Understanding the vision: modernising without erasing the soul of the house
From the very first conversation, the couple made their intention clear: modernise the villa while preserving its personality. They didn’t want a radically contemporary interior, but rather a reassuring, authentic atmosphere subtly renewed. The house already had charm - traditional joinery, warm materials, classic layout. The goal was not to reinvent everything, but to reinterpret it, softening the lines, taming the light and allowing the spaces to breathe more naturally. Home Design approached the project as a reinterpretation: keeping the beauty of the place while reinventing the passages, materials and atmospheres.
Reopening the spaces to invite more light
Rather than reshaping the volumes, the team focused on the way rooms connect. Openings were widened - between the hall and the living room, but also between the kitchen, dining room and lounge. The aim was simple: open without imposing, allow visual continuity while preserving the option of closing spaces when needed. Large glass doors were custom-designed: clear double doors that let light flow freely and sandblasted sliding doors integrated into the walls to open or separate spaces at will. The result is a brighter, more fluid home that remains faithful to its original organisation-a thoughtful evolution that respects the rhythm of the house.
A redesigned staircase setting the tone from the entrance
Among the most striking transformations, the staircase plays a central role. The former wooden staircase was replaced by a widened concrete stairway with pure, architectural lines. This bold yet subtle gesture redefines the character of the entrance, setting the tone for the entire renovation: a balanced dialogue between classical charm and contemporary clarity.
A warm atmosphere shaped by grey-washed oak
To bring unity and warmth to the entire ground floor, Home Design worked around a key material: grey-washed oak. The new parquet introduces a soft, natural texture that captures the light and eases transitions between rooms. This oak tone appears throughout the home in bespoke doors, bookcases and storage elements, creating coherence and visual harmony. Wood becomes the signature material of the project-timeless, warm and understated.
A black oak kitchen with crema-marfil marble
The kitchen embodies the spirit of the renovation: a subtle blend of tradition and contemporary sobriety. Made of black oak, it stands as one of the project’s most expressive features-both inviting and refined. The crema-marfil hammered marble worktop brings warmth and a soft, mineral character. This pairing of materials creates an enveloping atmosphere naturally connected to the rest of the house.
Bespoke cabinetry and integrated furniture
To give the villa a truly coherent identity, Home Design developed several bespoke pieces: bookcases, built-in storage, and furniture designed to echo the tones used throughout the project. These tailored elements strengthen the personality of the interior and create continuity between architecture and furnishings.
A bathroom fully dressed in crema-marfil
In the bathroom, crema-marfil marble plays the leading role. Installed in large custom-made slabs, it creates a luminous, calm and soothing atmosphere in which the material becomes the focal point. Fewer joints, more natural presence, and a warm elegance define this intimate space.
Additional spaces and overall harmony
The renovation also included the refurbishment of the swimming pool, guest room, master bedroom and several secondary areas. Each space was refined with the same guiding principle: softness, simplicity and coherence.
Result: a timeless “modern classic” home
The transformation of this villa in Overijse reflects Home Design’s philosophy: modernising without erasing, revealing without imposing, creating harmony between noble materials and clean lines. The result is a warm, elegant, light-filled home where every detail contributes to a natural balance. This project demonstrates Home Design’s ability to craft refined, coherent and tailor-made interiors where tradition and modernity meet effortlessly.
