Nestled deep in the green heart of the Ardennes is Maison Oscar, the first boutique holiday home in Belgium. A progressive concept where design rules the roost and guests enjoy a unique total experience. Together with Niko, Augustin and Hadrien ensured that the experience at Maison Oscar was flawless down to the last detail.
Large windows, abundant incoming light and enchanting views: an unforgettable experience awaits you the moment you step inside Maison Oscar. This unique holiday spot is in a league of its own. You will fall in love with rooms that radiate design and harmony, in the middle of the Ardennes nature. And if that is not enough, you will also be treated to tailor-made experiences that meet all your needs. From relaxing yoga to culinary workshops, everything is possible here.
And it is all thanks to the collective achievement of passionate brothers Augustin and Hadrien Bown. With a father in the textile industry and a mother in the arts, you could say their love of design was inculcated at an early age. After buying and renovating flats together for many years, the two yearned for something more permanent. A hospitality project they could put their heart and soul into. And so Maison Oscar was born, a playground for creativity, design and hospitality.
Love at first sight
The building dates from the 1970s and is typically Ardennes, with a living area and a barn. For Augustin, it was love at first sight.
‘As you could only bid on the house for a few days, we were under pressure to act quickly. It was a question of now or never, and that motivated us to go full steam ahead.’
The authentic character of the house immediately caught Augustin's eye. Having purchased the property, he sat around the table with interior design experts AFC Collection.
‘A few brainstorming sessions later, we quickly decided to ditch the traditional ideas and opted for a mix of authentic and contemporary design. So original elements, such as the wooden truss of the roof, were mixed with pieces by young contemporary designers.’
Duality
Maison Oscar's design story is one of duality. Throughout the interior, linear and organic shapes are mixed together to enhance the harmony. The switches complete the story and create balance.
‘I'm definitely not a fan of traditional white switches, and I was looking for something with more character’ recalls Augustin.
‘The Niko Intense collection immediately caught my eye, with its linear push button and curved faceplate, which are a subtle nod to the duality in the interior. For me, this switch sums up the Maison Oscar design story in a way. It's a focal point that at the same time blends seamlessly into the whole.’
All in the details
For Augustin, a familiar name in the world of interior design, the finishing is everything. ‘It brings calm to your interior and tells a coherent story. Everything has to be right, because that has a big impact on how you experience a space. Whether or not you're an interior design fanatic.’
‘With Maison Oscar, the entire finish is in stainless steel. As such, it's essential that the switches have a similar look. Niko Intense sterling coated is the perfect choice in this regard, and also matches the luminaires for the lighting designed by Koen Van Guijze. With its sleek yet warm character, Niko Intense sets the tone in the interior.’
Augustin therefore chose Niko very early in the process, when the electricity plans were being drawn up. ‘Switches are normally chosen late in the construction process, but I don't believe in that’ explains Augustin.
‘Niko was the right partner because they have a wide range of finishes with a luxurious look, while at the same time remaining affordable.
For me, Belgium is and will always be an interior design country and you can see that in companies like Niko. It's an iconic name in the world of lighting and switches. Niko is known for high quality and Belgian design, which also encapsulates their latest range Niko Rocker and Niko Toggle.’
View the brochure
Switch to beauty.
Read all about our finishings for switching material in our brochure.
Niko finishings
Discover all finishings for switching material and socket outlets.
Find a dealer
Niko's products are available in a vast network of selling points
