Expertises
Matériaux
- Handle-free doors with a push-to-lock mechanism
- Matt white melamine
- Natural oak veneer with a matt finish
Buying a flat is always a big event. As this is an older property near Brussels (dating from the 1930s and 1940s), it is common to find a kitchen from a bygone era, some rather unfortunate decorative features, or furniture that does not suit the buyer’s taste. Our client wanted to give this home a fresh new look, not through a complete renovation but by replacing the kitchen and creating a piece of furniture for the living room.
Current situation
The aim is not to undertake a major refurbishment, but rather to carry out targeted work to adapt the space to new uses whilst respecting its existing character. The main room has some lovely features: original wooden flooring, exposed beams, high ceilings and plenty of natural light. A bespoke bookcase is already in place but does not match the style our client is looking for. The kitchen has a certain… distinct charm, but it is clearly a relic of a bygone era. You can tell it was built to last, using sturdy materials. The prevalence of wood makes the room feel heavy, and its layout is outdated. The ceiling beams have been painted white: a touch of class or a lapse in taste? 😉
“When I bought this little flat just outside Brussels, I wanted to turn it into a place to relax and enjoy the city, which isn’t far away. It was in fairly good condition overall, so a complete renovation wasn’t necessary. I also wanted to be able to work there, at a desk that suited me, to display my books and favourite bits and bobs, and to have a proper kitchen – modern and well-equipped.”
Let’s start with the living room
Although the old library offered ample storage space, its traditional design, bulky proportions and lack of flexibility no longer met current needs or the client’s tastes. It visually dominated the space without really organising the room’s layout, and did not allow for the inclusion of a truly comfortable workspace.
The project proposed by BeHome Interiors Brussels therefore focused on designing a new bespoke piece of furniture, serving as both a bookcase and a desk, conceived as a central, contemporary feature. The idea was to retain the existing footprint and layout along the wall, whilst introducing greater visual lightness, functionality and aesthetic coherence.
Niches of varying sizes
Whilst the new bookcase has a very distinctive rectangular shape, it is characterised by recesses of irregular sizes, which create a sense of rhythm and invite you to experiment with the arrangement of books and objects. The predominant white colour of the bespoke unit complements the aim for modernism.
Wooden shelf
At just the right height, a wooden shelf emphasises the division between the bookcase and the lower cupboards. It extends naturally to form a built-in desk. A proper workspace – unobtrusive yet comfortable – ideally positioned near the window to make the most of the natural light.
A discreet, well-integrated desk
As one might expect, the desk is extended with the same worktop, which is narrower so as to take up just the right amount of space and brush against the beam. Set upon a matt white single-door low cabinet, it adds an extra touch of warmth, complementing the wooden floor.
Next comes the kitchen
The kitchen has a certain charm, but it needs a complete overhaul to make it feel more airy and functional. Its U-shaped layout means it isn’t making the most of the available space. BeHome Interiors is completely redesigning the kitchen from scratch, even if it means having to ‘work around’ a sloping beam that’s getting in the way of the layout! 😉
One kitchen makes way for another
Our team takes care of dismantling and clearing away the old kitchen that has had its day. Demolition can always hold surprises, or even setbacks. We’re fitting a steel brace to support the beam, which has been weakened by age. A complete repaint, new parquet flooring and electrical work are giving this room a whole new lease of life!
Modern, bespoke fitted kitchen
The term ‘bespoke’ is certainly apt for this project. Notice how the sloping beam runs across the ceramic worktop. This meticulous work was carried out in two stages: measurements were taken on site after the kitchen units had been fitted. The worktop was then crafted to the nearest millimetre, with a precise cut-out to follow the shape of the beam.
A stylish kitchen
The black and white colour scheme of the new kitchen lends it a sense of simplicity, allowing the real wood of the beams – now visible once more – to take centre stage. The U-shaped layout has been retained but clearly optimised to allow plenty of space to move around easily. Thanks to the kitchen’s reconfiguration, a window now lets in natural light that is so much more pleasant.
A detailed look at the renovation of an old flat near Brussels
Flat refurbishment with or without building work in Brussels
Renovating the interior of an older flat can involve either extensive work or a focused approach to specific elements. BeHome Interiors can fulfil all your requirements by offering projects that draw on a full range of expertise, acting as your sole point of contact.
Contact BeHome Interiors in Brussels to start planning your project with complete peace of mind.
