The home story of Sofie

Sofie, who really likes to enjoy life, has just rebuilt her charming home within the corn fields in Lokeren. As she already lives here for twenty years, she knew exactly what she wanted: an open kitchen, a wide view and especially a lot of holiday vibes!

Patience and priorities

Sofie bought this house in the year 2000 with her former partner, but became a single mom shortly after the birth of her son. Her patience was sorely tested: because she was paying off the home by herself there was no more budget to renovate. Sofie: “I like it when I get everything right the first time, so it was 20 years of longing! But besides a renovated home I also wanted to live. A memorable holiday with my son was primary to a finished home.”

Open home days

After twenty years of dreaming, planning and saving the time had finally come. But first there needed to be a plan. At an ‘Open Home Day’ – where you can look inside inspiring architectural homes – Sofie met the architect Tim Rogge, whose projects she really loved. There was an instant click. Sofie: “That was really important to me. With a tight budget I couldn’t afford a horror story with unexpected costs. A good connection and fluent communication between me and the architect was really crucial.”

Warm beneath the feet

The architect held Sofie’s wishes and budget into account. Although he would have preferred to pour polyconcrete  on the entire ground floor, he let her free in her search to other materials. Sofie: “Polyconcrete everywhere was not only very pricy, I also wanted something more warm beneath the feet in my living room. That is the story of how I found Parquetvinyl.’

Japandi

Sofie discovered Parquetvinyl in one of her beloved interior magazines and immediately ordered some samples. Those were hugely appealing to her. She chose Ivalo Amaranth, the collection that suited best with her tile floor. Sofie: “I like the Japandi style which is known for a combination of raw materials, soft woods and natural colors.”

Zen moment

Sofie left the structural work to professionals, although she was every morning and evening present on the site to monitor everything. She took the finishing touches as much as possible for her account, including the installation of the pvc floor. Admitted: in the beginning it took some searching, but once she was on a roll she was unstoppable. Sofie: “I like to work with my hands and I completely calmed down while installing the vinyl floor.”

Sofie: “I like to have people come over. Organizing dinners and experimenting in the kitchen is completely my cup of tea. That’s why I definitely didn’t want fragile materials in my house, living is allowed here! When there is some wine spilled on the Parquetvinyl floor it’s absolutely no problem. Also nice that I don’t have to be careful not to use too much water or detergent when I mop here…”

Ibiza at the Durme

During the renovation Sofie stayed with her parents for over a year, now she lives already half a year back home. Sofie: “I used to go out a lot, now I like to stay at home. As soon as the sun shines I open the windows. Then I flatter myself on a bench and I enjoy the view and the curtains that are dancing in the wind… With some fantasy it looks like Ibiza or Malibu here!”

Work in progress

Sofie’s home is again liveable, but it isn’t fully ready yet. Sofie: “The skirting boards have not yet been glued, the walls aren’t painted and there are no light fittings yet… There is also some work to do at the terrace and in the garden. Besides that I love to buy a new coach and I want to place some divider between the home office and the living room. But everything at it’s time… that’s something I have learned. (laughes)”

Strong Independent Woman

Sofie is extremely proud at the result, and as she should! Sofie: “I’m not going to hide it: renovating is pretty tough, especially if you have to do it alone. Even though you can ask for advice or help from friends, in the end you all have to manage it yourself. There were occasional tears involved, yes. But it was all worth it: when I walk down the stairs and I’m being greeted with so many beautiful things – from the fully custom-made kitchen to the lovely floor – I really consider myself lucky.

Thank you for the hospitality, Sofie!

Ivalo Amaranth

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