Verhaeghe House

This middle class home, designed by the architect Gustave Strauven, is part of a particularly consistent row of houses dating from the same period. The abundant plant-inspired decoration, the interplay of curves and counter-curves, and the diversity of materials all characterise the creativity and the genius of this architect.

FACADE

The façade is designed to present a striking array of colours and materials. The front door is decorated with a wrought iron grille featuring an elaborate design and is surmounted with a fanlight window containing Art Nouveau stained glass. The basement kitchen window also has a remarkable grille with plant-inspired lines.

INTERIOR

The entrance hall has a marble mosaic floor with an Art Nouveau design. On the ground floor, four adjoining rooms, separated by large glazed doors, display various styles. This  diversity was a distinctive characteristic of the later Art Nouveau creations. The Regency-Louis XV-style lounge has a ceiling decorated with painted trompe l’oeil reliefs in pink and gold tones, and corner medallions featuring scenes of chivalry. The dining room was Flemish Neo-Renaissance in style.