When asked, Liene Meneve finds it challenging to explain exactly

what she does. “I am someone who never stands still and is always

looking for new, beautiful things. I want to make people happy and

inspire them. That is why all my work has one starting point: to focus

on beautiful things and the frivolity of life,” she says.

Due to her fascination with aesthetics, Liene’s creative process begins

with a feeling or a particular connection to a colour, shape or object:

“A small creative spark can quickly turn into a sea of fire, a stream of

ideas and realisations.”

As is often the case, inspiration can happen anywhere and at any

point in time, which is why you will often see Liene taking pictures

for her personal digital archive, which acts as an inexhaustible source

of inspiration. “Often, my family and I pass something and I make

everyone stop while I take a picture. This can range from a beauti-

ful incident of light to a magical location to the dreamy gaze of my

children.”

Liene’s creative journey often begins at home and her 1975 archi-

tect-designed home in the Belgian countryside plays a significant role

in her life. This is where she can truly withdraw and connect with her

husband, William, and their two children, Loewè, 3, and Sézane, 5.

Two years ago, needing more space physically and mentally, the fam-

ily decided to move from their house in the city. “We started looking

for a home in the country. Both our jobs were hectic and we felt like

we needed a place to clear our heads.” When Liene and her family

saw the house, inspired by Brutalism and designed by architect Paul

Meekels, they fell in love: “The house has a large, open floor plan and

was built using high-quality materials that speak for themselves. The

brick walls, bare concrete beams and wooden ceilings really dictate

the general atmosphere of the house. It also has large windows where

lots of beautiful and direct sunlight beams through.”

In addition to being with her family, Liene feels at home when she is

surrounded by serenity, unity and simplicity. Taking those first steps

into Liene’s home, we are also met with an overwhelming sense of

visual calm which exudes from every corner of the house. “I don’t

think it is ever a good idea to overthink interior design,” she says.

“For me, it is important that my home is filled with objects that spark

memories and mirror our personal discoveries.” This is also reflect-

ed in one of Liene’s favourite possessions, decorative and functional

cork objects she designed together with her husband.

Highlighting one unique element of their home, Liene nods to the

large in-built sofa, which is the nerve centre of the house. Together,

Liene and her husband have transformed this part of their home into

a unique, multifunctional seating landscape: “My kids call it ‘the pond’

and they love to play here. We also like to have our aperitif here when

we have friends over, and on Sundays it’s the perfect place to lounge

and read a good book. I find that it embodies the perfect balance be-

tween aesthetics and comfort. In many ways, this small nook is what

makes me and my family feel at home.”

Liene Meneve is a Belgian illustrator, make-up artist and stylist who is fascinated

by beauty and aesthetics. Dedicated to capturing the beautiful frivolity of living

in every aspect of her life, Liene has transformed her architecturally designed

home into a serene sanctuary that unites her family.

Home Story - Leuven

Liene Meneve has always been fascinated by beauty and aesthetics.

Through her creative work as an illustrator, make-up artist and stylist,

she seeks to inspire people by focusing on the effortless beauty of life

and the things we surround ourselves with.

This idea is also reflected in her home, which is characterised by large,

open spaces, brick walls, bare concrete beams, high wooden ceilings

and beautiful natural light.

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