Gallery of the future

The next generation of modern art spaces are closer than you think – it’s time to turn your home into an exhibition. This Belgian townhouse shows how to do it in style

It’s time to turn your home into an exhibition. This Belgian townhouse shows you how to do it in style

THE TREND

You don’t have to possess the bank balance of Charles Saatchi to start your own gallery at home. All you need is an eye for talent, like interior architect Jo Hoeven, the owner of this art-filled home in Bruges, Belgium. The key is not to get too caught up with chasing novelty – go for what you love, not what you think might have future value. There are plenty of places to explore this generation’s YBAS ( Young British Artists), from established events such as the Affordable Art Fair – held in London, Bristol and other major cities around the world – to websites like Degree Art, which champions fresh-out-of-art-school painters and sculptors. Alternatively, if you don’t feel ready to commit, there’s also the option to rent. Rise Art offers ready-to-hang works from £25 per month – if you decide to keep it, the rental cost will be taken off the price of the piece.

THE HOUSE

Homeowner Jo describes this 19th-century townhouse, which he shares with his Weimaraner dog Nelson, as a gallery, ‘a showroom of my ideas’. To accommodate his collection, he has opened up the living areas to create rooms that are ideal for larger pieces, such as the colourful chandelier in the hallway by Maarten Baas, or Giant, a sculpture of a man in a top hat by Belgian artist Pierre Caille, which stands in the corner of the living room (see previous page). Jo has kept the walls white (in the tradition of modern galleries) and added slim black skirting and detailing around the doors to further frame the many artworks. The paintings and sculptures may be 21st-century, but the furniture that accompanies them is largely comprised of classic 1960s pieces by French designer Pierre Chapo. This mix of the vintage and the cutting-edge is what makes this a very personal kind of art space.

Words JAMES RICH Photography MICHAEL DEPASQUALE & MARTINA MAFFINI/LIVING INSIDE

Opposite The ‘ Elm’ dining table and ‘ Wood’ bench by Pierre Chapo were bought at Thomas Serruys, an antiques dealer in Bruges – try Pamono in the UK. The masks on sticks are by Studio Bertjan Pot, the computerised landscape is by Mathias Casaer and the abstract painting is by Antwerpbased artist Fleur de Roeck Hallway Breche marble tiles by Dominique Desimpel cover the floor, a chandelier by Maarten Baas hangs above and figures by Nightshop make themselves at home Stockist details on p169