After reading Greet's post on reclaimed building materials, I added a visit to Rik Storms onto my "not to be missed" list for our trip to Belgium.
A few weeks before our vacation, I sent off a quick email to Rik letting him know that Steve and I would be coming for a visit. I received a lovely response from Rik's wife Gina. Although their son was getting married during the time we would be in Belgium, Gina graciously invited us to stop by the day after the wedding ceremony!
Although I expected the Storms' home to be lovely, what we saw inside their gates far exceeded my expectations...
Gina and Rik designed and built their own home out of the most gorgeous classic Belgian building materials.
Their aged white Oak front door is deeply set in a surround of antique limestone.
It is the materials and the details that add to the charm of the Storms' house. The brick laid in an arched pattern above the window...
the beautiful lead rosettes that hold each pane of glass in place.
The unexpected combination of building materials caught Steve's eye: flat and curved roof tiles on the same structure... white oak covering the outside of the dormers on the Storms' brick house.
As we walk along the side of the Storms' house, a small bit of plaster wall interrupts the brick and the wood facades.
Underneath the heavy beamed ceiling of the porch, an outdoor table is adorned with terra cotta pots and cement birds.
Heavy timbers add to the more rustic, casual atmosphere of this area.
As we follow the gravel walkway, a window pops out of the impossibly low roof. It is these quirky details that make the Storms' house feel so warm and inviting.
The Oak planks are just nailed to the outside of the building.
There are interesting garden elements in every area.
Rik and Gina were kind enough to spend the morning giving us a tour of their home and answering all of our questions.
Rik invited us into his wood covered studio.
We attempted to absorb every fabulous detail, including this beautiful door hardware.
The main room of the studio is filled with gorgeous antiques.
Rik includes unexpected contemporary features to the design of the studio, like this clean glass door.
The chalky gray paneled cabinetry adds some traditional detail to the simple room.
A sheet of glass in the wood wall lets in the light.
The Storms' combine wood and steel windows and doors throughout their house and studio.
A collection of ancient artifacts is displayed on an antique buffet.
A beautiful steel door leads the way to the rustic kitchen.
Rik and Gina use several interior windows to make the spaces feel more open and connected to each other.
A view of the brick outside is seen through one of the beautiful steel doors!
After leaving the studio, we walk around the Storms house to continue the tour.
A garland of flowers remains above the door. A hint of the romantic wedding that took place the day before.
The walls have a depth that only lime paint can provide.
The simple arched glass window frames a magnificent sculpture in the garden.
All of the natural wood doors adds so much warmth to this house.
The kitchen can be seen through this interior window.
A few wedding bouquets are placed on a lovely Swedish demi-lune by the entrance to the kitchen.
The brass faucet will only look better as it ages. I love how the Storms combine so many materials and finishes!
Even the cabinet hinges are beautiful!
The Belgian bluestone floors shimmer in the sun as it comes through one of the large wood windows. The windows allow the house to feel connected to the gorgeous gardens that surround the house.
The sunlight illuminates the stone vessels on this rustic wine table.
The Storms' dining room is stunning!
The dining room has a more formal feel than many of the other rooms in the Storms' home. Because of the authentic finishes and materials, this room still feels like it belongs in this house.
The comfortable family room has sunny yellow walls and wood beamed ceiling.
The Powder room is simple and elegant. A pretty stone corner sink is paired with a diminutive brass spout... Love!
We walked out of the Storms' house to start the tour of their gardens...
I have so many fantastic images of the Storms' gardens and their warehouse to share with you! Please come back for my next post....
Thank you to Rik and Gina Storms for letting me share the gorgeous place that they created.
I would appreciate if you would take a moment to leave a comment on this post to let Rik and Gina know how much you love their home.
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Oh, one last note... we just received our first review of Patina Style on Amazon!!
Thank you Yas! Please visit the Patina Style page on Amazon to share your review too.
xo
Brooke
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