DH Apartment: A Sanctuary of Quiet Luxury on the Belgian Coast

Located in the exquisite seaside resort of Knokke, Belgium, DH Apartment was designed by renowned designer Vincent Van Duysen to blend architecture, nature and family life in an understated and thoughtful way. This apartment on the fourth floor is not only a summer retreat, but also a delicate and rhythmic living experience, balancing openness and privacy, silence and warmth in the interplay of light and shadow along the coast.

The core design strategy of DH Apartment is an ingenious use of "hiding and revealing". Most of the functional elements within the apartments are wrapped in custom-designed volumes that serve as storage and spatial organization, while visually creating a fluid and harmonious architectural language. Kitchen utensils and daily necessities are cleverly hidden to ensure the openness and cleanliness of the interior, so that the eyes of the residents can be easily directed to the magnificent views of the North Sea.

The maroon wood finish gives the space a warm touch that contrasts with the apartment's ample natural light, striking a delicate balance between absorption and reflection. There is no excessive decoration in the space, and every detail has been carefully thought out, allowing light and shadow to become the real protagonist, giving the apartment a vivid and layered change.

The choice of materials draws directly from the surrounding coastal environment, but avoids overly explicit Marine elements. The apartment features a light-coloured sandstone floor whose natural texture resembles the subtle touch of the beach, creating an invisible narrative underfoot. The walls are covered in textured plaster, which can show subtle changes in different lighting conditions throughout the day, like the ever-changing nature of the ocean. This design language allows DH Apartment to move beyond the traditional coastal residential style and into a more contemporary "Quiet Luxury" aesthetic.

This aesthetic echoes that of mid-century Scandinavian summer houses: the purity of natural materials and the free flow of space are far superior to the complexity of decoration. At the same time, Vincent Van Duysen's precise approach ensures that the apartment achieves the perfect balance between minimalism and functionality, giving it a historical temperature without losing a sense of contemporary precision.

The layout of the space has been carefully planned to accommodate the diverse rhythms of family vacation life. The social Spaces and master bedrooms face the sea to maximise views of the North Sea, while the children's bedrooms are located at the back of the apartment, each with an en suite bathroom, creating a quiet and private retreat. This layout acknowledges the dual need for togetherness and solitude in family life, allowing occupants to both share quality time in an open space and enjoy a moment of peace in a separate space.

What makes DH Apartment unique is its restrained yet precise design language. It does not use the symbolic expression of the traditional seaside residence, but through the spatial layout, low-key and advanced material selection and light use, to create a low-key and highly textured living atmosphere, to build a calm and elegant space. This restraint gives the apartment a more lasting aesthetic value, allowing it to transcend time and become a true work of quiet luxury. With this design strategy, the apartment becomes not only a peaceful seaside resort, but also a meditation on the contemporary philosophy of living - seeking depth in restraint and displaying true luxury in minimalism.

Nestled within the serene elegance of DH Apartment’s coastal retreat, the Gubbio Charming Vintage Floral Embroidered Pillow Cover from Domvitus would feel right at home. Its intricate embroidery and vintage floral design echo the apartment’s thoughtful balance of nature and sophistication, while its soft textures and timeless charm complement the understated luxury of Vincent Van Duysen’s vision. Whether placed on a sunlit sofa or a cozy reading nook, this pillow cover adds a touch of artistry and warmth to any space—just like the interplay of light and shadow that defines DH Apartment. Elevate your home with a piece that blends heritage craftsmanship with modern elegance.