Where East meets West | TINE LONCIN

In this Brussels apartment, a vivid and soulful universe unfolds:  layered, expressive, and full of personality. The atmosphere is shaped by a richly eclectic mix of objects: objets trouvés, folkloric treasures, kitsch, and personal curiosities that together create a sense of warmth and joyful imperfection.

The clients, a Romanian-Belgian couple, brought their own cultural richness to the brief. Nicoleta is an avid collector of traditional Romanian jugs and plates, and her love of bold colours and folkloric references was central to shaping the kitchen’s identity.

My design for the total renovation of the kitchen was conceived to honour and amplify that spirit: a space that feels real, lived-in, and quietly inspiring. As part of my process, I first created an inspiration collage, complemented by a moodboard to visually communicate the tone and atmosphere of the concept.

I drew inspiration from La Blouse Roumaine, a series of works by Henri Matisse. His fascination with Eastern European motifs was sparked by his friendship with Romanian painter Theodor Pallady. Where East meets West.

The work of Romanian artist Constantin Brancusi guided my thinking. His search for essence, expressed through pure lines and elemental forms, resonates deeply with my approach to spatial design.

In the kitchen, Romanian folk art meets understated contemporary design, a dynamic interplay between tradition and modernity. I chose deep green as the dominant colour to reflect and amplify the brightness of the space: a calming hue paired with a bold black-and-white tile pattern that brings rhythm and energy. This rich green backdrop allows the vibrant colours and patterns of the displayed objects to shine.

This kitchen quietly connects different worlds. A dynamic interplay of tradition and modernity, East and West, soul and structure.

Photography: Kaatje Verschoren (https://www.kaatjeverschoren.com/)