Quantcast
Channel: Belgian Pearls
Viewing all 263 articles
Browse latest View live

Open shelving & Amara Interior Blog Award Nomination

0
0

 

To my opinion open shelving creates a more cozy atmosphere to your home. Your books and treasures are more prominently displayed, certainly when accentuating them by using the right light.

Let’s take a look at some of my favorite images, that all show white painted shelving units.

 

Love the combination of white painted walls and wooden shelves.

10Studio Ko

 

1My Domaine

 

16Murphy Mears Architects

 

Or a mix of painted and wooden shelving.

3Pinterest

 

Or all white !

15Porte Bonheur

 

7Safaris à la carte

 

12Chic & Déco

 

14Porte Bonheur

 

Even in a kitchen, open shelving displaying tableware looks wonderful.

13Pam Pierce Designs

 

4House of C

 

6Unknown

 

5Interior Junkie

 

To end today’s post, I would love to share with you that

I've been nominated for the Amara Interior Blog Awards 2015, in the categorie of

Best European Interiors Blog. I really feel honoured!

In order to get shortlisted for the award I would love to ask for your vote if you enjoy reading Belgian Pearls and if you think my blog deserves this award. I would be very grateful !

Voting closes on Friday 18th September – Shortlists announced on Monday 28th September

I would love to thank my Instagram, Twitter and Facebook friends and followers who already let me know to have voted for Belgian Pearls.

 

To cast your vote for Belgian Pearls, please click on my picture or on my voting page link below or on the Amara Blog Awards badge.

Thank you so much!

Belgian Pearlshttp://www.interiorblogawards.com/vote/belgian-pearls/

 

vote-now

THANK YOU !

xx

Greet


Frederiek Van Pamel, Belgian passionate flower artist and master binder

0
0

 

Today’s blogpost is an eye candy post, filled with pictures of the amazing work of our Belgian master florist Frederiek Van Pamel.

Frederiek is not only a master binder and sought after artist taking care of all your prestigious events, he is even a talented decorator who is designing your interior as well as your garden.

I absolutely wanted to introduce you to Frederiek, because I just love his work. I am always looking forward to new pictures, he regularly posts on his Facebook Page.

By bundling the photos of my today’s post I tried to captivate the finesse of Frederiek’s refined floral creations and to show the creativity and craftsmanship of this passionate Belgian master binder.

 

FVP 0Floral ‘jewels’ 

Frederiek is an ‘atmospheric architect’ who knows exactly how to transform a room into a magical place by bringing in the most outstanding floral ‘jewels’ of his hand.

Whether you hire Frederiek Van Pamel for your wedding event, for a private occasion or for another floral arranging project as a private party or a themed ball, your business or product presentation, Frederiek and his team will take care of it and will make of your event the most unique and memorable happening.

 

FVP 2

Wedding party table arrangement.

FVP 7 - GarnierImage source Garnier Interiors

 

FVP 1 - Garnier Image source Garnier Interiors

 

FVP 8Frederiek is making final touches and lighting candles before the bride and bridegroom make their entree.

 

FVP 5 - GarnierImage source Garnier Interiors

 

FVP 00

 

FVP 3 - GarnierImage source Garnier Interiors

All above pictures are of a wedding event that took place at the beautiful location ‘Vaucelleshof’ in Damme, in the countryside of Bruges. See also my earlier blogpost about the ‘Vaucelleshof’ here.

 

 

FVP 9

Church wedding floral arrangements.

FVP 10

 

FVP 16Frederiek at work.   Photo credit Eva de Gols

 

FVP 13

 

FVP 12Photo credit Eva de Gols

 

FVP 11

 

FVP 0000Photo credit Eva de Gols

 

FVP 15Importance of the smallest detail.    Photo credit Eva de Gols

 

FVP 14Photo credit Eva de Gols

 

FVP 17

Creativity and craftsmanship transform a room into the most magical place.

FVP 18

 

FVP 24

 

FVP 35Fresh flowers at Frederiek’s boutique in Bruges.

 

FVP 19

Summer party arrangements.

FVP 20

 

FVP 22

 

FVP 23

What’s not to love here ???!!!

FVP 21

 

FVP 25

Bringing a room to life with imagination and beautiful flowers.

FVP 26

 

Gorgeous table arrangement for a private occasion.

FVP 27

FVP 28

 

Frederiek Van Pamel takes part at this year’s event ‘FLOWERTIME’ in Brussels, taking place this weekend (August 13 -16). Together with other Belgian and internationally renowned floral artists and landscape designers, he has dressed up the rooms of the Brussels Town Hall into an idyllic place. Visitors are offered a chance to admire the craftsmanship of the artists, to see what is new and to know more about trends. They will be able to enjoy the atmosphere of this historical place, refined with the riches of the fragrant flowers, all inspired by Italian baroque.

 

FVP 34Captivating beauty of flowers in a historic setting. Town Hall of Brussels - Flowertime 2015 Event

 

FVP 29Ecuador roses awaiting to be bundled into outstanding bouquets.

 

FVP 30Frederiek is supported by his team of employees, conjuring the most beautiful bouquets from their hands.

 

FVP 31Final touch by the master himself.

 

FVP 33Floral table creations at the Brussels Town Hall  - Flowertime 2015 (August 13 - 16).

 

FVP 36Love these words quoted by Frederiek on a Valentine’s Day boutique window.

His shop in Bruges is a paradise for anyone who wants to be inspired. You will find fresh flowers, all kinds of floral creations and even the most particular interior design furniture and accessories.

Frederiek Van Pamel, Eiermarkt 3, BruggeFrederiek Van Pamel Boutique in Bruges   Image source here Toerisme Brugge / Jan D’Hondt

 

FVP 37Frederiek Van Pamel’s boutique in Bruges.

To see more of Frederiek’s work, please visit his website at http://www.frederiekvanpamel.be

or follow Frederiek Van Pamel on Facebook HERE, where he regularly posts new pictures of his work.

FVP 39

EIERMARKT 3 , BRUGES - BELGIUM

I even wanted to inform you that Frederiek was commissioned to design the interior of the recently new opened bar BAR’N. 

A new place to be and a second reason to visit Bruges !

BAR'NBAR’N , Sint-Amandstraat 2, Bruges - Belgium

Interior - concept and decoration by Frederiek Van Pamel

 

What do you think? Shouldn’t we hire Frederiek thinking about a future Belgian event for bloggers?

I am already looking forward to see his coming Christmas creations!

 

xx

Greet

Pictures source : Website or Facebook page of Frederiek Van Pamel (except otherwise mentioned)

All posted with permission of Frederiek Van Pamel.

Perfect country getaway

0
0

 

If you would love to spend some time in the country side, then I found the perfect getaway for you !

‘FIREFLY’ is an authentic woodcutter’s cabin near Mawgan Porth, Cornwall, UK, offering a unique, rustic, self-catering experience ‘into the wild’. It is the perfect escape for those who would love to take a break in the countryside.

The real luxury here is the organic, natural beauty of the simple life.

 

The charming cabin has a warm and rustic interior.

Who wouldn’t love to cosy up by this real open fire ?50585-highresImages © Unique Home Stays www.uniquehomestays.com +44 (0) 1637 881183

 

Ideal place for travellers with a four-legged friend !50570-highresImages © Unique Home Stays www.uniquehomestays.com +44 (0) 1637 881183

 

Timber-clad shack with a warm, weathered finish.50573-highresImages © Unique Home Stays www.uniquehomestays.com +44 (0) 1637 881183

 

Fully equipped open-plan kitchen including Aga. 50653-highresImages © Unique Home Stays www.uniquehomestays.com +44 (0) 1637 881183

 

Rough luxe self-catering.50654-highresImages © Unique Home Stays www.uniquehomestays.com +44 (0) 1637 881183

 

Charming bedroom with kingsize bed dressed in crumpled French linen.50655-highresImages © Unique Home Stays www.uniquehomestays.com +44 (0) 1637 881183

 

En suite bathroom with custom-built concrete bath and sink.50580-highresImages © Unique Home Stays www.uniquehomestays.com +44 (0) 1637 881183

 

The rustic charm cabin with outside fire and BBQ. The natural swimming pond will be a naturalists dream, best observed by moonlight from the rocking chairs on the veranda.50576-highresImages © Unique Home Stays www.uniquehomestays.com +44 (0) 1637 881183

Imagine your wintertime stay in this cabin, curling up with a book fireside, having a glass of wine, while snowflakes fall around… The perfect hideaway for a romantic getaway.

 

Some of the best surf beaches in Cornwall close by.51305-highresImages © Unique Home Stays www.uniquehomestays.com +44 (0) 1637 881183

 

Or enjoy your morning coastal walk in Cornwall.50670-highresImages © Unique Home Stays www.uniquehomestays.com +44 (0) 1637 881183

 Already packed ??!!

 

For more details and enquiries about FIREFLY cabin, please visit the Unique Home Stays website page here or call +44 (0) 1637 881183.

Please visit UNIQUE HOME STAYS to discover your prefered getaway location.

www.uniquehomestays.com

 

Enjoy the weekend !

xx

Greet

All images with permission of Unique Home Stays.

Need to inspire you

0
0

 

There are still so many things I would love to blog about, I do have so many items in mind to write about, but some times I do feel the need to inspire you and to share the beautiful and inspiring interior design related images I recently came across and of which I am sure you will love them too !

 

My eyes were drawn to the glow on these plates, when I came across this image ! Love to see a collection of pewter plates in a kitchen. This image reminds me of Fall season coming our way ! Good idea for a Fall decor vignette.

7Source Pinterest

 

I couldn’t get my eyes off this picture of a room designed by Juan Pablo Molyneaux. I love all of it here : paneling, decorative painted ceiling, flooring, the old painting and the flower branches lighting up this room. Awesome !

10Source Habitually Chic

 

And what about this bedroom ??  Isn’t it gorgeous ???  The decorative wall paper (Zuber, de Gournay ???), the antique bed and lovely bed linen ! Unfortunately I couldn’t find anything about the designer of this room ! If anyone of you can tell me more about this bedroom, please let me know, I would appreciate !

3Source here

 

Paneling ! Yes, I am always looking for inspiring images of paneling. Thousands of pictures in my ‘paneling file’ by now !

I dare to bring in a black painted element in a natural wood paneled room, as Paolo Moschino for Nicholas Haslam did here with the door and door frame.

9Source Nicolas Haslam website

 

Absolutely my style here. Love the combination of a traditional chimney and a more contemporary paneled wall. I am currently designing this kind of paneling for a client’s project. I am already curious about our client’s thoughts !!!

5Source here

 

Beautiful colors in this room at the holiday home of French fashion designer Manon Martin, that is located in Tunisia. Here is chosen for a neutral color palette with hints of green, pink, orange and brown. Love it !

2Source here

 

Just love this kitchen sink and mural shelving.

6Source here

 

One of the beautiful and traditional Belgian style decorated bedrooms at the Belgian B&B Rolleken 24. Lime painted walls and faded colors of Belgian bed linen. Notice the green painted door !

4 Source here

 

Love the placards, made of antique French doors, in a kitchen designed by French interior designer Dominique Sollier.

1Source here

 

Next time I have to design a pantry for a cabin, I definitely will opt for this idea here !

8Source here

 

I’d love to hear your thoughts about these images. Do they inspire you too ?

___

For those who visit my blog for the first time, I would love to ask you to scroll down these blog pages or to jump into this blog archive, to find out more about Belgian Pearls. If you enjoy what you see and read, I would love to ask you to pop on over to the Amara Award voting page and to cast your vote for Belgian Pearls. It is very easy and won’t take much of your time! I would appreciate it.

A sincere thank you to all of you who already casted a vote for Belgian Pearls !

 

PLEASE, click on the Amara badge to vote.

Amara Award

Thank you so much !

xx

Greet

Ready for Fall with MILIEU

0
0

 

Today I snapped my husband reading MILIEU’S brand new FALL ISSUE. This was absolutely not staged!

Who said interior design magazines are mostly read by women???!!!

1

I have to admit that it is a wonderful issue! Not only the cover looks gorgeous, even inside this Fall Issue there are so many features of beautiful homes to discover.

The cover of this brand new MILIEU’S FALL ISSUE is featuring the home of designer Darryl Carter.

Cover Milieu Fall 2015MILIEU's Fall 2015 issue coming to newsstands mid September.

 

VeniceStoryFrench art gallerist Elizabeth Royer invited MILIEU into her Venice home in a centuries-old palazzo. Eye candy here!

 

DarrylStoryOne of the many pictures of Darryl Carter’s gorgeous Washington D.C. home.

 

EddyStoryI am very proud to see that MILIEU featured our renowned Belgian artisan painter, Eddy Dankers. Not so long ago I wrote a blogpost about Eddy Dankers’ work here.

 

Ready for fall with MILIEU MAGAZINE.

MILIEU Fall 2015 - My Home Copy of MILIEU's Fall Issue 2015 on my coffee table !

 

MilieuSubscribeWeb To subscribe to MILIEU, please click HERE

FOLLOW MILIEU ON FACEBOOK - TWITTERINSTAGRAMPINTEREST

 

MILIEU BUSINESS CARD

As European contributing editor for Milieu Magazine, I can’t wait to hear your thoughts about this gorgeous new Fall issue !

If you are one of my European readers and you are interested in advertising with MILIEU, I would be pleased to help you with all your inquiries.

Please contact me at greet.lefevre@lefevre.be.

 

Enjoy this new MILIEU Fall Issue !

xx

Greet

Welcoming Fall Season

0
0

 

In September the arrival of night becomes noticeably earlier and temperature cools considerably. The chill of winter is on the horizon. Time to bring the colors of fall into your home.

Autumn is one of the prettiest and coziest seasons.

10Image source unknown

 

Fill your home with autumnal textures and colors.

2Interior design by Brigitte Garnier   Image source here

 

8Book ‘Living in Great Style. Sotogrande. Beautiful homes in Spain’s most exclusive coastal city.’    Image source here   Photo credit Philippe Debeerst

 

Add seasonal decorating touches in every room of your house.

1Interior design by Brigitte Garnier   Image source Brigitte Garnier

 

16Image source here

 

3Interior design by Brigitte Garnier   Image source Brigitte Garnier

 

6Interior design by Beatrix Kleuver   Image source here

 

4Interior design by Alexandra Siebelink   Image source here

 

5Interior design by Alexandra Siebelink   Image source here

 

13Image source here

 

Set a beautiful fall table with seasonal touches plucked from nature.

15Zara Home   Image source here

 

What is more relaxing than curling up in front of a fire, coming home from a long day of work.

9Interior design by Evelyn Moreels   Image source here

ENJOY AUTUMN !

 

With only a few days left to vote for Belgian Pearls in the categorie of Best European Interiors Blog of the Amara Interior Blog Awards 2015, I would love to ask you to cast your vote for my blog if you do think Belgian Pearls deserves this award. Voting closes on Friday 18th September. Shortlists announced on Monday 28th September.

I would be very grateful !

Please, pop on over to my voting page HERE. It doesn’t take much of your time. You only have to fill in your email address.

A huge thank you to all my readers, who already voted for Belgian Pearls!

2015-09-08_173109Amara Interior Blog Awards - Belgian Pearls voting page

xx

Greet

Traditional dining rooms

0
0

 

Do you love traditional style dining rooms?

Well then, here are some of my favorites.

Enjoy!

2Dining room of Hotel Verhaegen, a uniquely well preserved 18th century hotel and private mansion, located in the city center of Ghent - Belgium. This dinging room is decorated by Marc Vergauwe & Johan Rosseel of Neoo Selon Neo   Image source here

 

8Dining room decorated by Belgian designer Pieter Porters.   Image source Pinterest

 

4The image of this gorgeous dining room I found on the Instagram page of Fox & Chatto. Unfortunately I haven’t found yet who the designer might be.

 

10Dining room at the Château du Champ de Bataille, a 17th century estate in Normandy, owned and decorated by French designer Jacques Garcia.   Image source here

 

14Dining room in a private Belgian castle, decorated by me for Lefèvre Interiors.   Photo credit Koen Snauwaert

 

9Dining room decorated by one of my favorite UK designers John Stefanidis.   Image source here

 

11Dining room at the private residence of Belgian antiques dealer Brigitte Garnier.   Image source here

 

13Dining room decorated by me for Lefèvre Interiors.   Photo credit Montse Garriga

 

1Dining room decorated by Zara Home.

 

16Charming dining room, designed by Dublin based interior designer Miriam Peters of Minnie Peters Interiors.   Image source here

 

5Beautiful paneled dining room, featured in The World of Interiors– October 2011 issue   Photo credit Tim Beddow

 

6A fabulous dining room of another of my favorite UK designers, Nicky Haslam. I love the idea of having dinner, surrounded by books.   Image source here

 

15Who wouldn’t love to be invited to this gogeous table at the Chateau du Grand-Lucé of Timothy Corrigan, one of my TOP 10 favorite American designers !   Image source here

 

3Image source unknown

 

7Venetian inspired dining room in a Las Vegas home, decorated by Michael and Alexandra Misczynski of Atelier AM   Image source here   Photo credit Pieter Estersohn

 

12Perfectly classic, terra cotta painted, dining room in a Tuscan home, decorated by one of America’s preeminent interior decorators, the late Mark Hampton.   Image source here   Photo credit Michael Mundy

 

Are you ready for dinner ?

xx

Greet

The stables of Castello di Thiene - Italy

0
0

 

Castello di Thiene is located in the heart of Thiene, a city in the province of Vicenza, in northern Italy, located approximately 75 kilometres west of Venice and 200 kilometres east of Milan.

This enchanting gothic style building dates back to the XV century. It was built as a private residence for the Porto family and combines all the characteristics of a Venetian palazzo with a medieval castle.

Although the castle counts several beautiful spaces, today I would love to talk about the castle’s stables, the most distinctive area and worth seeing space in the monumental complex.

The stables of the Castello di Thiene were designed by Italian architect Francesco Muttoni (1669 - 1747) and are a perfect example of the early 18th century equestrian architecture. The stables are housed in a structure that was erected next to the villa, during the 18th century.

The Porto family, one of the richest in the province, had a passion for all things equestrian and built these stables to house the horses to be trained. They were built to impress potential horse buyers.

 

Marble, stone, wood, beamed ceiling, patterned floor.

15Image source here

The stables are divided into quarters, with eight stalls in each section.

 

Main entrance to the stables, with its rounded-arch doorway, is to see to the left of the gothic archway.

19Image source here

 

Inside, putti-topped marble columns, are framing each entrance to the stables. The sculpted putti are made of Vicenza stone by Italian Baroque sculptor Orazio Marinali. The columns are in red Asiago marble. The wrought-iron hooks on the marble columns served to hold tack and bridles.

1Image sourceCastello di Thiene

 

The indentations in the extraordinary chain patterned floor - that is made of white and pink stone - gave grip to horses and men.

The first stable on the right has a hatch from which water was drawn at the top end of the stone duct, sloped to drain the muck into the ditch beneath.

2Image sourceCastello di Thiene

 

The beautiful carved wooden hay stalls hold rings to which horses could be tied and at the top are pegs for attaching each horse’s name.

5Image sourceCastello di Thiene

 

The opposite entrance to the stables.

16Image source here   Photo credit Tim Beddow for The World of Interiors – issue September 2013

 

The stables (together with other areas of the castle) are to hire for all your festivities. To know more about it, please click here or here.

Georgeous festivity settings at the stables.

17Image sourceCastello di Thiene

 

14Image sourceCastello di Thiene

 

Imagine a stable festivity at night! To die for!

11Image source here

 

Visiting the castle’s stables, you should absolutely go to see the horse gallery on the ‘piano nobile’ of the castle, that is housing a fascinating collection of equestrian portraits : four paintings of different breeds of horse with riders, painted in the 17th century and four paintings with horse and groom.

13Image source here

 

One of the gallery’s paintings is of a gentleman portrayed in the act of making a precise movement that shows his skill at command and the nature and firmness of his training. This painting is attributed to Francesco Balante (Thiene, c.1663-1729), pupil of Italian Baroque painter Pietro Liberi.

4Image source here

Photographer and writer Tim Beddow mentioned in an article he wrote about the Thiene stables, for the Magazine World of Interiors (September issue 2013) :“The stables at Thiene are a vivid reminder of the times when the noblest of creatures stood at the centre of Western culture, and their abode was the living expression of its importance.” (Article WOI)

 

To see more about the Castello di Thiene and its stables, please visit the castle’s website here : http://www.castellodithiene.com/

The façade of the Castello di Thiene.Castello di ThieneImage source Castello di Thiene

 

Would I have preferred to have been a horse or a groom, back in time of the 18th century Thiene stables ??

I am wondering if my Mango’s ‘Oldenburg’ horse pedigree would have matched the impressive 18th stables’ architecture ?

I have to find out !

Mango

Mango Summer 2015Mango

 

xx

Greet


Belgian Pearls made it to the Shortlist of the Amara Interior Blog Awards

0
0

 

I am so pleased to tell you that my blog Belgian Pearls made it to the shortlist of the Amara Interior Blog Awards, in the category of ‘Best European Interiors Blog’.

I was thrilled and honoured to receive an email with congratulations from the Amara team, last week. It really was a surprise !  Thank you Amara !  It is an honour to receive this recognition by your prestigious brand.

And of course, I would like to sincerely thank each of you for your support and for voting for Belgian Pearls ! Without you, I wouldn’t have had the chance to be included in the Amara Award list and wouldn’t have made it to the shortlist. I am so grateful.

A sincere thank you to all of you my readers!

2015-09-30_154552

To see the shortlisted blogs of all categories, please click here.

shortlisted-blog

Yesterday I received my personal invitation to the Amara Award Ceremony that will take place in London on Wednesday, October 28.

InvitationMy personal invitation. I love the glamorous look of the black envelope and the gold invitation template.

 

I can’t wait to meet my colleague shortlisted bloggers. I do hope they will attend the awards ceremony !

 

I am pleased to introduce you to these talented bloggers :

Gudy from Barcelona - Spain, author of the blog Eclectic Trends

Simone from Basel - Switzerland, author of the blog Global Inspirations Design

Alessandra from Milan - Italy, author of the blog Gucki

Niki from Malmö - Sweden, author of the blog My Scandinavian Home

 

Of course each one of us would love to be honoured with this award, but having made it to the shortlist, means that we all have won yet!

 

I wish all four of them good luck !

Amara Award Shortlisted Blogs

 

To be continued…

xx

Greet

Pompeian Red

0
0

 

When Roman towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum were discovered in the 18th century, ‘Pompeian red’ became the favoured colour for dining rooms, even remaining today.

It is hard to define ‘Pompeian’ red. When you google ‘Pompeian red’, you will discover a variety of reds.

The Pompeians derived their reds from the earth, using red ochre, iron ore, hematite, madder root,…, all quite brown in its raw state. The Pompeian paint made of the mineral cinnabar, was a more brighter colour.

According to research done in 2011, conducted by Italy's National Institute of Optics, much of the red colour that characterizes the walls of the villas of Herculaneum and Pompeii originally was in fact a yellow ochre, turned red by the gases emitted from Vesuvius as it erupted in AD 79. To read more about this research, click here.

 

I love the warm atmosphere of red painted rooms, especially at this time of the year.

 

Study room at Crabbenburg Castle (Ghent, Belgium), decorated by interior designer Marie-Louise van Overdijk-Reek.

1  Photo credit Jean-Pierre Gabriel    Source AD Russia

 

PR4

 

Ancient Roman frescoes depicting the cult of Dionysus in the Villa of the Mysteries in Pompeii. The most famous set of red frescoes from Pompeii.
Villa dei Misteri PompeiiSource here

 

PR2

 

Dining room in a Tuscan home, decorated by the late Mark Hampton.

3  Photo credit Michael Mundy   Source here

 

PR1

 

The discovery of the house ruins in Pompeii and Herculaneum had an enormous effect on the history of taste in Britain. Gentlemen were influenced by visiting Italy on the Grand Tour, not least the architect Sir John Soane. "Pompeian red was his favourite colour", according to Tim Knox, director of Sir John Soane's Museum.

2Pompeian red painted dining room at Sir John Soane’s Museum, London.   Source here

 

PR3

 

Nice combination of Pompeian red with the stained shelving in a Brussels’ home by architects Nicolas de Liedekerke and Daniel Culot of Volume Architecture.

4Volume Architecture Brussels   Source here

 

PR6

 

Warm atmosphere in an interior by Scottish stylist Rosie Brown.

Interior by stylist and art director Rosie Brown   Source here 

 

PR5

 

  A classically styled pool house which is lined with Pompeian red walls. Bathhouse in the Cotswolds by Craig Hamilton of Craig Hamilton Architects.

6Craig Hamilton Architects   Photo credit Paul Highnam   Source here

 

Pigments

 

‘La stanza da letto di una donna pompeiana’, 1870 (oil on canvas)by Maldarelli Federico (1826-1893)

Pompeian woman sitting in a bedroom

7Photo credit Foto Scala, Firenze/Fotografica Foglia   Source here

 

Wishing you all a wonderful Fall Weekend !

xx

Greet

Walls ‘Undressed’

0
0

 

Falling for distressed walls. ‘Undressed’ walls or walls with a look ‘déshabillé’.

 

Distressed walls as backdrop for Designers Guild fabrics presentation.

1Source Pinterest

 

One of the rooms in the gorgeous French Château de Moissac.

6Source Pinterest   Photo credit Claudio Tajoli

 

The Malibu house of designer and antiques dealer Richard Shapiro.

22Source Decor Demon

 

The Malibu house bedroom decorated by Richard Shapiro.

21Source Pinterest

 

Orangerie at Axel Vervoordt’s Castle of ‘s-Gravenwezel in Belgium.

14Photo Greet Lefèvre for Belgian Pearls

 

Distressed wall at Kanaal Wijnegem - Axel Vervoordt.

18Source Axel Vervoordt

 

I wasn’t able to find the origin of this beautiful coloured, decayed wall.

4Source Pinterest

 

One of the rooms at the Axel Vervoordt-designed Rome apartment of Katia and Marielle Labècque.

10Source Garance Doré

 

Distressed wall. Project by Segreto Finishes.

2Source Segreto Finishes

 

One of my favorite images. Orangerie at the Castle of ‘s-Gravenwezel, Belgium. Axel Vervoordt

19Source Antique Shops & Designers Magazine

 

Could you live in a room with that look ‘déshabillé’ ?

xx

Greet

Working on the ‘well-worn’ part

0
0

 

The home owners asked me what to do to give some rooms of their house a more warm feeling. Although a lot of reclaimed materials were brought in at the building of this house, and all members of this family love hanging around in every corner of their already beautifully decorated and well-lived home, “some of the rooms do have a rather cold feeling, especially in winter”, the home owners said.

In other words, what they tried to explain was that their ‘well-lived’ home was missing the ‘well-worn’ part.

As walls are currently flat painted, I sugggested to give some of the rooms a new look, by using artisanal mural paintings and wall finishes, evoking a more authentic look, daring to show imperfections.

No one is better placed than a professional and artisanal painting company as the Belgian company Dankers Decor is. A family business with a history going back for two generations. I posted earlier about Dankers Decor here.

I asked Eddy Dankers for help in advising on the best mural techniques, in order to add the missing ‘well-worn’ part to the house.

The owners decided to redo three rooms of their home. Today I will start to tell about the orangery, the first room that needed a redo.

This orangery will soon have its new look.

 

Current look of the orangery with its flat painted walls.

4Photo credit Claude Smekens

 

Preparing our first meeting with Eddy Dankers, I focused on mural painting techniques, collecting inspiring images and creating moodboards to discuss this project.

But at the very first glance into the room, Eddy suggested to start with aging the exposed beam ceiling !!!!

What ?? Really ?? Such an intensive and time absorbing job !!!

“If you are intended to evoque that authentic and well-worn look, then you should take on that ceiling too.” , stated the master !

 

Current look of the oak beamed ceiling.

10Photo credit Claude Smekens

 

Relying on the experience and expertise of Eddy Dankers, our client decided to follow his advice.

Eddy assured us that the aged oak ceiling would look just wonderful in combination with the wall finish he had in mind.

 

And they started the job !

12

 

Halfway. What a difference yet !

15

 

Job finished !

13

 

The aged ceiling and the brick flooring will look so well together.

6Photo credit Claude Smekens

 

In the meantime, we were discussing about all possible mural painting techniques until we all felt happy and satisfied with the final decision.

Here below are some inspiring images, showing gorgeous artisanal wall finishes to consider.

34Image source here

 

27Source here

 

31Photo Dankers

 

Dankers Decor offers a wide range of artisanal mural paintings, from lime paint to Venetian plaster, etc.

 

Dankers employees at work, bringing on the mural painting technique.

22

 

Even the white painted wooden windows, are given a black colour to match with the steel windows of the room.

16

 

Everything is coming together…

18

 

Finally the orangery’s oak door needed to have the same look of the aged ceiling !

After an initial treatment the door was placed outside to dry.

11Custom made orangery oak door, made by our company Lefèvre Interiors.

 

All oak doors of the rooms to redo, have to be treated to obtain a greyed and aged look.

14

 

This is going to be the aged look the doors will get when finished.

30

 

This is a picture of the orangery so far (taken yesterday). I can’t wait to see the room finished and decorated and to share the final result with you.

20

 

I am very sure that the texture of the chosen mural painting technique will refine the colour palette used in this orangery room.

9Photo credit Claude Smekens

 

In one of my next blogposts, I will tell you all about the redo of the other rooms of this house.

 

If you would like us to help you with decorative paintings for your home, please feel free to contact us at info@lefevre.be. We would be pleased to help you.

If you are living in the US, and you would love to have more information about the Dankers products and painting techniques, please contact Chateau Dominque. Chateau Domingue offers all Dankers Decor paint products and will help you with all artisanal painting techniques for your home.

 

xx

Greet

On my way to London

0
0

 

Dear friends and readers, I am off to London, to the Amara Interior Blog Awards Event, taking place Wednesday evening, October 28 at the luxury Ham Yard Hotel, located in the midst of Soho, London.

1Image source Amara Interior Blog Awards

 

I might think that all shortlisted bloggers are looking forward to being seated in the Ham Yard theatre for the awards event.

I can’t wait to meet all the shortlisted colleague bloggers !

2Image source Amara Interior Blog Awards Instagram page

 

Visiting London this week I do hope to find the time to visit 2 exhibitions currently taking place, and a museum that is on my ‘to visit’ list since years. I have already seen a few of London’s museums, but I have never visited the Sir John Soane’s museum before.

 

CHANEL’s new ‘Mademoiselle Privé’ exhibition at London's Saatchi Gallery.

The exhibition explores the creativity of both Chanel's founder, Gabrielle Chanel, known as Coco, and its current creative director Karel Lagerfeld. This exhibition remembers the Chanel House's essential elements: audacity, freedom and innovation whether it is the history of Gabrielle Chanel's inspirations or Karl Lagerfeld's inimitable take on Chanel's codes, symbols and icons.

4Image source here

 

5Image source here   Picture Lauren Milligan

 

The Royal Academy of Arts in London is showing a retrospective of the work of Ai Weiwei, one of China’s most influential artists.

Ai Weiwei taking a photograph of his installation Coloured Vases, painted Han vases. Royal Academy of Arts, 2015

6 Image source The Telegraph   Picture Dave Parry

 

Straight (2008-2012), Steel reinforcing bars

Ai Weiwei’s poignant response to the Sichuan earthquake of 2008. These are the rods of the poorly built schools which were devastated, leaving thousands of students dead. These rods (which Ai had labourers straighten by hand) make up the 90-ton floor-based sculpture.

7Image source here

 

Sir John Soane's Museum

8Image souce Wikipedia

 

Library at the Sir John Soane's Museum

Image source Artfund

 

 

3

I will update you as soon as I am back home !

xx

Greet

Thank you my readers !

0
0

 

Dear readers and followers, I do know you will love to hear all about the AMARA INTERIOR BLOG AWARDS event, taking place earlier this week.

As I came back from London only a few hours ago, I needed to catch up with some urgent work, but I promise to tell you all about it in my upcoming blogpost.

Although I did not win the award, I am so very pleased to have made it to the shortlist and I was so very honoured to be invited to this gorgeous and fabulous event !

I really want to thank you all, for your tremendous support and vote for Belgian Pearls.

Because of all of you I had the chance to take part at the prestigious Amara Awards competition and at this wonderful event.

I am very grateful to all of you !

Amara Awards

Talk to you soon !

xx

Greet

The Amara Awards Night

0
0

 

 A lot of you do know that Belgian Pearls was shortlisted for the Amara Interior Blog Awards 2015 and that I was invited at the Amara Awards Event, that took place last Wednesday, at the spectacular Ham Yard Hotel in London.

All shortlisted bloggers of 15 categories of interior design related blogs, judges, sponsors and the Amara Team gathered together to celebrate the best in the interior blogging industry.

JOHN NASSARI PHOTOGRAPHYImage courtesy of John Nassari

 

JOHN NASSARI PHOTOGRAPHYImage courtesy of John Nassari

 

Arriving at the hotel all guests were escorted down through the hotel, to the Dive Bar, where everything was prepared to perfection for a memorable evening.

JOHN NASSARI PHOTOGRAPHYImage courtesy of John Nassari

 

 We were greeted with champagne, cocktails and delicious canapés.

JOHN NASSARI PHOTOGRAPHYImage courtesy of John Nassari

 

We all had the opportunity to catch up with colleague bloggers, sponsors, judges and the Amara Team before the start of the official part of the evening, the Amara Awards Ceremony.

23_PA280254-1024x768Image courtesy of John Nassari

 

JOHN NASSARI PHOTOGRAPHYImage courtesy of John Nassari

 

All along the evening, Amara Interior Blog Awards instant tweets and instagram messages from all over the world were projected on the wall.

24

 

It was a real pleasure to meet so many people, all related to the interior design industry and to put faces to the blogs.

1

 

JOHN NASSARI PHOTOGRAPHYImage courtesy of John Nassari

 

JOHN NASSARI PHOTOGRAPHYImage courtesy of John Nassari

 

Before we knew it was time for the main event and everyone was welcomed into the Ham Yard Theatre.

Amara’s co-founder Sam Hood introduced the awards and welcomed interior designer and judge of the ‘The Great Interior Design Challenge’ on BBC, Sophie Robinson, our compere for the ceremony.

JOHN NASSARI PHOTOGRAPHYSophie Robinson (left) & Sam Hood    Image courtesy of John Nassari

 

The Ham Yard Theatre was the perfect venue for the awards ceremony.

JOHN NASSARI PHOTOGRAPHYImage courtesy of John Nassari

 

Palpable tension when it came for the winners to be announced !

JOHN NASSARI PHOTOGRAPHYImage courtesy of John Nassari

 

Applause for Anna Lysik, author of the blog Don’t Cramp My Style.

JOHN NASSARI PHOTOGRAPHYImage courtesy of John Nassari

 

Kate Watson-Smyth, author of the blog Mad About The House, proudly showing her trophy.

JOHN NASSARI PHOTOGRAPHYImage courtesy of John Nassari

 

Alessandra Barlassina, author of the blog Gucki, won the Amara Award in the category ‘Best European Interiors Blog’, where Belgian Pearls made it to the shortlist. Congratulations dear Alessandra !

JOHN NASSARI PHOTOGRAPHYAlessandra with Sophie Robinson and the representative of the sponsoring brand Missoni Home.   Image courtesy of John Nassari

 

The Amara Awards 2015 Trophies

JOHN NASSARI PHOTOGRAPHYImage courtesy of John Nassari

 

Celebrations after the awards’ ceremony !  More champagne and dessert canapés !

JOHN NASSARI PHOTOGRAPHYImage courtesy of John Nassari

 

And shortlisted bloggers complimented award winning colleague bloggers.

 

Emily Quinton, author of the blog Make Light, congratulating an award winner colleague.

JOHN NASSARI PHOTOGRAPHYImage courtesy of John Nassari

 

Gudy Herder, author of the blog Eclectic Trends, making a selfie.

JOHN NASSARI PHOTOGRAPHYImage courtesy of John Nassari

 

Don’t ask to whom I was talking at that moment !  I saw so many faces…and chatted with so many people !

JOHN NASSARI PHOTOGRAPHYImage courtesy of John Nassari

 

All good things come to an end and before we knew it, it was time to say good bye to all these people we just met !

JOHN NASSARI PHOTOGRAPHYImage courtesy of John Nassari

 

I am so very pleased, to have met Alessandra, the Amara Award Winner in our categorie ‘Best European Interiors Blog’. She is such a lovely person, and she is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside.

Please check her blog Gucki.

23

 

Before going home, we all were handed an exclusive goody bag filled with items from the Amara Awards sponsors as Missoni Home, Mulberry Home, Anorak, Seletti, Farrow & Ball, Christian Lacroix and many many more.

25Goody bags

 

A would like to thank the Amara Team for their dedication and hard work to bring us an unforgettable experience.

JOHN NASSARI PHOTOGRAPHYSam Hood, creative director at Amara, and her Amara Team.   Image courtesy of John Nassari

 

And a special thank you to the night’s photographer and Amara Award sponsor John Nassari for all the amazing photos he took of the event.

John NassariPhotographer John Nassari   Image source here

 

And last but not least, a huge thank you to all of you my dear readers, for your support and vote for Belgian Pearls. Because of you I had the chance to take part at this fabulous event.

It was an amazing experience!

xx

Greet


Hortense & Bernadotte

0
0

 

Jacques Garcia is a French architect, interior designer and garden designer, best known for his contemporary interiors of  hotels and restaurants.

The timeless interiors of Garcia are inspired by Napoleontic extravagance and are characterized by French elegance.

Jacques Garcia has designed his own extensive furniture collection and I absolutely love the armchair ‘Hortense’ and lounge chair ‘Bernadotte’, produced by Italian furniture maker Interna.

 

Jacques Garcia Seats by InternaArmchair ‘Hortense’ and lounge chair ‘Bernadotte’ by Jacques Garcia.   Image source Interna

 

Both chairs are regularly seen in interiors of hotels and restaurants designed by Garcia.

 

Selman Hotel Marrakech

7Image source here

 

Selman Hotel Marrakech

5Image source unknown

 

Selman Hotel Marrakech

6Image source here

 

Selman Hotel Marrakech

8Image source here

 

Hôtel Costes Paris

4Image source here

 

Hotel The Pearl Marrakech

9Image source here

 

Hôtel Costes Paris

3Image source here

 

Both chairs are offered in the Interna fabric range or can be ordered upholstered in your customized fabric and finish. Please visit the website of Interna here and here.

I am planning to propose the chairs in a client’s project.

Lefèvre Interiors 1Presentation by Lefèvre Interiors

Lefèvre Interiors 4Presentation by Lefèvre Interiors

 

xx

Greet

House redo part II

0
0

 

Dear readers, a few weeks ago I posted about a project I started working on. In collaboration with Dankers Decor, the Belgium based artisanal painting company, we try to give a ‘well-worn’ look to some of the rooms of a client’s home.

If you missed this post and if you might be interested in reading about the start of this project, please click HERE.

After several weeks of intensive work, the painters have done a great job to add that missing ‘well-worn’ part to the rooms by using artisanal mural paintings and wall finishes. Not only the walls were taken on, but even the oak beamed ceilings were weathered and kitchen furniture was greyed to obtain a more authentic look.

The orangery, the breakfast room and the kitchen are the rooms that needed a remodelling.

However, the job is not quite done yet ! We do have to bring in all furniture and have to redecorate the rooms, which is my favorite part of the job.

Redecoration of the rooms is planned next week, but I couldn’t resist to bring in a few decorative accessories into the kitchen already.

1Start of the redecoration of the kitchen.   Photo by me

 

One of the next days I will take more and enhanced pictures, but today I wanted to give you a sneak peek at the current situation of the rooms.

Orangery so far. Artisanal wall finish by Dankers.OrangeryPictures by me

 

Orangery before with natural oak beamed ceiling and flat painted walls.Orangery before Photo credit Montse Garriga

 

Breakfast room so far. Wall finish and painted ceiling by Dankers.Breakfast roomPictures by me

 

Breakfast room before with natural oak beamed ceiling and flat painted walls.Breakfast room beforePhoto credit Montse Garriga

 

Kitchen redo in progress. All oak cabinetry and doors are greyed.In progress 1Pictures by me

 

Kitchen walls are given a lime painted finish.In progress 2Pictures by me

 

AfterAfterPictures by me

 

Kitchen before with natural oak cabinetry and inner doors and flat painted walls.Kitchen beforePhoto credit Jo Pauwels

 

Detail of the artisanal painting technique applied by Dankers employees.6-1Picture by me

 

Kitchen hood before. Notice that the cornice is now painted too (see picture above).Detaill kitchen hoodPhoto credit Jo Pauwels

 

Kitchen cabinet before.Kitchen cabinet beforePhoto credit Sophie Lloyd

 

I contacted my friend Brigitte Garnier, antiques dealer and owner of Garnier Antiques, to assist me with the decoration of the rooms. Brigitte has an extremely good taste and, as no other, she knows how to decorate and how to bring in a soul in one’s house. We met at the client’s home earlier this week to discuss about the decorative items and accessories to bring in.

Brigitte was eager to start decorating already!7Picture by me

 

Cabinet shelving look, only a few moments after Brigitte put her hands on it !8Picture by me

 

As the home owner was so enthusiastic, we decorated a second kitchen cabinet that day.10Picture by me

 

We will continue our job next week.

11Brigitte Garnier and I

 

To read the first part of this house redo, please click here.

 

To be continued…

 

If you would like us to help you with your home remodelling, please feel free to contact us at info@lefevre.be. We would be pleased to help you.

www.lefevre.be

xx

Greet

House redo part III

0
0

 

Dear readers, those among you who have read my previous blogpost, do know that since a few weeks I am working on the redo of a client’s home. As all paint work is finished, last week I started redecorating. If you missed my earlier blogposts about this home redo, please click here and here.

Yesterday, I spent the entire day working on the decoration and tried to combine new decorative items with accessories present in this home. As the home owners collected beautiful furniture over the past years, there was no need to replace furnishings, only a few seats need to be reupholstered.

6

You doesn’t always need to look for expensive items to create a certain atmosphere. Sometimes bringing in a pop of colour, adding a simple touch, will do to give the room just that little bit more. 

 

1

I absolutely love the colour of the red berries in combination with the colour shade of the wall painting in the breakfast room.

 

4

On the existing console table in the breakfast room an alabaster grape together with a pair of terracotta Khmer objects used as tea light candle holders, found at the shop of Brigitte Garnier. The lamp is refreshed with a new green tinted shade, reflecting the colours of the painting.

 

3

In my previous post I already mentioned that my friend Brigitte Garnier of Garnier Antiques assisted me with the decoration. We carefully sorted out some beautiful decorative items Brigitte brought from her antiques shop. I also asked her for advice concerning the new curtains to hang in the kitchen. We will definitely choose for a gorgeous Italian linen fabric.

 

2

Brigitte is presenting ceramic plates to hang on one of the kitchen walls.

 

5

Combination of green and blue in the orangery’s cabinet. Chinese vases, a pair of 18th century Makkum ceramic plates and a set of blue and white 18th century Tournai ceramic dinner plates.

 

7

The orangery ready to bring in the Christmas tree.

To be continued…

 

If you would like me to help you with your home decoration, please feel free to contact me at greetlefevre@hotmail.com.

 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL MY AMERICAN FRIENDS AND READERS ! 

xx

Greet

Christmas styling tips - Part I

0
0

 

Every year I love to share with you my favorite Christmas decorations and home decor vignettes.

Also this year, I do hope to inspire you with some festive ideas to bring Christmas into your home.

In my next post, I will bring you some Christmas tablescape styling ideas and I will share ideas for outside the house.

Enjoy !

 

Let’s start with this year’s Christmas tree.

Whether you prefer a more traditional, abundantly decorated tree or you like a more straight tree festooned with simple decorations, every year you have to come up with new ideas, and make it look different.

5Image source Pinterest

22Image source here

24Image source Pinterest

11Image source here

 

What do you think about these unique tree decorations ?

14Image source Pinterest

37Image source Pinterest

39Image source here

And for the horse lovers among us.9Image source Pinterest

 

Ideas to decorate the chimney mantel.

And again here, you can opt for a more traditional decoration or you can keep it simple using a few candles and some greenery or branches.

7Image source Pinterest

46Image source Pinterest

41Image source Pinterest

45Image source Pinterest

 

Inside the home, all around.

6Image source Pinterest

17Image source Pinterest

23Image source Pinterest

50Image source Pinterest

18Image source Pinterest

10Image source Pinterest

8Image source Pinterest

12Image source Pinterest

19Image source Pinterest

2Image source Pinterest

26Image source Pinterest

47Image source Pinterest

 

Candles everywhere !

35Image source here

3Image source here

42Image source Pinterest

Not to forget the stairs !49Image source Pinterest

 

Be sure not to miss my next post about styling ideas for your Christmas tablescape and Christmas decorations for outside the house.

 

xx

Greet

Christmas styling tips - Part II

0
0

 

In addition to my previous Christmas styling post, today I would love to inspire you with Christmas table scapes, Christmas-like food decoration, Christmas wrapping ideas and finally I would love to bring you outdoor decorating inspiration.

 

Christmas table scape ideas.

I absolutely love to see touches of greenery on the Christmas table.

1Image source Pinterest

48Image source Pinterest

27Image source Pinterest

Or a combination of greenery and pine cones.28Image source Pinterest

44Image source Pinterest

38Image source Pinterest

Red berries could not be missed.16Image source Pinterest

Pine cones as place name holders.32Image source here

 

Food just tastes better when it looks all cute and Christmas-like.

15Image source unknown

60Image source unknown

15Image source Pinterest

Add cranberries to your winter sangria.61Image source Pinterest

Don’t forget to dress up your serving tray with some greenery.43Image source Pinterest

 

Christmas wrapping ideas.

53Image source Pinterest

21Image source Pinterest

54Image source Pinterest

 

Outdoor decorating ideas.

4Image source here

13Image source here

29Image source Pinterest

 

Scandinavian people are perfect in dressing up their home for Christmas. If you do visit Scandinavian blogs you will find the most beautiful Christmas decoration home vignettes.

As I recently discovered the gorgeous Swedish blog, Lilla Villa Vita, I couldn’t resist to post some pictures of the Christmas decoration at the home of Maria Sandberg, author of this blog.

59Image source Lilla Villa Vita

57Image source Lilla Villa Vita

58Image source Lilla Villa Vita blog

55Image source Pinterest

20Image source here

30Image source Pinterest

40Image source Pinterest

56Image source Pinterest

 

To end this post, I would dare to say, ‘Let our four feet companiens celebrate with us !’

34Image source Pinterest

36Image source here

 

Now it’s your turn to inspire me !

xx

Greet

Viewing all 263 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images