The Origin of Craftsmanship
- Seeds of Art
In mid-20th century Netherlands, two distinct legacies emerged within an educational family dynasty. My grandfather presided over the family's private school, passing down knowledge and wisdom to the next generation; while his second son—my second uncle—chose a completely different path.
From childhood, my second uncle displayed extraordinary talent for art and craftsmanship. In his youth, he embarked on a fifteen-year journey of study across Europe. From Renaissance workshops in Tuscany, Italy, to century-old carpentry families in Germany's Black Forest; from rural studios in Provence, France, to modern design institutes in Stockholm, Sweden. He didn't merely learn techniques—he absorbed the unique aesthetic soul of each nation.
Dutch Golden Age Cot
A Gift of Fate (1978) The year I was born, my second uncle poured all his knowledge into a gift—a handmade crib and chair. It wasn't ordinary furniture, but a work of art that blended Scandinavian minimalist lines, Italian intricate carvings, and French romantic curves.
A miracle happened:
When relatives and friends came to celebrate, everyone's eyes were drawn to this extraordinary crib. Inquiries, praise, pre-orders… this personal gift from the artist unexpectedly became our "first product launch." In the following weeks, my uncle received twelve pre-order requests—completely unexpected.
With orders booked for two years, Uncle Er faced a choice: to maintain pure artistic creation or to respond to these sincere requests?
He chose a third path—passing on the craft.
He founded a workshop, taking on numerous apprentices, yet insisting on a diverse style—German apprentices learned rigorous structure, Italian apprentices inherited romantic carving, and French apprentices studied elegant aesthetics. This teaching philosophy, respecting diversity, inadvertently laid the foundation for our brand's core value.
The Turning Point in 2011
After eight years of operation, a happy dilemma arose: too many talented European craftsmen wanted to join, but the platform was already overwhelmed. We faced a choice: maintain our exquisite family shop, or build a larger stage?
We chose the latter, but adhered to three principles:
Focus solely on a vertical market: concentrate on home furnishings and achieve excellence
Strictly select suppliers: they must be inheritors of the craftsman's spirit
Uphold the spirit of customization: every product can be personalized
Thus, EUROPEFAMILA upgraded to Europe's first multi-supplier furniture vertical ecosystem platform.
The Birth of the Brand:
EUROPE + FAMILIA
Why EUROPEFAMILIIA?
In 2003, when my child was born, the crib we had used 25 years earlier was still as good as new. At that moment, we realized: this was not just furniture, but a family memory to be passed down. Thus, the online store was born.
But when my uncle’s apprentices joined in with their own styles, a question arose: how to name this platform that brought together Italian passion, German rigor, French romance, Nordic purity, and Spanish exuberance?
we needed a name expressing our essence:
EUROPE + FAMILIAÂ (Latin for “family”) was born, perfectly capturing our dual nature:
EUROPE represents unity in diversity:It is a collection of the European spirit—diverse, inclusive, and profound.
Not monopoly by a single nation’s style
Rather, the harmonious symphony of Europe’s rich aesthetics
Every family can find their own “European expression”
FAMILIA represents the warmth of heritage:Latin for “family,” representing the warmth and commitment of heritage.
From grandfather’s educational spirit to uncle’s craftsmanship
From blood relations to the “craft family” of masters and apprentices
Every piece carries the emotional connection between maker and user
The essence of this name lies in the fact that every family can find their own “Europe” here. Those who love minimalism find Scandinavian purity; those who love complexity find Baroque splendor; those who pursue practicality find German rationality. This is not a furniture exhibition of a particular country, but a feast of European home furnishing civilization.
EUROPEFAMILIA Four Core Advantages
The Pyramid of Quality: Four-Dimensional Assurance System
Strategic Evolution – From Store to Ecosystem
The Critical Turning Point of 2011
Dialogue Across Generations
– Technology and Philosophy Spanning Half a Century
2025, as I discussed creating a new crib for my soon-to-be-born grandson with my 86-year-old uncle, a cross-generational conversation unfolded.
Technological Evolution
“Today’s craftsmanship,” my uncle said with gleaming eyes, “has undergone revolution. We use wood from Nordic sustainable forests—every tree has an identity. Surface treatment uses the latest plant-based nanocoatings—not just zero pollution, but developing a warm patina over time.”
Philosophical Permanence
But when speaking of that legendary crib, his expression remained focused:
“That crib’s name—’The Dutch Golden Age’—comes from a painting of the same title.”
“The painting shows a great ship loaded with tulip maniacs. I carved this image into the crib headboard to remind parents:Â in the most prosperous moments, we need the clearest love.”
“Today’s new version still carries that name. Because in this more complex era, this reminder matters even more.”