This new series, Design bites, unveil the backstage of contemporary creation. Tackling various topics from personal designer processes to the position of Collectible design on the global design market; these bites offer different views to suit all tastes. Today we talk with Rico Bel from barh.

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COLLECTIBLE: What tips would you give to a collector who wishes to start collecting contemporary design?

Rico Bel: Go off the beaten track, take your own path. Buy what you like, not what you are steered to like. Be bold. Take risks. Look beyond the given names, there is so much talent out there. Ask for a guarantee on the number of pieces to be built if you are investing in collectible pieces.

“Seen marble rarity, we are obliged to make pieces that will last multiple generations.”

C: What do you think collectible design brings compared to other more massively produced pieces?

RB: Collectible design brings this satisfying sense of uniqueness. There is a true closeness to the artist or designer. A story of your own. It also brings sweet dreams and pride, material happiness. Completeness.

C: What is your favorite material? 

RB: That must be marble. This is the only material already so astonishingly beautiful in itself, that the less you do with it, the better. The most intriguing product the earth has created. Seen its rarity, we are obliged to make pieces that will last multiple generations.

C: Can you briefly describe your process?

RB: We call it “love centred design”. Very customer-centric. By speaking with our customers, we build a clear picture of what they want. This lays out the chalk outlines in which we must design. This means we always have our customer in mind. Then we are able to stretch the concept. We play with the building blocks. We challenge, rip apart and start all over. We work both as an individual and as a team. We play with positioning, is it art, is it design, is it functional? We fine-tune and then fine-tune some more.

About barh (Belgium) 

barh is a high-end furniture and objects brand, known to combine the finest materials, design details, and expert craftsmanship in their unique creations, built for those who desire something original and extraordinary.

The core values of barh are subtlety and elegance as pinnacles of beauty. Contemporary, distinguished and timeless, barh offers three different types of designs: bespoke, retail, and collectible.