Demeyer asks dozens of questions to get acquainted with his clients interests and lifestyles. The designers biggest strength is his ability to add a variety of personal touches throughout the living spacesa way of feeling the home from within. For Coussens, this is noticeable in window shades crafted using his recycled jeans and other denim, and a bronze sculpture inherited from his grandmother that now graces a coffee table in the sitting room. I like to use heirlooms, says Demeyer. I never ask myself if things are nice or not. They are important if they are part of a story.A totem by Carving-Koen overlooks the primary bedroom. Ceiling painted in Ementes Rouge Chinois; Forest Canopy Carpet by JP Demeyer & Co.; vintage elephant chairs.A natural entertainer, Coussens loves hostinganywhere from four to 36 people. This raised a practical question for the homehow to create more sleeping space for overnight guests. Demeyer cleverly devised an en suite bedroom from two smaller rooms and in an unused attic space, designed a sleeping alcove with five beds, playfully concealed by green tartan curtains and his trademark fringe. A lot of things in the house now remind me of childhood sleepovers at my grandparents house, says Coussens. That feeling of coziness, warmth, and safety.A hallway features several bespoke pieces including window treatments made using Coussenss old blue jeans and a pearwood sconce by Vandenhulle.Discreetly placed throughout, Demeyer also installed drawings by local artists, historic photographs of the region, and even maps that tell the story of the surrounding area. I like the sense of locality but with a twist. These details contribute to grounding the home, not only in Coussenss personal story, but to that of this region, which played an important part in world history. In 2023, this area of Belgium was recognized by UNESCO to commemorate more than two dozen World War I monuments and sites. Yet this home also speaks very much to its present. We see the tractors passing by, and friendly hikers, and even people on horseback, says Coussens.To hear the tale of this house is a reminder of perhaps the most famous Ralph Lauren quote: I dont design clothes. I design dreams. Together, Demeyer and Coussens have realized a dream, and Coussens gives the dreamiest compliment in return: Id do it all over again.Never miss a story when you subscribe to AD.