An Architect’s House with a 360° View of the Flemish Countryside
In the heart of the Flemish countryside, interior designer Julie Thiers imagined her 550 m² house, bathed in light, open to the landscape, and designed as a natural extension of her creative universe.
Founder of the Belgian label Illus, which develops mirrors, accessories, and architectural hardware handcrafted in Belgium, Julie has turned her own home into a true living canvas. A place for experimentation where architecture, design, art, and timeless materials meet.
Designed in collaboration with architect Pascal Bilquin, the house was planned around the family’s daily life and habits.
Flow and circulation were central to the design: few corridors, open perspectives, and a natural fluidity between spaces. The kitchen and living room are not separated by any door, although their atmospheres are distinct. The proportions were meticulously balanced to create an immediate sense of serenity.
From the very first plans, each room was oriented to capture views of the garden and surrounding nature. The property offers an almost panoramic 360° view, with each space framing a different angle of the landscape.
Avoiding the “New Build” Look
Julie wanted to avoid the smooth, impersonal aesthetic of a new house. Her choice: original materials, not dictated by trends, but designed to stand the test of time.
In the kitchen, the Brecchia natural stone floor, with brown and orange hues, structures the atmosphere of the room. White wall tiles were historically used in kitchens located in castle basements, but also in the basements of elegant canal-side houses in Amsterdam.
In the bathroom, everything started with the floor: a natural red stone with a bold pattern, selected from Dominique Desimpel. Around this daring choice, Calacatta marble is used for the countertops, and pale pink tiles for the shower.
Outside, the brick façade paired with wooden frames is inspired by Danish architecture discovered during a trip to Copenhagen. An aesthetic that blends perfectly into the Belgian landscape and ages beautifully.
Art, Furniture, and Iconic Pieces
The house hosts a collection of vintage furniture and iconic pieces acquired over the years.
In the kitchen, Nakashima table and chairs were acquired at auction. The dining room is centered around a table by Brazilian designer Sergio Rodrigues, paired with chairs by a Dutch designer. The living room features an organic sofa by Pierre Augustin Rose. In the bedroom, a coffee table interacts with a work by Martin Lo.
Julie selects artworks intuitively, often guided by a minimalist sensibility, though some more expressive pieces punctuate the ensemble. Each acquisition is designed to become an integral part of the interior architecture.
About Illus
Illus is a Belgian design label that develops a range of mirrors, interior accessories, and architectural hardware. Each piece is handmade in Belgium, following a sustainable approach—from material selection to reusable linen packaging. This year, the brand is also unveiling a new nickel collection. Clients already include The Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp, Misera, and Mas en Scène.
More info here.
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