Patrick De Maeseneire and Betty Evenepoel have transformed a compact apartment in Ibiza into a bright, open retreat that better captures the island’s coastal charm. The couple, who reside in Switzerland, purchased the 990-square-foot (92-square-meter) two-bedroom unit in Santa Eulària des Riu in 2023 for just under 900,000 euros ($1 million). Despite its prime location with Mediterranean Sea views, the apartment’s original layout was dark and cramped.
The renovation, led by Belgian-born architect Sam De Ridder of Studio Go Ibiza, sought to maximize natural light and create a stronger connection to the sea. Initial issues included small rooms, a convoluted hallway, and dark floors and walls that made the space feel closed off. To address these challenges, the team reconfigured the floor plan by removing partitions, straightening the hallway, and merging the kitchen with the living area.
De Ridder emphasized the psychological impact of visibility, designing the interior so that the Mediterranean could be seen from any point within the apartment. A key feature is the kitchen peninsula, which acts as the main dining area and is set slightly higher with stools to enhance sea views. This design element also supports casual dining habits, reflecting the local Mediterranean culture of tapas and informal meals.
To create a sense of spaciousness, the renovation employed several design strategies. These included using a limited palette of materials with consistent colors, integrating doors and storage solutions seamlessly into walls without visible hinges or trim, and utilizing lighting to delineate functional zones within the open plan. The floors are coated with warm white Mortex microcement, while walls and ceilings feature Keim mineral paint in similar tones. Window treatments consist of gauzy Belgian linen blinds and curtains.
Throughout the apartment, built-in cabinetry and shelving are crafted from reclaimed Venetian oak, and both kitchen surfaces and bathroom vanities utilize a single type of sandy-colored marble, reinforcing visual continuity. The resulting effect is an interior filled with natural light that is enhanced by reflections from the sea, giving the space a golden glow even in the evening.
The renovation, which took approximately one year and cost around 250,000 euros ($290,000), was completed before the summer of 2023. Since then, De Maeseneire and Evenepoel have enjoyed the balance of Ibiza’s energetic electronic music scene and the quiet moments available from their home on the island. The couple, who have visited Ibiza for four decades, view the apartment as a genuine retreat and a place that strengthens their long-standing connection to the destination. Their aim of having a simple, easily accessible space to come “home to” while visiting has been realized, deepening their affection for the island.