Studio Bjorn Verlinde - Let yourself be bored in your own ‘nest’

“We approach each project conceptually. The end result is created by a unique interplay between client, architecture, materials and functionality.” It is a description that could have come from the mouth of an architect. In this case, however, it does not apply. Quite on the contrary, this is how Kortrijk interior designer Bjorn Verlinde of the Bjorn Verlinde Studio does business.

Bjorn Verlinde and his wife started their studio in 2012, which he currently runs with his wife and another interior designer, Bert Bonduelle. He only set up his own studio after having gained many years of experience elsewhere, particularly at Modular Lighting Instruments, a Belgian specialist in architectural lighting from Roeselare, and then at the related agency Rotor. The portfolio he has built up in the meantime is one to be proud of, including various commissions for restaurants run by star chefs.

How is it that not only big names like The Jane or Veuve Clicquot come knocking on your door, but also numerous private individuals? What is Studio Bjorn Verlinde's exact strength?

“Explaining yourself is just about the hardest thing there is (smiles). But if you ask me, it helps enormously that we have a clear way of operating. Over the years, we have developed an effective method of tailoring the best possible design for each individual client. We always go through a whole process, every time starting with listening carefully to the story and wishes of the person sitting across the table from you. Only when the functional requirements, ideas, needs and wishes of a project have been mapped out do we move on to the actual design phase, which includes various presentations. Not until all of the details have been ironed out, no matter how many times proposals go back and forth, can it be executed and finally delivered.”

When looking at your projects, we see a number of recurring themes. We notice an interplay of light and shadow, an emphasis on materiality, a clear experimentation with (empty) space, and above all: everything radiates great simplicity.

“We have a clear, unique signature and that is of course no coincidence. You should really see our interiors as an escape from the ever-present, restless digital world and an embrace of the ‘good old’ analogue world. For my studio, it is about searching for the creation of our own ‘nest’, a place where security and tranquillity prevail. People should literally feel at home. To achieve this, we work with views, materials, perspective, geometry, shadow and light, with the absolute need for simplicity in a clear structure being central. We want the ‘joie de vivre’ of the users of the space to be stimulated daily in a space in which creativity must be able to both arise and develop. Our inspiration for this can come from anywhere: from the history of architecture, art, music, landscapes or simply impressions we gained while travelling.”

“Actually, you can summarise it briefly. Where the exterior often appears very ‘irritable’, we provide softness and protection on the inside. You will find this not only in our private projects, but also in, for example, our numerous hospitality projects. A chef will approach us with a question, after which we listen and try to assess the character of both the chef and his or her cuisine as best we can. What follows is the creation of various prototypes tailored to the customer, so that in the end the chef can do much more in his or her restaurant than just ‘play chef’. And for the sake of completeness: we often add object design to this.”

“In the hospitality industry, you will also notice that we strive for the simplicity I mentioned earlier on. Simplicity creates a sense of calm that people instinctively feel. When you keep things simple, people connect more easily. By the way, simplicity should not be translated as austere, it is more about incorporating obvious lines and movements that automatically lead to creativity. You could actually call us the ideal advocates for ‘Let yourself be bored’. Throw distractions such as your smartphone to the side for once and take a few steps back without feeling guilty. Why not? There's nothing wrong with getting properly bored in your nest (smiles)!”

Lecture ‘Wondering & landing’

Would you like to become better acquainted with the world of Studio Bjorn Verlinde? Then we recommend you attend the lecture ‘Wondering & landing’ on 16 May (2.30 pm) during ARCHITECT@WORK Kortrijk. Bjorn Verlinde will explain how he brings the vibe of his studio to life, at the invitation of the AiNB, and will illustrate this with a number of recent projects, many of which were realised in collaboration with architects.

All images © Bjorn Verlinde Studio