How was "Sit On Design" born and what was your vision for the store in its early days?

When we launched Sit On Design, it came from the desire to start our own independent business and steer our own ship the way we envisioned it. After 15 years of experience in the temporary employment sector for Stéphanie, and 13 years for me as an economic advisor at UCM, we felt it was time to develop an activity that matched our sensibility and allowed us to flourish.
Since Stéphanie grew up surrounded by creative workshops, she has always been interested in beautiful decorative objects. The starting point was a shared attraction to Nordic design, which reflected a simple and functional aesthetic that suited us. At the same time, we wanted to highlight small local productions. That’s how we launched the project "My Belgium Design," aimed at promoting Belgian designers working in self-production.
Our initial vision was therefore to create a subtle blend between Nordic design and more local, almost artisanal production. We have always been drawn to mixing styles in decoration, which in our opinion brings authenticity and personality to an interior, while making design feel more accessible and less intimidating.

What is the philosophy of "Sit On Design" when it comes to design and interiors? How is this reflected in your selection?

Our philosophy is to offer products (decorative accessories and furniture) that allow clients to upgrade their interiors with small touches, without having to start from scratch. It’s important that an interior remains in harmony with the client’s personal story. For example, a vintage find or a souvenir brought back from a trip should be able to dialogue with a piece purchased at Sit On Design.
We also encourage a joyful mix of styles while keeping a common thread. For example, why not combine different types of wood for chairs and a table, as long as there’s a unifying element like a metal base?
As lovers of Nordic design, wood holds a special place in our offering. But we also like to break the sobriety of a wooden piece by adding a more exuberant decorative element — a counterpoint that catches the eye.
We also pay close attention to pricing and try, as much as possible, to offer a range of products at mid-market prices, because we believe design should be for everyone, not just an elite.
Finally, in our showroom, we try to maintain a balance between decorative accessories and furniture (tables, sofas, etc.). Our goal is to create atmospheres in which the customer can truly project themselves, rather than simply lining up as many sofas as possible.

How many brands do you work with and how do you choose them? Do you have specific criteria for your selections?

We work with more than a hundred brands to varying degrees. They are all European brands, with a strong Nordic presence, but not exclusively.
For furniture, we look for a Nordic aesthetic — simple, refined, and functional — at a “reasonable” price. We want to offer timeless pieces that are built to last.
When it comes to decorative accessories, we allow ourselves to be more daring. They are true favorites and eye-catchers in an interior. We don’t really have strict criteria beyond style and price range; it’s mostly about intuition and feeling.
We’ve discovered many of our brands through trade fairs and interior design magazines. We also maintain regular communication with our suppliers, who keep us informed about the latest novelties.

What are your current favorite brands or pieces, and why?

For furniture, we love the Clay sofa by Fest Amsterdam — very lounge-style yet comfortable. We also have a soft spot for the rattan armchair "X HM10" by And Tradition, which to us embodies Nordic elegance.
The "Rey" chair from 1971, reissued by Hay, represents the timelessness of design that we’re always seeking.
The colorful, stacked vases by Studio About will undoubtedly brighten up a sideboard or shelf. And let’s not forget our little lead cyclists — a nostalgic touch we love. Of course, there are many more we could mention…

As an interior designer, I’m always on the lookout for clever solutions. Do you have products or ranges that you consider real assets for optimizing and enhancing interiors?

We immediately think of the modular shelves by String. These shelves were iconic in the 50s and 60s and have now made a comeback. They embody everything we look for: timeless style, visual lightness, modularity that allows for personalization and adapts to any living space, and, on top of that, a very fair price.
The wallpapers from Tenue de Ville are also a great option for those who want to breathe life back into a space that feels too sterile, adding an artistic touch to a wall.
Any colorful decorative object can also transform a sideboard or a shelf. The painted wooden birds with a 70s vibe from Design House Stockholm are a beautiful example.

If you had to name a designer from Liège whose work inspires you, who would it be and why?

Designer Joan Bebronne definitely deserves to be mentioned, even though she no longer lives in Liège. Having worked in fashion styling for 25 years, she brings to her work a keen sense of detail and finishes.
We love her inventive design, the way she mixes materials, and her attention to collaborating with local artisans. Her suspended side table "Toupy" is an example of rare elegance.
More recently, she has released her "Glowy" Murano glass coat hooks, which are absolutely captivating!

How do you perceive the evolution of current interior design trends?

We feel that little by little, people are moving towards a more relaxed, uninhibited approach to decoration, where they dare to express their own tastes.
In this context, the "mix and match" concept (blending different styles and/or eras while finding a balance) is very popular.
We also see a strong desire for authenticity and for expressing one’s personality through decor. Small-batch, locally made, and artisanal-inspired decorative pieces are increasingly in demand.
At the same time, there is a paradoxical search for a warm minimalism. Natural materials, like wood for wall finishes or wool to cover a chair or armchair, are good examples of this.
Smaller decorative pieces are chosen sparingly but with strong personality — like the large fish-shaped vase by Serax.

 

What future projects or directions do you envision for "Sit On Design"?

We want to continue our activity following the same guiding principles that have made Sit On Design successful: offering Nordic-style furniture, trendy decorative accessories, a focus on local design whenever possible, accessible pricing (increasingly challenging to maintain), conviviality, and personalized advice.
To this, we’d like to add a few self-produced, artisanal pieces, such as the tufted frames Stéphanie has been creating with the help of her daughter, and why not also produce cushions or rugs in the future?
We also hope to strengthen collaborations with interior decorators who feel inspired by our range.

Do you have any “good tips” to share in Liège, whether places to discover or inspiring addresses?

As far as Liège is concerned, our choices remain quite classic:

• A walk along the slopes of the Citadel to gain some perspective and enjoy the views.

• A stop at the Batte on Sunday morning to pick up some delicious Italian charcuterie.

• Visiting an exhibition at La Boverie and enjoying the park.

For reading, we recommend "Cultivarium" to find a good comic book or a second-hand gem, or the eclectic bookstore "Le Livre aux Trésors."
Stéphanie loves wandering around rue Souverain-Pont, picking out a beautiful piece of jewelry at Lara Malherbe’s, or browsing "Wattitude," a wonderful shop specializing in Walloon products.
A stroll through rue Neuvice is also a must, with a stop at "Le Petit Grand Bazar" to chat with Catherine, who embodies Liège folklore and hospitality all by herself!
As for food, we often go back to Sushi Délice. The setting isn’t the most stylish, but the sushi is both delicious and generous.
The Grand Café at the Guillemins train station offers a very decent menu. And for an inspiring spot, we recommend "Olga le Bistrot."