The home story of Charlotte and Mirko
After an intense period of renovation, Charlotte and Mirko’s house in Kortrijk has transformed into a warm and inviting home for themselves, their four (nearly) adult children, and their circle of friends. Two houses became one, while retaining distinct spaces and unique functions. The renovation not only brought more comfort, space, and privacy for their blended family but also created a place designed for togetherness—down to the smallest details, such as the choice of the perfect flooring.
Perfect timing
Charlotte had lived at this location for twelve years when the neighbours decided to move. Perfect timing, as she and Mirko had just started searching for a place to live together as a blended family. “Honestly, I didn’t want to leave this house,” Charlotte admits. “I have such a strong connection to it. It was a safe haven for me and my two children after my divorce, a place I truly made my own.” When they decided to purchase the adjoining house to make room for Mirko and his two children, it felt partly like letting go, but also like a new beginning.
In 2022, the adventure began: an extensive renovation that would last eighteen months. Initially, the plans were limited to the newly purchased house, but as the renovations progressed, they decided to include the existing house and garden. The result was a large, cohesive living space.
Constant motion
With four adult children under one roof, space was not a luxury but a necessity. Each child got their own room: Charlotte’s children remained in their original rooms, while Mirko’s children found their own spaces in the new part of the house. “It’s a constant motion here,” Charlotte laughs. “Sometimes everyone’s home; sometimes just one. And yes, there are always friends dropping by.”
In addition to the bedrooms, the house boasts two bathrooms, a cozy lounge, a spacious kitchen, and “the bistro,” which quickly became the heart of the home. It’s a space for parties, dinners, and casual get-togethers, with a pool table as its centerpiece. During the day, it doubles as a staging area for laundry; in the evening, it’s all about relaxation.
Flooring that can handle it all
With so much activity and visitors, choosing the right flooring was essential. Charlotte and Mirko opted for Parquetvinyl. “It looks like an engineered floor but is so much easier to maintain,” Charlotte explains. “The bistro often fills with friends, and after a night of fun, there might be spilled drinks. With Parquetvinyl, it’s no problem—just a quick clean, and it’s as good as new.”
Charlotte knew from the start she wanted a herringbone pattern downstairs. “I often got inspiration from Pinterest and kept seeing images of old Art Deco homes. Herringbone is such a defining feature of that style. It adds warmth and character, which suits our house perfectly.” Mirko adds, “But you can hardly tell it’s vinyl—most people think it’s real parquet.”
Warm and water-resistant
Their choice of Parquetvinyl extended to the bathroom, a bold but successful decision. “It feels warm underfoot and is water-resistant—an ideal solution,” Charlotte says enthusiastically. These details not only add style and comfort but also create a cohesive look that aligns seamlessly with their vision and lifestyle. Do it well, or not at all.
A home to share
The house is designed for sharing, a sentiment evident in every aspect. The children are welcome to bring friends, as long as clear rules are followed. “We even made a QR code so they can pay for their drinks—it keeps everything fair. And the rule is that the house must look exactly as they found it. So far, that’s always been respected,” Mirko says.
A place for rest and fun
Despite the many activities filling the house, Charlotte has found her peaceful spot: the lounge at the back of the garden. It’s where she and Mirko enjoy the evening sun, a perfect place to unwind with a drink and end the day. The garden was also renovated, offering a wide, welcoming green space for relaxation.
“This home has given us so much,” Charlotte reflects. “It’s important to me that it remains a haven for everyone, especially the children. It’s their first time living with someone other than their mom. This needs to feel like home for all of them.” Every corner of the house tells a story—from the cozy bistro with its durable flooring to the spacious garden and inviting nooks.
"Investing in your home is investing in quality of life"
Charlotte and Mirko have created a home that’s not only practical but also exudes warmth and hospitality. “Investing in your home is investing in quality of life,” Charlotte says. “Having everything complete brings us mental peace. Now we can truly live and enjoy life here to the fullest.”