- Interior
Our partner Nils Van der Celen focuses with his eponymous studio on total interior projects and renovations, which they realise with the greatest attention to detail and quality. We would like to take you to one of his most recent projects in Bonheiden. The consistent choice of materials and design creates a serene, natural whole that feels timeless.
Interior designer Nils Van der Celen's team often first listens extensively to the client, who then gives them enough freedom to creatively fulfil their wishes. A significant part of our lives takes place in our own interiors. Therefore, a home and its design must be a lasting value that parallels the vision of its occupants. He endeavours to do this by creating realistic designs that allow the client's individuality to take centre stage. The quality and attention to detail with which each end result is achieved characterises the wide range of commissions they have handled so far. He proves this once again with this recent project. 
This single-storey family home from the 1970s received a thorough renovation led by Nils Van der Celen and his team. The interior designer's goal and the client's wish for this project in Bonheiden was to create as much openness as possible between the living space and kitchen. ’These spaces are the heart of the home where it should be possible to live to the full,’ we hear. To maximise openness, existing walls were demolished, resulting in a huge difference in space experience. The two spaces were separated by a functional central volume, shaping television and fireplace along one side, and a sink niche along the other. The latter was completely finished in a lime technique to bring more character and texture to the interior. This custom-designed gas fireplace is the central element in the living space around which people can circulate. Because the team chose to glaze it along three sides, residents can enjoy every corner of the space. 
Serenity and simplicity in function of a livable, timeless home
The kitchen was designed with a central island in oak veneer, clad with natural stone worktop, which opens onto a functional cupboard wall, also in oak veneer, with closed doors to the storage room and laundry room. Furthermore, the cupboard wall was also fitted with a breakfast/coffee niche, which can also be concealed by retractable cupboard fronts. This oak veneer was combined with a beige Sinai Pearl natural stone, which provides a welcome warmth throughout the house. Thus, the choice of natural stone was applied in every room: both the kitchen tablet, the base of the fireplace unit and the tablet on the washbasin. Harmony was the key element without a doubt. 
Finally, where the master bedroom, bathroom and cloakroom were separate rooms before the refurbishment, these three spaces were connected after the refurbishment and now act as one large private suite for the builder. This is where you can completely unwind. The bathroom consists of a large washbasin cabinet with maximum storage space, a walk-in shower and free-standing bathtub. The same materials as in the living space were used here to create one serene whole. ’A bespoke design doesn't always have to be complex or over-detailed. The focus of this design was on its serenity and simplicity, in function of creating a liveable, timeless home.’ With these beautiful words we gladly conclude. This successful project is a great addition to the interior designer's portfolio.
Photography by Katoo Peeters
Text by Elke Aerts