Nursing home De Waterdam

During the refurbishment of nursing home De Waterdam, one objective took priority above all others: creating an environment that feels as little like an institution as possible and as much like home as possible. Director Marian Claeys oversaw the interior design choices and worked closely with Haelvoet to bring this vision to life.

“Above all, we wanted an interior that feels warm and homelike rather than institutional, as much as possible like a real living room,” says Claeys. That homely atmosphere was the guiding principle behind the design of the living rooms and the smaller retreat areas in the corridors. Different types of seating give residents the opportunity to choose a place where they feel most comfortable.

Colour and materials with a purpose

The colour choices were far from accidental. Warm tones for the floors and seating areas were selected to make the space more "readable": residents should be able to instinctively see where the kitchen ends and the lounge area begins. For this reason, Claeys deliberately chose different chairs for the kitchen and the living room, complemented by a section of Flotex flooring and a slightly different ceiling to give the seating area its own identity.

The colour combinations were also carefully coordinated, not in a single uniform colour but in shades that complement one another. As a result, a sofa can easily be moved from one living room to another without looking out of place.

For the target group of vulnerable older adults, tranquillity was a key consideration. “Besides creating a homelike environment, every detail matters for this group. We paid close attention to sensory stimuli: the space should feel warm, but there should not be too many stimuli. No loud colours, only calming tones,” explains Claeys.

Comfort that stands out

Haelvoet’s furniture was already familiar to Claeys. During a previous project, the director had the opportunity to get to know and test several models. A visit to the showroom enabled the team to compare different models and materials. The final choice was made for chairs that matched the interior concept both in terms of comfort and design. The possibility of combining different colours and fabrics for the seat and backrest also allowed the furniture to be carefully tailored to each space.

That comfort is noticeable in everyday life at De Waterdam. “You can see that many residents like to relax in the armchairs. Some even take their afternoon nap there simply because they are so comfortable,” notes Claeys.

The upholstery also sparks visitors’ curiosity. “Many people come over just to feel whether it is fabric or not,” says Claeys. This reaction highlights how different the furniture is from the traditional image of healthcare furniture, both in appearance and in the materials used.

The refurbishment of De Waterdam demonstrates how thoughtful choices in colour, materials and furniture contribute to a warm and recognisable living environment. Functionality and comfort go hand in hand with the project’s central objective from the outset: providing residents with a place that feels familiar, welcoming and truly like home.

Scope of the project : Furnishing and fitting out living rooms, lounge areas, informal meeting spaces and quiet corners in a nursing home, including seating, relaxation chairs, tables and lounge furniture, tailored to a homelike environment.