Originally intended as a holiday home, the seaside apartment has evolved into a dynamic show space filled with curated works.
When business and life partners Albane Paret and Micha Pycke bought a seaside apartment in Ostend, a town rich in Paret’s personal history, they set off on a transformative adventure.
Initially meant to serve as a vacation residence, the seaside apartment quickly transformed into a vibrant showcase for modern design.
Brimming with creations from friends and associates, encompassing items embodied by their design collective, Club Paradis.
The couple’s goal, the refurbishment process, and the carefully chosen collection that currently characterizes the space are all covered in detail in this piece.
From Holiday Home to Design Show Space
The initial goal of Paret and Pycke’s journey was to establish a vacation resort.
Nevertheless, a more ambitious initiative was quickly inspired by their profound admiration of art and craftsmanship.
“We have always been drawn to beautiful things, craftsmanship, and art, but it wasn’t until we bought the flat last summer that an idea grew to do something more than just decorating and renting it out,” Paret told Dezeen.
They envisioned an inspiring space where items and artwork could be displayed to their greatest advantage by collaborating with their network of designers and artists.
Embracing Ostend’s Historical Charm
Being Paret’s childhood home, Ostend, which is situated between Bruges and the French border, has a particular place in her heart.
The seaside apartment boasts a huge bay window, herringbone parquet flooring, ornate crown mouldings, and a marble fireplace, among other historical touches that add to its rich character.
These historical components offered the ideal setting for the modern pieces they intended to present.
A Thoughtful Renovation
The couple decided to make improvements to the seaside apartment while keeping its historic charm, so they started a thorough renovation.
The kitchen, dining area, and living room are now all part of a large open-plan concept that was made possible by the restoration of formerly divided spaces.
The functional and aesthetic qualities of the flat were improved by this makeover, which also gave the couple’s carefully chosen collection a flexible canvas.
Showcasing Contemporary Design
The focal point of the makeover to this seaside apartment is an Atelier Ternier custom-designed kitchen with an undulating wall unit of lacquered sapele mahogany and an expertly made island of brushed stainless steel.
This remarkable mix of materials and textures perfectly captures the modern and historic elements of the residence.
The living space includes spectacular carpets by textile artist Christoph Hefti and unique furniture like the Wire C#1 wall cabinet and the Pillow Sofa by Muller Van Severen.
The distinctive look of the seaside apartment is enhanced by these carefully chosen objects that stand out for their craftsmanship and design.
A Living, Evolving Space
The seaside apartment is seen by Paret and Pycke as a dynamic, ever-evolving project.
“It’s not a gallery, nor a showroom or a shop, but a curated space where the works and objects are put to everyday use, away from the sacredness of the museum and the white cube,” Paret said.
They intend to change the area frequently, changing out the artwork and furniture to make place for new additions.
By using this strategy, the apartment is maintained lively and reflects their continued interest in modern design.
A Personal Touch
The couple’s intimate relationship with the designers and furnishings in the residence gives it a special quality. “It’s a very personal project,” Paret declared.
“We chose objects and furniture from artists, designers, craftspeople, and galleries that we know, which is why a lot of pieces are from Belgian designers.”
The collection is an authentic representation of their preferences and connections within the design world because every decision was motivated by an emotion or attraction to a certain item or creator.
International Influences
International items are included in the collection, however Belgian designers and studios make up the majority of the pieces.
A silk blanket that has been quilted by the Georgian design team Rooms Studio, for instance, is displayed as an artwork that incorporates elements of worldwide culture.
The collection is further diversified with textiles and accessories from Danish labels Hay and Tekla, which highlights the couple’s appreciation of design even outside of their personal circles.
Living and Sharing the Space
The seaside apartment is meant to serve as a communal area as well as a place for solitude.
With a double bed in the main room and bunk beds in the second bedroom, it can accommodate five people in two bedrooms.
Depending on when it is reserved, Paret and Pycke intend to use the space all year round.
Because of its dual purpose, the seaside apartment may continue to be both a useful place to live and an inspiring focal point.
Books and publications from their own collection are displayed on tastefully designed shelves throughout the house, adding to its cozy atmosphere.
Paret went on, “If we come for a weekend, it has to be well thought out for us too,” highlighting how crucial comfort and usefulness are in their layout.
The lively exhibition room that Albane Paret and Micha Pycke created in their seaside apartment skillfully combines modern style with old world charm.
They have created a dynamic and ever-evolving place that can be used as a personal retreat or as an inspiration for others, thanks to careful renovations and a well chosen collection of art and design pieces.
Their narrative demonstrates the ability of design to change environments and the significance of interpersonal relationships in producing interiors that have purpose.
Discover the magic of blending historical charm with contemporary design in this stunning seaside apartment
Get inspired by the innovative transformation and unique pieces showcased in this evolving design-led home to make your onw renovation.
