Cube Office for Boutique Law Firm by Arjaan de Feyter

It was a straightforward brief given to Arjaan de Feyter – “Make our law firm look just like your studio”. Belgian interior architect had also recently completed an apartment inside The Cubes, in the Kanaal complex. The site occupies a newly developed malt factory, near Antwerp, Belgium, where Deknudt Nelis law firm chose as the location for their third office.

The law firm, with offices in Brussels and Courtrai, wanted their new 140-square-metre space to exude “authenticity and honesty.” De Feyter looked for materials that radiated warmth, confidence and unity but also decisiveness and professionalism. He quickly came up with the idea of pure and honest materials such as timber, stone and steel.

It is perhaps this simple combination of authentic materials that makes the fit-out so striking. Dark walnut features extensively, a rich timber which feels safe and secure. Teamed with the contemporary application of the fine black steel framing, the space imbues modern elegance but also the gravitas befitting a law firm.

The pared back, minimalist interior, with its simple colour palette of whitewashed surfaces, contrasts against the dark oak veneers in the kitchen joinery. Slabs of dark green marble with prominent white veins are used for the bench tops and splashback. The same marble has also been used to line the back of a full-height display unit in the boardroom, where a tiered polished brass pendant light, teamed with dark mint-green curtains that spectacularly drape down double height windows, creates a luxurious atmosphere.

There is a definite feeling of solidity and wealth expressed in this interior. A touch of the English banking system is reflected in the walnut desks in the senior lawyer offices. The fit-out, with its acres of glass panelling, helps keep the space feeling light irrespective of the darker finishes.

Now, of course, we all want to see de Feyter’s studio… And if you’re so inclined, you can do that here.