- Interior
At maiDesign, everything revolves around customised total projects that exude a serene, minimalist aesthetic. The force behind this unique style is founder Mai Waelkens, who completed her education in Ghent and broadened her horizons with an internship in Cape Town. The experience in South Africa gave her creative vision a valuable depth, which is reflected in her designs. With a passion for subtle details and a keen eye for harmony and quality, Mai creates spaces that exude both tranquillity and elegance. Her projects, whether renovations or new builds, place an unprecedented emphasis on consistency - from choice of materials to finishes.
We would like to take you to her recent project in Ghent, which is a perfect example of her holistic approach. The flat she transformed was originally average and without distinct character. However, the client longed for a space with soul and personality, something that would immediately give them a sense of security when they returned home. The location was already a plus: located in the heart of Ghent, easily accessible yet quiet. Mai was immediately attracted to this challenge, and it became a project that beautifully expressed her expertise in open, translucent spaces.
To create the desired harmony and spaciousness, Mai decided to merge the corridor and bedrooms in the private part of the flat. By removing some walls, an open, functional space was created where sleeping area, dressing room and bathroom come together along one long wall with large windows. This gives the apartment a light and airy feel that evokes a sense of freedom, perfectly suited to the client's dynamic lifestyle. 
The material palette for this project reflects maiDesign's refined taste and her love for natural, expressive materials.In the kitchen, for example, she chose Calacatta rigate oro natural stone, a luxurious and unique choice that combines warmth and elegance. The bathroom and guest toilet received accents of Breccia setosa, a colourful natural stone that lifts the functional aspect of the space to artistry. The wood veneer used, Amazakoue, adds another layer of natural beauty and warmth, and the harmonious fusion with the Calacatta stone shows her sense of balance and contrast in her designs. In line with her design philosophy, Mai chose a neutral colour palette with tone-on-tone accents. This calm base creates space for personal additions, such as an artwork or unique decorative elements. The choice of natural materials - from the oak floors to linen curtains - reflects her belief that softness and organic shapes combine perfectly with clean lines, creating a balanced and warm living environment.
The lighting is not just functional, but gives the room a unique aesthetic that bears its personal signature
The design concept comes to life with the addition of design classics such as Desalto's iconic Clay table and Cassina's Capitol Complex chairs. These timeless pieces of furniture enhance the character of the space, while Mai's own handmade lighting adds a special element. A large dome-shaped lamp no less than two metres in diameter, made of translucent polyester and reinforced with fibreglass, serves as a statement-piece and shows her love of craftsmanship and artistic lighting. This lighting is not just functional, but gives the room a unique aesthetic that bears her personal signature. 
Mai's inspiration for this project flowed from the space and the client herself - a harmonious interaction that enhanced the creative process. For her, inspiration is often something intangible, an instinctive process that allows her to bring any space to life without disturbing its essence. In collaboration with renowned partners such as Woodstoxx, Morel painting works, Potier, Kordekor, CEA design, Buzzi&Buzzi, K&P, and Vandekerckhove-De Smaele, the project was refined and finished down to the smallest details.
This project in the heart of Ghent shows how, with maiDesign, Mai Waelkens combines her unique, understated style with a keen eye for detail and craftsmanship. The result is a space where the client truly feels at home, surrounded by luxury, comfort and understated beauty.
Photography by Cafeine
Design by maiDesign | www.maidesign.be