- Interior
For a Belgian family with a great love of the sea, Pieter Vanrenterghem designed this comfortable holiday home, which is in direct dialogue with its surroundings. Timelessness is a first characteristic of his style, minimalism a second. These characteristics also characterise this residence, where you experience a real sense of home.
With his subtle, austere interiors, interior architect Pieter Vanrenterghem from Passchendaele in West Flanders has made his mark on the Belgian design landscape in recent years. Contemporary minimalism with a touch of warmth is the best way to describe his aesthetic. He offers a highly qualitative approach that results in varied projects, ranging from renovations to new construction assignments. Thanks to an elaborate creative vision, over the years he managed to develop a style that is very recognisable and of which many are big fans. His designs are invariably characterised by a form of tranquillity and serenity combined with clean, simple lines and an eye for detail. The spaces he designs exude a sense of openness and understated luxury. 
The austere authenticity and purity found in many of Vanrenterghem's projects were exactly why the owners of Residence M approached him with this commission. The house, located on a sandy slope overlooking the dunes of the Belgian coast, was preceded by a process of about three years. An important element to take into account: the owners intended to convert the holiday home into a permanent residence once they were a bit older. This was a task he was happy to dedicate himself to, as he soon realised that the residence offered every opportunity, both architecturally and aesthetically, to achieve a special result there.
The neutral spaces provide a strong connection to the environment
Anyone entering this home immediately feels like they are on holiday. This has everything to do with the environment brought inside as much as possible and the simplicity in the design. With three children, a dog and a coastal location, it was especially important that every area of the house felt comfortable and easy to maintain. So Vanrenterghem's eternal search for the perfect combination of durable, authentic materials continued in this residence. He opted for a certain roughness in the materials, as they reflect the surroundings. To blur the boundaries between inside and outside as much as possible, the materials chosen included sandblasted Venetian stone, oak parquet floors and metal doors. The sleek concrete staircase and the brick walls, treated with lime, are therefore two of their favourite elements in the home. 
In every home where the interior designer applies his magic touch, he opts for neutral spaces that create a strong connection with the surroundings. Light grey tones are interspersed with white tones and wood accents for a warm, cosy atmosphere. By adding the owners' own furniture, the house really became their own place. A very personal element, for example, is the surfboard in the entrance hall, which the owner has owned for 30 years. In addition, we find some much-loved midcentury pieces that were selected at Italian Cassina. Pierre Jeanneret's Capitol Complex chair at the desk and Charlotte Perriand's Tabouret Berger and Méribel stools in the living room bring authenticity and a special creativity to the interior.
Photography by Cafeine