“Inge Lagae’s design vision grew out of her travels, her lifelong connection to nature, and the people and places that shaped her. Born in West Flanders, she was raised with a deep sense of rootedness and craftsmanship. Early on, spaces and materials seemed to speak to her, and she learned to respond through design. Today, she draws inspiration from the quiet majesty of the Zoni.n Forest—her sanctuary—and from the rugged mountains she explores with her partner, Mathieu. These landscapes form the backdrop of her creative world.
Her label, KĀNA Objects, embodies this sensibility. In Japanese, “kana” refers to characters that carry little sound on their own but reveal meaning when combined. Her furniture works the same way: each piece holds its own emotion, and together they tell the story of a home. Lagae approaches every project personally, believing interiors should reflect the soul of their owners. She selects premium natural materials to create designs that balance purity, functionality, warmth, and timelessness.
Produced entirely in Belgium, the KĀNA collection merges high-precision technology with skilled craftsmanship. Experienced artisans shape exclusive veneers, natural stone, and carefully selected woods—from hand-brushed veneer to swamp oak and smoked oak—finished with matte, water-based varnishes. The work embraces wabisabi: a respect for lived-in character, subtle variations, and the quiet beauty of aging materials. Clean, minimalist lines echo Japanese influences while highlighting the organic qualities of the materials themselves.
Lagae’s professional path began in luxury interior design across Belgium, France, and the Netherlands. Her breakthrough came in 2016 with the Labyrinth Bookshelf, winner of the prestigious Object Prize at the Belgian Design Biennial—a turning point in her career. By 2023, she launched KĀNA Objects, her first complete collection and the culmination of years of intuitive design. The response was immediate; her timeless pieces soon found homes from Brussels to New York, and from Antwerp to Los Angeles.
KĀNA creates furniture with soul—objects meant to be lived with, cherished, and passed down through generations. Though minimalist in form, they honor the authenticity and warmth of natural materials. Each piece carries a sense of poetry, belonging, and quiet strength.
The images in this publication were taken in the new KĀNA Objects space near Mechelen, just 15 minutes from Brussels Airport and easily accessible for international clients visiting in a single day. The showroom reflects the essence of Lagae’s world. Visits are available by appointment.”
