HENK Visits with Julie Verheyen

In lively Antwerp, Julie has created a unique space in an apartment she renovated entirely herself; as a passionate architecture student, her love for architecture is clearly reflected in her home. Upon entering, her home radiates an oasis of calm, thanks to the neutral color palette and the minimalist, yet warm and classic interior. In addition to her love for interiors, Julie has a passion for fashion and travel, which she enjoys sharing with her online community.

You are studying architecture; how would you describe your interior style and where do you draw your inspiration from?
I would describe my interior style as timeless. I think it is important not to make choices that are too trend-sensitive; my style is a mix of classic, retro, and contemporary. For me, an interior is something that grows organically; I like to experience the space for a while before making considered decisions. It is a process that is strongly guided by my intuition.

One of my biggest sources of inspiration for my apartment was the home of my best friend's mother. Her house radiates an unprecedented warmth; it is amazing how everything there comes together in harmony, feels warm, and at the same time is a fusion of different cultures and styles. Both in my studies and as a content creator, I am usually surrounded by creative people, and by that, I mean in every field. I like to be inspired by architecture and interiors, but fashion is also a major source of inspiration for me.

How did you experience the renovation of your own apartment? 
The renovation actually went quite smoothly, or at least, as smoothly as a renovation can go (wink). It is always exciting and nice to see your ideas come to life during the design process. In this phase, we focused on renovating the living and dining area, which meant everything happened relatively quickly. Still, there is always a lot involved; I forget every time how many choices you have to make and how many questions there are to answer every day. Fortunately, the renovation was completed just before the holidays, which was of course very nice. It immediately gave me the chance to share the space with everyone I care about. 

What is important to you when purchasing a new piece of furniture?
Of course, the looks are important, but functionality comes first. I want to truly experience the piece of furniture. A sofa should be large, cozy, and comfortable. A table should bring people together, offering enough space so that conviviality can join in. I have a great love for vintage furniture. In my apartment, you will find more vintage furniture than new; they often have more personality, a story, or they simply feel cozier. That is not to say that I never fall in love with something new. My Studio HENK table is a perfect example of that! It is timeless and elegant. In addition, I really love interiors that are lived in. Furniture should have charm, the materials should be stimulating, and the overall picture should be inviting.

What is your favorite spot in the house and why?
Although it might sound a bit staged, my dining and living area is really my favorite spot. It is a versatile space where I both work and eat, and the light is beautiful there. The space is south-facing, meaning there is sun all day long. During my first visit to the apartment, I spent the first 20 minutes in the living area without having seen the rest of the apartment. The real estate agent had to pull me to 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. The most beautiful memories were also created in this space, filled with moments with friends and family. I love being a hostess, and this is the place where I bring people together.

You chose the Column dining table from Studio HENK; why, and what attracts you to this design?
As I mentioned before, I like to look for a balance between old and new. The design of the Column dining table is so timeless, yet the table also has a powerful presence. I opted for an oak smoked stained finish because I am often drawn to dark wood. Despite the minimalist design, the table does not take up too much space, yet it still gets its ‘moment’ in the room. Finding a 3-meter dining table that is perfectly balanced with the space is no easy task, but this table radiates a warm and inviting atmosphere.