Sweden’s Manor Houses
Krapperup Castle Built in 1570 over the ruins of a 13th century stronghold; near Molle, Sweden From Larry Myhre’s Photstream
This Article “Inside Sweden’s Manor Houses” Published Nov/Dec-2002 By Dan Hofstadter in Departures
In a small rural province called Scania, three country estates define classic Swedish style.
It never occurred to me when I was living in Sweden, in the 1970s, that “Swedish style”—in furniture, interiors, and fabrics—might one day become popular in America. Swedish design, like Swedish humor, has a certain restraint, a quiet wit, that I would have thought lost on outsiders.
Yet classic Swedish design—and I don’t mean the 1950s masterpieces of Gunnar Asplund and Carl Malmsten or the Ikea explosion of the ’90s, but the checked-fabric side chairs and spindle-backed settees of 250 years ago—is experiencing a great deal of international attention these days. Shops showcasing Swedish antiques have recently opened in London, Paris, and New York, and decorating magazines seem obsessed with Swedish furnishings. The most obvious explanation is that 18th- and early-19th-century Swedish furniture, in its spareness and rectilinearity, fits in quite well with modern furniture; but there’s certainly more to it than that.
There is, I think, a real similarity between 18th-century Swedish and contemporary American taste, a psychological affinity that transcends history and geography and owes much, I would argue, to the ancestral Protestant craving for paring down, for simplicity. Many of America’s foremost furniture creators, from the Shakers through Gustave Stickley and the Eameses, have stressed economy, availability, and clean, well-defined lines. As it happens, these are also typical features of the Swedish interior.
Classic Swedish design reaches its apogee in the royal palaces and aristocratic country houses of Sweden. As late as the 17th and 18th centuries, Sweden was a very poor country whose noble families were often hard-pressed to maintain even the barest semblance of elegance. Many of the landed gentry were really glorified farmers who kept a sharp eye on expenses and shunned ostentation as wasteful and irreligious. Yet these families also wanted to enhance their status, and as they enlarged and improved their arable acreage, as revenues expanded and their tastes grew more refined, they began to remodel and embellish their houses. Toward the late 18th century, a style of design appeared that was simple enough to be affordable and also fashionable enough to give tone to a country seat. This was the Neoclassical style, and its chief exponent was King Gustav III, who ruled from 1771 to 1792. Because he offered so much patronage to builders and designers, he, in effect, created a revolution in taste.
High-strung and aloof, reserving his deepest affection for the theater, Gustav wrote full-length dramas of his own, shocked the court by performing onstage, and built himself a superb little theater in Gripsholm Castle, near Stockholm; some of his courtiers complained he was confusing statecraft with stagecraft. Having made a trip to Paris as crown prince, he was also keenly interested in Neoclassical art and design; in 1883 he traveled to Italy, where he visited Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Paestum. From France and Italy Gustav brought back drawings, paintings, statues, models, and a highly trained painter-architect named Louis Jean Desprez. The so-called Gustavian Style, still greatly admired by art-conscious Swedes, is in fact the Swedish naturalization of what we call the Louis Seize Style.
Gustav commissioned many grand interiors for royal palaces in the Stockholm area, but his subjects couldn’t follow his example to the letter. Too expensive for most of the Swedish nobility, his preferences were translated into a simpler, more provincial visual syntax. What emerged was the intimate, companionable, and at times rather countrified look of Swedish style.
Read More of This Article “Inside Sweden’s Manor Houses” Published Nov/Dec-2002 By Dan Hofstadter in Departures
- Wrams Gunnarstorp Castle From ZTaxi On Flicker
- Övedskloster Hakan Dahlstrbm’s Photostream
- Krageholm Sweden Built 1720
Krapperup Castle Built in 1570 over the ruins of a 13th century stronghold; near Molle, Sweden From Larry Myhre’s Photstream
Krageholm Sweden Built 1720
Wrams Gunnarstorp Castle From ZTaxi On Flicker
Martha Stewart’s Creative Director- Erik Pike’s Gustavian Townhouse In New York Part 1
MARTHA MOMENTS: Eric Pike Leaving MSL
Eric Pike is Creative Director of Martha Stewart Living. Stefan Steil is an interior designer and founder of Stelish. Some of his design work can be found at Stefan Steil. Portraits taken at their townhouse in Manhattan.
There are very few Gustavian styled homes photographed that are truly ALL Swedish inspired. After looking at thousands of photographs, I KNOW it is rare to come across a home that is decorated or renovated all around the Swedish styles. Even if a home isn’t decorated to look centuries old, I find it rare to come across a person passionate for a particular period design that is pigeon-holed into a particular category. It is thrilling to say the least to see a home that is based entirely around a theme, such as Georgian, Egyptian, Early American, or my favorite Gustavian. When a designer sticks to a particular style of antiques, and thinks through the architectural elements and paint colors carefully, a story emerges that allows you to walk back in time.
Not everyone has thousands of dollars to spend on antiques, or money to change the architecture, flooring, cabinetry or fixtures, so many of us have to start somewhere with one bench here, and a chair there. Building up a home that is entirely from one period and time frame can be incredibly exhilarating, and also quite expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. You don’t need to have ALL genuine antiques to get the Gustavian appearance in your home. In this blog, I have put together dozens of posts with decor and furniture that look Swedish and aren’t. Some are costly, and others aren’t. My own home is filled with a ton of vintage furniture that is made over to look Gustavian. Incorporating a few genuine pieces sure help! Your home should be what makes you happy, and not what a blog or a magazine tells you it should be.
It is truly rare to come across a home that is based entirely around the Gustavian look, and not exist in Sweden, and that is the case with Martha Stewart’s creative director Eric Pike. His townhouse in downtown NYC is one of these rare homes where the entire house is designed around a Gustavian palette.
Eric Pike And Stefan Steil’s New York Gustavian Styled Townhouse- Photo Credit An Afternoon With Blog
Eric Pike And Stefan Steil’s New York Gustavian Styled Townhouse
Eric Pike And Stefan Steil’s New York Gustavian Styled Townhouse
The Blog,….. An Afternoon With posted some incredible pictures of the home giving you extra ordinary angles that allowed you a better glimpse into the rooms.
In one of the pictures a stunning oil painting hangs in the bedroom of Daniel Webster, a Massachusetts senator in the mid-1800s and an ancestor of Eric’s.
While the whole townhouse looks like it is within one color, several tones are used. In the bedroom, and the office, the ceiling is a light blue. A light beige is used in the office with storage in a coordinating color. Vibrant colors are used in the closets, keeping the overall palette neutral.
Martha Stewart’s Creative Director- Erik Pike’s Gustavian Townhouse In New York Part 1
Pike tells Martha Stewart Magazine that he faced a challenge that we all face: the need to maximize storage. He sacrificed a few feet in every room to allow for deep doorways that contain hidden, paneled closets, each devoted to specific belongings. “I’ve been collecting for years, and I’ve made everything work in this space,” he says.
Many Gustavian styled homes aren’t cluttered, and here you will see an excellent example of a paired down look. Collectibles are grouped together much like the closet featuring Pikes tableware and silver urns, or grouped on side tables. The look is very much clean and organized.
Look at the impressive storage in the above three photos. Boxes are used in closets for odds and ends keeping everything in place. In any home, there needs to be a lot of attention paid to storage if you want an uncluttered appearance. This is especially true for smaller sized apartments. For my own home, I have used the over-sized boxes that come with Crate and Barrel for my blankets which sit in the closet. When I go into my closets, they look clean and organized even if they are in boxes.
In this post I show where you can buy large boxes with lids for as little as $3 Paint the boxes with flat paint, and customize your closets by painting the interior and the boxes so both match. If you have a home that is based around gray, white or beige, consider doing something extra special for the closets. In my storage room in my garage, I am going with a Alpine green with boxes to match. Why not! Consider a bold blue or even a baby blue for your closets. Pantry and linen closets can be one of the most creative areas to experiment with color.
Martha Stewart’s Creative Director- Erik Pike’s Gustavian Townhouse In New York Part 2
The settee, chest, and rounded-back chair in this photo are genuine Swedish antiques. Eric purchased the other chair at auction and had it copied for the dining room. The tables in the room are vintage, which he painted himself. Look at the three color combinations on the walls. It appears that the wall color, crown molding and ceiling colors are slightly different tones. With the painted antiques, and color of upholstery, this room is rich with detail.
The gray wood flooring doesn’t go unnoticed, tying together the various rooms in his home. The wide planks were bleached, then stained a neutral gray. He decided to upholster all of the living room furniture in a single gray linen, allowing individual antiques to be unified as a set. Hints of silver are found in the candlesticks, light fixtures, and hardware and have always been a classic Gustavian element found in Swedish style.
The house originally appeared in Martha Stewart’s September issue way back in 2005. “I wasn’t going to buy until I could find the right place,” he tells Martha Stewart Living Magazine. He ended up renting a small one-bedroom apartment for sixteen years until the perfect place showed itself to him. The 1840s Federal-style townhouse on a historic block had all the right bones for what he always had in mind.
In this photo from Marthas website, a decorative box houses some objects he used for inspiration. If you look closely, you can see two pictures of the townhouse before renovations. New York City architect Richard Perry, Pike set out to make the apartment his own.
“I like the neoclassical forms and the sculptural lines combined with rustic painted finishes,” Pike says. “They have no unnecessary embellishment — there’s a purity in that.”
I have loved his townhouse for years. I hope you find as much inspiration from his home as I did.
See Martha Stewart For More Information
Martha Stewart’s Creative Director- Erik Pike’s Gustavian Townhouse In New York
The sitting area above lacks the height compared to the rest of the apartment, so a skylight was introduced into the space. Support beams are concealed yet present a dramatic look to this room. Eric sought a square pedestal table to complete this room; finding none, he designed one with architect Richard Perry.
You would never know a television hangs over the living room mantel because an antiqued mirror lifts to reveal it. Look at this photo of the kitchen where one wall houses a refrigerator and washer and dryer behind cabinet doors. A toaster and coffeemaker are housed in an appliance “garage” on a tray that pulls out so you can pour in water. The bathroom is designed just right to make it appear bigger with glass shower doors. The bedroom and the bathroom are the most modern rooms in the home.
Eric Pike is Creative Director of Martha Stewart Living. Stefan Steil is an interior designer and founder of Stelish. Some of his design work can be found at Stefan Steil. Portraits taken at their townhouse in Manhattan.
Paint Your Cabinetry Gray Like Martha Stewart’s Kitchen
Tour Martha Stewart’s Home-Between Naps on The Porch
6 Bright Kitchen Lighting Ideas- Martha Stewart
Martha’s Bedford Farmhouse Kitchen – Martha Stewart
Remodelista snapped some incredible shots of the set of the Martha Stewart Show showing a fabulous kitchen modeled after her her very own kitchen in Bedford, New York.
Open shelving displays an amazing collection of all white tableware. If you look closely, in the back of the cabinets, risers were painted and hide lighting that illuminates the collection of plates and teacups. Vintage pitchers are used for utensil storage and grouped in a set of three. Look how she seperates the wood from the metal. Look at the additional picture Remodelista shows for how Martha displays her vintage rolling pins as decor on the wall.
The cabinet paint is Mourning Dove Gray (MS 151) and the wall paint is Evening Moth (MS 173), both from the Martha Stewart Colors line. Brass is commonly used by Martha on gray cabinetry, which dresses up the cabinets quite nicely. Marble countertops also give the kitchen an upscale elegance.
Martha Stewart Kitchen’s Set On Her Show
Martha Stewart’s Grey Kitchen Showing Off Her Espresso Maker
Gray Painted Cabinets With White Dinnerware Displayed
An Amazing Design Secret That Professional Designers Use All The Time
Jeffree Turney from Lone Ranger is one biggest dealers who specialize in Gustavian antiques, and also happened to be on Martha Stewart and revealed some of his refinishing secrets. He recommends after initially painting and distressing your piece using milk paint, mixing 20 percent “Howard’s Feed ‘n’ Wax” furniture wax to 80 percent “Dark Walnut” Minwax. Wearing latex or rubber gloves covered with socks, apply wax, and use a paint brush for tight spots. Rub off excess wax immediately with a long plastic-bristled scrub brush. The overall faux finish gives you an antique effect.
I always found this picture from Martha Stewart captivating. Matching furniture up with the wall color is a very interesting design concept. Adding a dark wax to your piece will allow your furniture to stand out from your wall color.
Here are some unique examples:
In this kids room wall storage is painted a bright red. The design look appears minimal.
This room is painted a vibrant teal blue. Wall letters on the wall and furniture is painted in the same paint color.
A matching set of Swedish chests are placed in a room where the wall color and drapes are designed to match.
In one of my favorite pictures a kitchen is painted in a mute blue. The walls and the kitchen island and cabinets are painted in almost the exact shades. The walls are 5 shades lighter and brighter than the cabinets. It is one of the best kitchens I have seen.
Gustavian Designed Interior From Swedishinteriordesign.co.uk
Gustavian Decorating – Martha Stewart
Martha Stewart always seems to get color right. I believe she has an eye for historical colors palettes. In this photo we see a console table that is matched up to the wall color. The look is absolute perfection. See additional Martha Stewart interiors based on Gustavian influences.
Gray Paint Tones
Gray Paint Tones
A series of gray tones are paired together in this dark interior. The bar table is painted in a lighter shade of gray with glass cloche’s are paired together. Limed wood add to the gray appearance without loosing the detail of the wood. Stainless steel also works with the gray interiors like no other metal. The metal adds a richness and some light to dark room. If you love this appearance, but find it too dark, consider the same elements with lighter paint tones.
Look How This Mora Clock Is Painted The Same Color As The Wall- A Gray And White Combination -Clock From Jeffree Turney of Lone Ranger Antiques
Matching Wall Paint and Furniture
This photo takes the concept to the extreme, where everything is painted in the same shade except for the stool, and the accessories. Furniture that may be an eyesore, could be given a face lift using this concept. It allows the furniture to disappear into the room, giving other pieces the spot light. This concept also gives a minimal look to a room, allowing a busy room to appear less cluttered.
Matching Wall Paint and Furniture
Matching Wall Paint Up With Furniture
In this photo, we see a very interesting effect using two paint colors instead of one shade for the entire room. We see a chair rail used to divide the wall. A brighter paint color is used on the bottom of the wall, and the furniture is painted in the exact same color. Using this idea, adding a brown glaze to the furniture which can be painted on and wiped off would give the furniture a bit of a distinction and less of a newly painted appearance.
How To Get This Look
-Use the same shade as your wall color on your furniture. After your piece has been distressed (and dried), consider painting a thin coat of brown glaze to give it an antique appearance. Ralph Lauren glaze works terrific. You simply mix one third paint to glaze, or half glaze/ half paint in a cup. (The glaze is white, but dries clear with what ever paint you mix with it) Add brown paint to your glaze, and simply paint a thin coat on to your furniture. You can either paint on a thin coat, and call it done, or you can wipe off some of the glaze with a rag leaving some of the glaze behind. I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to have discovered this secret for brighter paint colors. Brighter paint colors automatically look antique when a translucent brown is added. Bright blues become muted, everything looks better.
-Heavily distress your furniture to give your furniture more depth. The natural wood will give more warmth in your room, and add to the overall look of the furniture.
– Add furniture ornaments to your furniture painted in white or in gold to add some detail to your painted furniture. Cake molds often have beautiful designs that would look just as beautiful on furniture. These designs can be made easily with plaster, concrete, or resin inexpensively.
Gustavian Pedestal- Neoclassical Decorating From Gift & Home Today
Eighteenth century Neoclassical style had made its way into Swedish style when King Gustav III of Sweden corresponded with Marie Antoinette about his decorating projects. Scandinavia responded to the French style with even more elegance and sophistication. While Sweden wouldn’t be able to duplicate the vast wealth of the French, The Swedes made it better with less to work with.
Swedish decorating is based around wood. In order to get the look, consider basing your entire interior around wood. Painted wood furniture, distressed wood floors, wood paneling, and painted wood accessories are all key elements to Swedish style. If you have just one of those elements you are on your way to attaining the elegant Gustavian interior looks.
Pearl grey was the universally popular shade, and often accompanied by carved flourishes, ribbons, florals and bows. These elegant carved details were very neoclassical in nature and often ornamented mirror frames, chairs and furniture alike.
One of the most common draws to Swedish furniture is the paint shades that were used. Muted tones were used, and the pastel family was at the height of fashion through the 18th century. Common shades found in Sweden were blues. pinks, pale green, and straw yellow. Gold leaf was used less than in the rococo period, but were still used to add richness to furniture and decorating.
- The lines of the Rococo period were still in style, yet more streamlined designs came into play. Splayed legs become more straight, though finely tapered.
- Fluted legs had the sophistication of something more classy while the tapered legs played to the country side of Swedish decorating.
- Chairs were designed with straight backs instead of curved, and long narrow sofas became very fashionable.
- Mirrors were a must have in the 17th and 18th century, and this was especially true for Sweden, as their interiors became darker earlier because of the early sun sets.
- Candles were often placed in front of mirrors to magnify the reflective light. for Mirrors became longer and rectangular instead of round or oval.
Swedish Style Decorating Ideas From Martha Stewart
Martha Stewart has such a good eye for style and her impeccable taste shows in these photographs. Here she uses her own paint- Drabware on the walls. One of the highlights of this room is the Wedgwood china on the wall. Do you see how well they match with the wall color? You have to wonder if the entire room was decided with those few pieces? The china is a few shades darker than the wall color. The Swedish check is chosen for the chairs, again matching perfectly with the wall color. The white in the check pattern gives depth to these chairs.
In the next room, the perfect shade of blue is used on the walls in a saturated shade. Look how blue is chosen for the ceilings instead of white. The floors are painted a darker hue than the walls.
These series of photographs has remained some of my all time favorite photographs out of the thousands I have looked at and compiled for our many blogs.
Swedish Gustavian Decorating Ideas From Martha Stewart
Again, another perfect example of classic Swedish style. Orange has to be one of my favorite colors, and here you can see how that hue comes alive in this room. The doors are stripped back so you can appreciate their details and patina.
In the past I have taken all natural wood (or faux painted) and painted an entire piece with plain light gray paint. After letting the piece dry for 5 to 7 minutes I have washed with a hose (for bigger furniture) or running water (for smaller pieces) to reveal a more distressed look than pickling or white washing. The overall effect leaves a very rustic painted appearance than your typical clean look of white washing.
Here, the floors are bare and rustic which is a classic Gustavian must have. One of the best features in this room is the demilune tapered leg console table. Look how the paint shade is within the same color family as the wall except darker?
Swedish Gustavian Decorating Ideas From Martha Stewart
Here you see in the picture above extremely elegant neoclassical chairs. The right period style can really make a room look distinctively Swedish. This room is very simple yet the architectural features are incredibly ornate.
Swedish Gustavian Decorating: 25 Of The Best Copper Kitchenware
An 18th Century Copenhagen Apartment (below) shows off great looking Swedish style. Decorating with copper can be just the touch you need in your home. Martha Stewart is famous for collecting dozens of copper molds which hang on her kitchen wall. Copper can add a distinct rich appeal to your home. Hang your copper pots from a pot rack. Copper molds can be hung on the wall for a very rich effect.
All the greatest chefs around the world have pieces of copper cookware in their collection. Copper is an excellent conductor of heat. When cooking with copper, you rarely have to turn the stove higher then a medium low to get very high heat. You will use a lot less energy cooking with copper cookware because it retains the heat. The only type of cookware that is close to having equivalent heat conduction of copper is cast iron cookware.
Here are 20 of the most interesting copper kitchenware that would look fabulous in your home.
Copper Plated Oval Tub $58, 17.75 x 11 Round Tub $79 22.5 x 13.25 x11.25 Oval Tub 11 Gal. $114
1. Cuisinart 33-Inch Bar-Style Wall-Mount Pot Rack, Polished Copper $40
2. Cuisinart Half-Circle Wall-Mount Pot Rack, Polished Copper $60
3.Extra Polished Copper Pot Rack Hooks Set of 6 $33
4.Old Dutch Round Dome Pot Rack, Copper $112
5. 48 x 18 Oval Satin Copper Pot Rack w/16 Hooks $171
6. Old Dutch 2 Quart Solid Copper Zabaglione Pan $34
7. Mauviel M’Passion Copper 15-Quart Jam Pan with Bronze Handles $290
8. Mauviel M’Heritage 3-1/2-Inch Butter Warme with Bronze Handle $77
9. Mauviel M’Passion Copper 3-1/2-Quart Zabaglione Pan $155
10.22 1/2 x 11 1/4 x 11 1/2 Satin Copper Pot Rack w/Grid & 12 Hooks $60
11. Old Dutch International 4¼ Inch Solid Copper Stovetop Salt & Pepper Set $18
12.Old Dutch Copper Clad Stainless Steel Hammered Canister, Set of 4 $61
An 18th Century Copenhagen Apartment
13. Olde Thompson Columbia Copper Peppermill & Salt Shaker Set $25
14. Wright’s Copper Cream Polish, 8-oz $7
15. Cover that Microwave, or Dishwasher front. Metal FX Brushed Copper Contact Paper, 18″ x 6′ $12.
16. Pepper Mill Imports Atlas Pepper Mill, Copper, 9″ $56
17.Old Dutch 9-Inch Pedestal Colander, Copper $28
18. Old Dutch Solid Copper 4-Quart Beating Bowl $40
19. Old Dutch Solid Copper and Brass Antique Reproduction 13 1/2″ tray $20
20. Waring MBB520 Bar Blender, Bright Copper $91
21. Rumford Gardener Copper Thermometer Outdoor Clock $76
22. Good Directions Large Oil Lamp $72
23.Hanging 2 Tier J-Arms Antique Copper 12 Candelabra Sockets $626
24. 8″ Solid Copper Wall Tile with Rose Design , Dogwood Flower– Polished Copper $25
25. Copperplated Revere Bowl, 10 $53
An 18th Century Copenhagen Apartment
Outstanding Painted Swedish Stools And Benches
Foot stools are very common in Gustavian styled interiors. Most every decorative craft was fashioned out of wood in Sweden in the 18th century, and footstools were just one of the most functional, yet decorative pieces of furniture in the home. Fauteuil chairs were very common during this time, yet an additional footstool was needed for relaxing and lounging after a hard days work.
Gustavian styled stools were commonly painted white, or gray and can be seen distressed today. Carved fluted legs or tapered legs are commonly seen in Gustavian styled furniture. Footstools can also be upholstered to match your existing interior. Consider classic check patterns, plain and elegant linen, or stripes for upholstery. Florals are also seen in Gustavian styled rooms.
Benches were often seen in the bedroom, and living room. Footstools are quite versatile that they can be put in any room.
Swedish Gustavian Bench– Kristian Double Bench With Storage
In this photo below, designer Mary McDonald in her Interiors The Allure of Style book shows a lovely bedroom based around pink color tones and exceptional furniture. An Italian chair is painted in dark salmon and finished off with red detailing around the frame. Red and pink work wonderfully together, and this combination shows how wonderful a coral or salmon looks with red painted details. The sideboard has a paneled table cloth with square nail-head brass tacks that nicely finish off the top. Beautiful carved gilt wood fluted stools upholstered in a rose velvet steal the attention in this photo. Consider buying a Gustavian styled stool, either antique or a reproduction to finish off your living room set, or for the bedroom. Upholster them in a coordinating fabric to finish off the look.
Mary McDonald Interiors The Allure of Style
Mary McDonald Interiors The Allure of Style Close Up Of The Gustavian Stools
Swedish Gustavian Stool
Gustavian 1775-1810– A unusually shaped Gustavian stool in gilt wood. Carved
friezes standing on tapered and fluted legs.
Magnus Lundgren’s Home With His Forest Cat
Magnus Lundgren’s Home With His Gray Cat sitting on a fluted leg Gustavian stool
Jo lee of Swedish Interior Design talks about Swedish Antique Furniture
Jo Lee of Swedish Interior Design talks about Swedish Antique Furniture
Shabby chic reared its ugly head about 10 years ago as a cheap way of renovating furniture and giving your home a different feel. Based on the French and Swedish painted furniture and gustavian country pieces that had become distressed with age and use, it was the perfect way to find a cheap piece of furniture – lets say a chest of drawers- and smother it with white paint followed by a bout of sandpapering. You see this at fairs like ardingly where dealers try to offload their own ‘brown’ victorian furniture with a new coat of paint.
This in turn spawned the reproduction industry that now pervades the high street with cheap Chinese imports, some of which claim a ‘7 stage antiquing process-.
What a load of cobblers.
If you are happy with the rather clunky repro look (which really is now a look in itself) then go for it. You really see the difference not just in the paint finish but the poor quality of carvings especially on repro armoires.
But actually aging a piece convincing is a lot more complicated and time consuming than just hitting the sandpaper.
First of all you need to prepare the surface to take the paint smoothly and use the right kind of paint depending on the effect you are trying to create.
Acrylic can be good in some circumstances although it has a tendency to peel if the wood beneath it moves. Emulsion can be good for some topcoat finishing techniques if used sparingly – really depends what you are trying to achieve. Also be brave and create your own colours by mixing paints to make a statement in a particular room.
Even use several layers with slightly different colours to create texture.
Next the sand paper – be very careful to use the right grade and also composition as different types and weights of sandpaper give very different results – you may end up using several different types on a single piece.
Think careful where you distress so it looks natural – where would an old piece have got knocked about and where would it be marked from usage? Its actually fairly obvious when you think about.
Sometimes work with the grain and sometimes against it for effect and go slow – you can always do more but will have to repaint if you get too carried away. ‘Slowly slowly’ is the motto for this kind of work.
The key stage is then creating the patina of dirt that would accumulate on an old piece – this is what gives it a convincing feel and an aura of authenticity. I saw a cupboard recently done by someone which had been painted and sanded back rather badly.
And that’s just what it looked like because it didn’t have the sheen of ‘dirt’ that authentic pieces have. How do to do this well is somewhat of a trade secret and its down to getting the right colour mix for the ‘antiquing’ and applying it with subtlety. Again paying attention to where dirt and grime would naturally accumulate.
This is why repro stuff looks odd because you cant mass produce this feel convincingly as it takes time and artistry to do well.
Finally you might consider finding some old handles, escutcheons etc to give the piece a further lift – its amazing how this can elevate the feel of a piece quickly and make it your own
JO LEE is director of Swedish Interior Design
1900s Swedish Gustavian Grey Dining Table Extendable,1800s Antique Marble Top Gilt console table ,1800s Antique Swedish Pine Table In White- Swedish Interior Design
1800s Antique Swedish Gustavian Sideboard, 1800s Antique Swedish highly carved gustavian white side table, 1850 antique swedish handcarved gustavian gilt sofa, 1900s swedish carved pair of gustavian carver chairs with white upholstery, 1900s swedish classic gustavian white double door sideboard, 1900s swedish gustavian carved 2 seater, 1900s swedish gustavian cabinet, 1900s antique gustavian corner cabinet-Swedish Interior Design
How To Make Your Own Stenciled Grainsack / Burlap Pillows
Picture – Restoration Hardware
French Pillows From Overstock On Ebay
Grainsack pillows have gained tremendous popularity in the last several years that we are seeing them everywhere from Restoration Hardware to Pottery Barn. These old world pillows have a rustic edge to them, with a bit of a classic 17th century French appeal to them. Why pay a hundred dollars or more for one of these pillows when you can create your own for less. With so many stencils available on ebay, it couldn’t be easier. Ebay is one of the best places to find old antique French fabrics that you can create your own drapery, bedspreads, and throw pillows. Get the genuine look and customize it for your homes individual colors. Here are a couple ideas below to get the very hot grainsack and burlap pillows in your home for less……
Create these stunning pillows for yourself…..
Here are pictures that have inspired me……..
-Vintage and Antique Burlap on EBAY
– Bolster-shaped pillow with a wreath
–Shabby Chic Charming Blog shows you how to do this yourself with a printer.
-Here we see an all natural pillow with a ruffle edge. The stenciling doesn’t have to be clear in order for it to be very lovely.
-A little bit of color goes a long way. This antique German grain sack pillow by Melissa Neufeld shows how lovely these pillows can look on a bed, or on a sofa for a primitive appearance.
-If blue is your favorite color, you have to look at these pillows. The top right pillow looks to have the picture stencil in blue, and the vertical stripe in a different shade of blue. Both colors combined with charcoal make such an impact. Make Your Own Grainsack Pillows – From Doesn’t Cost The Earth Blog
-Kymberly Frasier has combined her passion for antiques, textiles and design into
exquisite one-of-a-kind pillows and upholstery for her company, 3 Fine Grains.
-These cushion slip covers simply sit on the chairs and provide protection to your upholstered furniture. They could be very easy to stencil without committing to stenciling the fabric on your chairs and upholstery. It is as easy to change it out if you want to go in a different direction in several months.
Plain Stuffer Pillows
–Square Sham Stuffer Pillow – 18×18″ (Large) $5.50
-12×18 Cluster Fiber Pillow Form Insert $13.35
-Bolster Sham Insert Stuffer Pillow – 8″x24″ $19
-Decorative 100% Linen Pillow Covers (Gray Set of 2) $49
Decorative Stencils For Pillow Stenciling
– Border Stencils In The Wind Border Stencil-
-167 – Classic Garland Stencil Library $31
– Alphabet Stencils On Ebay
-AD7 – Adam Cartouche Stencil Library
-AD8 – Adam Cartouche No 2 Stencil Library
– Tassels and Vines Stencil– Victoria Larsen
–Alphabet Stencils From The Stencil Library
–Victoria Larsen Architectural Stencils That Can Be Used in Other Ways
–Martha Stewart Stencils On Ebay
-Round Medallion Stencil $2.49
–Tulip Vine Stencil From Victoria Larsen Stencils
-Simply Stencils- Set of Three Foliage Stencils
–Ring of Roses Pattern: 7.5″ x 7.5″ $12
-Designer Decorating Stencil Script Numbers $13
-ER40A – Garland Stencil Library
– Wreath Stencils on Ebay
–Country Vine Wreath Stencil
-TR20 – Gustavian Stencil Library, ALL Gustavian Stencils From Stencil Library
–Borders Stencil – 3 Patterns Victoria Larsen
-Decorating Fabric: Print, Stencil, Paint and Dye Over 100 Fabulous Projects
Linen Fabric By The Yard
-56” Wide Vintage French Feedsack Beaudelaire Jacquard Black , BLUE, Charcoal Fabric $30
-56” Wide Vintage French Feedsack Duboise Script Jacquard Chocolate, RED, $30
-58” Wide European Linen Fabric Oatmeal By The Yard $14
-56” Wide Vintage French Feedsack Claudine Stripe Blue , BLACK Fabric $25
-58” Wide European Linen Fabric Cream By The Yard $14
-58” Wide European Linen Fabric Elephant By The Yard $14
-58” Wide European Linen Fabric Ice Blue By The Yard $14
-54” Wide Robert Allen Linen Duck Natural Fabric By The Yard $12
-9-Feet x 12-Feet Canvas Drop Cloth Perfect For Drapes $22
-46” Wide Stretch Linen Blend Stripe Ecru Fabric By The Yard $11
-46” Wide Stretch Linen Blend Stripe White Fabric By The Yard $11
Chocolate Burlap Chateau Marmont Pillow Slip by TheLetteredHome on Etsy
Vintage Grainsack Pillow Triple Red Stripe by jillbent on Etsy
Old World Grain Sack Natual Stenciled Pillows From Dan Marty Designs
Dan Marty Grainsack Pillow with Laurel Design Seen On The Duchess Of Corbin Blog L.A.’s Dan Marty is often credited with helping fuel the feedbag/burlap decorative trend. Marty’s furniture was upholstered in burlap and feedbag instead of pricey fabrics.
1. Pillow Decor – Quality Guarantee Red, Brown $70
2. Pillow Decor – Cacao Bean Red Print Throw Pillow $70
3. Pillow Decor – 1907 Airmail 24×24 Throw Pillow $89, Postcard To Paris $89
4. Pillow Decor – Tulips 20×20 Decorative Throw Pillow $49
5. Pillow Decor – Wading Birds 20×20 Throw Pillow $70
6. Pillow Decor – Bird on Branch 20×20 Throw Pillow $70
1. Pillow Decor – Rustic Floral Green Throw Pillow $49
2. Pillow Decor – White with Green Spring Flower and Ferns $34, Green with White Spring Flower and Ferns $28
3. Tommy Bahama Designer Boutique Throw Pillow Covers $40
4. Pillow Decor – Rustic Floral Orange Throw Pillow $49
5. Pillow Decor – Fire Coral Orange, Blue,
6. Pillow Decor – Sea Coral in Orange, White, Blue, Red $40
Additional Interesting Pillows
-Dwell Studio Masala Bedding in Citrine Standard Pillows $60, Citrine Sheet Set Queen $208
–Coral Red Scroll Print 22″ Wide Throw Pillow $60
-Judy Ross Textiles Vines Printed Linen Coral Pillow $135
-Outdoor Throw Pillow in Blue Coral – Frontgate $119
-Croscill Home Mikasa Italian Countryside King Pillow Sham $39
-Provence French Laundry Square Toss Pillow, Linen/Red $21
5 Ways to Incorporate the Color Red Into Your Swedish Styled Home
Tullgarn Upholstered Chair By Nordic Style
Red has been known to be one of the richest colors of all colors available to us, and it just so happens to be one of the main colors in the Swedish decorating style. The color red is a fantastic choice to use as an accent color, such as in fabric choices, painted furniture, and accessories.
Red can also be used on the walls, and through out a room if it is done right. The color is rich, vibrant and powerful. Red can have a very distinctive country flavor, when it is paired with certain fabrics such as the Swedish check fabric, or floral textiles. It can also present itself to be a courtly aristocratic look simply by pairing it with the right Swedish furniture.
Swedish country ladder back chairs look very country, compared to the square back Louis XVI dining chairs which are more formal in appearance. Both velvet and raw silk are more stately fabrics which can be used to create a cultured Swedish interior. Cotton or linen based fabrics work in both a stately interior, as well as a country home scheme. There isn’t another color with quite the impact that red has.
Here are 5 Ways to Incorporate the Color Red Into Your Swedish Styled Home
1. Consider Using A Red Check Pattern
There are three main patterns which work with every other pattern, and that is the stripe, solid fabrics and the classic check fabric.
Check fabric is almost a must-have element in a Swedish home. If you plan on decorating around any of these colors, consider adding in a check element of some sort. Whether you decide to go after a country look, or an upscale courtly look, gingham can be used in either decorating styles.
Pair gingham with a painted chair for a country look. Look for off white paint colors, or gray toned hues. Dark gray paint can look terrific against white and red. For a grand more opulent look, consider gold based furniture that is gold leafed for a regal appearance.
You can add in a couple throw pillows, or base your entire room around one single pattern.
See these posts as examples- Ted and Lillian Williams chateau in France, Jeffrey Bilhuber’s Manhattan Check Wallpapered Apartment, or Clare Fraser’s Swedish Bedroom.
Finding an over-sized check pattern can be difficult, and at times I felt like I have resorted to using tablecloths that are widely available online to upholster with. Ebay is one of the best places to buy “lot” fabrics at discounts.
Here are some fabrics that caught my eye:
LinenTablecloth’s rectangular tablecloths are durable, and are made of a heavier fabric than most other tablecloths on the market.
DII Flame Red and White Checkers Tablecloth 60 x 84″ Made of 100 percent cotton
This classic red and white check pattern that features flowers is very Swedish looking, except I have had a hard time finding it in 100% cotton than vinyl.
Decorating With Red Check From Country Living Magazine
House Beautiful Magazine Cover
Swedish Decorating Ideas – White Based Room With Red Check and Patterned Upholstery
Swedish Decorating Ideas – White Based Room With Red Check and Patterned Upholstery
This room is wonderfully Swedish in style! Here you can see they use a white based interior with creamy white painted chairs and a touch of red in the upholstery.
The wood plank floors are bleached and limed for that classic Gustavian look. In this post I mention some products I use for a raw wood look on my furniture and floors.
Beautiful Curved Legged Console Table
Get the look of the table that is sitting next to the armoire for a little over $400 dollars.
Red is used here as an accent, not as the main color. What makes this room Swedish is they feature just SWEDISH elements without any extra fuss. Urn lamps are used on a painted tapered leg table. In fact, a coffee table also appears in the same style.
They pair their country Swedish looking chairs with a Louis XV country dining table. You can find a number of terrific tables on ebay.
Currey and Company sells this lovely french table for $1750
I absolutely LOVE these nesting tables. Again the straight leg is very classy! They have all the classic Swedish looks, and they come ready to go with the right paint and distressing.
If you are wanting a set of chairs like the picture above, consider this 7 piece set which has all the looks of the Swedish country dining chairs. Even the table has tapered legs. This set has 7 pieces for $936, while here they only sell the chair for $75 dollars.
Black Finished Bradford Side Chair $158, in WHITE, and natural wood that you can paint and distress.
This 7 piece set includes a bench, which you may want to use else where in your home. This set is priced at $1239 which isn’t that much more for a stunning bench in that style.
Here is the same set in a vintage green, and they also have a beautiful server available as well. These sets look much like these famous Gustavian interior pictures.
Stein World sells this wonderful drop leaf tapered leg table which easily can be painted. It can be used as a coffee table, with two accent chairs, with both leaves up. Paint it all gray, distress it for a Gustavian appearance. Strip the wood and stain it gray. It sells for $269
Coaster sells a very inexpensive set of three tables for $60 dollars. These tables have a ton of potential if you were to paint them, and distress them. Use them in various parts of your home for a bit of that Swedish appearance. You really cannot beat the price point. While the look isn’t classic Gustavian, they do have the fluted legs which are so hard to find at a reasonable price. You get three tables for $60 dollars. You could even turn them into benches with foam and a stapler.
Butler Sells an oversized specialty Demilune Console Entry Table that could be placed anywhere in the house for a dramatic look. They sell this table for $1200 . Paint this table for a very Swedish look, and add extra hardware to the sides for false drawers. Brass keyholes always add a formal rich appearance to furniture.
A really nice basic table can go a long way with new hardware and new paint. Check out this one for only $120. Exchange out the hardware with some Louis XVI round pulls.
This Winsome Whitman Round End Table with Carved Legs sells for only $84 dollars. What a steal!
Winsome also sells a tapered leg computer desk for $119, and a great drop leaf table that would work terrific along the wall. Buy two for a wall and position them under windows. For $154 including shipping, the price is unbeatable!
Currey & Company Sells a really stunning Console Table in Reclaimed Ebony Finish. It sells for $3200, and is well worth the price point. Paint it to match the furniture in the room you hope to showcase it in.
International Concepts has some of the best furniture out there. Their tapered leg sofa table sells for $119.
They also sell a very attractive bedside table that looks to have three drawers but in fact has two. Dress up this table with some Louis XVI round pulls, and some round keyholes for a Swedish appearance for a LOT LESS!! The table sells for $135 and would be terrific with one on either side of a bed. Think about this PAINTED and distressed! It would be hot! They look identical to the table that got away from me on craigslist so many years ago.
If you like the rounded look with straight legs, International Concepts sells a very pretty round side table that would work in a living room as well as bedroom. They sell this table for $117 including shipping.
Here is your drop leaf sofa table! Think about the possibilities of this table paired with two very pretty Gustavian chairs. International Concepts sells this beauty only for $107 including shipping!
This table offers a bit more of a curve, and is painted in black. It sells for $189
Sweden’s great architect Carl Harleman built Svindersvik in the 1740’s for one of Sweden’s most successful businessmen, Claes Grill, director of the East India Company. Here you see a check pattern on Gustavian chairs. The chairs are very ornate in appearance, and the frame looks to be a blue toned gray.
Louis XVI chairs are quite expensive. I had a good friend who sold me 2 sets which I will be forever very grateful for. If you are looking for a really inexpensive set that has all the looks of these lovely chairs without the price point, consider this set which includes 6 chairs and a table for $650. While they are not high end Louis XVI chairs, they can be re-upholstered with the material of your choice. The chairs do have tapered legs which is the classic Swedish style. The table works really nicely with the set, because it has the same legs.
Coaster also sells these chairs individually, so if you want to get a couple extra to line up behind your 6 piece set along the wall, they sell them 2 for $150. Consider painting the frame a light gray. The white fabric against a beautiful painted gray would be just remarkable. Check out how lovely this Empire chair looks with white upholstery and a painted gray frame. Adding furniture ormolu is a great investment for your furniture. It is amazing what a little bit of detail can do for your furniture.
2. Utilize Fabric To Bring The Color Red Into Your Home.
The right Fabric can really transform a room. Depending on what you plan on using the fabric for, a little can go a long way, and a lot of fabric is an investment for years to come.
Swedish interiors usually have prints that are based on a white background. While that is not the case in all situations, the majority of the time it is.
A floral rose based on white would be a terrific choice for a feminine appearance. Floral fabrics aren’t only for a women’s room, but can be used to create depth on a very ornate chair, or on a carved bed. Floral fabrics on a white background are what draw many people to the Swedish style. The fabrics are not at all like the “shabby chic” floral, but rather upscale, sophisticated while simple at the same time.
Red Ticking is another fantastic choice. The fabric is very ornate in appearance, while at the same time being very simple in design. Ticking isn’t that expensive, and it tends to be heavy, making it a great choice for upholstery, drapes, and bedding. The colors are very vibrant, and often times it is based on an off white background making it antique in appearance.
Velvet is very rich and is a wonderful choice for a special piece of furniture. Velvet is often saturated in color making it a fabric you want to upholster a piece of furniture that will be showcased in a living room or a bedroom. Velvet can look extremely luxurious. Check out these orange gilt French chairs. The color is vibrant, and best of all, velvet is very durable.
While silk taffeta is a fabric you see in most French interiors, Raw silk is something that would work absolutely wonderful in a Swedish interior. Swedish interiors have all the elements of the French style, except the interior choices are more natural and restrained compared to the french. Have you ever touched raw silk? It is much nicer than silk taffeta in my opinion. It has a lightweight feel, and can hold its own form if you use it as drapes. The color is incredibly rich and vibrant, and the texture has a bit of a woven pattern much like linen to some degree.
Some Fabric Sources For Your Consideration:
Antique Vintage European Textiles – They offer a number of like colored bundles for various small projects. Buy a couple of stools, (20 dollars each) and consider upholstering them in red antique fabrics. This ebay store is wonderful!
Antique French Country Linen Buying Sources
Restoration Fabrics and Trims– Keep an eye on this ebay store if you are looking for a bigger project such as a settee. They offer larger yards and nice antique fabrics for some of those bigger projects.
Decorating With Red For Bedroom Canopy Ideas- Use a basic red in a room to make a big impact.
Consider Alaska Quilting Adventures – Red and Blue Fabrics- Check out my post detailing my favorite Swedish fabric picks. Some as little as 9 dollars a yard.
Gustavian Sofa 1900s From Swedish Interior Design
Antique Red Louis XVI Canopy Bed From Eclectic Revisited.
3. Paint Your Furniture RED.
One of the easiest ways to include the color red in your home is to use paint. Not only can you mix the perfect color together, anything that is wood can be painted, and stenciled. Think about wooden baskets that can be painted, and dressed up with hardware or furniture furniture ormolu. I painted my own waste basket a Swedish blue. The tall container had a lid, it just needed to be dressed up with oversized gold hardware. This wonderful wooden bucket can be painted and then distressed heavily. Attach some oversized brass doorknockers to the sides for a very high end primitive look. Lux Exclusive has the same look for $50 dollars.
Get some ideas from this Beautiful Country Red Rustic Dresser. Adding brass hardware and furniture ormolu can dress up a piece of furniture in a room like nothing else. The Chinese Pavilion is a great example of a Swedish room painted in all Red. If you are considering an explosive Red interior, copy this look.
Additional ideas:
12 Piece Artificial Red Apples– Decorate your kitchen with a couple fake apples that look beautiful and realistic
Artificial Pomegranates in Burgundy $30,Artificial Red Delicious Apple, Box of 12,
French Mirror Screen By Wayborn, Solid Basswood, Three panel room divider $474
This wonderful trophy cup has a base that can be painted and decorated with gold decorative accents. For $70, it would make a pretty decorative piece with the base painted in red.
Square Column Pedestal Size – $200
This Classic Large Pedestal Base is only $70 dollars, and can be painted a red, and paired with an oversized urn. 14 3/8″W x 24 3/4″H Urns can be found at your local Hardware store though the summer time. It is best to buy them at the end of the season when they are heavily discounted.
Consider a miniture doll house that could be painted a red, and used as a display.
Swedish Interior Design Ideas- Red Painted Furniture
Bernhardt Martha Stewart Laurel Stenciled Chest
This Bernhardt Martha Stewart Laurel Stenciled Chest shows you that you don’t necessarly have to paint the exterior of a piece of furniture to add a splash of color. If you don’t want a really loud color, consider painting the inside of your furniture, closets, and pantries.
This Red Painted Bombe Chest By Pulaski would look terrific in a Swedish interior based on the color red.
The overall shape is wonderful, and it could be painted the paint color of your choice. The interesting thing about this chest is it is listed for different price points. Pulaski has their chest listed at $716, while here it is listed at $522, and here it is listed at $448
Panels placed between drawers maintain a dust-free environment. Center drawer guides with stop provide years of quiet, smooth service and prevent drawers from sliding out accidentally Fine craftsmanship of English and French dovetail construction add stabilty for longer life Unique designs, custom hardware, multi-step hand rubbed finishes, create a look of timeless beauty and style Made of various types of woods & sculpted resin with veneers over high density pressed wood like MDF Felt lined drawers protect silverware from scratches, tarnishing and wear Corners are secured with wooden blocks to keep furniture solid and secure for years to come Dimensions: 40in D x 18in W x 36in H
Lars Bolander’s Scandinavian Design From Maze Home
4. Consider Using A White and Red Floral Pattern
Consider a Bright RED Neoclassical Pattern – Such as The Jack Country Pattern
Red Chintz Dinner Ware and Brightly Painted French Red Chest With Gold French Hardware
Simple Soft Furnishings: 50 Stylish Sewing Projects to Transform Your Home explores five key areas of the home where soft furnishings can make a big difference: bath, bedroom, kitchen, dining and living room. Best of all, soft furnishings can be easily created by anyone with a sewing machine — even beginners. With an irresistible collection of projects, ranging from simple cushions to elegant curtains and sumptuous bedding, these designs are a mix of timeless classics and current trends with appeal for all ages.
Each project will bring style to any room at an affordable cost. The focus is on quick and easy ideas that can be readily made in a weekend. This beautifully presented book features:
-Fifty original soft furnishing designs for the home
-Projects for cushions, curtains and blinds, seating, bedding and table linens
-Simplified techniques for the beginner sewer
-Illustrated step-by-step instructions
-Advice for alternative fabrics, fastenings, trimming, patterns and color schemes
-List of resources and suppliers
-Tips for adding special touches to customize each project.
5. Consider Using Gold and White along side Red.
Outstanding Paneled Red Painted Bathroom
This picture shows a sensational bathroom with a fabulous shade of red. Here you can see that red is dominant, but the overall look isn’t overpowering. If you want a rich tone of red, this may be a perfect example of how to incorporate it.
Unique Vintage Wooden Swedish Westerstrand Wall Clock From Just 4 fun 8828
You can see how rich gold looks against red. Consider lining your walls with shadow boxes, which allow you to frame objects that are 3 d.
-MCS 16×20 Linen Lined Shadow Bow in Black $36
-MCS 9×20 Inch Linen Lined Shadow Box in Walnut Finish $27
-Consider framing a vintage childs linen dress and antique shoes with this shadow box $44
-Here we see a set of 4 Shadow Boxes for $23 Paint them, and customize them for your own antique findings.
-Class up your pictures with Custom Photo Labels– Make your labels a couple shades darker than your photo mat. $14
– Here is a shadow box displaying keys……… For an antique look, consider collecting old brass keys which could be mounted.
-Sometimes less is more. Lining up items in order can make the items in shadow boxes appear more valuable and special.
– Consider painting the inside of your shadow box the same color, or darker hue than the paint color on your walls. Your shadow box will look deliberately designed for the wall it is showcased on.
-Here you see a regular frame which silverware is painted white. Display gold table ware in dark gray shadowboxes and gilt-wood frames for a very high end look. Red matting also could look very classy for a bold punch against brass.