A sculptural curved staircase welcomes you into the entrance hall of Edouard Vermeulen's vacation home on Belgium's Atlantic coast. The monochrome in the environment as a whole and the isolated bearing of the staircase transmit serenity. Its swirling turn and dynamism, says Nathalie Deboel, author of the interior design project, evokes the movement with which the prestigious fashion designer works with fabrics.
It is a helical staircase built with formwork concrete, covered with microcement, and beautiful travertine marble steps as an extension of the hall floor. A representative and significant element for this Belgian haute couture designer.
“The staircase is the heart of the house”, explains Nathalie Deboel to Lifestyle Magazine. The walls finished with lime, like the rest of the house, reflect natural light with nuances. “They create a very intimate atmosphere during the day and at night - she points out - she, to which she adds acoustic virtues. It is also a healthy natural finish that allows the building to breathe”.
The timeless and elegant atmosphere gives presence to the different pieces of furniture and art with which Vermeulen has chosen to live. In this project, each room offers a different story and for Deboel the elements by themselves play an important role. “From the custom-made furniture to the owner's objets d'art, they all act as fictional personalities, evoking unexpected encounters,” he notes.
With a detailed lighting study, each piece stands out and achieves an atmosphere of intimacy by choosing a contemporary design spotlight replicated in all the rooms.
The kitchen is organized around a central island with an organic profile, built with wax-treated concrete. “The kitchen –says the interior designer– has something of a library”. In a bookcase that covers an entire wall, the Vermeulen ceramic collection is exhibited.
Located in Knokke, a town on the North Sea coast, it is a current construction. Made by the architect Stephane Boens, it is based on the principles of the typical family vacation homes of the early 20th century in the area. Undoubtedly, the gabled roof with mansards, made with natural straw, and the ridge and gutter made of terracotta pieces, capture the attention. Sash windows with exploded view of squared carpentry painted white pay homage to the Atlantic tradition.
In the decoration of the interior, it has had the collaboration of Jean Philippe Demeyer, who together with Edouard Vermeulen, and in dialogue with the works of art, have chosen the upholstery and curtains. “The textiles are also a cheerful counterpoint to the minimalist and calm interior atmosphere that we have created”, adds Nathalie Deboel.
