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.
Jan is taking over, by measuring, a moulding from a French 18th century boiserie panel.
Oak hand-painted French paneling.Lefèvre Interiors Photo credit Jo Pauwels
French paneled dining room at the house of interior designer Ginny Magher (US). source Côte de Texas
French paneled dining room at the house of interior designer Ginny Magher (US). source The Houses of Veranda by Lisa Newsom
French paneled living room at the house of the Belgian fashion designer Edouard Vermeulen. Photo credit Claude Smekens
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.
Château de Beloeil Picture by me
And I love to browse into my father’s or grandfather’s collection of ancient books.
A few ancient books of my father’s collection.
Examples 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.
Lefèvre 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.Lefèvre 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.
My dad in his studio (years ago) shaping a sculpture in oak.
Stained oak French Régence styled paneling.Lefèvre Interiors Photo credit Koen Snauwaert
DetailLefèvre Interiors Photo credit Koen Snauwaert
French Provencal oak paneling in a Belgian country house.Lefèvre Interiors Photo credit Jo Pauwels
French Régence styled paneling with exceptional hand carved mouldings.Lefèvre Interiors Photo credit Claude Smekens
Lefèvre Interiors Photo credit Jo Pauwels
Lefèvre Interiors Photo by me
French 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).
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)
The rafters and the 3 joiner’s planes refer to my ancestors, three previous generations of cabinet-makers.
Lefèvre 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
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
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful heritage Greet, and the most beautiful woodwork: a tremendous legacy to give to the world.
ReplyDeleteVakwerk! Geweldig dat het doorgegeven en bewaard is gebeleven!
ReplyDeleteFijn weekend alvast!
How wonderful Greet, I just love the photograph of your father!
ReplyDeleteThere 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
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 :)
ReplyDeleteHope you are doing well ~
Loi
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.
ReplyDeletesmiles to you.
michele
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.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I particularly love the picture taken by Koenig Snauwaert.
ReplyDeleteHello Greet,
ReplyDeleteI adore the work of your company! Maybe one day...
Have a nice weekend
XX
Jérôme
Madame, mes respects... votre travail est digne de la plus grande admiration. Pour son esprit et pour la qualité des réalisations.
ReplyDeleteGreet, 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.
ReplyDeleteDearest Greet,
ReplyDeleteWhat 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
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...
ReplyDeleteBon Weekend!
xo,
Heather
What wonderful photos, you & Jan must be so proud of your legacy. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
ReplyDeleteGreet,
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful work. How wonderful to be able to continue the legacy.
Karen
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(:
ReplyDeletehave a lovely weekend, hugs Z
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.
ReplyDeleteAll the best,
Victoria
Greet ,
ReplyDeleteThanks 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.
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!
ReplyDeleteDear Greet,
ReplyDeleteSuch 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
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!
ReplyDeleteI 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
Superbe Greet !
ReplyDeleteCe sont les projets pour le salon...?
En tout cas voilà encore de belles inspirations !
Bisous,
Céline.
THIS IS THE ULTIMATE....REALLY GORGEOUS ROOMS AND
DeleteEXQUISITE DETAILING...
Thank you. Brunie, NY
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.
ReplyDeleteus americans are utterly fascinated!
xo
debra
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
ReplyDeleteGreet,
ReplyDeleteWhat a visual treat seeing all of the beautiful paneling. Your company's work is gorgeous!
Have a wonderful week!
Heather
Hi Greet,
ReplyDeleteWhat 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
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
ReplyDeleteThe carved wood paneling is exquisite. As a craftsperson myself, I revel in all the beautiful details. Thank-you for sharing these photos.
ReplyDeleteMy 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!
ReplyDeletezeer interessant , leuk een beetje beter te leren kennen
ReplyDeleteZo'n mooi verhaal Greet. Fantastisch dat je al kan terugkijken op zo'n mooie familiegeschiedenis. En Freddy is bewonderenswaardig! Zo trouw.
ReplyDeleteGoedele
Insulation is also perfect it compliments every side.
ReplyDelete