The loft was ready for renovation, but although Pol wanted to create a relaxing and intimate home, he also craved a place that could be adapted for entertaining, without compromising the natural industrial feel. Sliding doors proved to be the answer. Now the master bedroom, bathroom and guest room can be either closed off as separate rooms for a warm and cosy atmosphere or opened out for an airy feel.
Credit: Didier Delmasapart
In contrast, the kitchen remains entirely open, visually divided from the living room by virtue of its dark colour and unusually high counter. 'I wanted an open kitchen that would have its own distinctive personality, but could also melt into its surroundings,' explains Pol. The bedroom also has a dual purpose: it cleverly converts to a home cinema. A projector is installed in the ceiling and the bed, designed by Pol's own company, P&T Interiors, converts into a double chaise longue.
A keen host, Pol designed his home to match his lifestyle. You can recreate the look of his pricey Italian suede sofas with a faux-suede sofa from Dwell. For a similar dining table, take a look at BoConcept's range.
Despite the fact that many of the rooms in this large space are separate, there is a single element that unites them all: the floor. Stained a warm, dark hue throughout, it brings together the entire apartment and complements Pol's diverse collection of sleek, Italian furniture and industrial objects. Old typewriters, neon lights and metal fans create a look that can only be described as industrial chic and this contrasts with the natural rust, charcoal grey, black and chocolate shades on the walls.
Credit: Didier Delmasapart
Shelving designed by P&T Interiors holds Andy Warhol portraits by Philippe Halsman. The bed frame, flannel bedlinen and white mink blanket are also from P&T Interiors and the cushions come from The Conran Shop. For a similar look in your bedroom, try the low-level Limo bed in wenge-coloured veneer, £599, BoConcept.
Given these juxtapositions, it is no surprise to learn that Pol believes interior design should move beyond convention. 'I love scouring flea markets and visiting antique dealers and then displaying my finds in a totally unexpected environment,' he says. To this end, when strolling around his home, you'll find vintage dolls imprisoned in cages, 'rock and roll' chickens in a glass case and a cupboard housing an extensive collection of disused padlocks. 'The design of my home is always evolving,' he explains. 'It is made up of many layers and each one is constantly shifting as my taste evolves or simply as I find new things.'
However, Pol finds that designing his own place is not the same as designing for the globetrotting clients of his company, many of whom have several homes in cities around the world. 'Designing for a client requires the discipline to bring the project to a successful conclusion,' he says. 'A design is successful when a space and its owner are in aesthetic and functional harmony and it's up to the designer to meet that challenge. I always tell my clients that they should lose their inhibitions: they need to be a little bit daring and simply rely on the judgement of their designer.'
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