its selection of innovative contemporary clocks:

“It looks like an instrument from long-forgotten times, but Delay by the Dutch studio Bloomming is hypermodern. The clock consists of three large gears for the seconds, minutes and hours.”

Product Information

Product: Clock Delay
Designer: Bas van Leeuwen
Studio: Bloomming
Materials: Stainless steel and aluminium
Function: Mechanical time display through rotating gear systems
Year: 2008–2009

Why It Matters

Clock Delay represents an important early Bloomming project and demonstrates the studio’s fascination with revealing hidden systems rather than concealing them.

By exposing the mechanics of time, the design invites users to reconnect with technology and craftsmanship in an age where products increasingly function as closed black boxes.

Publication Details

Publication: Elsevier Thema Interieur
Issue: October 2009
Section: Moderne Tijd (Modern Time)
Featured Product: Clock Delay
Designer: Bas van Leeuwen
Company: Bloomming

Volkskrant Magazine – Lightfacet by Bloomming

Dutch National Newspaper Magazine Features Bloomming’s Geometric Wall Installation

Published in Volkskrant Magazine, April 23, 2011

Dutch national newspaper supplement Volkskrant Magazine featured Lightfacet, the modular wall installation designed by Mireille Meijs for Bloomming, as part of its annual interior design special.

Appearing prominently within a curated selection of contemporary home design trends, the publication highlighted Lightfacet’s distinctive geometric surface and its ability to transform a wall into a dynamic architectural element.

Lightfacet

Lightfacet blurs the boundary between wall decoration, room divider and architectural feature.

Composed of individually adjustable faceted modules, the design creates a constantly changing play of light, shadow and depth. By rotating the elements, users can alter the pattern and transparency of the surface, making every installation unique.

The geometric composition creates a three-dimensional effect that changes throughout the day as natural light interacts with the faceted forms.

Bringing Architecture Indoors

In the feature, Lightfacet was presented alongside contemporary furniture, accessories and interior styling trends that reflected a growing interest in geometric design and architectural surfaces.

Rather than functioning as a conventional decorative object, Lightfacet introduces an architectural layer to the interior. Its faceted structure adds depth, rhythm and visual movement while maintaining a clean and minimalist appearance.

A Signature Bloomming Design

Designed by Mireille Meijs, Lightfacet represents an early exploration of the geometric language that would later evolve into Bloomming’s internationally recognized Facet room divider collection.

The design combines modularity, customization and interaction, allowing users to actively shape the appearance of the installation through the position of the individual elements.

Product Information

Product: Lightfacet
Designer: Mireille Meijs
Brand: Bloomming
Category: Modular wall installation / room divider
Material: Modular faceted elements
Customization: Available in custom dimensions and configurations

Publication Details

Publication: Volkskrant Magazine
Country: The Netherlands
Date: April 23, 2011
Feature: Interior Design Special (Woonspecial)
Featured Product: Lightfacet
Designer: Mireille Meijs
Brand: Bloomming

Original publication summary

“Lightfacet by Bloomming was featured in Volkskrant Magazine’s interior design special as part of a selection of contemporary design trends. The modular installation uses geometric faceted elements to create depth, pattern and visual movement, transforming the wall into an architectural feature.”

New Masters: A Design Academy Eindhoven Masterclass with Gerard van den Berg

Published in ELLE Wonen

In this feature, ELLE Wonen highlights the results of an intensive furniture design masterclass led by renowned Dutch designer Gerard van den Berg. Students from Design Academy Eindhoven were challenged to rethink existing furniture concepts and transform them into entirely new designs.

Over the course of eight weeks, participants worked on redesigning pieces from the collection of Dutch furniture manufacturer Label. Rather than starting from a blank sheet of paper, the students were asked to reinterpret existing products through experimentation, craftsmanship and material research.

Learning Through Making

Unlike many contemporary design processes, the masterclass deliberately avoided computers. Gerard van den Berg encouraged students to work directly with sketches, prototypes and physical materials.

According to the article, students spent weeks drawing, cutting, gluing, testing and refining concepts before presenting their ideas to a professional jury. The process emphasized creativity, comfort, innovation and manufacturability.

Designer Frederik van Heereveld, himself a former student of Design Academy Eindhoven and a collaborator of Gerard van den Berg, explained:

“You develop a much stronger feeling for a piece of furniture when you design it this way.”

Bas van Leeuwen

Among the participating students was Bas van Leeuwen, who is pictured together with Gerard van den Berg during the masterclass.

Bas presented a concept called Pio, a chair inspired by the shape and structure of a bird’s nest.

According to the article, the design was based on an unusual construction principle:

“The inspiration for this design was a bird’s nest. The underside consists of woven wicker, while the cushion is upholstered with furniture fabric.”

The result combined a soft upholstered seating surface with a distinctive handcrafted shell structure, creating a chair that explored the relationship between comfort, craftsmanship and organic forms.

The Pio Chair

Pio stood out through its contrast between materials and textures.

The woven exterior referenced traditional craft techniques, while the upholstered interior created a comfortable seating experience. The chair demonstrated how natural forms could inspire contemporary furniture design without becoming purely decorative.

The article identified Pio as one of the notable concepts developed during the masterclass.

Other Featured Projects

The article also highlighted several additional furniture concepts created by fellow students.

Among them was Clover, designed by Sofie Hoenselaars, a chair system that could be linked together in multiple configurations. The design featured an exposed lacing detail that added both functionality and a distinctive visual character.

Another project, Slikk by Karin van der Zanden, explored comfort through an oversized, soft seating object inspired by cushions and beanbags.

The article emphasized that all projects remained prototypes at the time of publication, although several attracted significant attention during their presentation at 100% Design Rotterdam.

Design Academy Eindhoven and Dutch Design

The masterclass demonstrated the experimental approach for which Design Academy Eindhoven has become internationally known.

By combining craftsmanship, conceptual thinking and practical product development, students were encouraged to create designs that were innovative, functional and commercially viable.

The article presented the results as evidence of a new generation of Dutch designers exploring fresh approaches to furniture design.

Publication Details

Publication: ELLE Wonen
Feature: Nieuwe Meesters (New Masters)
Institution: Design Academy Eindhoven
Masterclass leader: Gerard van den Berg
Featured designer: Bas van Leeuwen
Featured project: Pio Chair
Topics: Furniture design, Dutch design, Design Academy Eindhoven, product design, craftsmanship, masterclass projects

Inside Information Verlichting

100% Design Rotterdam 2010

In 2010, Dutch trade publication Inside Information Verlichting reported on the eighth edition of 100% Design Rotterdam, one of the Netherlands’ leading events for interior design, architecture and lighting. The article reviewed the exhibition and highlighted several notable products and exhibitors that stood out during the event.

Design and Lighting at 100% Design

The article describes how every June a large part of the Dutch creative industry gathers at the iconic Van Nelle Ontwerpfabriek in Rotterdam. Since relocating from the Cruise Terminal to this architectural landmark, the event had evolved into an important meeting point for interior brands, furniture manufacturers, lighting companies and designers.

While the author notes that the 2010 edition was somewhat smaller than previous years, the exhibition still presented a wide range of innovative products and design concepts.

Lightfacet Highlighted as an Eye-Catcher

Among the products featured in the article was Lightfacet, designed by Bas van Leeuwen.

A large photograph accompanies the text, showing a close-up of the distinctive faceted modules that characterize the design.

The caption reads:

“Een eyecatcher op de Campsites: de bijzondere zonwering/ruimtescheider Lightfacet, ontworpen door Bas van Leeuwen.”

Translated:

“An eye-catcher at the Campsites section: the remarkable sun-shading and room-dividing system Lightfacet, designed by Bas van Leeuwen.”

A New Approach to Space and Light

By describing Lightfacet as both a sun-shading solution and a room divider, the article highlights one of the product’s defining characteristics: its ability to function simultaneously as an architectural screen and a dynamic light-control system.

The modular structure allows individual elements to be opened and closed, enabling users to influence transparency, privacy and the interaction of light and shadow within a space. Rather than acting as a static partition, Lightfacet transforms according to its surroundings and the preferences of the user.

Recognition Within a Professional Design Context

The inclusion of Lightfacet in a professional publication focused on lighting and architecture is significant because it positioned the design beyond the traditional furniture and interior design categories. The product was recognized not only as a decorative object but also as an innovative architectural element capable of influencing daylight, spatial perception and user experience.

Being singled out as an “eyecatcher” at one of the Netherlands’ most important design exhibitions further reinforced the growing visibility of Bloomming’s work within the professional design community.

Publication details

Publication: Inside Information Verlichting
Country: Netherlands
Year: 2010
Author: Henk-Jan Hoekjen
Feature: Review of 100% Design Rotterdam 2010
Product featured: Lightfacet
Designer credited: Bas van Leeuwen
Event: 100% Design Rotterdam
Location: Van Nelle Ontwerpfabriek, Rotterdam, The Netherlands

Why this feature mattered

This publication demonstrates how Lightfacet attracted attention not only from interior design media but also from professionals working in architecture and lighting. By highlighting the product as one of the visual standouts of 100% Design Rotterdam, the article recognized Lightfacet’s unique ability to bridge the disciplines of spatial design, daylight management and decorative architecture—qualities that would become central to the continued development of the Bloomming collection.

Eigen Huis & Interieur – Lightfacet & Reflections by Bloomming

Dutch Interior Magazine Explores the Rise of Faceted Design

Published in Eigen Huis & Interieur, May 2011

Dutch interior magazine Eigen Huis & Interieur featured two Bloomming designs in a trend report dedicated to the growing popularity of faceted forms in contemporary design.

The article highlighted Lightfacet, the modular room divider designed by Mireille Meijs, alongside Reflections, a sculptural steel mirror designed by Karin van der Zanden for Bloomming. Both designs were presented within a broader movement inspired by architecture, crystals and geometric surfaces.

Lightfacet

Lightfacet transforms a simple room divider into an interactive play of light, shadow and transparency.

Composed of individually adjustable faceted elements, the design allows users to influence the amount of light passing through the surface while creating ever-changing geometric patterns. The magazine notes that Lightfacet was available in virtually any size, making it suitable for a wide variety of interior applications.

The design’s distinctive faceted structure reflected a growing fascination with geometric architecture and polygonal forms that characterized many design trends of the early 2010s.

Reflections

Also featured was Reflections, a handcrafted steel mirror designed by Karin van der Zanden for Bloomming.

Rather than presenting a flat reflective surface, Reflections uses folded steel facets to distort and fragment reflections, creating a dynamic interaction between object, light and viewer. The mirror transforms everyday reflection into a sculptural experience while continuing the geometric language explored throughout the Bloomming collection.

Architecture as Inspiration

The article opens with a photograph of the iconic Blob building in Eindhoven, designed by architect Massimiliano Fuksas. The building’s faceted exterior serves as a visual reference for the trend explored throughout the feature.

By placing Lightfacet and Reflections alongside international furniture, lighting and product designs, the publication positioned Bloomming within a broader international conversation about geometry, architecture and contemporary design.

A Defining Design Language

Looking back, the feature captures an important moment in Bloomming’s development.

The faceted forms explored in both Lightfacet and Reflections would become central to the studio’s design identity. What began as an exploration of geometry, light and reflection would later evolve into Facet, Bloomming’s internationally recognized room divider system.

Product Information

Product: Lightfacet
Designer: Mireille Meijs
Brand: Bloomming
Category: Modular room divider

Product: Reflections
Designer: Karin van der Zanden
Brand: Bloomming
Category: Sculptural mirror

Publication Details

Publication: Eigen Huis & Interieur
Country: The Netherlands
Issue: May 2011
Feature: Trend report on faceted design
Featured Products: Lightfacet & Reflections
Brand: Bloomming

Original publication summary

“Lightfacet, designed by Mireille Meijs for Bloomming, is a customizable room divider available in any desired size. Reflections, designed by Karin van der Zanden for Bloomming, is a handcrafted steel mirror inspired by geometric faceted forms. Both designs were featured in a trend report exploring the growing influence of faceted surfaces in contemporary design.”

Clover Selected for Production at 100% Design Rotterdam

Published in Frame Magazine, 2004

During 100% Design Rotterdam, Frame Magazine highlighted several promising projects emerging from Design Academy Eindhoven. Among them was Clover, a chair redesign created during a masterclass led by renowned furniture designer Gerard van den Berg.

A Design Academy Eindhoven Masterclass

The project originated from an intensive workshop in which fifteen Design Academy Eindhoven students were challenged to reinterpret existing furniture designs from Gerard van den Berg’s Label collection.

Rather than starting from scratch, students explored how existing designs could be transformed into new products through experimentation, prototyping and collaboration.

Clover

Designed by Sofie Hoenselaars, Clover introduced a distinctive laced detail running along the backrest, allowing the chair to be visually “dressed” while creating a recognizable identity.

The redesign was selected for production by the manufacturer of Gerard van den Berg’s Label collection, making it one of the most successful outcomes of the masterclass.

From Concept to Production

Unlike many student projects that remain prototypes, Clover progressed through the complete development process and entered production.

The article notes that a team of Design Academy Eindhoven students worked alongside production staff throughout the realization process, providing a rare opportunity to experience furniture manufacturing from concept to finished product.

Bas van Leeuwen’s Involvement

Among the students involved in the Clover project was Bas van Leeuwen, pictured in the article together with fellow team members.

Participation in the project provided first-hand experience in product development, collaboration with industry partners and the transition from experimental design concept to manufacturable furniture product.

Publication Details

Publication: Frame Magazine
Event: 100% Design Rotterdam
Year: 2004
Featured project: Clover
Lead designer: Sofie Hoenselaars
Institution: Design Academy Eindhoven
Masterclass leaders: Gerard van den Berg and Alain Berteau
Team member featured: Bas van Leeuwen

Frits Magazine

Topdesigners van de Toekomst

Published in 2008, Dutch lifestyle and culture magazine Frits dedicated a feature to the emerging generation of designers shaping the future of Eindhoven’s creative scene. The article, titled “Topdesigners van de Toekomst” (“Top Designers of the Future”), highlighted a selection of promising young talents connected to the Design Academy Eindhoven and the city’s rapidly growing design culture.

Eindhoven as a Breeding Ground for Design

The article opens by observing that whenever the Dutch Design Week takes place in Eindhoven, one thing becomes immediately clear: the city is overflowing with talent. Journalist Monique van Empel notes that Eindhoven is home to an unusually large number of design partnerships and creative collaborations, many formed during studies at the Design Academy Eindhoven (DAE).

The feature presents several designers and studios considered part of the next generation of Dutch design, including BCXSY, Studio JSPR, JOINE Office for Design, and Bloomming.

Bloomming

Among the selected studios was Bloomming, founded by Bas van Leeuwen and Mireille Meijs.

The article explains that their collaboration began during their time at the Design Academy Eindhoven:

“Opeens was het ‘blooming’ tussen ons en sindsdien wonen en werken we samen.”

Translated:

“Suddenly it was ‘blooming’ between us, and ever since we have been living and working together.”

The feature emphasizes the complementary nature of their partnership. According to Bas:

“Mireille is conceptueel erg sterk, ik ben juist technisch goed.”

Translated:

“Mireille is very strong conceptually, while I excel in the technical side.”

Growing Recognition

At the time of publication, Bloomming had already gained attention at numerous design events and exhibitions. The article notes that their work had recently been presented in cities including:

• Eindhoven
• Brussels
• Utrecht
• Amsterdam
• Rotterdam
• Hong Kong

This growing international exposure reflected the increasing interest in their experimental approach to interiors and product design.

Lightfacet

The article features a large image of Lightfacet, Bloomming’s modular room divider system.

The accompanying caption states:

“Roomdivider Light Facet maakt het mogelijk om te spelen met licht en schaduw.”

Translated:

“Room divider Light Facet makes it possible to play with light and shadow.”

Lightfacet is presented as an example of the studio’s ability to combine functional interior solutions with an architectural and sculptural aesthetic. Through its rotating diamond-shaped modules, the divider allows users to adjust transparency and create changing patterns of light throughout a space.

About Eindhoven

When asked about Eindhoven, Bloomming highlighted the city’s creative energy:

“Eindhoven ontwikkelt zich op diverse vlakken, niet alleen op designgebied maar ook op het gebied van architectuur, exposities, muziek en dergelijke. Er zit veel creativiteit in Eindhoven en dat lijkt steeds meer naar buiten te komen.”

Translated:

“Eindhoven is developing on many levels, not only in design but also in architecture, exhibitions, music and more. There is a great deal of creativity in Eindhoven, and that seems to be becoming increasingly visible to the outside world.”

This statement reflected the optimism surrounding Eindhoven’s transformation into one of Europe’s most influential design cities.

Publication details

Publication: Frits Magazine
Country: Netherlands
Year: 2008
Feature: Topdesigners van de Toekomst
Author: Monique van Empel
Pages: 110–113
Studio featured: Bloomming
Designers: Bas van Leeuwen & Mireille Meijs
Product featured: Lightfacet
Location: Eindhoven, The Netherlands

Why this feature mattered

Frits positioned Bloomming among a carefully selected group of emerging Dutch designers expected to shape the future of design in the Netherlands. Rather than focusing solely on individual products, the article highlighted the strength of the partnership between Bas van Leeuwen and Mireille Meijs and recognized Bloomming as part of a broader movement that was helping establish Eindhoven as an international design capital.

The inclusion of Lightfacet demonstrated how the studio’s work combined innovation, functionality and visual experimentation—qualities that would later become defining characteristics of the Bloomming collection.

101 Woonideeën – Grip by Bloomming

A Clever Table Designed for Small Spaces

Published in 101 Woonideeën, August 2011

Dutch interior magazine 101 Woonideeën featured Grip, a compact and multifunctional table designed by Bas van Leeuwen & Mireille Meijs for Bloomming.

The product appeared in the magazine’s “101 woonideeën” section under the headline “Handig!” (“Handy!”), highlighting its practical solution for flexible living and small interiors.

Grip

Grip was designed as a side table that can be attached almost anywhere.

A distinctive clamp integrated into one corner of the tabletop allows the table to be fixed securely to another table or work surface. This creates an additional tabletop exactly where extra space is needed.

The concept combines mobility, simplicity and functionality in a lightweight design.

As Described by the Magazine

The article explains:

“Need an extra side table? With Grip you can create one in no time. No matter how thick your tabletop is, the table clamp simply attaches underneath.”

The magazine also notes that the table was available with a bamboo tabletop and could seat four people when combined with a larger table arrangement.

Design Philosophy

Grip reflects a recurring theme in Bloomming’s early work: finding elegant solutions for everyday living.

Rather than adding another piece of furniture to a room, Grip temporarily expands existing furniture, allowing spaces to adapt to changing needs.

The design is especially relevant for:

• Compact apartments
• Flexible workspaces
• Dining areas requiring occasional extra seating
• Temporary extensions of existing tables

Product Information

Product: Grip
Designers: Bas van Leeuwen & Mireille Meijs
Brand: Bloomming
Year featured: 2011
Publication: 101 Woonideeën (Netherlands)

Original Dutch Caption (translated)

“Need an extra side table? Grip provides a handy little side table whenever you need one. It doesn’t matter how thick your tabletop is; the table clamp simply attaches underneath.”

This feature marked another appearance of Bloomming’s work in a major Dutch interior magazine, showcasing the studio’s focus on practical innovation and adaptable furniture design.