Pure & effortless Belgian design
Vincent Van Duysen Photography Frederik Vercruysse Source here
AM Designs Source here
Nicolas Schuybroek Source here
Axel Vervoordt Source here
Benoît Viaene Photo credit Jan Verlinden Source here
Timeless Living Source here
Glenn Sestig Source here
Rood3 - Frederique Glorieux Source here
Talk to you soon !
xx
Greet
During our holidays I actually found the time to glance (again!) through a lot of my interior design books.
One of these books, I got very attached to - and which I browsed through for theumpteenthtime - is the book ‘AnInvitation to Château du Grand-Lucé’ , bymy friend and one of my favorite American interior designers, Timothy Corrigan.
Readers who are following my blog for quite some time, definitely noticed that I have blogged before about Timothy’s work (here) and even about his book (here).
Cover Book ‘An Invitation to Château du Grand-Lucé’ – Timothy Corrigan
For several years Timothy Corrigan is featured on the AD100 list of the world’s best interior designers and architects.
I do know that a lot of my American readers are familiar with the work of Timothy, but today I really wanted to blog again about Timothy’s book, because I wanted my European (and especially my Belgian) followers getting introduced to this remarkable and talented designer.
Timothy, who is passionate about French architecture and design history, bought a neoclassical château in the Loire Valley, France and brought it to it’s glory by transforming it into an exceptionally livable home, his personal retreat where he loves to entertain.
The book ‘An Invitation to Château du Grand-Lucé’ is about the story of this stunningly restored French château, filled with beautiful images.
As the château is a national landmark of which every bit of the building, each tree or stone is listed, Timothy had to be very careful with the renovation of the building and its gardens.
The initial major restoration took approximately 5 years!
The château needed to be restored in a meticulous way. Of course I was very much interested in the restoration of the paneling present in many rooms of the castle. Like no other, I do know how important it is to restore the authentic paneling, using time honored techniques as applied in the 18th century! Surrounded by craftsmen and experts, Timothy restored all paneling in respect to the past. The result is outstanding!
Timothy re-designed all the interiors of the château and filled the rooms with art and antiques.
The book ‘An Invitation to Château du Grand-Lucé’ always within reach!
The 18th century national landmark before the restoration.
Image source Architectural Digest
‘Château du Grand-Lucé’ today.
Image source Architectural Digest
Timothy wanted to share the restoration proces of the château with us and uploaded interesting videos of the transformation.
Click on image to watch the restoration trailer.
The huge staircase.
Image source Architectural Digest
Timothy at the grand staircase during the restoration.
Image source : video‘An Invitation to Chateau du Grand-Lucé - The Restoration Trailer’
Timothy is explaining the proces of the restoration of the original paneling. The paint on the paneling was removed to get back to the beautiful rough wood that was original to the château. Because of fungus that has been growing on the walls over the years, they had to recreate wood panels using the same techniques that were used when the château was built in the 18th century. 
Image source : video ‘Timothy Corrigan on Restoration’
Meticulous removing of the paint on the wood paneling.
Image source : video ‘Timothy Corrigan on Restoration’
I highly recommend to watch the above mentioned videos about the restoration !
Following here, some of the rooms before and after.
Salon de Chinois before
Image source Architectural Digest
The murals define the Western idea of life in 18th-century China.They were originally painted by the artist Jean-Baptiste Pillement, which was one of Marie Antoinette’s official painters.This salon is one of only three surviving rooms painted by him in the world.
Salon de Chinois after
Image source Architectural Digest
The Grand Salon before
Image source Architectural Digest
The Grand Salon with its high ceiling, limestone floor and carved boiserie.
The Grand Salon after
Image source Architectural Digest
One of the château’s 14 guest rooms before
Image source Architectural Digest
Timothy Corrigan gave every guest room its own character and style to avoid the feeling of staying in a hotel with identical suites.
Delightful guest room after.
Image source Architectural Digest
Some images inside the book ‘An Invitation to Château du Grand-Lucé’ .
Images source here
To see a preview of the book, please click HERE.
To get your copy of the book, please click HERE or HERE.
Thank you Timothy for this wonderful book, which is my constant source of inspiration to design paneling!
Thank you for your personal note in my copy of your book. It means a lot to me!
I wanted to end this post with a beautiful picture of climbing roses and gravel paths around the pear trees in one of the Château Grand-Lucé’s gardens.
Image source Architectural Digest
To see more of the work of interior designer TIMOTHY CORRIGAN, please visit his website
Website Château du Grand-Lucé : www.chateaugrandluce.com
xx
Greet
Last Friday, one of my favorite stores, the women’s boutique BOTTHY opened its doors at its new location. Since many years this store is based in the city of Geraardsbergen (Belgium).
The owners had the opportunity to purchase a beautiful property, very close to the current location of the existing store, giving their customers the opportunity to shop in a more comfortable way and in a very pleasant, urban contemporary atmosphere.
We were of course very honored when the owners enabled our company Lefèvre Interiors to participate in the realisation of their new store’s concept.
I am very pleased to share with you today pictures of the result of this huge transformation.
BOTTHY Women new store – Geraardsbergen, Belgium
Boutique façade before & after
The owners wished to see an interior that certainly is not overloaded and wanted to retain as much as possible the authentic elements of the property. They wished to combine fair, fine materials, textures and colors, matching a contemporary store concept. Steel and wood are recurring materials, throughout the store.
All cabinetry, wooden display shelving, fitting rooms and counters are executed in the workshop of our company Lefèvre Interiors .
BOTTHY Inside store – after
Inside store – before
The before-after pictures I share with you here below, will able you to have an idea of this huge transformation.
Steel constructions were added.
The authentic beamed ceiling was completely refreshed.
A part of the authentic brick wall is kept visible.
Combination of mortex covered floor and black painted oak.
The fitting rooms are very comfortable to help you, being in a relaxed mood, choosing your new clothing.
A combination of white painted and dark stained wooden built in closet cabinets .LEFEVRE INTERIORS
Cabinetry all custom made by LEFEVRE INTERIORS.
Combination of steel and wood. LEFEVRE INTERIORS
Custom made wooden display shelving on steel clothing racks.
Carefully chosen vintage furniture by the owners of the store.
To follow BOTTHY on Facebook, please click HERE .
I do hope you enjoyed this Lefèvre Interiors before & after project.
If you would like our company to provide the interior arrangement of your commercial project, feel free to contact us at info@lefevre.be
For more Lefèvre Interiors realisations visit our website atwww.lefevre.be
xx
Greet
All pictures by me
Today, for you, some of my favorite and inspiring bedrooms.
Enjoy!
Interior design Thierry Lejeune Source Thierry Lejeune Ontwerpburo
Interior design Joseph Dirand Source The Standart
Interior design Gilles & Boissier Source DPages
Interior design Richard Lane Source RSA
Aman Canale Grande Hotel, Venice, Italy Source Yatzer
Interior design Annelle Primos Barnett Source Decorating with Stephanie Tuliglowski
Interior design John D. Murray Source John D. Murray Architect
Interior design Lefèvre Interiors Source Lefèvre Interiors Photo credit Claude Smekens
Wishing you all a nice and relaxing Sunday!
Talk to you soon.
xx
Greet
The Belgian chocolatier GODIVA brand (founded in 1926) is known in over 80 countries around the world and owns and operates more than 450 boutiques and shops worldwide from New York to Paris, Tokyo to Dubai.
In 2009 Godiva opened the shop ‘Chocoiste’, a new concept store in the popular Harajuku district in Tokyo, Japan. The famous Japanese basedinterior design firm Wonderwall, founded by Masamichi Katayama, completed this exceptional shop design.
The shop has a primarily classical interior, combining humorous and fun design details such as the “melting chocolate” ceiling, which looks as if it's dripping with chocolate.
Visitiors would wish it was real and could eat chocolate off the walls and ceiling.
Melting chocolate seems to drip from the walls and ceiling.
‘Dripping chocolate’ wall downstairs.
Detail of the chocolate-coloured paint.
Absolutely stunning! Simulating chocolate running down the walls.
Second floor café, where visitors can enjoy their time with chocolate.
Godiva chocolatier's shop in Harajuku, Japan
The two-storey shop with its glass front, is open to the street, so passers-by can view both its entrance as well as the customers enjoying their time with chocolate on the second floor cafe.
GODIVA CHOCOISTE HARAJUKU, TOKYO - JAPAN
Godiva chocolatier
Interior design Wonderwall Japan
All photos by Kozo Takayama– Source Wonderwall
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Greet
Nancy Meyers is an American film director, producer and screenwriter. She is the writer, producer and director of several big-screen successes, including The Parent Trap (1998), Something's Gotta Give (2003), The Holiday (2006), and It's Complicated (2009).
Nancy Meyers
Nancy is currently working on her new movie ‘The Intern’.
Source Nancy Meyers’s Instagram page
I will come back later to Nancy’s new movie ‘The Intern’, but first I would like to tell you something more about her previous movies.
Nancy Meyers is known for her absolutely amazing filming locations. The houses in her movies all look fabulous, the kind of houses people dream about. Nancy is a director with a passion for decoration. For Nancy, the look of the movie is very important because she likes to define the characters in the movie through the places they choose to live. ‘A house tells you so much about a person.’, Nancy explains. On each set Nancy works closely with set decorators and interior designers.
When I started blogging a few years ago, I discovered, on almost every interior design blog I visited, several pictures of the interior of the beach house in the Hamptons, the filming location of the movie ‘Something’s Gotta Give’.
Many people fell in love with this beach house and became obsessed with it. They wanted to incorporate the look of this house into their own home and designers were commissioned to design and to decorate their clients’ home inspired by this ‘SGG’ house.
Almost every decorator has at least one client who wants a room straight out of a Nancy Meyers movie, whether it’s the appealing kitchen in ‘Something’s Gotta Give’ or one of the bedrooms in ‘The Holiday’.
The table that was used in the SGG bedroom was found at Rose Tarlow and a lot of people wanted that table to have in their home. It seems that they never stopped making it. It’s now called the “Something’s Gotta Give table”.
‘Something’s Gotta Give’ : The beautiful beach house in the Hamptons with its timeless and Swedish influenced living room, soft toned dining room and appealing kitchen.
Pictures source Cote de Texas
Rose Tarlow “Something’s Gotta Give table”
‘The Holiday’ : California contemporary versus cozy Cotswold style.
Pictures source Cote de Texas
‘It’s Complicated’ : The Santa Barbara house with its fabulous garden and cozy rooms.
Pictures source Cote de Texas
One of my favorite rooms is the beautiful dressed up living room in ‘It’s Complicated’. I love the warm color palette used here. Nancy chose the color orange as an accent. I do notice several Belgian style elements here in this room, as the painted cabinet, the coffee table, the slipcovered seats and the beamed ceiling.
Living room in ‘It’s Complicated’.
If you are interested in finding out more of these 3 gorgeous movie houses, please check the informative blogposts written by my colleague blogger Joni from Cote de Texas (here, here and here).
Coming back to Nancy’s upcoming movie ‘The Intern’.
About 3 months ago Nancy started with the filming of ‘The Intern’.
‘The Intern’ is a comedy that stars Anne Hathaway as Jules Ostin, as the founder of a fashion based e-commerce company who hires Robert DeNiro's character, a 70-year old widower bored with retirement, as her intern.
Having in mind the succes of ‘Something’s Gotta Give’, ‘The Holiday’ and ‘It’s Complicated’, expectations for the upcoming movie are high. Spectators and especially interior designers (including me !) do hope to see a location to fawn over !
Two weeks ago Nancy posted this peek inside a home in the upcoming movie and captured it with the words ‘A peek inside Jules's brownstone’. If you ask me it looks very chic and beautiful ! What do you think ?
‘A peek inside Jules's brownstone’ Source Nancy Meyers’s Instagram page
Another peek inside to see on Nancy’s Instagram page, captured ‘Annie's desk in The Intern.Our first day of shooting at her startup!’. The filming location is an old factory in Brooklyn. Notice thepainted brick walls of this loft style location. This is propably the factory, where the fashion company is based. Eye-catcher is Kartell Ghost chair by Philippe Starck.
‘Annie's desk in The Intern’ Source Nancy Meyers’s Instagram page
In the nick of time, preparing this blogpost, I discovered another picture added by Nancy on her Instagram page, captured ‘The latest kitchen appliance. The Alexa.’. Notice the children’s play corner with the lou lou ghost child chair by Philippe Starck for Kartell ! Does Jules has children? We will have to find out…
‘The latest kitchen appliance.The Alexa.’ Source Nancy Meyers’s Instagram page
Love love love the inspiration board Nancy posted on Instagram! I love her design aesthetic ! This board definitely shows the designer within her.
‘Inspiration board’ Source Nancy Meyers’s Instagram page
More ‘behind the scenes’ pictures of ‘The Intern’ on Nancy’s Instagram page, I enjoyed.
Source Nancy Meyers’s Instagram page
If you would love to see more ‘behind the scene’ pictures of ‘The Intern’, please follow Nancy’s Instagram page here.
‘The Intern’ will come out in one year. Until then we will have to keep following Nancy’s Instagram page! I will certainly do, hoping to see more peek inside pictures.
A huge thank you to Nancy for allowing me to post all these ‘behind the scene’ pictures. As one of her biggest Belgian fans, I do wish her a lot of succes with ‘The Intern’!
I will try to grab a front row seat when the movie is released in Belgian cinema.
xx
Greet
All images with permission of Nancy Meyers.
I would love to invite you to tour the home of New York based interior designer Cheryl Skoog Tague.
Her home is featured in the September/October issue of Veranda magazine. It even made the cover if this issue!
Cheryl’s dining room on the cover of the September/October issue of Veranda.
Cheryl’s company CORE HOME designs, builds and furnishes high end residential and commercial properties.
Cheryl went all over to Europe to find reclaimed materials and antiques. By using salvaged materials and antiques her house looks very old and authentic.
On one of her trips to Europe, I met Cheryl here in Belgium as she was looking for antique chimney pieces!
European fire place in one of the rooms of Cheryl’s home Image source Core Home
Reception room at Cheryl’s home Source video Veranda
Please click on the picture below to see the house tour. I am sure you will love this home!
Congratulations Cheryl. Your home looks absolutely gorgeous !
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We stay in New York to spot the MILIEU Fall Anniversary Issue in the streets of New York !
MILIEU Fall Anniversary Issue in the streets of NEW YORK Image source
For those who didn’t know yet, MILIEU's first anniversary issue is on the newsstands.
Cover MILIEU Fall 2014 Issue
MILIEU is one year old now and features so many interesting articles to read, as the article about the tile murals at the Parisian home of Juan Pablo Molyneux, about the rooms of a Westchester County home, designed by Vicente Wolf, about a New Orleans house project by Valorie Hart,… and so many more.
Images source MILIEU Fall Issue 2014
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I do have to share with you today an exceptional design project, just completed by Virginia based interior designer BARRY DIXON for the exquisite jewelry boutique Liljenquist & Beckstead.
I absolutely love this! Love the whole concept, the paneling, the furniture, the lighting fixtures and all materials Barry used here!
Congratulations Barry. Excellent work!
Pictures below showing :
“Athena" chairs by Barry Dixon and a custom bronze table. "Oeuf" pendant from Avrett. OCHRE’s "Seed Cloud" fixture set into a hand crafted plaster dome.
Chandeliers, pendants and sconces from Avrett, OCHRE and Magni Home Collection.All so well chosen!
Jewelry boutique Liljenquist & Beckstead Interior design by Barry Dixon Image source
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I am pleased to mention that our company LEFEVRE INTERIORS is featured in the latest issue of the magazine Art & Décoration.
I want to thank stylist Céline Hassen and photographer Sophie Lloyd for their commitment to realize this article.
Lefèvre Interiors featuring in Art & Décoration Septembre 2014
Lefèvre Interiors featuring in Art & Décoration Septembre 2014
Cover Art & Décoration Septembre 2014
To read the full article click HERE.
I hope you enjoyed my today’s post.
xx
Greet
Elegant Belgian living rooms.
If you like to decorate your living room in the Belgian style, you should combine rustic elements with a modern aesthetic to create a simple, not boring, yet cozy and comfortable room.
Choose for a neutral and soft color palette, no strong colors. Notice that nowadays there is a growing tendency to paint walls in a pure white.
Bring in rustic elements as reclaimed ceiling beams, reclaimed wood floorboards or reclaimed stone flooring.
Pay attention to the fire place and keep it in proportion with the architecture of the room.
Combine antique pieces with modern furniture.
Coffee and side tables can be made of metal or wood, or have a metal base mixed with a wooden or stone top.
Avoid decorative excess to keep the room clean and simple.
Add well-chosen accessories, as wicker baskets, antique or new made pottery and ceramics, in combination with simple artwork.
Use Belgian linen for seat upholstery, slipcovers, pillows and drapes.
Add throw pillows, using them as a color accent in your living room.
Thierry Lejeune Art & Architecture Source here
Magnus Villas Source here
Are you inspired by these Belgian living rooms ?
xx
Greet
Fall,…with its particular beauty,…season of leaves changing colors…,
browns, yellows, oranges and
REDS.
Image source here
Lefèvre Interiors Photo credit Sophie Lloyd
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Natalie Haegeman Interiors Image source here
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Garnier Antiques Image source here
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Greet
I would love to share with you today bathrooms with special materials and textures.
Combination of travertino chiaro and wood. Design Bonetti&Kozerski for Donna Karan Source here
Stunning bathroom design. Beautiful materials. Hotel San Pietro, Matero, Italy Photo credit Piermario Ruggeri Source here
Soft color palette. Source Pinterest
Exceptional bathroom designed by Lionel Jadot. Photo credit Jean-Luc Laloux Source here
Simplicity Source Pinterest
Notice the ceramic floor tiles, giving the impression of a rug. Source here
Morrocan style bathroom Source here
Wabi Sabi style master bathroom of the Greenwich Hotel’s Tribeca Penthouse. Design by Axel Vervoordt. Photo credit Nikolas Koenig Source here
Design by Axel Vervoordt . Love the freestanding bathtub on the concrete floor. Source Axel Vervoordt
In a lot of the bathrooms shown here today, you will notice special techniques used. If you like these, I would recommend you to visit the website of Belgian company ODILON CREATIONS. The Odilon team has a passion for all ancient techniques, which they reinterprete and transport into a current context to personalize your project.
Discover their different techniques, all made out of natural products : Tadelakt, Pastellone, Graniglia, eARTh,…
Tadelakt by Odilon Creations (source website Odilon Creations)
Exclusive handmade technique by Odilon Creations (source website Odilon Creations)
For more information :
http://www.odiloncreations.be/
xx
Greet
Authenticity and sustainable design are becoming major components in the concept of today’s restaurant design. Designers are moving to a more refined and authentic design. There is a trending towards a more crafts-focused artisan aesthetic, we are all hungry for the hand of an artisan after so many years of industrial design.
Customers become more interested in the heritage, culture and values of the restaurant they are eating in. Designers try to tell a story that starts from the moment customers enter the restaurant until they leave. They move away from the domestic style of previous years. With their design aesthetic, designers try to create immersive environments that may have some nostalgia, because eating in a restaurant is about more than food. People want to escape from their usual home dining environment. The restaurant of today is a destination that offers a culinary satisfaction along with a cultural experience.
Sumptuous, glamorous restaurant interiors are created, evoking an atmosphere of grandeur, luxury and decadence.
In restaurant design makeovers we notice that the designers try to preserve authentic elements and materials or they try to bring in new materials referring to the restaurant’s initial establishment, in respect of the historical significance of the building or restaurant’s area, and in respect of the national heritage and the historic environment.
Authentic and impresssive, massive interiors as backdrop to sophisticated materials and refined, personalized, custom made furniture. A space where one can feel a synergie between classic craft and contemporary design. Subtly-chic, understated elegance interior design.
All these characteristics are translated into the choice of materials, color tones and textures, artisanal custom made furniture and lighting fixtures.
Designers move away from minimalist tones to more rich, bright and saturated colors.The use of brass and gold brings a feeling of warmth and a sense of history to a room. Brass is making its comeback in the design world, although this is more of a classic accent rather than a trend.
Today I want to share with you some recently designed restaurant interiors, designed by renowned European designers.
These pictures will bring you more insight on the latest design trend of European restaurant interiors.
MONSIEUR BLEU
Monsieur Bleu is a restaurant designed by the Paris based architect Joseph Dirand and is located inside Palais de Tokyo, the museum of modern and contemporary art in Paris.
In most of his projects Joseph Dirand prefers to work with a black and white color scheme. Also in this restaurant black and white are basic colors, complemented by shades of green along with gold detailing.
Marble is seen everywhere (floor, fireplace and back of sofas) in this massive, art deco influenced, interior. Warmth is added by using brass and bronze elements, smoky mirrors, and shades of green velvet upholstery.
An interior with clear art deco influences.
Restaurant Monsieur Bleu in Paris - Interior design by Joseph Dirand Photography Adrien Dirand Image source here
Restaurant Monsieur Bleu in Paris - Interior design by Joseph Dirand Photography Adrien Dirand Image source here
Restaurant Monsieur Bleu in Paris - Interior design by Joseph Dirand Photography Adrien Dirand Image source here
THE JANE
The Dutch designer Piet Boon has recently completed the transformation of the church of a former military hospital into The Jane, the restaurant of Michelin-star chef Sergio Herman, located in Antwerp, Belgium.
Contemporary furniture and lighting contrast well to the preserved authentic elements of the church as the original mosaic flooring and weathered ceiling.
Again we notice that earthy green tones, brass and bronze elements complement and complete the black and white basic of this massive interior.
Striking element is the 800 kg chandelier designed by the Beirut-based studio .PSLAB. This studio also designed the other specific lighting fixtures for the restaurant. Notice the beautiful brass uplighters on the wooden separations.
Restaurant The Jane in Antwerp - Interior design by Piet Boon Photography Richard Powers Source here
Restaurant The Jane in Antwerp - Interior design by Piet Boon Photography Richard Powers Source here
Restaurant The Jane in Antwerp - Interior design by Piet Boon Photography Richard Powers Source here
SONG QI
The interior design of Song Qi , a new haute-Chinese restaurant in Monaco is inspired by the 1930s Shanghai style. This restaurant’s interior is designed by Monaco based design firm Humbert & Poyet. Although the decor is contemporary, there is a hint of chinoiserie in the crackled black-lacquer walls and brass accents.
Predominance of black and white (floor and crackled lacquer walls). Touches of brass (lightings and frames). Silky green velvet (banquettes and chairs).
Restaurant Song Qi in Monaco - Interior design Humbert & Poyet Photography Matthieu Salvaing Image source here
Restaurant Song Qi in Monaco - Interior design Humbert & Poyet Photography Matthieu Salvaing Image source here
Restaurant Song Qi in Monaco - Interior design Humbert & Poyet Photography Matthieu Salvaing Image source here
Ô COCOTTES
The brasserie of Belgian hotel Crown Plaza in Liège, Ô Cocottes. The restaurant’s interior is created by a collaboration between Eric Goffin et Dominic Minguet.
The softness of velvet counterbalances the white walls and black tables. The vivid violet banquettes bring warmth to the restaurant’s interior.
Brasserie Ô Cocottes - Interior design Eric Coffin et Dominic Minguet Photo credit Visual Eye Image source here
Brasserie Ô Cocottes - Interior design Eric Coffin et Dominic Minguet Photo credit Visual Eye Image source here
Brasserie Ô Cocottes - Interior design Eric Coffin et Dominic Minguet Image source here
LE FLANDRIN
Le Flandrin is another restaurant revamped by renowned Paris designer Joseph Dirand. Le Flandrin has occupied a historic railway station building since 1932, serving traditional French cuisine to some of the city’s finest clientele. Joseph Dirand succeeded in restoring the restaurant’s decor to its former glory by using materials that evoke classic luxury as rare marbles, dark woods, polished brass, mirrored glass and velvet upholstery and a classic geometric-patterned tile floor.
Restaurant Le Flandrin– Interior design by Joseph Dirand Photography Adrien Dirand Image source here
Restaurant Le Flandrin– Interior design by Joseph Dirand Photography Adrien Dirand Image source here
Restaurant Le Flandrin– Interior design by Joseph Dirand Photography Adrien Dirand Image source here
CHRISTOPHER’S
The restaurant houses in a grade II listed building with an interesting past of its own, including a period as a papier mâché factory and opening in 1870 as London’s first licensed casino. Originally opened in 1991 in the heart of Covent Garden, Christopher’s has established itself as one of London’s prime American restaurants.
The restaurant re-opened las year after the refurbishing of the bar, dining room and club room, recalling the heady-glamour of the Modern American era.
London based architect and designer De Matos Ryan was commissioned to redesign and refurbish the spaces.
The restaurant is decorated in muted, heritage grey and a splash of gold velvet. A classic contemporary two-tone grey panelling and a silver gilded ceiling cornice. Antique mirrored panels. The accents of gold velvet counterbalance the rather cold backdrop of grey panelled walls and grey leather upholstery.
Restaurant Christopher’s - Interior design De Matos Ryan Image source here
Restaurant Christopher’s - Interior design De Matos Ryan Image source here
Restaurant Christopher’s - Interior design De Matos Ryan Image source here
RESTAURANT FRU K
Fru K is the restaurant of the hotel The Thief in Oslo, Norway. Interior design by Oslo based firm Mellbye Architects.
The designers played with a mixture of black, bronze and gold, creating an ultra chic look. Again we notice dark woods, velvet upholstery, brass light fixtures.
Restaurant Fru K - Interior design Mellbye Architects Image source here
Restaurant Fru K - Interior design Image source here
Restaurant Fru K - Interior design Mellbye Architects Image source here
The Ritz Hotel in Paris closed for renovations, on 1 August 2012. The reopening was originally scheduled for Summer 2014, but it’s now been pushed back to early 2015.
I can’t wait to see this legendary hotel’s new look! I am very curious about the restaurant L’Espadon new interior. And I am wondering who the designer might be! Somewhere on the internet is to read that New York based designer Thierry W. Despont might be commissioned to the hotel’s new interior.
Restaurant L’Espadon before closure in 2012 Image source here
Greet
The moment I came across the article in Architectural Digest, featuring this Cape Dutch house, I could hardly believe that this house was built in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Baton Rouge Cape Dutch inspired house, seen by the lake. Photography Pieter Estersohn Source AD
Reading the full story (here) I discovered that the owners are well-traveled people, knowing a lot of Dutch architecture and history.
They had fallen in love with Cape Dutch architecture during their travels and commissioned Alabama based Architect Bobby McAlpine of McAlpine Tankersley Architecture and interior designer Ray Booth of McAlpine Booth & Ferrier Interiors to build a Cape Dutch inspired house in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Bobby McAlpine is absolutely one of my favorite American architects (his book ‘The Home Within Us’ is a never leaving coffee table book). Sensing this house ‘of his hand’, definitely confirmed his architectural skills, his understanding of using authentic building materials. Bobby McAlpine is a competent architect, a connoisseur of different architectural styles.
Cape Dutch architecture is an architectural style found in the Western Cape of South Africa (Dutch colony), primarily built in the 17th century.
Houses in Cape Dutch style have a recognisable design, and are distinguished by a grand, ornately rounded gable, as seen on 17th century Holland townhouses. The Cape Dutch houses have whitewashed walls and reed-thatched roofs. They are usually H-shaped.
A South African Cape Dutch house Image source here
Most of these Cape Dutch buildings have been lost, however the design tradition is still to see in some historical South African towns, such as Stellenbosch.
Rounded gable townhouses in Amsterdam Photo credit Klaas Schoof Image source here
Let’s go back to the Baton Rouge house.
The owners paid careful attention to details, bringing in soulful European antiques and art throughout their home.
The center hall is paved with well-worn black and white marble, has a beamed ceiling and runs from front to back. The room is evoking the atmosphere of a Johannes Vermeer (1632-1675) painting. Photography Pieter Estersohn Source AD
‘The Concert’ (1666), painting by Johannes Vermeer. Source here
The center hall of the Baton Rouge house reminds me of an entrance hall of a Belgian home, designed by Axel Vervoordt.
Dutch style entrance hall designed by Axel Vervoordt Image source here
Hand-troweled plaster walls and custom-made raised oak paneling at the entrance hall. A circa-1740 Baroque painted table and a 17th century portrait. Photography Pieter Estersohn Source AD
Original 17th century Dutch Baroque table Source here
The living room is a nearly 50-foot-long space. Photography Pieter Estersohn Source AD
As the owners requested to give their home the look of a an old house, there was opted to add antique-style glass in the windows.
Dutch spirit 17th century bronze chandelier and wall sconces. Photography Pieter Estersohn Source AD
Original Dutch Baroque chandelier Source here
A large late 17th century Dutch brass wall sconce Source here
I absolutely love the view from the kitchen towards the sitting area. Photography Pieter Estersohn Source AD
Fire place mantel Museum of Appingedam– Holland
Pantry with view towards the sitting area. Notice again the small Dutch chandelier above the table. Photography Pieter Estersohn Source AD
The box beds in the guest room evoke a 17th century bedroom. Photography Pieter Estersohn Source AD
Box bed Museum of Appingedam– Holland
Thatched-roof dining pavilion. Photography Pieter Estersohn Source AD
To see more pictures of this Cape Dutch House and to read the full story, please click HERE.
Congratulations to all the people who were involved with the building of this gorgeous house, the owners and the team of McAlpine Tankersley Architecture and McAlpine Booth & Ferrier Interiors !
xx
Greet
Architect Richard Found, founder of London based Found Associates successfully succeeded in adding a super-modern extension to an idyllic18th century Cotswolds’ cottage, to make of it a relaxed family home.
The addition to the historic structure is completely different and has a contemporary design.
To achieve the modern design the architect had in mind, he used contemporary methods with traditional materials. For example, the dry stone used for the exterior of the addition is similar to that of the cottage but laid in a modern way, with the mortar set far back so it’s not visible.
As Richard Found didn’t want a long and unbroken extension, he designed a series of different planes, respecting the surrounding landscape and the old cottage.
He also completely refurbished the cottage, which has its own living room and kitchen, making it perfect for weekend guests.
The property with the 18th century cottage and the new constructed addition.
The dry stone used for the exterior of the addition is similar to that of the cottage but laid in a modern way.
South-facing glass wall that runs the entire length of the kitchen and sitting room.
The architect wanted to be able to stand in his living room and feel like he was standing in the forest with no visual interruption, which was a challenge. He had to found out how to construct this building without columns supporting the cantilevered roof, often used for parties.
Roof terrace with concrete paving slabs.
Living and dining room with view to the cottage.
The architect wanted to obtain a clean, minimalist look. The audio speakers are embedded into the walls above the fireplace and are covered with 3 millimeters of plaster.
Uncluttered look even in the kitchen, with closed cabinets to hide all appliances.
TV room with concrete desk.
Honey-coloured -that leans towards the beige cottage stone- concrete hall and glass connection to the original cottage.
Glass doors to the bedrooms slide away into wall cavities.
Master bedroom with bathroom.
Main bedroom – landscape view.
The 18th century cottage guest house with its stone floor and wooden beams.
The property has won the Royal Institute of British Architects National Award 2012.
FOUND ASSOCIATES
14-16 GREAT PULTENEY STREET
LONDON
Source images HOUZZ.COM - Photo credit HUFTON & CROW
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Remembering my dad
Today, I remember my father, who ushered in the 3rd generation of Lefèvre cabinetmakers and founder of our company Lefèvre Interiors.
The older I get, the more I miss him. His listening ear, his wise advice and his ability to find answers to all problems.
Jacques Lefèvre (1936 – 2001)
My dad and me on a business trip toLʼIsle-sur-la-Sorgue, France - October 1998
Remembering my dad…
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My friendLeslie Sinclair, the author of the blog Segreto and owner of the Houston based company Segreto Finishes, recently published her new book ‘Segreto Style’.
We all have noticed that great pictures of Leslie’s work appeared in bloggerland since her first book Segreto was published.
As owner of a decorative painting company, Leslie Sinclair is constantly exploring new techniques and finishes that appeal to a vast multitude of styles and personal tastes.
Her new book ‘Segreto Style’ takes us touring thirty-nine exquisite house projects, of which Leslie’s company Segreto Finishes took care of the mural as of the cabinet plaster and paint finishes.
Leslie’s books, the first as well as the new book, are a testimony to her talent of being a true artist and entrepreneur!
Cover of the book ‘Segreto Style’ by Leslie Sinclair
Here is a sneak peek at this gorgeous new book.
Lilac velvet seat in front of a paneling finished by Segreto. Photography by Wade Blissard
A formal living room. Finishes by Segreto. Photography by Wade Blissard
Deep hues of plaster enhance the dramatic feel of this dining room. Photography by Wade Blissard
Hand-painted wine label by Segreto. Photography by Wade Blissard
Love this painted monogram by Segreto! Photography by Blake Mistich
Creamy plaster in the hallway of a Normandy style home. Photography by Blake Mistich
Segreto was commissioned with mural painting and restoring plastered ceilings at the renovation of this 1930’s designed French style château. Photography by Terry Vine
I am absolutely sure that Leslie’s decorative paint and plaster finishes to see in this book will appeal to many of you. ‘Segreto Style’ is the perfect Christmas gift!
All images with permission of Leslie Sinclair.
‘Segreto Style’ 
To order, please click here or here
‘Segreto’
To order, please click here or here
Enjoy !
Wishing everyone of you, my dear readers, a nice weekend!
xx
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Today I would love to introduce you to one of my favorite contemporary Belgian artists, the painter Isabelle Bossuyt.
I have to admit that I am really intrigued by Isabelle’s work. Every time I see a new painting appearing on her Facebook or Pinterest page, I am amazed by the emotion and the power, emanating from her paintings.
Isabelle Bossuyt (°1977) graduated as ‘Master in Expressive Arts, option Textile Design ' at Sint-Lucas Academy Ghent, Belgium.
Driven by her never gone away passion for painting together with her huge interest in textiles, textures, colors and in fashion, Isabelle opted, since several years, to focus on full-time painting.
Isabelle's passion for fashion, enclosed in an artistic jacket, results in an intriguing series of paintings.
Isabelle at work in her studio.
The artist is not only bringing together colors, fabrics and textures, but is also searching to reproduce facial expressions of her characters.
Isabelle likes to paint fashion models and also the movements on the catwalk are fascinating her. Not what is shown interests her, but the stately elegance of the models, the comings and goings of fashion trends, the power of those few minutes on the catwalk, the moments that pass away very quickly, the short duration power.
The catwalk as a sublime encounter between power and beauty. Superhuman, hastily and unreal. As a theatre is.
Her characters are lifelike and if you look closely you can see them move.
Show time oil on canvas 150 cm x 150 cm
Kom naar me toe oil on canvas 150 cm x 150 cm
Mirror me oil on canvas 120 cm x 120 cm
De dames oil on canvas 100 cm x 100 cm
' Clothing is giving a certain character to a person and I like to emphasize the character traits of the figures in the painting by making them look subdued or vice verca, giving them a self-confident and triumphantly look by showing them wearing high heels.’, clarifies Isabelle on her website.
‘Black & White’ is her most recent series of paintings.
The cool atmosphere in these black & white series is evoking the 'film noir' with its predominant moods of melancholy and alienation, where the 'femme fatale ' plays the leading role.
‘Black dress’ is one of my favorite paintings ! It reminds me of Coco Chanel.
Black dress oil on canvas 80 cm x 80 cm
Wool oil on canvas 120 cm x 120 cm
Qui est cette fille oil on canvas 100 cm x 150 cm
Friday night oil on canvas 100 cm x 100 cm
Dear readers, art lovers and fashionistas, if you love the paintings shown here or if you would love to have a personalized work of Isabelle Bossuyt , please contact Isabelle
TIP: one of Isabelle’s paintings as the perfect Christmas gift !
To see more of Isabelle’s paintings, please visit her Website or Pinterest page here and here.
Isabelle Bossuyt
Rijksweg 224
8710 Wielsbeke (Belgium)
+32 (0) 56 66 45 07
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All pictures of paintings with permission of Isabelle Bossuyt
Lefèvre Interiors designs, makes and installs bespoke classic or modern panelling. Through artisan means and with a passion for interior decorating and style.
Today I want to share with you French style panelled rooms, created by the employees and artisans working in the workshop of Lefèvre Interiors.
Bespoke French 18th century style panelling - made of French oak. Photo credit Jo Pauwels
The French style ornaments are carved by hand. Photo credit Jo Pauwels
The boards - still shaped like the tree - lie in the warehouse to dry. When they start an assignment, the carpenters open up the pile like a book. They can read the wood's character, the uniformity of the grain and the colour.
Boards lie in the warehouse to dry. Photo credit Koen Snauwaert
Then, each board starts its own artisan journey, to become panelling,…
Photo credit Claude Smekens Photography
…made by the craftsmen in the Lefèvre Interiors workshop.
Photo credit Claude Smekens Photography
French 19th century style panelling - made of French oak. Photo credit Claude Smekens Photography
French 19th century style panelling with integrated doors. Photo credit Claude Smekens Photography
Detail panelling. Photo credit Claude Smekens Photography Detail cornice. Photo credit Greet Lefèvre
French painted panelling. Photo credit Koen Snauwaert
Hand carved ornament. Photo credit Koen Snauwaert
All panelling is made in the workshop of Lefèvre Interiors in Belgium.
Photo credit Greet Lefèvre
One of our employees is scraping the wood. When you scrape the wood, instead of sanding it, you are still able to see and feel the texture. Photo credit Greet Lefèvre
Joinery. Photo credit Claude Smekens Photography
A Lefèvre woodcarver at work. Photo credit Koen Snauwaert
Plaster ornament models in our workshop. Photo credit Greet Lefèvre
All Lefèvre panelling is made of noble wood. Photo credit Greet Lefèvre
Each and every panelling has its own specific mouldings, according to the style of the panelled room. Frequently new designed mouldings are added to our existing collection. Photo credit Greet Lefèvre
Our employees installing the panelling in the client’s home. Photo credit Greet Lefèvre
Whether the panelling is stained, waxed or painted, finishes and patina are brought on by hand, at the client’s site.
Stained panelling. Photo credit Claude Smekens Photography
Hand painted patina. Photo credit Greet Lefèvre
Panelling finishes at client’s site. Photo credit Greet Lefèvre
French 18th century Régence style panelling with built in cabinet for flatscreen. Photo credit Greet Lefèvre
Panelling and shutters by Lefèvre Interiors. Photo credit Greet Lefèvre
Panelling with integrated French style door. Photo credit Greet Lefèvre
Panelling details : sunk moulding panelling. Photo credit Greet Lefèvre
My husband is minusculy taking over moulding details of an antique French panelling. Photo credit Greet Lefèvre
Panelling with curved panels. Photo credit Greet Lefèvre
Trumeau mirror above French marble chimney. Photo credit Greet Lefèvre
Panelled room by Lefèvre Interiors. Photo credit Claude Smekens Photography
Focal point in this room and starting point to design the panelling, was the French 18th century Régence walnut chimney piece. Photo credit Claude Smekens Photography
In contrast with the panelling in the previous room, this panelling has raised mouldings. Photo credit Claude Smekens Photography
Panelled wall with secret door towards the entry hall. Photo credit Claude Smekens Photography
Panelling and French chest by Lefèvre Interiors Photo credit Claude Smekens Photography
Hand painted panelling finishes by Lefèvre Interiors. Photo credit Greet Lefèvre
Stained wood finishes for panelling by Lefèvre Interiors. Photo credit Greet Lefèvre
Out of respect for and in memory of my father Jacques Lefèvre, not a single piece leaves the workshop without the brand of J. Lefèvre.
LEFEVRE SIGNATURE Photo credit Claude Smekens
If you would like us to design your panelled room, feel free to contact us at info@lefevre.be .
For more Lefèvre Interiors realisations visit our website atwww.lefevre.be .
Leading our family-owned business, together with my husband, - and this for the 4th generation (since 1890) -, I am honoured and pleased to mention that Lefèvre Interiors will be featured in the newest Belgian book ‘MANUFACTUM’.
‘MANUFACTUM’ is the title of a new book that will be published in December 2014. The book highlights 20 Belgian high-end artisans and craftsmen.
Cover ‘Manufactum’
by Dirk De Moor (text) & Philippe Debeerst (photography) – Snoeck Publishers Belgium
‘MANUFACTUM’ is abook on 'masters in handcraft', that highlights Belgian people & companies that manufacture products where manual labor, knowledge, tradition and skills are essential. Products that by their quality, uniqueness and exclusivity only can be produced by human hands. A touch of exclusivity and tradition. Mastery after all.
The book will be available in Dutch, French and English. The presentation to the press will take place on December 11.
’Manufactum’ will be available at the bookstore next month.
I will keep you updated!
xx
Greet
If you like antiques and art, together with Belgian architecture, I would like to remind you that within 2 weeks, Ann-Sophie and Charles Destoop, the owners of Belgian based company ‘Authentic Antiques’, open their house for private sales.
Photo credit Nicolas Schimp
Ann-Sophie and her husband Charles invite you to the ‘Winter Viewings’ in their beautiful home in Merchtem, near Brussels.
The house located in the Belgian countryside. Photo credit Nicolas Schimp
As an art historian and art consultant for auction house Christie’s, Ann-Sophie has always been passionate about art & antiques.
Twice a year (winter and summer) Ann-Sophie and Charles open the doors of their beautiful house located in the Belgian countryside.
Photo credit Ann-Sophie Destoop
The old farm house, completely renovated by Belgian architect Benoît Viaene, is the perfect setting for showing antique and vintage furniture, lamps, ceramics and glass work, together with unique objects, photography and art, that Ann-Sophie and Charles have to offer.
Photo credit Nicolas Schimp
Photo credit Ann-Sophie Destoop
They are currently working on a new website http://www.authenticandso.com/, that will be online soon.
‘Winter Viewings’ will run Friday December 5, Saturday December 6, Sunday December 7 & Monday December 8, from 11 am to 6 pm.
Address and info see invitation below.
An event not to be missed. Be sure to note!
xx
Greet
All pictures posted with permission of Ann-Sophie & Charles Destoop
Following trends in interior design, we all have noticed that it became very trendy to paint paneling in white, evoking the atmosphere of the Haussmannien apartments in Paris.
But what do you think about oak paneling in modern interior design settings?
Isn’t that beautiful !?
Take a look inside the couture boutique NATAN located in the Avenue Louise, Brussels. Natan is one of the most exclusive couture shops in Brussels. Belgian fashion designer Edouard Vermeulen is worldwide famous and designs stylish and sophisticated pieces.
Belgian architect and interior designer Vincent Van Duysen was commissioned to design the boutique’s interior.
It is absolutely fascinating to see how Van Duysen knew how to combine modern design with the traditional paneling.
NATAN Boutique Brussels Source Vincent Van Duysen website
NATAN Boutique Brussels Source Vincent Van Duysen website
NATAN Boutique Brussels Source Vincent Van Duysen website
NATAN Boutique Brussels Source Natan Facebook page
NATAN Boutique Brussels Source unknown
NATAN Boutique Brussels Source unknown
The interior of restaurant ‘La Villa’ in Paris is another example of a perfect mix of traditional and contemporary design.
Interior design by Gilles & Boissier architects.
Restaurant ‘La Villa’ Paris Source Pinterest
Restaurant ‘La Villa’ Paris Source here
Restaurant ‘La Villa’ Paris Source here
Restaurant ‘La Villa’ Paris Source here
Restaurant ‘La Villa’ Paris Source here
Rouge Tomate in Brussels is a cozy restaurant to have lunch or dinner, being surrounded by oak paneling.
Restaurant ‘Rouge Tomate’ Brussels Source Rouge Tomate website
Restaurant ‘Rouge Tomate’ Brussels Source Rouge Tomate website
Restaurant ‘Rouge Tomate’ Brussels Source Rouge Tomate website
Oak paneling as a backdrop for contemporary art and furniture.
Source Magazine Côté Paris Juin-Juillet 2012 Photo credit Nicolas Millet
Source Magazine Côté Paris Juin-Juillet 2012 Photo credit Nicolas Millet
Wishing you all a wonderful and relaxed weekend !
xx
Greet
Every year I absolutely love to share with you my favorite Christmas decoration ideas.
I do hope you will enjoy this year’s ideas and I might hope they will inspire you to try them out for yourself.
Enjoy!
Christmas decorations inside the home…
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Mistletoe is one of my favorite Christmas decorations ever.
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Lots of candles around.
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Different kinds of Christmas wreaths. Christmas wreaths don't have to be made from traditional evergreens, mix them up with eucalyptus leaves, boxwood, lotus pods, etc.
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Simplicity…
Group some golden candles.
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Add greenery to the candlesticks.
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Take your silverware out of the closet…
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Dried berries on a silver plate.
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Decorating the stairs…
Wrap the railing in garlands.
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Put candles on the stairs.
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Decorate your home furniture…
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Let’s decorate the Christmas tree…
I am thinking about decorating this year’s tree with only pine cones.
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Would you dare to put burning candles in your Christmas tree this year ?
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Or would you rather opt for an abundantly decorated tree?
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What about these beautiful glass ornaments with sprigs of holly, bayberry, and evergreens.
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This year’s favorite Christmas wrapping ideas…
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Traditional wrapping, always perfect.
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What a gorgeous idea is this nutshell wrapping!
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Christmas table setting ideas…
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Love this idea for table place cards.
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Don’t forget to give your food that little Christmas twist…
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Let’s go decorate outdoors…
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Gorgeous!
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And don’t forget to decorate your horse stable !
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Time to get ready for the most wonderful time of the year!
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Happy decorating !
xx
Greet
