How to renovate your typical Brussels house?
Updated on June 13, 2024 by Pierre
They are so particular and so charming that they have long been part of customs but above all, they are very appreciated by the locals or their inhabitants. With their faults and their immense advantages, we are obviously talking about Brussels houses which extend beyond the simple Belgian capital.
Built over 150 years in an architectural style unique to this European region, Brussels houses can also be seen in Liège, Antwerp, and even Lille, France . Their charm is undeniable, but sometimes, due to their age, Brussels houses need a refresh. This is the perfect opportunity to present several renovation ideas and other suggestions to transform your Brussels house into one that will inspire all others. Quite a feat!
What is a Brussels house?
Before renting tools to renovate your space, it's important to define what a Brussels house is. Residents of the Belgian capital can usually describe them, but sometimes their incredible history remains largely unknown, which is a shame considering how integral this architectural style is to the local culture.
Like any architectural style, the Brussels house has sometimes undergone changes, but its core principle remains the same: a tall structure born from the work of young Brussels architects in the city of the same name. However, the great strength and beauty of this style lies in its ability to adapt to different ornamentation, facade colors, and the amount or quantity of glass. As you can see, the Brussels house has more than one trick up its sleeve, and it is its versatility, but above all its adaptability, that made it the star of Brussels for several decades . Today, this style is sought after for its neo-retro effect, drawing on a wealth of inspirations.
A veranda on a Brussels house: the charming asset
Somewhat surprisingly, Brussels houses draw their inspiration from old medieval buildings, often referred to as Spanish. This means that they are frequently composed of several interconnected spaces, and in the best cases, these sequences culminate in a veranda. Needless to say, with such a room at the end of the house, its potential is multiplied tenfold! It's therefore essential to seize the opportunity and transform the veranda into a bright and decidedly modern living space . To achieve this, renting scaffolding and giving this space, straddling the line between indoors and outdoors, can add a new dimension to the Brussels house.
Too often, the veranda has only been used in the off-season but thanks to the addition of new materials such as polycarbonate, the veranda is a new living space in all weathers and all seasons. Living room, dining room, playroom or office? The possibilities are numerous and the loft effect is possible for a Brussels house equipped with a veranda.
No more borders in your Brussels home
We have just reminded you that most of the rooms are arranged lengthwise in a typical Brussels house. To maintain the necessary amount of light and to open up the possibilities in terms of layout, do not hesitate to break down the numerous partitions.
The result will be all the more beneficial, with large living spaces and homes that are far more modern than in the past, without compromising their charm. One last tip for renovating your Brussels home: don't hesitate to take advantage of the high ceilings to furnish the space, or conversely, leave plenty of open space, depending on your preferences.
