Kelly Claessens, the former interior design expert on the Belgian television show “Blind Gekocht,” has announced the closure of her furniture store La Fabrika in Brussels’ Dansaertstraat after 15 years of operation. The decision marks the end of an era for the boutique, which opened in 2010 with a mission to bring more colour and personality to Brussels interiors.
According to Claessens, the closure represents “the only right choice” as she shifts her focus to her design studio, where she believes she can better realise her creative vision without the constraints of a physical retail space. The store will hold a final sale from May 1 to May 3, 2026, offering customers a last chance to purchase its distinctive collection of furniture and home accessories.
La Fabrika became known for its eclectic mix of vintage and contemporary pieces, including velvet design chairs, retro sofas, playful hanging lamps, and unique decorative items such as organically shaped mirrors and wall clocks. Claessens described the shop not as a sterile showroom but as a “treasure chamber” where curious visitors could continually discover something new.
The interior designer gained wider public recognition between 2021 and 2023 as part of the expert team on Play4’s popular renovation series “Blind Gekocht,” where she helped homeowners transform their living spaces through bold colour choices and innovative design solutions. Her tenure on the show ended in 2023, though the specific reasons for her departure were not detailed in the available sources.
Reflecting on the milestone of her business’s 15th anniversary late last year, Claessens told BRUZZ that it prompted her to reassess her energy and commitment to running a physical store. “We celebrated our 15-year existence then,” she said. “For me, that was the moment to stand still and ask myself if I was still gaining enough energy from this? That was not the case.” She noted that operating an interior design store had changed significantly since 2010, when a physical shop was considered the ideal medium to demonstrate how spaces could be transformed through design.
The Dansaertstraat, where La Fabrika was located, is recognised as one of Brussels’ most fashionable shopping streets, known for its concentration of independent boutiques, design stores, and concept shops. Claessens’ decision to close her store aligns with broader trends in retail, where many independent businesses are reevaluating the viability of brick-and-mortar locations in favour of online platforms or studio-based services.
As of the announcement date of April 22, 2026, no further details have been released regarding the future of the La Fabrika brand or whether Claessens plans to launch a new venture under a different name. Her design studio continues to operate, focusing on private commissions and collaborative projects.
The closure of La Fabrika ends a significant chapter in Brussels’ independent retail landscape, particularly within the Dansaert district, which has long been a hub for creative entrepreneurs and design-focused businesses. For over a decade and a half, the store contributed to the area’s reputation as a destination for those seeking distinctive, character-led interiors.
Customers wishing to visit the final sale are advised to check La Fabrika’s official channels for opening hours and any updates regarding the May 1–3, 2026, liquidation event. All sales during this period are final, and stock is limited to remaining inventory.