Synonymous with the pinnacle of interior design, Axel Vervoordt, is known the world over for his timeless, minimal but über sophisticated interiors style. Over the past 50 years, he has built a successful empire, consisting of an interior design practice, an antiques business, a private foundation, as well as art galleries in Antwerp and Hong Kong – serving notable clients such as Calvin Klein, Kanye West, Robert de Niro, Bill Gates and Sting.
Yesterday, the King Philippe of Belgium, bestowed Vervoordt the nobility rank of Baron for services for his country. “I feel deeply humbled and full of with gratitude, honor, and appreciation. I’m proud to be Belgian. I’m proud to have been born in Antwerp, a creative city with a profound history in the cultural arts. I created a company here that helped contribute to an international understanding of Belgian style and the positive image of our country,” explained Vervoordt.
Though he is primarily and rightfully renowned for his interiors, Vervoordt’s design skills also extend to gardens and landscape. Especially so at his primary residence, the 16th century Gravenwezel Castle, located in a village of Antwerp in Belgium. The heart of Vervoordt’s art-and-design realm, Gravenwezel’s garden was designed in association with the remarkable landscape architect, Jacques Wirtz. Featured in the July 2015 issue of Vogue, the 62 acre, the rustic landscape, which once inspired Mondrian’s paintings, is a careful blend of garden and nature beyond.With a gardening approach, described as a “conversation with nature”, Vervoordt’s outdoor space is a beautiful carefully curated reflection of his timeless, minimalist aesthetic and visual romanticism. Sadly the castle is no longer open to the public, but fortuitously Gravenwezel castle and gardens do appear from time to time, on Vervoordt’s instagram @axelvervoordt.
“The news is an opportunity to reflect on the beauty of life. I’ve dedicated my path to searching for what’s universal in the human experience. The path led me to seek a balance in timelessness and contrasts. Between East and West. Yin and Yang. Full and empty. Eternal and ephemeral. This openness helped me explore the world. On behalf of my family, friends, clients, staff, and colleagues, this honor becomes greater in sharing it with them with thanks for their contributions. The key to true happiness is sharing it. Thank you all with all my heart,” added Vervoordt.