I grew up in Ostend, a few blocks from the apartment I now run as Paradis – a showroom, gallery and a place to stay. The flat that I used to live in stood high above the North Sea like a shelf. As a child, I thought it was normal to wake up to the green sea and end every summer’s day with a blazing sunset. During the winter, the wind would rattle the windows. If it was stormy, you could hear the sea crashing against the doors. The beach has been artificially raised since, but Ostend is still right on the edge of the weather.
The beach at Ostend © Kevin Faingnaert
The city is a slightly rough place, full of faded grandeur, but I love that about it. It’s the biggest city on the Belgian coast and has long been known for its retirees. More recently, however, young creatives have started moving in, drawn by the sea air and (at one stage!) the low prices. I start my day with coffee at Et Alors. In summer you can sit outside with the sea in front of you, or lounge inside and still feel like you’re outdoors. When I’m working, I take my laptop to Café du Parc, a true old-Ostend spot. You’ll find everyone there, from locals with their morning coffees to young designers at their computers. If it’s sunny, the café is bright all day and nobody minds if you linger.
