Since we got to take a behind the scenes look at Greet Lefevre’s family-owned company, Lefevre Interiors, and their beautiful cabinet and wood paneling finishes, this week I wanted to showcase how Greet combines all these elements together in her own home. I love Greet’s philosophy of “giving a house a soul” by incorporating personal pieces, antiques and beautifully finished cabinetry. And her charming house, though newly built, showcases just that!

Starting off with the heart of the home, Greet’s kitchen is such a welcoming, calming and functional environment. She uses very simple, neutral fabrics and stones to form one cohesive look. Since Greet has a 15 year-old son and Jan has a grown daughter, son-in-law, and two grandkids, it’s so important to have a table where everyone can gather. This style of cabinetry where the doors are inset into plaster or wood has to be one of my favorites!!  I saw it first in France and just fell in love!! The carrara marble and Dutch Delft tile make a wonderful combination and that La Cornue stove is to die for!! (Dutch Delft tile has been produced since the 16th century and is very popular in Belgium.)

How is this done? The way this door is installed is a similar concept to the way the kitchen cabinet doors are. The cabinet doors are set into a wood or metal frame, and then the frame is painted or plastered. I love how the cabinet door is affixed in a recessed position inside the cabinet frame, creating a smooth exterior.

 The oak cabinetry was first grayed and then given a light and transparent varnish to make them lower maintenance and easier to keep clean.

Her orangery is equally as wonderful!!  An orangery is a conservatory or sunroom addition – I had to ask – hehe. The plastered walls of this orangery bring so much depth and warmth to the space. Greet really loves the plastered walls of ancient houses and castles she’s seen around Belgium and wanted her room to evoke this same sense of history.  This in combination with the steel casement doors, popular in Belgian architecture, the beautiful warm ceiling, and brick floors has truly created a room with a sense of the past. The door is hidden and painted the color of plaster so it goes away, keeping ones focus on the rooms beautiful elements.

I absolutely adore everything about this wine cellar – it’s exactly how I would imagine an ancient European cellar to be!!!  From the construction of the shelving made from old wine barrels to the way the staircase is constructed to the reclaimed brick floors, oak ceiling and wonderful heavy plaster—perfection!!! The pebbles at the base are the same which are oftern used to cover vinyards.

The demi-lune table is an old table that was standing in Greet’s work place for years. It was used by her father to place his stains on to make finish samples. It speaks for itselfs as the table top has a wonderful patina. The door of  the small built-in cabinet is a ‘placard’ door of an old french cabinet and the sconces are made of elements of an old iron fence.

These are Greet’s and Jan’s favorite wines.  I can’t wait to try them!!!

Château du Tertre Margaux Grand Cru Classé 

Château La Dominique Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classé

Château Cadet-Piola Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classé

This is one of Greet’s favorite pieces in her home!!! Given to her by a painter-artisan who had found it when working on the renovation of a nearby 19th century castle, this cornice has a gorgeous patina that has slowly faded over time. Placed on a soccle, it becomes a wonderful accessory!!  Greet is a firm believer that using pieces from the past bring soul and character into our homes.

Thank you, Greet, for sharing your wonderful cabinetry, beautiful finishes and lovely family with us!!  I am sure your father would be so proud of you, your brother, and your husband, for continuing his work and those of his fathers.  I wonder if your son will follow in your ancestor’s footsteps? Please visit Greet’s blog “Belgian Pearls” http://belgianpearls.blogspot.com to see the most wonderful Belgian, Flemish, and Swedish Interiors.

Please visit me for my last book signing of the year!!  Dec 10th at Bering’s

Bering’s is an excellent place to find gifts for everyone on your list.  6102 Westheimer on December 10, from 10:00 am – 12 pm, and Bering’s located at 3990 Bissonnet, from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm. Visit their website www.berings.com.

I hope everyone is getting into the spirit of the Holidays!!  I still need to get my tree!!  Have a great week!!  xoxo  Leslie