Co-founded by architects Henri Van den Broeke and Julie Thiers, Belgian design studio Atelier 10.8 was formed on a pared-back approach to design. Their portfolio is marked by craftsmanship, simplicity and subtle grandeur; the defining elements of Belgian design. Henri applied the same principles to his own home in Ghent, where he lives with his fiance, blending both contemporary and classic elements to craft a series of warm and inviting spaces. 

Henri’s apartment is located on the 7th floor of a 1961 building at the edge of Ghent’s Koning Albertpark, known locally as Zuidpark. The basis of the design is “classical with a twist”; Henri has sought to preserve the apartment’s classical origins while injecting a strong contemporary feel. The material palette played a large part in this, with Henri stating that they chose materials that would bring colour and life to the interiors without being overpowering. 

The kitchen is a primary example of this; in the space, Henri has opted for terracotta small-format floor tiles, Rouge Belgian marble countertops and rich timber cabinetry, conjuring a warm, farmhouse-like aesthetic. Notable furniture and lighting brands feature throughout the apartment, including Cassina, Edra, Herman Miller, Flos and Nemo, with some vintage pieces on display. The essence of quality design also surfaces through the built-in, custom-made elements in Henri’s home. Various ceramics, art and objects then impart a lived-in feel to the spaces, making them appear full but not cluttered.