Every once in a while a project comes along that makes me feel a whole bunch of emotions – excitement about discovering such a special gem, happiness for being able to share a visual nugget of goodness with you guys, gratefulness to designers for their impeccable taste and almighty vision, envy for not being the one who designed the space or at least being the one who owns it… Needless to say, this is one of those very special projects which makes me feel all these emotions and then some.

Valerie Traan is a gallery and a residence in Antwerp, Belgium. Designed by Lens°Ass Architecten, the space is a fine example of heritage renovation that sings the sweetest of design songs. The kind of song which isn’t typecast as any particular genre, but rather a lovely mix of various reference points. Perhaps the fact that the entire space features products by designers and artists that blur the lines between the two disciplines also helps in rendering this interior with it’s own unique personalty. I really love that.

 

 

There is also a beautiful synergy here between the old and the new – crisp plywood cabinets, sharp stainless steel surfaces and smooth cement flooring in the new kitchen create a visual transition between the modern gallery and the residence which features rustic and traditional elements. The colour palette is restrained but certainly not boring, allowing key pieces of art, furniture and accessories to really lift things up a notch. Yes, Muuto Raw chair in yellow – I’m talking about you.

Ahhh, this is just so, so, so, soooooo good. All of it!

See more project by LENS°ASS Architecten on Yellowtrace.

 


[Images © Verne Photography, via Lens°Ass Srchitecten and designboom.]



About The Author

Founder & Editor

With a disarming blend of authority and approachability, Dana is a former refugee-turned-global design visionary. Through her multi-faceted work as a creative director, keynote speaker, editor, curator, interior designer and digital publisher, Dana empowers others to appreciate and engage with design in transformative ways, making the sometimes intimidating world of design accessible to everyone, regardless of their familiarity with the subject. Dana's been catapulted to the status of a stalwart global influencer, with recognition from industry heavyweights such as AD Germany, Vogue Living, Elle Décor Italia and Danish RUM Interiør Design, who have named as one of the Top True Global Influencers of the Design World and counted her among the most visionary female creatives on the planet. Her TEDx talk—"Design Can Change the Way You See the World"— will challenge and transform your understanding of design's omnipresent and profound influence. Through her vast experience in interiors, architecture and design, Dana challenges the prevailing rapid image culture, highlighting the importance of originality, sustainability, connecting with your values and learning to "see" design beyond the aesthetic.

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