Design Talk with Aurélie Penneman
Inside Aurélie Penneman’s Warm & Contemporary Reinterpretation of a Historic Ghent Townhouse.
style definition
Defining our style is something I get asked about all the time, and it’s actually a tricky one to answer. We’re always trying to reinvent ourselves and avoid repeating the same thing. Every project is unique and completely tailored to the client. And when it comes to renovations, we make sure to respect the existing architecture. Over the years, we’ve done everything from modern villas to classical townhouses to brand-new showrooms. Each project starts from a different angle, and that’s why the results are always different too. That said, there is a common thread running through our work: a focus on cosiness, warm colours, and the use of vintage design.
The wallcovering radiates the couple’s warmth and pairs perfectly with the rounded oak floorboards, adding yet another layer of softness & comfort to the space.
Inspiration project
The clients, a young family, dreamed of keeping the home’s original elements intact while giving it a contemporary twist — something that wouldn’t feel too familiar or predictable, but instead a true reflection of their character, enriched with today’s comfort and luxury. Their townhouse, set in the heart of Ghent and dating back to the late 19th century, carries the weight of history yet opens itself to new interpretations. The spark for the project came from the bathroom floor tiles: two-tone Fornace Brioni pieces with a soft, organic shape. That organic language soon became the guiding thread of the design, reappearing in the custom woodwork, the marble details, and the subtle flow of each space.
aurélie penneman
There is a common thread running through our work; a focus on cosiness, warm colours, and the use of vintage design.
•
wallcovering choice
Choosing wallcovering here made sense because the couple themselves have a very warm and welcoming character. They are avid readers, passionate about music, and love collecting curiosities during their travels. The space, in turn, had to reflect that same warmth. A plain white wall would never have felt right here. Instead, the home needed to become a cosy cocoon — a place where both of them could work comfortably, even side by side, while still feeling surrounded by intimacy and character. The wallcovering radiates this warmth and pairs perfectly with the rounded oak floorboards, adding yet another layer of softness and comfort to the space.
What makes a project finished
Knowing when a project is truly finished comes down to the level of finish and attention to detail, which in this case stood out, even within our tradition of high craftmanship. Everyone involved was pushed to their very limits. When I first presented the designs to the contractors, their jaws dropped, but once the project was completed, they were justifiably bursting with pride. The puzzle, which in my mind had already been perfectly pieced together from the start, had finally come to life.
