In the Belgian municipality of Uccle, interior designer Nathalie Deboel crafts a bespoke retreat where craftsmanship, art and considered design converge.
When interior designer Nathalie Deboel was first approached by what she calls a “cosmopolitan family,” an immediate understanding took shape. Drawn to her tailored, artisanal approach, they envisioned a home that transcended function—a private retreat layered with atmosphere and soul. “Our shared love for art and craftsmanship created an immediate connection and became the foundation of the collaboration,” Deboel reflects.
Guided by this vision, the home balances intimacy with elegance. Every detail is carefully measured, with each space conceived as both a backdrop for daily rituals and a canvas for art and design. “They value beauty, culture and comfort in equal measure,” Deboel says. “It was important to create a home that felt restorative, while also being a place to host friends and family.”
Spread across two floors, the layout reveals itself with a quiet rhythm, defined by a sequence of arches and what Deboel describes as “framed perspectives.” At its heart, the kitchen centres on a sculptural island, softened by warm cabinetry and natural stone. Movement through the home is choreographed, guiding sightlines towards windows, gardens and softly illuminated niches—moments of discovery that reveal the home’s layered character.
Plaster walls and timber panelling create recesses for natural light to filter through, softening the interiors with subtle shifts in tone and shadow. Pictured: stools by Fontein & Bova.
The home’s palette reflects the essence of Belgian design—restrained yet expressive—drawing on the subtle depth of browns, beiges and creams. “The palette is inspired by nature and the timeless richness of materials themselves,” Deboel says. “We worked with earthy neutrals, warm browns and soft creams to create a serene yet sophisticated atmosphere.”
Materiality anchors this sense of permanence. Richly veined onyx, solid travertine, dark-stained timber and brushed brass appear throughout, reinforcing the home’s sculptural purity. Timber panelling set against plastered walls creates recesses for light to filter through, while carved stone basins and a freestanding travertine bath further elevate the material palette. Each element was chosen for its authenticity and ability to age gracefully, yielding a palette that feels grounded, harmonious and quietly luxurious.
Deboel’s furniture is woven seamlessly into the interiors, where pieces from her Nomad collection—such as a chaise lounge and side table—ground the living spaces in refined, sculptural form. These are complemented by vintage finds that deepen the home’s character, such as a Charlotte Perriand low table, alongside other carefully sourced design classics.
The dialogue between Deboel’s own work and the home’s bespoke interiors underscores a balance of contemporary craftsmanship and timeless design. In the end, the residence stands as more than a family home—it is a retreat where art, materiality and atmosphere converge, embodying the quiet elegance of Belgian design at its most enduring.
A solid staircase continues the home’s language of curves, softening transitions and lending sculptural rhythm to the interiors.
Against a backdrop of creams and browns, accents of purple introduce a contemporary edge, enriching the palette with quiet contrast.
Custom pieces from Nathalie Deboel’s Nomad collection, incluidng a chaise and side table, anchor the living spaces.
A custom-carved travertine basin transforms daily rituals into tactile experiences, echoing the home’s curved language.
