MY WEBSITE

Thursday, November 8, 2012

French Paneling - Signature Lefèvre

 

Since many years, our company, Lefèvre Interiors , is renown, for manufacturing high end custom made interiors, specialized in paneling. My ancestors were cabinet-makers, working according to time-honored techniques and traditions.

As current managers of Lefèvre Interiors (already for the 4th generation) Jan and me are convinced we have to continue this tradition in respect for our ancestors at the first place but even to keep this beautiful art alive.

Today we are preparing the design and creation of a French 18th century inspired paneling.

12

Jan is taking over, by measuring, a moulding from a French 18th century boiserie panel.

26Pictures by me.

 

Oak hand-painted French paneling.23Lefèvre Interiors Photo credit Jo Pauwels

 

3French paneled dining room at the house of interior designer Ginny Magher (US). source Côte de Texas

 

2French paneled dining room at the house of interior designer Ginny Magher (US). source The Houses of Veranda by Lisa Newsom

 

1French paneled living room at the house of the Belgian fashion designer Edouard Vermeulen. Photo credit Claude Smekens

 

5Source unknown

As inspiration to design paneling, Jan and me frequently visit ancient castles. We are always hoping to find mouldings we hadn’t seen before, to add to our collection.

25Château de Beloeil Picture by me

 

And I love to browse into my father’s or grandfather’s collection of ancient books.

18A few ancient books of my father’s collection.

 

21Examples of 18th century mouldings.

 

Lefèvre’s team of highly skilled craftsmen offers over 120 years of experience.

To continue the traditional work of our ancestors, and to manufacture 18th century boiseries, we need experienced and high skilled craftsmen -cabinetmakers and woodcarvers-, because mouldings have to be carved by hand.

11Lefèvre Interiors Photo credit Koen Snauwaert

 

Our employee Freddy at work. Freddy is working in our company for 40 years! Working at the same company for all these years is probably not very common these days.15Lefèvre Interiors Photo credit Claude Smekens

 

My father (who passed away in 2001) was an experienced woodcarver and during his spare time, we frequently found him in his studio, working on one of his creations in wood.

20My dad in his studio (years ago) shaping a sculpture in oak.

 

Stained oak French Régence styled paneling.6Lefèvre Interiors Photo credit Koen Snauwaert

Detail7Lefèvre Interiors Photo credit Koen Snauwaert

 

French Provencal oak paneling in a Belgian country house.24Lefèvre Interiors Photo credit Jo Pauwels

 

French Régence styled paneling with exceptional hand carved mouldings.22Lefèvre Interiors Photo credit Claude Smekens

8Lefèvre Interiors Photo credit Jo Pauwels

9Lefèvre Interiors Photo by me

 

19 Jan preparing projectFrench styled paneling. Design Lefèvre Interiors Pictures by me

 

Every single piece of furniture or paneling or library or any other project does not leave our workshop without the Lefèvre Interiors estampille . My father was the first of our family who raised the Lefèvre ‘estampille’, following 18th century French ébénistes (cabinet-makers).

Estampille

J. = the first letter of my father’s first name Jacques

Lefèvre = the family-name of August (founder of Lefèvre Interiors and my great-grandfather), Medard (my grandfather), Jacques (my father) and me.

1890 = year of establishment of our company, founded by my great-grandfather August Lefèvre (1867-1942)

Wapenschild Lefèvre - kopieLefèvre coat of arms.

The rafters and the 3 joiner’s planes refer to my ancestors, three previous generations of cabinet-makers.

 

28Lefèvre Interiors stamp ‘estampille’,  proof of high end quality and authenticity.  Photo credit Claude Smekens

 

If you would like us to help designing and manufacturing your paneling, even if you live outside Europe, feel free to contact us at info@lefevre.be

For more Lefèvre Interiors realisations visit our website at www.lefevre.be

 

Greet

33 comments:

  1. How you must enjoy your company and what you are able to accomplish! It is so good to see traditional methods still in use today. -Tonya

    ReplyDelete
  2. What a wonderful heritage Greet, and the most beautiful woodwork: a tremendous legacy to give to the world.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Vakwerk! Geweldig dat het doorgegeven en bewaard is gebeleven!

    Fijn weekend alvast!

    ReplyDelete
  4. How wonderful Greet, I just love the photograph of your father!

    There are not many traditional workshops left in Australia, my husband's
    workshop still makes traditional furniture and we are becoming quite rare
    which is wonderful!
    Andrew has trained many apprentices and is still teaching the fine woodworking skills
    to large groups that come to our workshop. Both men and women and he love it!
    I hope my daughter shares a photograph of Andrew years down the track like you have here.

    Sending hugs from down under,
    xx Coty

    ReplyDelete
  5. Greet - Such beautiful and fine work! I would love for you to design a cerused oak paneled library for us....someday! Don't you think it would look divine with our Swedish furniture? Maybe for our future country house :)
    Hope you are doing well ~
    Loi

    ReplyDelete
  6. what an incredible legacy that goes on. the stamp alone is a thing of beauty. a family business is exceptional in today's culture, and i am so thrilled you are flourishing.

    smiles to you.

    michele

    ReplyDelete
  7. I applaud you and your family for continuing the outstanding work. This type of craftmanship is rare to find today. For too many years people were swayed to easier forms of production and we lost so many old world trades. It's interesting that now we hunt out pieces that have been 'lovingly made' and we have started to return to some very basic and solid foundations.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Great post! I particularly love the picture taken by Koenig Snauwaert.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hello Greet,

    I adore the work of your company! Maybe one day...

    Have a nice weekend
    XX
    Jérôme

    ReplyDelete
  10. Madame, mes respects... votre travail est digne de la plus grande admiration. Pour son esprit et pour la qualité des réalisations.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Greet, you are sooo talented! Its always fun to see the process behind the finished product and clearly you have a very talented staff over there!! Absolutely breathtaking work! Some things in life are worth going the extra mile...and this is a perfect example. So lovely! Have a great weekend.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Dearest Greet,
    What a beautiful heartfelt posting today....very very special...... what heritage...... long may it continue darling..... I am sure they all smile and watch you continuing the tradition with great pride, love and joy.......thank you as always, sherie in cape town

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hello there Greet! Oh this post made me so happy. It has been such a long week for so many of us, worrying about the US elections and Hurricane Sandy's ongoing damage, it was so reassuring to read about the creation of beauty that is, and this is most important, made to last the tests of time. How proud you and Jan must be to not only carry on this wonderful tradition but to make it grow...

    Bon Weekend!
    xo,
    Heather

    ReplyDelete
  14. What wonderful photos, you & Jan must be so proud of your legacy. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. Greet,
    What beautiful work. How wonderful to be able to continue the legacy.
    Karen

    ReplyDelete
  16. Greet, this is amazing that you are part of this wonderful family business and have all this to your disposal! There is nothing like this in Calgary, so please extend your business here, you will have lots of work and I will be your first customer(:
    have a lovely weekend, hugs Z

    ReplyDelete
  17. The work that is produced by your family's company is stunning. You must be so proud to continue this fine tradition of great craftsmanship.
    All the best,
    Victoria

    ReplyDelete
  18. Greet ,

    Thanks for sharing with us I love learning about the worker bees in a company and the history of businesses who are thriving today. Blessing to all of you for all you do.

    ReplyDelete
  19. My grandfather was a wood carver. I loved seeing the picture of your dad carving. It reminded me of him. My husband's dad is a master carpenter. Thanks for sharing about your company!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Dear Greet,

    Such honor you bestow on your family and its legacy by keeping this wonderful art alive. The care and attention that goes into your work is not only seen with the eye but felt with the heart. The pieces you create have such a soulfulness...my dream would be to find that perfect place in the French countryside in need of renovation and enlist your talents to help bring it back to life. Til then I thank you for every project you share here with us and greatly admire your determination to carry on this labor of devotion to the art of you ancestors.

    Jermaine

    ReplyDelete
  21. Such an inspiring post, Greet! How I love seeing and studying examples of your work, the work that inspires you and to learn more of your heritage! I hope there are a few young apprentices in your shop, learning the fine art of working with hand tools! Such a proud and honorable profession!

    I wish I had a few of those inspiring detail books handy right now, as I design millwork for two bathrooms, a study/library and a family room for a client.

    Cheers,
    John

    ReplyDelete
  22. Superbe Greet !
    Ce sont les projets pour le salon...?
    En tout cas voilà encore de belles inspirations !
    Bisous,
    Céline.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. THIS IS THE ULTIMATE....REALLY GORGEOUS ROOMS AND
      EXQUISITE DETAILING...
      Thank you. Brunie, NY

      Delete
  23. this post has such breathtaking beauty greet! but i really love the story of your family, your history and your very own coat of arms.

    us americans are utterly fascinated!
    xo
    debra

    ReplyDelete
  24. I do adore panelling Greet and your choice of images is beautiful... Your designs are incredible and it is wonderful to see such workmanship and pride... it doesn't happen enough anymore... xv

    ReplyDelete
  25. Greet,
    What a visual treat seeing all of the beautiful paneling. Your company's work is gorgeous!

    Have a wonderful week!
    Heather

    ReplyDelete
  26. Hi Greet,
    What a proud business heritage your family has - just lovely. And your post about Antiek Amber - I think I pinned half their images so as not to forget how beautiful they were. Thanks so much for sharing. Your blog never disappoints.
    XO,
    b

    ReplyDelete
  27. Love your story--such quality and craftsmanship! You should be so proud of your lineage! Thank you my friend for always sharing with us! xo Leslie

    ReplyDelete
  28. The carved wood paneling is exquisite. As a craftsperson myself, I revel in all the beautiful details. Thank-you for sharing these photos.

    ReplyDelete
  29. My first time commenting although I've read your blog for a good while now. This post is so moving; such beautiful craftsmanship; high standards and a heritage of which you can be truly proud. May your family and business have continued success. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  30. zeer interessant , leuk een beetje beter te leren kennen

    ReplyDelete
  31. Zo'n mooi verhaal Greet. Fantastisch dat je al kan terugkijken op zo'n mooie familiegeschiedenis. En Freddy is bewonderenswaardig! Zo trouw.

    Goedele

    ReplyDelete
  32. Insulation is also perfect it compliments every side.

    ReplyDelete