PDG Inspo

Boy Boy fabricated the new stair rail, which was powder-coated to match the Valspar ‘Black Evergreen’ color used throughout.

The built-in oak bed and wall treatment was designed by Bright Designlab and fabricated by Master Furniture Makers, with a custom colorful rug designed by Bright Designlab, in collaboration with Kush Rugs.

Beyond the curved conversation sofa is a black metal staircase connecting the space with the primary bedroom and office located on the upper level.

Perched in a 1920s Art Deco building, the 1,360-square-foot apartment hits all the right notes with large windows, polished concrete floors, and high ceilings.

The slats on the window offer solar protection and privacy. “Before the slats were installed, it really felt like you were just living on the street,” says Vanbesien.

While right now it’s all a happy blend, Vanbesien has made considerations for a future where he might not necessarily need or want to work a staircase away from his bedroom. “If I stopped working in that office, or we outgrow that office, it wouldn’t necessarily be easy to rent this space to someone else, so we have thought about how we can close it in a bit if we ever need to.”

A vast terrace overlooks a nearby park, while the ground floor patio (connected to Vanbesien’s office) opens up to a garden.

The oak cabinet in the living room was another secondhand find. “It had the exact measurements of the wall,” says Annemie. “We just needed to hang it.” The throw blanket is from La Femme Garniture while the pillows and pendants are custom.

“MA03 Library House was designed to meet the requirements of a ceramicist and a lawyer in need of a home capable of holding their extensive book collection as well as providing them with spaces for work and creative activity,” say Fria Folket, the architect behind this cabin in Sweden.