Taking your time; this was the formula for the good outcome of the substantial renovation Juliette and Jan Meems tackled together. The couple thought long and hard about the layout of the home. Family and friends – some who were experts on the matter, other who were not – were offering unsolicited advice. Having permission to break down old factory walls before the official sale went through was an important piece of the design process. It allowed for an early perspective on what the space had to offer and it made the final design evolve more naturally. Initially, the couple envisioned a large garden in the middle of the building. But this idea was quickly replaced by a simple outdoor patio in between the living and sleeping quarters. Jan: “When our initial plan proved to be too invasive, we practiced the art of letting go to make room for new possibilities.” Instead, the garden was moved to the back near the kitchen. Jan: “Now the garden is more private and hidden from the street. It was also the most logical option for optimised sunlight.” In collaboration with other neighbourhood gardens, the residents created a beautiful green space.