HENK Visits with Julie Verheyen
In vibrant Antwerp, Julie has created a unique space in an apartment she entirely renovated herself; as a passionate architecture student, her love for architecture is clearly evident in her home. Upon entering, her home exudes an oasis of calm, thanks to the neutral color palette and the minimalist, yet warm and classic decor. Besides her love for interior design, Julie has a passion for fashion and travel, and she enjoys sharing this with her online community.You study architecture, how would you describe your interior style and where do you get your inspiration from?
I would describe my interior style as timeless. I find it 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 well-considered decisions. It is a process strongly guided by my feelings.
One of my biggest inspirations for my apartment was the home of my best friend's mother. Her house radiates an unparalleled warmth; it's 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 creatives, and by that, I mean in every field. I love to be inspired by architecture and interior design, but fashion is also a great source of inspiration for me.
How did you experience the renovation of your own apartment?
The renovation actually went quite smoothly, at least, as smoothly as a renovation can go (wink). It's always exciting and satisfying 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 went relatively quickly. Nevertheless, there's always a lot involved; I always forget how many choices you have to make and how many questions need to be answered every day. Fortunately, the renovation was completed just before the holidays, which was very nice. It immediately gave me the opportunity to share the space with everyone I love.
What is important to you when purchasing a new piece of furniture?
Of course, the looks are important, but functionality comes first. I really want to experience the piece of furniture. A sofa must be large, cozy, and comfortable. A table must bring people together, provide enough space for conviviality. I have a great love for vintage furniture. In my apartment, you'll find more vintage furniture than new; they often have more personality, a story, or simply feel cozier. That's not to say I never fall in love with something new. My Studio HENK table is a perfect example of that! It is timeless and elegant. Moreover, I truly love interiors that are lived in. Furniture should have charm, the materials should stimulate, and the overall picture should be inviting.
What is your favorite spot in the house and why?
Although it might sound somewhat contrived, my dining and living area is truly my favorite spot. It's a versatile space where both work and dining take place, and the light there is beautiful. The room is south-facing, so there's sun all day. 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 jokingly pull me to the other rooms. The original bookcase and the view were responsible for my 'coup de foudre' - falling in love with the space. This room has also been the setting for the most beautiful memories, 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 appeals to you in this design?
As I mentioned earlier, 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 appearance. I chose a smoked oak stained finish because I am often drawn to dark wood. Despite its minimalist design, the table does not take up too much space, but it still gets its 'moment' in the room. Finding a 3-meter dining table that is perfectly balanced with the space is not an easy task, but this table exudes a warm and inviting atmosphere.