BALANCE in design: An interview with Koen Bodyn

​Interzum 2025 is a significant event. How does this showcase align with the company’s broader vision and ambitions for the future?
Interzum is the place to be in our industry. It’s an incredible biennial fair in Europe where we showcase our innovations and bring our ambitions to life alongside existing and potential customers. Our company vision is reflected in every detail, from booth design to communication. Innovation and sustainability lead the way as we engage with customers, explore new opportunities, and grow together, ensuring economic progress with a positive social and environmental impact.

​The new collection, BALANCE, is one of this year’s highlights. What inspired the name?
BALANCE is more than just a trend; it’s a philosophy. Our inspiration stems from future market trends and, most importantly, the voice of the final customer. The name “BALANCE” reflects our approach: listening and suggesting, combining insights from our global design teams, market research, and customer feedback. It represents the delicate harmony between modernity and tradition, commercial appeal, and artistic inspiration.

​How does the concept of “balance” manifest in the designs, colors, and materials?
Balance in design means harmony, proportion, and contrast. European customers seek a perfect balance between intricate patterns and open spaces. We ensure every design has enough open areas to allow colors and textures to stand out naturally. In this collection, three new colors— Crocus, Mjade, and Camel—refresh our palette, blending contemporary aesthetics with classic influences. Our new upholstery and border collection, made with in-house twisted yarn, integrates seamlessly with other designs.

​How does the BALANCE collection fit into BekaertDeslee’s overall product portfolio? What makes it unique?
The BALANCE collection is a direct result of customer input. Our customers’ needs and our research findings shape every design. It’s not just a collection; it’s a conversation. Offering a diverse range of designs ensures there’s something for everyone. The challenge is maintaining a consistent theme while making the collection adaptable to various markets.

​“BALANCE IS MORE THAN JUST A TREND; IT’S A PHILOSOPHY. OUR INSPIRATION ORIGINATES FROM FUTURE MARKET TRENDS AND, MOST IMPORTANTLY, THE VOICE OF THE FINAL CUSTOMER.” – Koen Bodyn, Design Manager Europe and Design Support Manager at BekaertDeslee

​How does your design team develop concepts like BALANCE?
Brainstorming, collaboration, and research drives our creative process. Our designers from around the world bring ideas to the table, and together, we translate them into a cohesive story for our customers. The BALANCE collection is a product of teamwork across marketing, R&D, design, and sales, all listening to customers and staying ahead of market trends. We also draw inspiration from trade fairs, customer feedback, and social media. A collection isn’t just created behind a laptop, it comes from experience, interaction, and curiosity.

Bringing a customer’s idea to life is an exciting challenge. How does your team collaborate with customers to translate ideas into tangible designs?
Customer input is essential to our design process. The best ideas come from real conversations, not just office meetings. Face-to-face interactions with customers provide invaluable insights into their needs, helping us create meaningful designs.

For readers unfamiliar with BekaertDeslee’s offerings, can you give an overview of the design products we provide?
At Interzum 2025, we’re presenting a well-balanced mix of “ready-to-sell” designs alongside customizable options. Our stand will showcase materials, covers, pillows, and borders available as presented or adapted to align with customer marketing stories.

What excites you most about showcasing your designs and vision at Interzum 2025?
The feedback from our customers. Their reactions and insights fuel our creativity and inspire new developments. Interzum isn’t just about showcasing our work; it’s about learning, exchanging ideas, and shaping the future together.

Is there a final message you’d like to share with our readers about what to expect from BekaertDeslee?
The future of our industry is unpredictable, but one thing is certain: close collaboration between suppliers and customers is the way forward. Efficient and goal-oriented development processes, driven by sustainability, will shape our journey ahead. Building strong relationships is more crucial than ever. Our doors are always open to suggestions, and we are ready to move, evolve, and take on challenges, together.