A newly-built home in the historic Belgian town of Torhout draws materially-rich design cues from its surroundings.
While her approach could be described as minimalist, Belgian designer Laura Calleeuw reveals her signature style through expressive natural materials and texture. Case in point: this two-storey residence, located in one of Flanders’ oldest towns. The home is characterised by a sense of fluidity and connection, where each space is shaped by organic curves and a warm material palette.
The black range cooker is a focal point in the kitchen.
Living History
A city to the west of Ghent, Torhout is surrounded by castles and churches dating back to the 11th century. The historic buildings influence the structural elements within the home, such as the arched doorways, and the materials, such as the stone flooring underfoot and organic plaster and limewash paint throughout.
A curved stairwell brings the home’s shared and private spaces together, anchored by iron railings reminiscent of handcrafted ironwork in Gothic structures. At the same time, Laura has taken advantage of Torhout’s lush forests and greenery to create picturesque views from the second-level bedrooms and bathrooms.
A Seamless Connection
Custom-designed worktops and joinery establish a timeless symmetry in the kitchen. A striking black classic cooker is the focal point and relays the home’s rural context.
Through an arched doorway, the living room’s high ceilings accentuate the rustic brick fireplace and lined chimney. Small framed windows connect each space in unexpected locations, such as between the living room and bedroom.
Through an arched doorway, the living room’s high ceilings accentuate the rustic brick fireplace and lined chimney.
Seeking Comfort
Laura uses texture to create a sense of character in the home. Natural oak timber in the main spaces is brushed, while old timber beams have been introduced. Upstairs, the smaller spaces are painted in warmer tones, to evoke comfort and seclusion. The use of wall fixtures and steel-framed glass doors maximises light and space.
From the ground up, Laura Calleeuw has leveraged the home’s context to create a minimalist sanctuary with subtle surprises at every turn.
Steel-frame glass doors bring light and connection to the more compact spaces of the home.
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