HENK Visits with Julie Verheyen
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Antwerp, Julie has created a unique place in an apartment she fully renovated herself; As a passionate architecture student, her love for design shines through in every corner. Upon entering, her house exudes a sense of tranquillity, thanks to the neutral colour palette and minimalist yet warm and classic decor choices. But Julie's interests extend beyond design; Julie has a love for fashion and travel, and enjoys sharing this with her online community.
You're studying architecture; how would you describe your interior style, and where do you draw your inspiration from?
I'd describe my interior style as timeless. I prefer not to follow fleeting trends; instead, my aesthetic is a blend of classic, retro, and contemporary elements. For me, designing an interior is like nurturing a living thing; I enjoy experiencing the space before making deliberate decisions. It's a process guided by intuition and emotion.
One of my biggest inspirations for my apartment was my best friend's mother's house. Its warmth is unparalleled; it's astonishing how everything there harmonises, feels cosy, and yet represents a fusion of various cultures and styles. Whether in my studies or as a content creator, I'm constantly surrounded by creative minds from all fields. I draw inspiration from architecture, interior design, and fashion alike.
How was the renovation of your apartment for you?
The renovation went surprisingly smoothly, well, as smoothly as renovations can go (wink). It's always exciting and rewarding to see your ideas come to life during the design process. During this phase, we focused on renovating the living and dining areas, which meant things progressed relatively quickly. However, there's always a lot to consider; I always forget just how many decisions need to be made and how many questions arise each day. Thankfully, the renovation was completed just before the holidays, which was a wonderful relief. It immediately gave me the opportunity to share the space with all the people I hold dear.
What's important to you when purchasing a new piece of furniture?
Certainly, aesthetics matter, but functionality takes precedence for me. I want to truly experience the furniture piece. A couch should be spacious, cosy, and comfortable. A table should bring people together, offering ample space for companionship. I have a deep affection for vintage furniture. In my apartment, you'll find more vintage pieces than new ones; they often possess more personality, a story, or simply exude cosiness. However, that doesn't mean I never fall in love with something new. My Studio HENK table is a perfect example! It's timeless and elegant. Moreover, I adore interiors that feel lived-in. Furniture should exude charm, materials should intrigue, and the overall ambiance should be inviting.
What's your favourite spot in the house and why?
Though it might sound somewhat cliché, my dining and living area is truly my favourite spot. It's a versatile space where work and dining blend seamlessly, and the natural light is simply stunning. The space faces south, ensuring sunlight throughout the day. During my initial visit to the apartment, I spent the first 20 minutes in the living area, without exploring the rest of the place. The realtor had to coax me into seeing the other rooms with a smile. The original bookcase and the view were responsible for my 'coup de foudre' - falling in love with the space. This area holds some of the most cherished memories, filled with moments shared with friends and family. I enjoy playing hostess, and this is where I bring people together.
Why did you choose the Column dining table from Studio HENK, and what appeals to you about this design?
As I mentioned earlier, I'm always on the lookout for a balance between the old and the new. The design of the Column dining table is timeless, yet it also exudes a powerful presence. I opted for an oak smoked stained finish because I'm often drawn to dark wood. Despite its minimalist design, the table doesn't overpower the space, yet it still commands attention. Finding a 3-metre dining table that harmonises perfectly with the room is no easy feat, but this table emits a warm and inviting atmosphere.
You're studying architecture; how would you describe your interior style, and where do you draw your inspiration from?
I'd describe my interior style as timeless. I prefer not to follow fleeting trends; instead, my aesthetic is a blend of classic, retro, and contemporary elements. For me, designing an interior is like nurturing a living thing; I enjoy experiencing the space before making deliberate decisions. It's a process guided by intuition and emotion.
One of my biggest inspirations for my apartment was my best friend's mother's house. Its warmth is unparalleled; it's astonishing how everything there harmonises, feels cosy, and yet represents a fusion of various cultures and styles. Whether in my studies or as a content creator, I'm constantly surrounded by creative minds from all fields. I draw inspiration from architecture, interior design, and fashion alike.
How was the renovation of your apartment for you?
The renovation went surprisingly smoothly, well, as smoothly as renovations can go (wink). It's always exciting and rewarding to see your ideas come to life during the design process. During this phase, we focused on renovating the living and dining areas, which meant things progressed relatively quickly. However, there's always a lot to consider; I always forget just how many decisions need to be made and how many questions arise each day. Thankfully, the renovation was completed just before the holidays, which was a wonderful relief. It immediately gave me the opportunity to share the space with all the people I hold dear.
What's important to you when purchasing a new piece of furniture?
Certainly, aesthetics matter, but functionality takes precedence for me. I want to truly experience the furniture piece. A couch should be spacious, cosy, and comfortable. A table should bring people together, offering ample space for companionship. I have a deep affection for vintage furniture. In my apartment, you'll find more vintage pieces than new ones; they often possess more personality, a story, or simply exude cosiness. However, that doesn't mean I never fall in love with something new. My Studio HENK table is a perfect example! It's timeless and elegant. Moreover, I adore interiors that feel lived-in. Furniture should exude charm, materials should intrigue, and the overall ambiance should be inviting.
What's your favourite spot in the house and why?
Though it might sound somewhat cliché, my dining and living area is truly my favourite spot. It's a versatile space where work and dining blend seamlessly, and the natural light is simply stunning. The space faces south, ensuring sunlight throughout the day. During my initial visit to the apartment, I spent the first 20 minutes in the living area, without exploring the rest of the place. The realtor had to coax me into seeing the other rooms with a smile. The original bookcase and the view were responsible for my 'coup de foudre' - falling in love with the space. This area holds some of the most cherished memories, filled with moments shared with friends and family. I enjoy playing hostess, and this is where I bring people together.
Why did you choose the Column dining table from Studio HENK, and what appeals to you about this design?
As I mentioned earlier, I'm always on the lookout for a balance between the old and the new. The design of the Column dining table is timeless, yet it also exudes a powerful presence. I opted for an oak smoked stained finish because I'm often drawn to dark wood. Despite its minimalist design, the table doesn't overpower the space, yet it still commands attention. Finding a 3-metre dining table that harmonises perfectly with the room is no easy feat, but this table emits a warm and inviting atmosphere.
