- Interior
High expectations are there to be fulfilled. The team at Balo is a crack at that, and their portfolio brimming with successful commissions does not lie. Wherever you give them a space, they deliver a truly felt experience. Giving a duplex apartment in Antwerp, Belgium a completely personalised interior is therefore a project they tackled with enthusiasm, discipline, and expertise. It is with great admiration that we show you around the expressive result.
Many have distinct tastes in design and decoration, but few manage to combine different elements in an appropriate and inspiring way. Thanks to an exceptional range that includes both national and international luxury brands, Balo fulfils everyone's desire for an exclusive home. From larger to smaller pieces of furniture, textiles, objects and even fragrances, they have access to the best selections for every part of an interior. Today, they also have boutiques in Mol and Hasselt, where their approach is tangible and you are fully introduced to the cream of the crop within the industry. In addition, every Balo concept should become a reflection of the client's individuality. Most of their audience mainly needs to come home to a place where work-related stress and obligations are put aside for a while. Since there is often already an abundance of stimuli in daily life, they want to counterbalance just that and pay particular attention to the importance of re-energising. This time, they made that intention concrete in the shadow of the MAS. The aim was to renovate an existing duplex and transform it into a rare address through its interior. To this end, the splashy location already proved a good starting point. That is to say, the view of the Willemdok forms a central anchor in the experience of the residence. Another basic idea was to set a high standard for the floor plan. By optimising the layout, the idea of physical and mental space could be maximised. We had the chance to ask managing director Bart Lodewijckx a few questions about this new addition to their record. 
Where you give them a space, they deliver a sensory experience
First of all, there is much to tell about the floor plan of this property. For instance, upon arrival, you first walk through a corridor with a multifunctional wardrobe, toilet, and storage space. You then arrive in the living area, where a memorable view of the MAS and the marina welcomes you. You soon notice that this room consists of a seating area on the one hand and a dining area on the other. In the former, you see some special vintage finds, complemented by pieces from Henge's offerings, among others. On the other hand, the dining chairs made of delicate suede catch your eye. Several pieces by Belgian talent Michael Verheyden adorn the interior, as well as the marble side table that is Balo's own design. A special mention also goes to the various lighting fixtures that provide additional creative input. The mix of design works compelling and calming at the same time. 
When we say that interior design for this business is truly an experience with all the senses, these images will have no trouble convincing you of that. Visually, the whole thing is a treat for the eyes, while multiple textures, for example, are also a success on a tactile level.
Want to read more about this impressive project by Balo? You can read about it in the October 2023 edition of Imagicasa Magazine.
Photography by David Dumond
Text by Cara Jacobs