We’re Officially Obsessed With This Disappearing Kitchen (You Will Be, Too!)

Project by: Karlien Heremans of Studio K
Project location: Leuven, Belgium

Gilt and glam can be fun to look at, but there’s something very soothing about a home outfitted with simple and sleek materials, like this Belgian residence by Studio K. What once was a smaller semi-detached house near the city center was extended into a bright, sunny home for a sport-, travel- and book-loving couple. The timber frame construction is visible via columns, beams and wall and ceiling panels throughout, lending the house a rustic, minimalist vibe.

Bright and vast, architect Rob Mols designed the expansion in a way that would pull light all the way through the home. The patio seen beyond the sliding glass doors creates an intimate space between the gym and the living room.

With the help of two large white sliding doors, the kitchen disappears completely. When in view, you can appreciate the dark stained oak veneer that’s combined with a marble worktop and a Zimbabwe black honed backsplash. The space can effortlessly go from calm and harmonious to warm and intimate. A movable island unit can be used as an extra worktop.

The various rooms throughout the house are a variety of intimate, dark spaces—(like the cozy library at the entrance) and bright, open atmospheres (such as the dining area). To establish the link between the several areas, the same materials and colors were repeated throughout, and a combination of vintage and new furniture were selected to complement the white walls, large windows and the visible wooden structure.

Upon entering the home, you’re greeted with a library, which features dark stained oak floors and dark stained oak veneer bookcases to create an intimate atmosphere. To keep out prying eyes, the front window was fitted with shutters.

The garden level is accessed via the floating staircase, which is constructed from dark stained oak steps and a painted white frame, a lovely complement to the bright, polished concrete floor throughout (which also extends to the outdoors).

Accessible through one of the sliding doors in the kitchen, the bedroom is at once cozy and open with its visible wooden beams and timber ceiling.

A simple, freestanding white block houses two sinks and lots of storage space, while two sliding doors conceal both the shower and open dressing areas.

Thank you for sharing this beautiful home, Studio K!

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