Modern luxury interior design is shifting away from uniform “coastal” aesthetics toward high-contrast, cosmopolitan architectural statements, according to recent residential projects by designer Merijn Degraeve. By blending brutalist concrete structures with bespoke natural materials like onyx and burl wood, designers are creating homes that prioritize permanent architectural identity over seasonal trends. This evolution suggests a future where high-end residential interiors function as sculptural, light-responsive environments rather than mere living spaces.
Why Is the “Coastal” Aesthetic Evolving?
The traditional reliance on beige and sand-toned interiors for seaside properties is being replaced by bolder, more experimental palettes. Designer Merijn Degraeve notes that his recent duplex-penthouse project in Knokke eschews expected nautical decor in favor of deep reds, aubergine, and metallic glass finishes. This shift is supported by the integration of curated art—such as Natasja Mabesoone’s lipstick-based siren art—which dictates the color flow of the entire residence. By prioritizing a “cosmopolitan” feel, homeowners are distancing themselves from regional clichés to create spaces that feel relevant in any global city.
How Do Architects Manage Technical Risks in Luxury Builds?
Complex architectural features often require unconventional, on-site construction methods to achieve precision. During the installation of a concrete helical staircase in the Knokke penthouse, Degraeve opted to cast the concrete on-site rather than utilizing prefabricated modules. According to the designer, this choice allowed for the integration of upward-facing lighting, which casts shadows to turn the staircase into a sculptural “skeleton” that divides the living zones. Similarly, the installation of a cylindrical glass staircase required specialized engineering from De Glascentrale to ensure stability at significant heights.
What Role Does Bespoke Materiality Play in Asset Value?
High-end residential design increasingly relies on “monumental” applications of rare materials to define property character. The use of burl wood veneer—a material typically reserved for luxury automotive dashboards—was applied as a continuous, seamless wall covering in the Knokke project. This level of craftsmanship, executed with the woodworkers at Bosq, requires extreme precision to conceal storage and utility doors within the grain pattern. Experts suggest that such labor-intensive, bespoke woodwork serves as a differentiator that shifts a property from a standard unit to a unique architectural asset.
Did you know?
Architects are increasingly securing involvement before the “gros œuvre” (structural work) begins. This allows for the complete remapping of floor plans to ensure natural light and views—such as the North Sea or local polders—are prioritized over the building’s original layout.
Future Trends: Light-Responsive Architecture
The future of luxury interior design lies in “living” surfaces that change intensity based on the time of day. By using light-reflective fixtures, such as the Roll & Hill chandeliers sourced from New York, designers are treating ceilings and windows as canvases for nocturnal light displays. This trend moves beyond static decor, requiring designers to work closely with stone quarries and glass manufacturers to ensure materials are thin or reflective enough to interact with artificial light sources. The result is an environment that feels like a “starry sky” at night, offering a distinct experience from the daytime view.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How does natural stone become translucent?
- By milling materials like onyx to extremely thin tolerances, craftsmen allow integrated light sources to pass through the stone, turning solid counters into illuminated design features.
- Is minimalism still the dominant trend in luxury?
- No, current trends favor “cosmopolitan” maximalism, where textures, bold colors, and sculptural elements replace the simplified neutral palettes of the past decade.
- Why involve an interior designer before construction starts?
- Early involvement allows for the adjustment of structural walls and load-bearing elements, ensuring that the final layout maximizes views and spatial flow rather than adhering to rigid, pre-planned configurations.
Are you planning a renovation that breaks the mold of traditional coastal design? Share your thoughts on the shift toward sculptural interiors in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more insights on high-end architectural trends.
