Villa Calma
Villa Calma. The name says it all. Hidden in the woods of Oud-Turnhout is a home that immediately brings you peace upon entering. Magical light, serene spaces and an interior that is perfect down to the smallest detail. The house dates from 1966 and was designed by the Turnhout School, inspired by the Scandinavian architecture of Arne Jacobsen and Alvar Aalto. Innovative and modern, but never at the expense of the human element.
You used to live in Antwerp, what made you decide to move to this house in Oud-Turnhout?
“Several aspects. First, the high costs we had in our former house, and also that we had to combine living and working because we ran a B&B. That all started to become too much for us.”
Why did you choose this house specifically?
“The space is large, we realize that, but it was mainly the volume and quality of the property that appealed to us most.” The interior is beautiful, serene, harmoniously balanced, and very unique.
How do you create such an environment?
“I have a very busy mind, so my interior needs to be very harmonious. Otherwise, it just doesn't work for me.”
Where do you get your inspiration from?
“Everywhere and nowhere. Pinterest, Instagram, and especially by trying things out myself.” After finding inspiration, you still have to apply the look to your own home.
Where do you source your interior items?
“My furniture is also an investment. I love timeless and handcrafted furniture. I also buy a lot of second-hand items or we make our furniture ourselves.”
What role does color play in your interior?
“I’m not a fan of bright colors; I prefer shades. The children have colorful rooms, but in the living room and our bedroom, everything is in white and beige tones. This is necessary to maintain calm in an interior.”
What role does the kitchen play in your lives?
“A very big one. I really come alive when I get to cook for a large group. That's why we often host dinner parties; it allows me to showcase my culinary skills.”
You have experience with the MAKUS Marble induction hob, what role does it play in your interior?
“I love to cook, and I definitely cook fresh every day, so a spacious hob with a power function is very important.”
What appeals to you about MAKUS?
“That you can integrate it beautifully into your worktop. I never understood a black spot on a light worktop. That's such a shame.”
And what makes you switch to the MAKUS Moon now?
“The color matches my worktop even better. I have a circulation system in the house, so extraction isn't a must for me, but it's a nice bonus.”
You just mentioned it, you also try out a lot of things. You do almost everything yourselves, for example, you built your own swimming pool. How do you acquire the knowledge and skills to do it (almost) all yourselves?
“We have been 'flipping' houses for over ten years. We saw and still see all our houses as an investment, which is why we never stay in one place for longer than 5 years. If you invest, you often renovate yourself, otherwise you don't make a profit, and in those 10 years, you learn quite a bit.”
Finally
Villa Calma is more than a house — it is living proof that harmony, dedication, and a keen eye for detail can transform a space. Sumeyya and her husband do almost everything themselves. That makes it all the more impressive.
Want to follow Sumeyya's renovation adventure up close? You can do so via @sumeyya.ata on Instagram.
Curious about the Makus Moon that will soon shine in Villa Calma? Discover the Makus Moon →
