Where beige reigns supreme, this Belgian home by Pieter Vanrenterghem is a master class in warm minimalism.

There really is something to say about the design work coming out of Belgium. Adding to this ever growing list is designer Pieter Vanrenterghem who has created a distinct design story with subtly layered, pared-back interiors. Having admired his work from afar, we’re glad to share the first of what will be many projects on est.

Project VV was undertaken for a young couple in their thirties, located on the edge of Belgian city Kortrijk. The computer specialist and beautician requested a warm, simple home “ready for the future with a design that would last long”. Pieter and his team have achieved exactly that, in a well-resolved project that makes no shortcuts on materials.

Project VV by Pieter Vanrenterghem

According to Pieter, he set out to design a home that was “strictly aligned but softened with ‘living’ materials” – ‘living’ materials that age in a beautiful way. The designer started with writing down a good program for the three-bedroom, two-bathroom abode but continued refining the design until the home was completely finished.

“There are architects that draw a house and from then on they ‘stick to the plan’,” Pieter said. “In my office we constantly look if there are possibilities to make the project better during the whole process.” In this way, Pieter saw the project as a “constant questioning process till it’s finished”.

Project VV by Pieter Vanrenterghem

Project VV by Pieter Vanrenterghem
Project VV by Pieter Vanrenterghem

“The grade of brutality in a project is often in consultation with the client. Even furniture, carpets, curtains and objects play a very big part in this play.”

– Pieter Vanrenterghem

Project VV by Pieter Vanrenterghem

Pieter describes his style as very strict. In Project VV, the use of materials offers the home a “sense of humanity” and steers it away from feeling like a showroom. Honing in on their tactility, Pieter used the brutal treated surface of travertine and brushed wood in the kitchen. Throughout the home the designer also alternated light and dark oak, keeping to an earthy palette. Softening these materials are the design objects on offer that include the Ch24 Wishbone chairs and Sofa by Flexform (available at Fanuli) and the hand knotted rug by JoV.

Pieter makes one thing very clear: they don’t design homes for a “nice portfolio”, but to make people happy. He feels lucky to be able “to serve my clients with the style I made my own,” and with this approach, Pieter has achieved beyond his client’s expectations.

Project VV by Pieter Vanrenterghem
Project VV by Pieter Vanrenterghem
Project VV by Pieter Vanrenterghem

Project VV by Pieter Vanrenterghem

The post Project VV by Pieter Vanrenterghem appeared first on Est Living Free Digital Design Magazine.

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