- Interior
In the world of interior architecture and design, Hélène Van Marcke already knew her name by realising numerous projects. Her journey began in 2009, a year that sealed her fate with a cum laude graduation from the International College of Art & Design in Brussels. This was the starting point of an impressive career marked by creativity, passion and an insatiable hunger for beauty.
A celebration of history, heritage and personal connections What sets Hélène Van Marcke and her team apart is their approach to each project with an open vision.They are guided by the historical context, the architectural structure, the client's personality and the geographical location. This holistic approach results in designs that are both functionally and aesthetically harmonious. Her aim is to create warm and timeless design, striving for a balanced contrast between light and shadow, optimisation of perspectives inside and outside the architecture, and the use of pure and generous materials. She recently unveiled her most recent project, Villa les Hippocampes. Although considered a smaller project, it shows a profound commitment, as preservation of history and a family that grew up in it were central. Inspiration was drawn from the existing surroundings and the residents themselves. The house exudes joy, playfulness and a sunny "solaire" atmosphere, as the French would put it. The interior architect sought a timeless and contemporary look, rooted in the atmosphere of the 1960s and the French Riviera - colourful, joyful, Mediterranean, summery and infused with the influences of celebrities such as Gio Ponti, Scarpa, and Brigitte Bardot. 
Interior design specifications include striking vintage pieces, such as a lamp and an armchair that bring back the warm and cheerful atmosphere of the 1960s. But the gem of this project is undoubtedly the bathroom, drenched in soft pink tones that ensure calm after a long day and a calm start to the morning.Hélène Van Marcke's commitment to her clients proves crucial, where the aim is to connect not only visually, but also emotionally.The design process begins even before the designer makes her creative mark. For example, the owner of Villa les Hippocampes is a lively, humorous personality who wanted to revive the 'je ne sais quoi' of the Côte d'Azur's golden age.
A celebration of history, heritage and personal connections
The extensive vintage collection of furniture from the original owners' time formed a common thread for the design. Elements such as the stone and plaster fireplace, the terracotta floor and the Cubex kitchen add an undeniable charm to the whole.A particularly emotional aspect is the kitchen, where the cabinet doors are recycled Cultix fronts, once developed by Hélène's grandfather, a man she never knew.This reinterpretation with custom cabinets and a fresh colour palette serves as a beautiful tribute to a colourful and inspiring man.
Hélène Van Marcke and her team want to convey a message with Villa les Hippocampes. The project is not just stunning design; it is a celebration of history, heritage and personal connections. 
Want to read more about this impressive talent? You can read about it in the Spring 2024 edition of Imagicasa Magazine.
Photography by Cafeine
Text by Elke Aerts