“A home should be a dynamic creation, much like a garden or a piece of art”: an artist’s residence in Antwerp.

Belgian Painter Turns ‘Hodgepodge’ Building into Unique Home

Belgian painter Nils Verkaeren didn’t initially see the need for a permanent home. “In 2002, I lived without a fixed address. I traded two landscape paintings for a Renault Twingo and traveled around. Living with nothing was easy for me, but having a home also has its appeal,” he says.

However, his partner, Eva Wuytjens, needed a more stable base. Although they both loved the countryside, Eva’s desire for a home and their mutual interest in urban life led them to search for a property in Antwerp. “When we visited this house in the city center, we immediately began envisioning its renovation,” Eva recalls. “The house was quite unconventional and had deterred many buyers. It was a confusing mix of extensions with numerous small, dark rooms and an illogical layout.”

The house’s origins were also unclear. The seller suggested it was built in 1947, but its materials and construction suggested it might be older. “The old floorboards vary in width, and the oak beams are similar to those in the 17th-century Rubens House nearby. It’s possible the house was constructed using leftover materials,” Nils explains.

To tackle the renovation, they enlisted architect Maarten Tierens, a friend who understood their vision. “The renovation process was like my paintings: a continuous work in progress,” says Nils. “We kept adjusting the plans with Maarten. While he understood the iterative process, the contractors found it challenging due to our frequent changes.”

Today, the house reflects a seamless blend of old and new. The extensive renovations included updating techniques, insulating, and removing unnecessary partitions. “The house now feels quite spacious for us and our dog,” Nils notes. “I use the space as a canvas, allowing it to evolve. We keep the layout flexible—if we want to change the living room into a dining area, we can. I even considered putting a bathtub in front of the fireplace. To me, a home should be as adaptable as a painting.”

Nils and Eva didn’t fill their home with new furniture and art. “We incorporated heirlooms from my grandparents, who were antique dealers,” says Nils. They combined these with contemporary pieces, like the Chill Chair by Zigmund Pront and the yellow Dikarya tube chandelier by Yves Pauwels. “We’ve also hung artworks by fellow artists with whom I’ve exchanged pieces. I find it hard to decide where to place new works; once they’re hung, they feel permanent.”

Despite the presence of several of his own landscape paintings, Nils and Eva’s home isn’t a studio. Nils prefers working outdoors, finding inspiration from changing environments. “Last summer, I worked in the Moroccan desert in extreme temperatures. These conditions push me to see and work differently. A home studio doesn’t offer the same challenge,” he concludes.