
The Patricia Goijens home is a bright, character-filled apartment in central Antwerp, Belgium. Shared with her boyfriend, the 1930s space combines original architectural details with vintage furniture, family keepsakes, and souvenirs collected during travel.


Inside Patricia Goijens’ Antwerp apartment

The apartment is on the ninth floor, an unusual height in a city where many buildings are low-rise. Patricia especially appreciates the open view and natural light, along with the hardwood floors, original features, and walk-in wardrobe. These elements give the home a distinctive feel while providing a practical foundation for its collected furnishings.


Vintage finds and meaningful family keepsakes

Many of the home’s most treasured objects came from Patricia’s parents and grandmothers. One standout is a silver fish displayed on the fireplace. Her mother gave it to her father in the 1970s, and after it spent time in the attic, Patricia brought it into her own home. Giving an inherited object a new place to live can preserve its story while making it part of everyday life.
The living room’s rocking chair is another piece with a long personal history. Patricia has had it since childhood, and it remains a conversation starter when guests visit. She later painted the chair as part of a refresh, showing how a simple update can help an older piece suit a room without losing its sentimental value.

How the apartment came together

Patricia and her boyfriend have lived in the apartment for three years and are preparing to move to a new home they purchased. Before moving in, they searched flea markets, antique stores, and thrift shops for larger furnishings. Because the building’s elevator is too small for bulky items, they planned ahead and acquired many of the essentials before settling in. Their finds included a Chesterfield sofa and the living room sideboard.
Over time, plants and painted furniture helped the rooms feel more personal and put together. Chairs have also become a recurring addition. When sourcing second-hand furniture, measuring doorways, stairwells, and elevators in advance can prevent delivery-day surprises—especially in older apartment buildings.


A welcoming space for work and entertaining

Since both residents work from home, they value having an environment that feels inspiring as well as comfortable. The large living room serves several purposes: it is a place to work, host friends, and gather for dinner. Patricia says they have welcomed more than 20 people for a meal, and the room has also provided a backdrop for seasonal webshop photo shoots and other projects.
The apartment’s flexible layout has even allowed them to explore creative projects beyond the living room, including taking photographs on the roof. As they prepare to leave, Patricia expects to miss the light, the view, and the gatherings the home has made possible. Thoughtful vintage pieces and family objects have helped turn the apartment into a home that reflects the people who live there.

What makes Patricia Goijens’ home feel personal

The Patricia Goijens home brings together original details, practical planning, and objects with personal histories. Its vintage furniture and inherited keepsakes show how a space can feel welcoming without relying on matching pieces or brand-new decor. For anyone furnishing an apartment, a useful starting point is to choose items that fit the room, support daily routines, and carry meaning for the people who live there.
