Contents:
Learn: The Profession of Interior Designer
Learn moreToday, van Duysen is a recognized designer who masterfully combines minimalism with elements of luxury. His work spans a wide range of disciplines: he designs residential buildings, creates furniture and lighting collections, and develops concepts for boutiques for renowned brands. His portfolio includes understated and minimalist interiors, as well as buildings distinguished by their stylish and luxurious aesthetics. Van Duysen continues to inspire clients worldwide with his unique approach to design.
In this article, we will examine the architect's most outstanding projects. You will learn about his most interesting and innovative works, which have brought fresh ideas to the architectural world. We will discuss the unique features of each project, their impact on contemporary architecture, and public perception. These works not only demonstrate the architect's creative approach but also serve as an example of how architecture can transform spaces and improve people's lives.
First Collection for Zara Home
In 2022, designer van Duysen presented his first collection for Zara Home, which focuses on furniture and interior elements for the living room. The collection includes a variety of items such as armchairs, sofas, dining tables and chairs, coffee tables, stools, table lamps and rugs. This line reflects contemporary style and functionality, offering elegant solutions for the cozy design of living spaces.
The main materials used in the collection include oak, ash, leather and limestone. The furniture is distinguished by the absence of bright decor, which allows the focus to be on textures - smooth and soft. This approach ensures the versatility of the products, making them ideal for any interior. The collection looks great against both exquisite frescoes and modern concrete walls, emphasizing the harmony between natural materials and various design styles.
Second collection for Zara Home
A year later, the designer presented his second collection for Zara Home, focusing on dining room furniture. The new line includes dining tables and chairs, cabinets, a sideboard, armchairs, sofas, stools, and table lamps. While the collection's form is somewhat similar to the previous one, it features a more refined and understated design, emphasizing the elegance and style of modern interiors.
The furniture combines aesthetics, functionality, and comfort. The cabinets and sideboards feature modern designs and a discreet appearance, allowing them to seamlessly integrate into the interior. At the same time, they provide ample storage space for all necessary dishes and kitchen utensils.
The delicate lines and natural materials in the furniture create a calm and meditative atmosphere in the interior. The use of such elements contributes to the creation of comfort and harmony in the space, ideal for relaxation and unwinding. The aesthetics of natural materials such as wood and textiles enhance the feeling of closeness to nature, which is especially important in a modern interior. This approach allows not only to aesthetically transform the space, but also to create a comfortable environment conducive to restoration of strength and inner peace.
Street furniture for the Kettal brand
In 2021, designer van Duysen developed a collection of street furniture for the Spanish brand Kettal. This collection includes stylish coffee tables, comfortable armchairs, elegant chairs, and cozy sofas, perfect for creating cozy outdoor seating areas. The furniture features a contemporary design and high-quality materials, making it an ideal choice for modern terraces and gardens. This project emphasizes simple forms and natural materials. The main pieces are crafted from teak, ensuring durability and resistance to external influences. The backrests of the chairs and sofas are made of polypropylene rope, carefully stitched together. This combination of materials not only gives the furniture a unique appearance, but also provides comfort and functionality.
Interior of the Alexander Wang boutique in London
One of the most significant works of designer van Duysen is the project of the flagship boutique of the fashion brand Alexander Wang in London. In this project, the designer transformed an old post office located in the prestigious Mayfair district into a stylish and contemporary store. The boutique's interior is designed in a restrained and minimalist style, emphasizing the uniqueness and elegance of the Alexander Wang brand. This project exemplifies the successful combination of historical architecture and contemporary design solutions, attracting the attention of both customers and design professionals. The spaces are decorated with massive columns, and chrome pipes are installed on the ceilings. The interior is based on contrasting textures, where rough, almost industrial materials harmoniously combine with softer elements. Despite the predominance of black, the rooms look bright and cozy.
The architect's house in Belgium
In 2003, van Duysen completed the renovation of his residence in Antwerp, Belgium. During the design process, the designer retained only the original central staircase, which he repainted white. The interiors are characterized by restraint and simplicity, yet meticulously crafted details draw attention. This approach creates a harmonious space where every detail matters, highlighting the uniqueness and stylish minimalism of the design.
Hotel August
In Antwerp, van Duysen was involved in the reconstruction of a former monastery and hospital where nuns cared for wounded soldiers in the 19th century. The designer sought to transform the historic building into a contemporary space while preserving the atmosphere and spirit of bygone centuries. The renovation harmoniously blends historic elements with contemporary solutions, preserving the building's historical value while adapting it to modern requirements.
When visiting the hotel, guests enter converted hospital pavilions where they can enjoy dinner in the restaurant, featuring exposed brick walls and authentic lamps that create a unique atmosphere. In the guest rooms, designer van Duysen avoids excessive decor, striving to create an atmosphere of tranquility and joy. This place is ideal for those who seek comfort and tranquility in an unusual setting.
Lamps for the Flos brand
Van Duysen has created a number of iconic interior items, including lamps for the Italian brand Flos, which were presented at Milan Design Week in 2016. The Belgian designer's work bears a resemblance to the Borne Béton pedestrian walkway lamp, designed by French architect Le Corbusier in 1952. The designers continue to draw inspiration from classic designs, creating contemporary interpretations that combine aesthetic appeal and functionality.
The lamp is available in three material options: concrete, cast iron, oxidized bronze, and aluminum. This diverse selection allows you to find the perfect model for any interior, providing stylish lighting and high durability.
Store for the Aesop brand
In Hamburg, Germany, a designer has created the interior for a store of the cosmetics brand Aesop. This store is located on the ground floor of a protected historic building built in the 19th century. The interior design emphasizes the uniqueness of the space and creates a harmonious blend with the historic architecture, attracting customers and creating a cozy shopping atmosphere. The designer preserved the historic walls, covering them with soft-toned plaster, creating a harmonious blend of antiquity and modernity. The sales area features wooden structures with glass shelves, visually lightening the space and highlighting the products. The central element of the interior is an impressive sink made of natural blue stone, complemented by a black faucet, which gives the room a unique and stylish look.
Country House BS Residence
In his projects, van Duysen strives to refresh old buildings and give them new life. A striking example of this is his work on a contemporary farmhouse in the Belgian municipality of Zwevegem, where the designer transformed a former farmhouse into a cozy home for a young family with two children. He retained all the existing buildings on the site and made minimal changes to their appearance, preserving the building's historical value and character.
The main house features panoramic windows that offer stunning views of green fields with grazing horses. The interiors are designed using natural materials: all surfaces are finished in wood or painted in natural shades. The primary colors used in the design include white, black, brown, and mint, creating a harmonious atmosphere and emphasizing the connection with the surrounding nature.
The rooms are decorated in a minimalist style, featuring only the essentials. Despite rough textures such as exposed brick, van Duysen managed to create an atmosphere of rural tranquility and serenity in the house. This combination of simplicity and naturalness allows residents to enjoy harmony and comfort, emphasizing natural materials and their textures.
VM Residence
Van Duysen is often entrusted with projects that require an outstanding architectural approach. More than ten years ago, he created a unique project for a residential building in the Belgian town of Sint-Martens-Latem. The site on which the construction was planned had a complex topography and was surrounded by dense vegetation on all sides. These natural conditions presented both a challenge and a source of inspiration for the architect, who was able to harmoniously integrate the building into the surrounding environment.
The designer presented a plan for a modern home with floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows. The architectural design resembles several polyhedrons stacked on top of each other, creating a unique visual effect. Narrow brickwork was chosen for the façade, giving the building a stylish and contemporary appearance. This design approach not only provides bright natural light but also fits harmoniously into the surrounding landscape.
Learn more about design by subscribing to our Telegram channel. We share current trends, useful tips, and inspiring ideas in the world of design. Join us and stay up to date with the latest news and practices!
Also learn:
- Modern architectural styles
- French architects
- Sheila Hicks projects
Profession Interior Designer
You will learn how to transform houses and apartments. Learn how to create blueprints, stunning renders, and 3D visualizations. Get a sought-after profession, and be able to take on high-paying projects or open a design studio.
Find out more