An approach that leads to better results
There is no golden handbook for designing a home. The traditional approach, in which the inspiration comes from the architect is, of course, the most common. But it’s not always a guarantee of success. After all, there are certain factors that are beyond your control. This especially successful project is an example of how an alternative concept can be effective. This is because the owner first consulted an interior designer, whose design was then technically implemented by an architect. It was vitally important to the client that the interior was to be considered as their starting point. Although they had a preference for a rural style outdoors, they preferred a timeless style with warm materials for the interior. So, no rustic excess. Their previous home was modern and very sleek, and over time they felt their interior lacked warmth. This time around, they wanted to avoid that at all costs. Stijn De Neve: ‘I had completed a similar project for friends of theirs, which they liked a lot, and that’s how they came to be introduced to me. I am often involved from the start, which includes the design stage. I made a drawing of their house, using the interior as the blueprint. And more specifically, basing it on their wishes for the interior. The style aims to provide a quiet, no-frills base that leaves room for accents, such as works of art. It’s true that this is a different approach, but one that, in my opinion, leads to better final results. And this way you’ll never be confronted by unexpected surprises. From the very start, this method makes it possible to take into account the designated area for terraces, interesting views and an efficient and user-friendly organisation of the programme. It allows for a coherent result to be achieved. Naturally, this must be accompanied by a beautiful view, but aesthetics do not take priority over the practical aspects of a home, in my vision. It all generally flows from that.’
Stijn De Neve: ‘It is important to me that the narrative in a design is consistent, both in the interior and in the style of the home. I want to follow its history. At the time, it was customary to extend rural homes with a barn or garage. I want to preserve that authenticity, even though the function of each space had been defined in advance, and everything was built at the same time. You could say that the central building of the house, with its living room, dining room, garages and upstairs sleeping area are original, and the rest, as happens historically, has grown organically. In this case, the kitchen beneath the flat roof, the breakfast room and TV room with its vaulted ceiling, and finally, the covered outdoor terrace. The use of reclaimed materials contributes to the perception of an authentic house.
Determining the choice of materials and adding further details are essential to my design
The house is located at the very rear of the plot, to highlight the imposing south-west facing front garden. A beautiful lawn, swimming pond and a balance between a formal and a natural-looking garden.
A large pane of glass in the door between the entrance hall and the dining area, the slim window profiles in the kitchen and breakfast room overlooking the garden, and also a small window to the side that offers a glimpse of the living room behind. Beyond the wrought iron door, you enter the central part of the house with, to the right the dining area, and behind it the living room. The hub of the house is the sleek yet distinctive kitchen, the breakfast room and TV room, with to the left an office adjoining one of the terraces, and the vegetable garden behind it. Once inside the central space, it’s hard at first to know what to look at, as there’s so much to see. Combinations of natural stone, marble, wood and ironwork make up a harmonious atmosphere and provide a timeless and warm character. Stijn De Neve: ‘Deciding on the choice of materials and adding details are essential to my design, which is why I make sure I work on that part. Of course, this is done in consultation with the client. However, details such as the width of the floor boards, where to place the arches, the floor bond patterns, and even the colour of the materials, are all on the plan and have been decided by me. It’s satisfying when the customer trusts you with issues about which they initially had their doubts, but afterwards is glad that they followed my advice on such ideas as the marble kitchen worktop. Of course, I always have the bigger picture in mind, and ensure that no concept errors creep into the plan.’ The brown marble worktop in the kitchen, both on the island and around the elegant stove, has been treated to give an authentic appearance, and to avoid it being perceived as cold. The retro radiator next to the kitchen island was given a dark patina and painted, so that it blends in perfectly. The Corten steel designer clock with its illuminated letters attracts attention, as does the wooden panel in front of the television in the living room. This is made to measure from old wooden cheese boards. If you look closely, you can still see the imprints of the cheeses that have ripened on the boards. To the side, there is a beautifully integrated second gas fireplace. With partially-visible custom cast-iron ventilation grilles which have been very attractively plastered. The plasterwork also stands out in other areas of the house because of its high-quality, fine finish. Especially where rounded profiles were specified, rather than straight. Yet another nod to the past. The fine details are also repeated in the kitchen windows, the frames of which are cleverly concealed to give maximum light, just as the beautiful niche in the wall beyond the windows provides the necessary space for the curtain rod. Downstairs, there are no visible skirting boards anywhere, allowing the warm, natural stone and wooden floors to be brought to the fore. Moreover, this creates a calm and monastic atmosphere. This is also achieved by omitting all unnecessary details, such as door frames.
The combination of materials is interesting
The authentic fittings, supplied by Dauby, complement the style of the house. Stephanie van Mechelen: ‘We have chosen products from different collections, all of which blend with the timeless style of the home, and which actually accentuate its style. Much of the hardware on the windows and interior doors are from our own PURE collection; a collection that is hand crafted, making each piece unique. You notice that a lot of thought has gone into how our products can draw attention to the timeless character of this house. Choice of materials, shape, colour, everything fits in with this narrative. Take, for example, the cabinet handles in rough bronze near the poplar wood cupboard in the entrance hall. This piece fits in perfectly, and shows that you don’t have to commit to one type of material. Another attractive item are the handles of the fitted cupboard downstairs. These were partly milled so that only an edge is visible, giving a special effect. As is also the case in the bathroom, where you will find the cabinet handles from our GIARA collection, which heralded the start of Dauby’s retro line in 2000. In addition, the towel holders in the wall are from the PURE PLUS collection, an innovative line. These can be made to measure and match all styles. Outside, the front door was fitted with a handle from the rather rustic Créations du Fer collection. It comes more into its own here, as it better reflects the rural appearance of the house. This project proves that you don’t have to stick to only one collection, but that you can combine different collections and that Dauby is at home in all styles. This makes it useful to have an interior architect who is able to strike the perfect balance, as is the case here.
Photography : Nick Cannaerts in collaboration with Stijn De Neve with Home Sweet Home.
