Axel Vervoordt, Vincent Van Duysen, Benoit Viaene: internationally, Belgian interior designers are known for their subdued, earthy palette of sandy tones. Creative director and set designer Hélène Rebelo and her partner Edouard Beauget’s Brussels loft, however, counters those preconceived notions in the most uplifting of ways.
‘Although I do appreciate a multitude of decorative styles – even the most classic ones – personally, I wouldn’t be able to live in a house that has only neutrals,’ says Hélène.
‘To me, colour is very linked to emotion. I never look for the latest design piece that is fashionable. I prefer to choose furnishings based on life’s discoveries.’
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It was Hélène’s unique curatorial eye – she describes herself as ‘more a hunter than a collector’ – that inspired her to set up the online concept store Cool Machine in 2015. Today, she has stepped away from that venture to lend her skills to brands and private clients (Gucci Parfum being a recent highlight), but this open-plan, industrial apartment is where she has complete liberty to experiment.
It’s an expressive abundance of colours, sculptural forms, cheerful contemporary designs and funky vintage gems from the 1970s and 80s: things that make you instantly happy.
‘That’s my intention,’ Hélène confirms. ‘I don’t like interiors that take themselves too seriously. A home can be amusing, right?’
‘My positivity comes from my father. He is a Portuguese immigrant, who fled the dictatorship when he was nine. I’ve always seen him work very hard, without complaining. When I talk to him about my ambitions and plans, he tells me nothing is impossible.’ helenerebelo.com
