Gardening Belgian Style...An Interview With Greet Lefevre
Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at 07:59PM
It's so exciting to be sharing an interview with the beautiful Greet Lefevre of Le Fevre Interiors and Belgian Pearls blog. I've been in awe of Greet since we first started blogging. Her talent and passion for design as well as her sweet and generous spirit is well known in the blog world. For our readers who have yet to meet Greet...you are in for a real treat!
Please welcome Greet Lefevre...
" Hello,I am an interior decorator from Belgium. Together with my husband, I run a family owned business of cabinetmakers, for the fourth generation. I started a blog to share my passion for beautiful things and I do hope to express my design ideas from time to time. I like to tell you about things that keep me busy in general life. And of course I would love to tell you about all things Belgian."
Belgian decor has captivated the hearts of America over the past few years. In fact "the look" has become so popular, most people don't even know where it originated.
Image from Beta Plus Publication
Why don't you begin by telling us what inspires you?
"That is a tough question. I am inspired by a lot of people and things. First of all I like to study the work of a few well known architects and designers. I love 18th and 19th century architectural design styles. Belgium is a land of castles and I love to walk around in these beautiful, wonderful creations! Sometimes I am overwhelmed by their beauty and unconsciously I am influenced by these castles in my work."
One of my favorite designers is our Belgian decorator and antiques dealer Axel Vervoordt (he lives in a castle), and I admit I am very influenced by his work.
This is a wonderful book. A great additon to your design library.
"Blogs are a definite source of inspiration for me as well as interior magazines and publications. I love to browse through the wonderful Beta-Plus publication, a wonderful resource to discover Belgian architecture and design."
Greet's own home was featured in a Beta Plus publication, Contemporary Living With Antiques last April.
What a fabulous home!!! Full of light, yet very warm and comfortable.
Image via Beta Plus Publications
Image via Beta Plus Publications
Image via Beta-Plus Publications
Image via Beta-Plus Publications
Since we've all got a touch of Spring Fever, l thought we'd focus on landscape and garden from a Belgian point of view...
A beautiful gated entrance at the back of Greet's property.
From studying your work, it appears that it's important for you to blend or marry the interior of the home to the exterior. What are your thoughts on this concept?
I love to marry the interior with the exterior! That is why I sometimes use different fabrics for my seat slipcovers, according the seasons. Or I put another cushion or plaid in the seats, using a carpet (winter) or not (summer). In summertime I love to use light colors according to the green color of plants and trees. Sometimes it needn't to be that much. Using different colors of candles or flowers can make the difference, you know!
In Belgium we love brick and stone and as you might have seen in my orangery we even put them
inside the house, on the floor. So there is a marriage of the brick stone façade on the inside floor of my orangery.
Do you normally work with the landscape designer (if there is one) from the very beginning of the project? How important do you think it is to consider the landscape from the very beginning?
The landscape is of huge importance from the very beginning on!!! The day we decided to start building our home, we contacted a landscaper to make us a detailed design drawing of the garden. Because we really wanted to know if there were some areas where we had to level the ground or not. In case we ever wanted stairs in the garden or a backyard with fruit trees,or...? It is all of a big importance. And the landscape designer gave us some good tips to think about the color of our façade according to the trees, plants and flowers (and he wanted us to think about the shadows that big trees could give!) we ever wanted to see around the house and in the garden. We haven't finished the garden yet but thanks to this landscape plan, we do know what kind of green and flowers and where we want to have them in future.
Tell us a little about Belgian landscapes and gardens? What makes them unique?
As every country, Belgium has it's specific plants and trees, according to the Belgian climate. The last years I noticed that a lot of gardens are scaped with aged trees!! Old trees that come from other areas. You will notice that a lot of boxwood is used in Belgian gardens. We have to choose plants that survive the Belgian weather conditions. Last year we tried to plant olive trees, but unfortunately they didn't make it. Also the ground is of big importance.
And yes Belgians try to live in their garden, although the weather isn't always fantastic or sunny, even in summertime. So a lot of Belgian people love to install a swimming pool with according poolhouse or an outbuilding, as we have. I might think that just because of the various weather conditions here, we really try to enjoy our garden the best we can. We want to enjoy it every single sunny moment.
There are a lot of landscape designers in Belgium but I really want to introduce you to our famous landscape designer Jacques Wirtz. (website : http://www.wirtznv.be/). His landscaping is GORGEOUS!! His work influenced a lot of Belgian (and international) landscapers! He is a genius. Unfortunately not everyone can afford to let him design the landscape of their garden.
More formal Belgian gardens...
Do you enjoy working in the garden yourself?
The real gardener is my husband Jan. He really has "green fingers". I try to help him where I can. And I love to search for the right specimen and colors of flowers and plants. Let's say that I am more involved with the designing part of it.
Do you like to entertain outdoors? If so, what type of entertaining would that be?
Oh yes I do!! On one condition, if the weather is nice!!! I love to invite friends or family for a summer party in our garden. But I do have to say that since we moved in our home some 3 years ago, we haven't had the nicest weather at all! I do hope we will this summer!!! The outbuilding is really meant to gather with friends around the barbecue! Unfortunately last summer when the outbuilding was finished, we have had maybe only 1 week of nice sunny weather. Other days it was too chilly. But even then we had dinner with friends some evenings when the fire of the barbecue kept us warm.
Tell us about your "outbuilding"? Are these typical in Belgium? What elements make it special? Is it complete or a work in progress?
Our outbuilding is completed since last summer.
Yes these kinds of outbuildings are typical for Belgium. They are very often executed in oak? We do have a preference for European oak, especially French oak. Our ancestors used oak, so we use it and our children and grand children will probably use it! Don't aks me why?! It is a tradition.
What would be your single most important piece of advice you would share when it comes to Spring and transforming your home for this special season?
Well, I do have to say that to be ready for Spring this year means for me, to have a feeling of wanting something to change and maybe this year it is translated in the redo of my orangery! I wanted it more sunny,' more alive and kicking'. I don't know how to explain but every one should have the feeling to need something to change, at least one particular room or corner in the house , announcing SPRING! To me it is the most important season of the year! FRESH, NEW, ENERGY,RE-BIRTH ! And we all have to be ready for all things coming up, crossing our way the next months of the year! Spring gives us tons of energy and a wonderful promising feeling. Aren't you agree with me?!
I certainly do agree with Greet. It's just a matter of priorities. I have so many plans for the garden this Spring, I'm not sure where to start.
From the bottom of my heart a huge thanks to Greet ! Click here to see the changes she's making in her Orangery. It's going to be so beautiful.
Are you inspired? Did you enjoy this as much as I did?
It's your turn . Let's talk!
Reader Comments (34)
Dear Mona,
I don't know where to start, but first of all I want you to say that I so love the way you have posted this interview! The pictures of my blog are so well chosen! Thank you so much!!
And you really have put a lot of time in this post! I feel honoured Mona, to have had this opportunity to talk about Belgian gardening.!
Lots of love and THANK YOU SO MUCH!!
xx
Greet
Hi Mona,
What a fabulous interview of everyone's favorite blogger...
Greet is such an inspiration to nearly every blogger I know..
she is warm and wonderful and truly a nice person...
loved your interview, especially about the gardens...
have a great day..
maureen
What an interview! I only know Greet through blogworld but she does seem like not only a very talented person but super sweet and kind. This was fabulous....and so inspirational as well. One of the best posts I have read all week!! What a spectacualr home she lives in and I love and appreciate her eye for detail and her refined elegant taste level. What a treat and of course the gardens are exquisite. I hope she has a son or daugher whose wedding she might one day host there...it is begging for a beautiful affair like a wedding, I can just imagine it! Thanks so much Mona and Greet for this great interview...really enjoyed it immensely and will bookmark it under my "favorite posts" file! Hope you both have a beautiful day!
A beautiful post with many beautiful inspiring pictures! my favorite was of the back property with the iron gates - quitessential European and I love it! I have absolutely fallen in love with Belian Design since we went to Belgium a couple of years ago. I know that coincides with when it became really popular too, but for me it will always be special because of my wonderful experiences there and the impression the country made on me! I love Greet's blog for that reason too! What a great interview - you did a wonderful job with it!
http://bjdhausdesign.blogspot.com/
Greet is truly one of the most beautiful and elegant women blogging today. Her taste is exquisite and her down to earth writing and approach to design is impeccable. This was a great interview. I am always happy to see Greet showcased in blogland.
What a fantastic post, Mona! And what a fantastic girl! I love, Greet and can't wait to meet with her in person.
Greet is the best ambassador for her country and I hope that officials take note! I l have learned so much about Belgian interiors, all thanks to her.
She has fantastic taste (her home is a dream) and she is so creative and generous.
Thank you Mona for this lovely post. And you are also a favorite gal of mine (wish you lived closer).!
Warm hugs to you both,
Mon
Mona, What an amazning interview and Greet answered each question so completely and beautifully. The images are stunning and very inspiring. Her last comment about Spring is so true, the need for change and to make things fresh and new feeling again is what Spring brings to us. I so inspired and in the mood to make changes, nothing huge but little changes. I am anxious to follow along with your landscaping adventure, how exciting, I can only imagine how excited you must be, Have a wonderful weekend,
Kathysue
What a wonderful post, I just love Greet and her style. Between you Mona and Greet, you have both given me a lot of ideas for my gardens this year (if spring would ever arrive). While we can't go formal a lot can still be implemented. A fabulous post from two wonderful ladies!
Great idea, Mona! You both have fantastic homes and inspire us all!
Greet's generosity and enthusiasm were a big reason I began to blog. And the two of you together- a dynamic duo.
How are the garden plans coming for the back of your home?
-Ann
What a wonderful treat, Mona. We so enjoyed reading your interview with Greet and as you have admired her for a long time. So nice to get to know her a little better.
Thanks for sharing.
Angela and Renee
Great interview, Mona!
Greet is one of my favorite blogging friends. This pretty lady is not only genuine and beautiful, she is super talented. I can't wait to see her posts because they are always so beautiful and full of useful information.
I have really enjoyed this interview.
Thank you for sharing.
Teresa
xoxo
Such beautiful images - thank you Mona for introducing me to Greet! I guess in our case we're doing it backwards: we have the outbuilding on our property but no house yet! I look forward to gleaning some fabulous inspiration from Greet's blog. Thank you & great job!!!
Mona, I adore Greet. She was my 1st follower. Can you imagine how overwhelmed I was? And, through this 1 1/2 years I have learned what a talented and genuine woman she is. We kept up with Lene when Lene was facing cancer, we would email Lene and then ask each other if we heard anything. Greet was always there, always supporting our sick friend in Norway. What a splendid post about an extraordinary human being. Sending love, cookie.....
Wow...what a wonderful post. Thanks Mona for introducing me to such a wonderful new blog to follow and such a beautiful home. You know I will be using some of those ideas in our landscape design!
Thank you so much guys for all these wonderful comments! I feel overwhelmed !
xx
Greet
mona, how lovely! each image is quite inspiring. greet is a treasure in our blogging world....everyone adores her warm spirit and endless inspiration.
together you ladies assembled an amazing post. so many images are going into my file for reference. oh how i wish i could attempt these styles with clients here in the states.
greet's garden is spectacular even in it's infancy because all the "bones" are sheer perfection.
thank you ladies, my day is off to a brighter start
xx
debra
5th and state
I Love It! I now see the new vision for Vicki's outbuilding possibilities. Thanks for the wonderful ideas.
Mona and Greet - you've captured my heart! I was brought up in Meerbeke just north of Brussels in a 10th century home and these images brought back all of my childhood in one post. The gorgeous interiors paired with the beautiful gardens are a wonderful way to end the week. Thank you both for such beauty!
xxoo
Carolyn
Hi Mona!
Love seeing pictures of Greet home she and Jan have really worked hard on their outdoor space. Loved seeing the images from her home again......She is a very talented designer and a nice person......This was fun. Maryanne xo
This interview was of particular interest to me since my ancestor's on the paternal side of my family came from Belgium. Bill and I went to Antwerp and Brussels in 1981 after being married a year. I will admit now-- to tearing out a page of a telephone book so I could have the names listed of other people with my maiden name-- Elslander. (I even framed the page and still have it!) Bill bought my first year anniversary gift in Antwerp, a diamond heart necklace and through out the 23 plus years we were married he "tweaked" it a bit on the 10th, 15th, and 20th anniversaries.
But enough of reminiscing and to say I SO enjoyed reading the interview with Greet Lefevre and seeing her beautiful home and garden! What a special treat to read and be aware of her blog Belgian Pearls of which I will soon subscribe to as soon as I finish writing this. I am new to reading blogs and am excited about adding Greet's to my list! Plus knowing she is a decorator in Belgium makes it that more special to me!
Thanks, Mona, for introducing your followers to Greet! Your blog, of course, is very special to me and I think you and "sister" are the best!
What a wonderful interview!! Beautiful home and especially enjoyed the garden. Greet's talent is obvious in so many ways, - as is yours and Talena's. I am inspired to make some changes around the house and garden for Spring.
What a beautiful post! I'm a fan of Belgian Pearls too, so it's fun to see Greet here. What great style, between wonderful architecture and well-chosen furnishings. All very sculptural and never cluttered. Love the beautiful table tops too, and the big vases with pink flowers are a nice way to maximize the impact of a few blooms.
I'm happy to hear from so many inspired friends. Isn't Greet's home absolutely wonderful? I so agree with Debra that the landscape is going to be truly magnificent one day as it grows and matures. The bones of her gardens are perfection. It's definitely all in the details. Mona
What a fabulous post!! Of course I love Greet - she is a total delight to read and her home and property are spectacular. She and you both are always full of inspiration and today in particular was a revelation of beauty!!
Those images are just about as much beauty as I can stand in one day! Awesome talent!