Of all the challenges in interior design, crafting a home for a family of seven—plus a pet rabbit—that is both highly functional and bursting with personality is a rare feat. The Dimitri project in Brussels, a luminous townhouse reimagined by Victoria-Maria Interior Design, achieves exactly that. This nearly five-year renovation is a masterclass in balancing the vibrant energy of a large family with a sophisticated, eclectic design sensibility.
Stepping inside the Brussels townhouse, one is immediately struck by the abundance of natural light that floods the interior. Victoria-Maria’s strategic redesign prioritizes this luminosity, creating an airy and uplifting atmosphere that serves as the perfect canvas for a joyful blend of colour and texture. The sense of openness is pivotal to the home’s success, making it feel both expansive and intimately connected.
The design narrative is deeply personal, featuring a mix of custom pieces from the studio’s own “Heimat” collection alongside curated vintage finds. This approach is further elevated by carefully curated works by a roster of talented artists, including Marcel Arnaud and Simon Buret. This artful curation ensures the home feels collected over time rather than simply decorated, giving it a soulful and authentic depth.
The interior is a testament to a masterful mix of elements. Radiant hues dance across rooms, from sun-drenched yellows to serene blues, each chosen to evoke a specific mood and complement the flow of light throughout the day. This vibrant approach is brilliantly balanced with moments of tactile calm and dynamic pattern.
Key moments, such as the striking sunburst wallpaper, add a refined yet energetic focal point without overwhelming the senses. Every piece, from the bold furniture choices to the smallest decorative object, contributes to an effortlessly layered aesthetic that feels both inviting and visionary.
More than just a showpiece, the home is a testament to functional beauty. The layout and material selections seamlessly accommodate the lively hustle of a large family, proving that practical living and high design are not mutually exclusive. It is a space that is as durable and livable as it is beautiful.
Styled by Sarah de Beaumont and captured through the lens of Clément Vayssieres, the finished apartment is a vivid portrait of modern life. It is a home that is not just lived in, but celebrated—a bright, personalized sanctuary in the heart of Brussels that is as unique and spirited as the family it was designed for.
Victoria – Maria’s point of view
Where is the house located ? In a quiet and green area in Brussels.
What is the history of the house? It was a villa surrounded by a garden.
What was your first thought and feeling when seeing the house for the very first time? It felt like stumbling upon a little enchanted manor, with a subtle touch of Normandy in its spirit.
How was the condition before the renovation, what were the major changes? The house was in very poor condition, therefore, everything needed attention. We embarked on a complete renovation, rethinking each space from scratch.
What was your feeling and your initial ideas when seeing the place for the first time? I directly envisioned something that has a lot of potential and truly unique:cosy, colourful, and full of personality.
What was the briefing? The clients wanted a home that was colourful and one of a kind, something far from traditional or trend-driven design.
What are the main design references used here? The goal of this projectwas different from anything else; we wanted it to be unique, unapologetically itself, not following trends. It blends multiple cultures, different epochs, and an array of colours. The atmosphere is warm, cosy, and layered with personal touches.
Can you tell me something about the design process? We always start by meeting the clients and visiting the space to understand their vision, needs, and desires. From there, we create a tailored project from A to Z: mood boards, detailed drawings, and accurate 3D renderings, so the clients can fully immerse themselves in their future home before we begin.
What was the biggest challenge? The kitchen countertop in lava stone arrived with a surface less uniformor “uneven”than anticipated. But that’s also the magic of craftsmanship, it gives the piece a soul and an authenticity that perfection sometimes can’t.
Is the project different from other interiors you have worked on before? Our design process remains consistent, but inspiration is always born from the specific story of the house and the people who live in it. So while the way we work hasn’t changed, the creative energy behind each project is always unique.
What parts and pieces have been customized? The attic floor with black-and-white carreaux de ciment. The pinklava stone kitchen countertop. The breakfast corner with pink Moroccan zelliges. The staircase rug, custom-coloured to perfectly fit the palette
Have you known them before? How did you end up working together on this project? Not personally, but I had previously worked on a project for a member of their family.
What year was the house built and what was the architecture style? The house was built in 1932. It’s a villa that carries a subtle eclecticism.
What made you instantly think about a Normandy vibe when seeing the place for the first time? There were clear references: the geometric play of half-timbering, the charming dormer windows, the deep overhanging eaves, even a small turret. Warm painted tones set against limewash further evoked the spirit of Normandy. Altogether, it felt like a miniature manor with a countryside soul.–
How did you come up with the idea to create an entirely yellow living room? Quite simply, I love yellow, and so did the clients. It felt like a natural choice from the very beginning. From there, the idea evolved into painting the beams in a slightly deeper shade of yellow to add depth and rhythm to the room.
Images courtesy of Clement Vayssieres
