brussels apartement

1000 Brussels, BE

The apartment is part of a distinctive Art Deco building, where the communal entrance hall retains its original character, including a green terrazzo floor and a red marble staircase. These elements became an important reference for the renovation. Rather than directly replicating historical features, the design reinterprets this architectural language through contemporary means.

Material choices play a key role in bridging past and present. The original herringbone parquet could not be preserved, leading to the introduction of a more refined oak flooring. This is combined with smoked larch, creating a warm, golden-brown palette that balances vintage references with a modern expression. By fully integrating appliances into custom cabinetry, a continuous wall in smoked larch was created, enhancing both spatial clarity and material consistency.

Subtle architectural details further reinforce the Art Deco influence. The use of higher skirting boards and the restoration of existing mouldings reintroduce a sense of proportion and elegance within the apartment. Original doors were either restored or refinished with the same veneer as the kitchen cabinetry, ensuring visual continuity throughout.

The kitchen and bathroom are defined by a softened natural stone, Verde Oasis, used for the worktops. This is paired with a dark red MyBronz finish, subtly referencing the tones of the marble staircase in the building’s entrance. These layered material connections establish a dialogue between the apartment and its architectural context.

Custom-made elements were carefully integrated to maximize the functionality of the compact space. A small dining area is incorporated into the joinery, while the living area accommodates a generous sofa, allowing the apartment to feel complete despite its size. The introduction of a separate bedroom, connected to an ensuite bathroom, transforms the spatial experience entirely, moving away from the original studio configuration towards a fully articulated apartment.

Attention was also given to the technical and energetic performance of the renovation, ensuring the apartment meets contemporary standards and can be rented in a future-proof manner. Details such as the use of Iris by Modelec switches introduce a subtle retro touch, reinforcing the overall design language.

The result is a carefully composed interior where historical references and contemporary interventions coexist. A compact apartment that fully embraces its context, offering a refined, functional and timeless living environment in the heart of Brussels.

Situated along Rue de Waterloo in Brussels, in a highly sought-after urban setting opposite the Natan store, this apartment was acquired by a young couple as an investment property. While professionally active in Brussels, the clients live in West Flanders and sought to create a refined and comfortable apartment that would stand out within the rental market.

With a surface of 45 square meters, the apartment presented both limitations and opportunities. Its location and private terrace offered strong potential, yet the existing layout ,conceived as a studio, lacked spatial definition. The sleeping area was fully integrated into the living space, resulting in a fragmented and less functional interior.

Given full creative freedom, the project began with a complete rethinking of the floor plan. Within the constraints of the existing structure, a new layout was developed, transforming the studio into a one-bedroom apartment. This intervention introduced a clear hierarchy between living and private spaces, significantly improving both comfort and usability.