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Light Years by Marie Leclyuse Interior Architecture
Light Years by Marie Leclyuse Interior Architecture
Set against a rural Belgian backdrop, interior architect Marie Lecluyse proves beauty can be found in simplicity.
INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE Marie Lecluyse Interior Architecture PHOTOGRAPHY Thomas de Bruyne WORDS Megan Rawson
The Shallow Pots by Vincent Van Duysen for When Objects Work nod to Belgian design, with the iconic 280 Zig Zag chair by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld for Cassina in the archway beyond.
Well-loved for her minimalist approach to crafting highly refined homes within heritage envelopes, interior architect Marie Lecluyse is gaining momentum with her founding theory that ‘environments, spaces and personality’ are what build authentic interiors. In line with her recent Light Play project, each of her often-sculptural spaces have been carefully designed in response to their surrounding environments and with respect to a historic narrative.
Originally an early 1800s farmhouse, Light Play House sits in the Belgian countryside near Ghent surrounded by landscaped gardens, a pond, lawns and small woodland. Handed the task of creating a space for the young family to both entertain and work in as well as unwind and disconnect, required tranquillity and a pared-back aesthetic. “The old farmhouse needed to become a home for the owners, upgraded to modern standards, with a strong preference for contemporary design,” Marie says. “It needed to integrate the art pieces and furniture they had collected over the years.”
While the exterior of the house stayed true to the original shape, the interior was completely transformed with an emphasis placed on opening large spaces, inviting natural light. The kitchen became the obvious beating heart of the house providing a central meeting place for the family to come together while creating a smooth passage through to the large and frequently used family living space. Connecting off this zone is also a cosy ‘TV corner’ for family film nights and a home office.
A curation of iconic European design pieces surround the fireplace in the living space, including the Floor Lamp 1907 designed by Mariano Fortuny, Chandigarh chair by Pierre Jeanneret and Extrasoft sofa by Piero Lissoni for Living Divani.
“The house is full of subtle elements which characterise the interior,” Marie explains. In a nod to its namesake, the classically framed windows together with the soft sculptural forms throughout the home, create a unique lighting effect when the sunlight filters in.
–Marie Lecluyse
A simplicity manifests in the aesthetic through neutral, muted tones and organic shapes amplify a soothing sense of order throughout the home. The considered materiality and use of local craftspeople ensures the natural oak floors, rendered plaster walls, dark ash veneer joinery and deeply veined Breccia Capraia marble all form a cohesive and consistent foundation.
Moments of colour, including the wall of iridescent tiles in the powder room and a pair of blue Glove Lounge Chairs near the garage celebrate contemporary design. Other collected European pieces also feature including a Pierre Jeanneret for Chandigarh chair, Floor Lamp 1907 designed by Mariano Fortuny in the living space and a Serge Mouille lamp in the dining area, all of which pay homage to an iconic era of design.
The Walcott Twin wall sconce by Tekna Arton draws on the brass theme throughout.
Marie Lecluyse’s Light Play House deftly balances opposing elements; masculine with feminine, strength with softness and curves with clean lines. Incorporating artisanal detailing alongside a deep respect for history and place, the home is an exploration of natural materials, refined perspectives and sculptural feats which cast a warm glow while capturing the tranquillity of its rural roots.
Giancarlo Piretti Alky chairs in an electric blue reflect the vintage vehicle in the garage beyond.
–Marie Lecluyse
