It is the contrast between the beach and forest walks that are so important, and the vibrant city with its multicultural influences that informs Nathalie Deboel's style. The interior designer lives in Ukkel, just outside Brussels, but runs her studio in the Belgian seaside town of Knokke – where she finds the tranquility that's reflected in her projects. "Comforting Homes" is the title of her monograph, published by Stockmans Art Books, which features some of her well balanced projects. To understand how she does it, Markus Hieke and Bette interviewed the designer on perpetuating stories of buildings and making them –with a view towards the sustainability of bathroom spaces– their inhabitants' favorite place.
Looking at your portfolio, it is really remarkable that you concentrate solely on renovation and transformation projects. How did this specialization come about?
I have a strong passion for creating something new out of something old, which led me to focus primarily on renovation and transformation projects. However, I try not to limit myself and to have an open mind for all projects, regardless of the type.
Your work often includes structural changes. What are the most important considerations when respecting the thin line between optimizing a space and erasing its heritage?
For all my projects, I try to keep the following considerations in mind:
- Understand the context: before making any changes, it is crucial to understand the original context of the building or space. This means researching the original design and materials.
- It is important to respect the existing fabrication of a building or space and preserve as much of the original structure as possible. This may involve retaining certain elements such as original features or materials, or restoring areas that have been damaged or altered over time.
- Be sensitive to the surroundings, too. The changes made to a building or space should be sensitive to the surrounding context. This means considering the surrounding buildings and landscape and designing in a way that is respectful of these factors.
- Incorporate contemporary design: while it is important to respect the heritage of a space, it is also important to incorporate contemporary design elements that meet the needs of modern users.
- Finally, it is essential to involve the client in the design process. Only by involving our clients, is it possible to create a design that respects the history of the place while also meeting the needs of its new inhabitants.
Your typical color and material scheme (sandy tones, wood, natural stones, textiles) applies to the bathrooms in your projects, too. How does this foster the need for durability and functionality, but also for recreation in an always bustling world?
With the use of natural materials and sandy tones, we aim to create a sense of calm and relaxation, which is particularly important in spaces such as bathrooms that are used for personal care and relaxation. At the same time, these materials also promote durability and functionality, which are essential for a space that experiences frequent use and exposure to water.
Wood and natural stone are both durable materials that can withstand the wear and tear of everyday use, while also providing a timeless and elegant aesthetic. By using these natural materials and earthy tones, I try to create a sense of connection to the natural world, which can be particularly beneficial in this bustling world. This connection to nature can promote a sense of calm and relaxation, helping users to unwind and recharge.
Addressing the topic of sustainability, hot water generation is one of the main factors when it comes to energy consumption at home. Do we need to reconsider the idea of wellness bathrooms at all or is it possible to combine responsibility with comfort?
It is definitely possible to combine responsibility with comfort in the design of wellness bathrooms. When it comes to hot water generation, there are several sustainable options available, such as solar water heating systems, heat pumps and high-efficiency boilers.
In addition to this, we try to promote sustainability in bathroom design by using low-flow fixtures, water-efficient toilets, and eco-friendly materials. Ultimately, it is about striking a balance between sustainability factors and combining them with elements of comfort and relaxation to create a bathroom that is both sustainable and luxurious, promoting a healthy and responsible lifestyle.
Which other aspects do you take into consideration when designing for an environment-friendly future?
As an interior designer, I am committed to designing for an environmentally friendly future. In addition to sustainable hot water generation and eco-friendly materials, there are several other aspects that I take into consideration when designing, including material selection and energy efficiency: for all my projects, I carefully select all the materials, choosing those that are sustainable, recyclable and locally sourced wherever possible to reduce the environmental impact of construction and promote the use of natural materials. Aside from that, I try to design spaces with energy efficiency in mind, using strategies such as passive solar design, high-performance insulation, and energy-efficient lighting and appliances.
