Colleen Martin, Founder of Swede Collection Tells Us Her Journey Of How She Began Reproducing Gustavian Furniture
Gustavian Spindle-Back Dining Chair, SC0019
Swedish design in American interiors is at an all-time high. Chosen for its qualities not as a fad or trend. White and light interiors are loved by so many. Today I am talking to Colleen Martin, Founder of Swede Collection, in the hand-crafted segment of the furniture industry, who is living her life passion reproducing Swedish furniture, particularly from the Gustavian and Rococo periods. Colleen was making console tables when the need for new dining chairs for her home arose. When she couldn’t purchase what she wanted nor find anyone to make them for her, necessity being the mother of invention, she decided to make them for her line. Swede Collection is shown at High Point market in April and October. The line can be seen at www.swedefurniture.com.
Q: How did you get smitten and bitten by Swedish style?
Gustavian is my favorite style as it makes my heart sing. To me it is eloquent, romantic and refined with a simplistic beauty. I do like a few Rococo pieces as well. What I love is that Swedish pieces have never gone out of style 200 years and counting. They are lasting, enduring and inheritable due to their design. Because they are not overly embellished, you don’t get tired of the look.
I first decorated my homes in French antiques due to access as that was what was available in antique stores where I lived and as far as I could travel to antique shows. Keep in mind this was pre-Internet years so purchasing access was limited to as far as you could travel. Even though I lived in larger cities, Swedish antiques or reproductions were not available. I loved the straight legs of Louis XVI. I have always been a huge shelter magazine reader so that is where I first saw Swedish pieces and then realized Swedish was where my true love was which was similar to French Louis XVI. When the Internet made access easier, my passion for Swedish design intensified. One could see and purchase Swedish pieces in the US and Sweden easily.
Q: Why do you think people fall in love with the Swedish look?
The colors of white, pale blue/grey and pale aqua are very soothing to the soul. I find people who love Swedish style are deeply devoted to it. Perhaps it is the peaceful feeling people experience in light toned rooms where the furniture is not stark but not overdone either. Swedish pieces have great balance and detail. With the painted frames people get a departure from the brown tones of wood. Today, décor is all about the mix. What is so fabulous about Swedish design is that it fits smoothly in any décor and very surprisingly with contemporary.
Q: Why did you decide to reproduce Swedish pieces?
My mission was to make excellent quality hand-crafted and hand-carved Swedish furniture more accessible for everyone to enjoy in their homes. I traveled to Sweden and purchased antiques which I reproduce both in Gustavian and Rococo style. This is my passion. I wanted to bring back the hand-crafted pieces originally made in the workrooms in Stockholm by the masters. Swede produces unique pieces for interior designers but also has some pieces available to the public in the retail section. We are continuing to add to the website retail section smaller pieces that can be shipped via ground. Access to Swedish design is an important part of our mission.
Some of the master furniture makers that I admire are:
- Erik Ohrmark 1747-1813 who made chairs for Haga castle for Gustav III.
- Carl Fredrik Flodin 1754-1795
- Olof Roslin 1753
- Ephraim Stahl 1767-1820
- Johan Erik Hoglander 1780
- Petter Thunberg
- Johan Hammarstorm 1780
- Erik Holm 1774-1814
Although you read that Gustavian style furniture is credited to king Gustav living at Versailles, loving the French style but having the details relaxed for Swedish pieces in his homeland, I differ from that viewpoint by giving credit not to the king who was not a furniture designer, but credit to the master craftsmen and their apprentices working in their shops all over Sweden. The king may have commissioned their work for the royal properties but I believe the design was the masters’ who presented it to the king for his approval on the commission. I really don’t believe King Gustav came up with all these fabulous designs by himself. Pehr Ljung was a known master carver at the time who was called upon for difficult carvings. There were furniture “architects” and architects who did both buildings and the furniture within. Stockholm was a furniture center with many famous workrooms but these fabulous original designs were not exclusively created in Stockholm. Some masters specialized in making mirrors or clocks. I love researching these makers and am searching for information on women designers.
Q: In your decision to reproduce Swedish antiques, do you make exact copies?
I like to honor the original creator that inspires me but I do change the scale and some details so it is not an exact copy. People were much smaller in body size at that time and particularly their chairs are too small for today’s people to sit in comfortably especially larger men. I didn’t want my husband or a buyer to “perch” on the chair, I wanted him to comfortably sit in it. Comfort is king in what I do. There is no point in making something nobody can sit in. I also produce in Maple, Ash and Cherry not Swedish Pine. I do believe these masters would be proud and thrilled to see that their designs are loved 200 years later by my bringing them back to life for today’s homes. For the most part, I own the original of what I reproduce. There are a few items in my line that my talented crew was able to duplicate just from a photo of the antique.
Q: Can you find these signed original works for sale today?
Yes, in Sweden, England and the United States and it makes my heart pound to find initials carved into the frame. There is also a mark on furniture made for the royal properties. When you see the carved initials IL for example, remember an “I” is a “J” so this could be made by Johan Lindgren. Pieces reproduced 100 years ago of the originals created 200 years ago are fairly available to purchase today.
Although pieces can be found, price is another issue. A chair can run from $4,000 to 7,000. And, you may not be able to sit on it. That is the other reason I decided to reproduce these chairs – to make them affordable. Hand crafted chairs should be inheritable for generations to come and should last another 200 years just like their ancestors.
I made the finishes on Swede Collection pieces blend seamlessly with antique finishes. Unless you have an expert eye, you probably couldn’t tell the difference. Making the new pieces allows me to fill in the blanks smoothly where unattainable pieces can’t be acquired.
Q: Can you give us an example of what reproductions Swede Collection makes?
I fell in love with this chair at Sabylund Manor. Bukowski’s auction house in Stockholm sold a set of these as well. I believe they look identical to ones made by Johan Hammarstrom which my talented team copied.
Above, these Rococo chairs have the original on the left and our newly copied one on the right.
Everyone on Pinterest will recognize this desk in a home in The Netherlands on the left and Swede Collection’s version on the right.
We also went to Jacquemart-Andre museum in Paris and photoed the Nattier portrait which we made into a poster in a larger size.
Here is another example. Antique sofa on right with Swede Collection sofa on left
On the left are demilune tables brought back from Sweden on my 2014 trip and on the right the new Swede Collection one
These Rococo chairs:
Q: What new pieces are you working on?
We made some hand-carved boiserie panels that buyers at market kept asking to be made into sliding doors. For April 2018 High Point market, we are introducing four sliding “barn doors”. What is different about ours is that they are elegant with hand carving on solid wood or antiqued mirror glass inserts in beautiful soft colors. You would never find them on a barn. They are great used between a master bath and bedroom instead of a traditional door. They are beautiful separators of any spaces within the home. And, we are always making more chairs and benches. We are also working on a massive tall candlestick like ones found in European cathedrals. There is a never-ending list of items to make. I am having the thrill of my lifetime making these pieces.
Visit Swedefurniture.com
Visit the 2017 Catalogue Here
Expect To See More Warm Grays, Blues And Creams In Gustavian Decorating
Christine AdamsWood Finishing Technical Writer at General Finishes
2018 is here and it is BOLD. Designers and Brands predict that this year is going to be more vibrant than years before. Below are a few insights into the 2018 home design trends to help you get inspired.
Before we start, remember that CLASSICS ARE ALWAYS IN. Although it’s fun to have that end table glowing in bright red, whites and blacks are the safest colors as these would work for any customer’s home. GF’s top sellers are White, Black and Gray – check some out here in our design Center: http://bit.ly/
2018 IS RICH WITH COLOR. This year, it looks like a vivid start as Pantone named “Ultra Violet” its Color of the Year, while Sherwin Williams selected the striking Oceanside SW 6496. Other colors that appear to be trending are colors such as violet, wine, amethyst and even soft lavenders. You can find some bold colors in GF’s Color Lab here: http://bit.ly/
HEAVY CABINETRY AND STATEMENT STORAGE. The white cabinet trend has faded and Country Living expects to see more warm grays, blues, creams as well as wood grain tones to take purchase in kitchens in 2018. As for storage, Anthropologie’s customer styling director Christina Frederick says “gone are the days of sacrificing style for function… There seems to be a desire for high-end organization in our personal space, a desire for things – and life – to feel pulled together.”
BRASS IS BACK BABY. Whether it be an accent or the drawer pulls on a buffet, this aged finish is making its way back into our homes.
NATURAL ACCENTS. Natural wood, earthy materials and even color iterations of stone are being implemented into designs. Ryan Turf, managing director of CB2 says, “These beautiful, natural materials add texture and depth to any design. Timeless yet very modern and fresh.” Include wood stains in your furniture designs to meet this trend. All GF stains can be compared here: http://bit.ly/
WABI-SABI. Wabi-sabi is the Japanese art of finding beauty in imperfection. For furniture refinishing this means handmade or hand-painted items that retain a deeply personal, organic aesthetic.
GRAY IS THE NEW BLACK. According to Linda Holt, it looks like the cool blue-grays have been replaced with warmer tones of gray, taupe and neutral colors such as brown. REMEMBER: don’t overuse too much neutral or your furniture or it may become so neutral you’ll miss it! Check out GF’s grays at http://bit.ly/
To read more about 2018 predictions, please go to the following links:
Architectural Digest: Sherwin-Williams Reveals its 2018 Color of the Year – https://
Country Living: 10 Trends That Are Taking Over Homes in 2018 – http://
Country Living: Pantone Color of the Year 2018 – http://
Linda Holt: 2018 Color Trends You Want to See Now: https://
Maria Killam: Colour Trends You Need to Know Right Now for 2018: http://
8 Brands Of Gold Spray Paint Were Compared To Find The Best Color
I bought a bunch of mini terracotta pots to use as the test vehicle and used my amazing Homeright spray shelter to spray each of the pots. I put the pots on a little piece of scrap wood so I could simply pick up the wood and move it out to dry while I painted the next pot.
This is the first time I have used Design Master’s and I have to say I was very impressed especially with the uniform coat and drying time. Design master’s and Rustoleum Metallic are pretty much identical in their “color”. I think they are the closest match to being “gold”. The Krylon Premium metallic which is on top has a very yellow almost artificial shine.
View more of her study at anikasdiylife.com
My Personal Favorite Golds : Rustoleum’s Metallic Gold, and Rustoleum’s Bright Coat.
My overall pick is the Bright Coat.
Essential Characteristics Of 18th Century Swedish Interiors
Horse Pattern Jacquard Craft – Amazon
Guest Post by Jason Phillips
The 18th century Swedish interior was a manifestation of neo-classism across Europe. It was made prominent by King Gustav III who introduced different styles of interiors in Sweden when he returned home from his visit to France. In 1771, King Gustav III traveled to France and was impressed with the nature of interiors that he decided to introduce the same back home. At this point in time, the effects of neo-classism had spread to Sweden but its adoption was still low. But with King Gustav’s travel to France, the adoption of foreign mannerisms began to grow. It started with the well-off members of the society but it soon spread across town to the rural areas. Key components of French interiors such as open spaces with natural light became common in Sweden. Living areas that are calm, elegant and airy became the norm. Pale greens, blues, and grays became the preferred decorating colors of the Swedish interiors. Cream, pink and white were other the colors that were used to decorate Swedish homes. Some homes would still spot deeper accents with colors such as ochre, red and gold used for the interiors. There was also the use of rich woods to style the interiors. The woods were used to make furniture, to accent the walls and to make the floor.
The main characteristics of 18th century Swedish interiors.
Here are some of the characteristics of 18th century interiors.
- Simplicity and Comfort.
Designers and homeowners strived to keep their homes as simple as possible. They would also strive to keep their homes comfortable for themselves and their guests. Most homes in Sweden at this time featured open spaces so as to let in as much natural light as possible. This feature was witnessed across the board with the rich in townhouses insisting on open designs just as the locals in country farm houses. The furniture in most homes was designed with in a simple manner so as to keep them as comfortable as possible. They would be decorated with straight line decorations and the ends arched for an appealing look. The sofas had straightened backs and featured lots of cushioning for added comfort. Blankets would be added for warmth and comfort.
- Unique decorations.
The Swedes in the 18th century would use antique items to decorate their homes. Antiques and collectibles would be located strategically in the homes for decoration. They enhanced the ambiance within the homes and made them appealing. Some of the antiques that were used in most homes included tilled and cast-iron stoves that positioned strategically in the living area.
- Natural decorations.
The Swedes would also decorate their homes using natural elements of nature such as fresh flowers, plants, pebbles and sea shells. Those that required care and attention to thrive such as flowers and plants were watered and trimmed so as to keep them fresh. They were positioned close to the windows so as to ensure that they received enough light for prosperity. Natural materials would also be used to make hand-woven decorations. Some of these materials included wood, glass and natural textile elements.
- Surface decoration.
The 18th century Swedish interior also featured surface decorations. The walls in most homes were decorated using floral patterns, checks, and stripes so as to make them much more appealing. Plain and textured fabrics were also used to line walls in some Swedish homes. Another aspect of Swedish interior was decorating the surface of furniture items such as sofas and chairs with stencil decoration, wreaths, and heart motifs.
- Proper lighting.
Sweden is very cold during winter and in an effort to bring in as much natural light as possible, homes would be built with large windows. The windows were lined with roman blinds and fine curtains so as not to obstruct the flow of light. Winters in Sweden are characterized by reduced sun hours and to keep houses well lit, candles and stoves and even chandeliers were common in most homes. Fireplaces were also common just as were table lamps. The fireplaces would also double up as sources of warmth within the household.
Swedish interiors of the 18th century were rich in style and they made the homes beautiful and interesting.
Candles – 12 Pieces – Amazon
Exquisite pair of antique, Swedish late Gustavian giltwood mirrors. Lovely oval giltwood carved frames with carved oak leaves and cartouche atop each mirror.–Scandinavian Antiques & Living
Antique Swedish Clocks From The Lone Ranger Antiques
Antique Swedish Gustavian Style White Painted Oval Mirror, Mid-19th Century – Scandinavian Antiques & Living
Set of 6 Antique french creamware ironstone plates –Chanteduc
Nina Hartmann
D.Larsson Interiör & Antikhandel
40 Thanksgiving Table Settings to Wow Your Guests – Martha Stewart
Attributed to Jean Marc Nattier
Natural Wood Table From Kathy Kuo
Old Clawfoot Tub – source: viendoraglass.com
antonandk.co.uk
Pair of Small 19th Century Gustavian Influenced Commodes, Debenham Antiques
Antique Swedish Clocks From The Lone Ranger Antiques
Habitually Chic® » Grey Day
The Paper Mulberry
Gustavian Style By Kristie Barnett
I don’t know what kind of leader King Gustav III of Sweden was, but he really had some design sense! After spending much of his early life in the French courts of Versailles, Gustav developed a style that was heavily influenced by French Neo-Classical design, as well as Italian Classicism. Gustavian style is one of my all-time favorites, and I have a heavy dose of it in my own home.
Gustavian style is marked by grayed pastels, lots of whites and creams, painted furniture, clean simple lines, and fabulous lighting.
This style is rather austere and not overly ornamented. Lots of leggy furniture, bleached wood, and reflective surfaces/mirrors.
Swedish Country style is Gustavian, but at it’s most informal. Lots of whites and lots of rustic.
The more formal version of Gustavian features a bit more color, lots of reflective surfaces, and crystal chandeliers. And gilt, like I blogged about here.
Read more of this article at thedecorologist.com
7 Places To Find Swedish Design For Toddlers
75 Pieces Wooden Castle Blocks – Amazon
Children are gifts that need to be pampered every time. When you are expectant and planning to prepare your nursery, there are things that you always want. You keep looking for concrete furniture for children, you want a particular design, or mainly you are looking for décor that will meet your satisfaction. If your taste is the modern Nordic style, then the feeling gets more complicated. Scandinavian style has the best décor for a child’s bedroom, and it has its unique simplicity. However, the big question is where I get specific things for my kid’s bedroom. Take a look at some of the top shops around with furniture toys and interior accessories for children.
- Nubie
Nubie is among the best shops in the UK for children’s interior. The shop has a great selection of the Scandinavian design and brands. If you want to decorate your child’s room with wardrobes and beds from the Oliver furniture Danish brands, this is the place to shop. It’s your one stop shop that has a wide selection for the entire family too. There are lots of toys for the nursery decoration, plenty of eating room accessories and of course the sleeping area. Once you are here, you don’t need to go somewhere else.
Picture Credit –Flickriver
- 2. Lullabuy
Nursery room has so much than any other room. Therefore, while decorating the room, you must ensure you find the best items from a trusted brand. At Lullabuy, this should not be your fear. They stock the best accessories and decoration kits for the kid’s room. They have shared the best Danish brands to solve your numerous storage problems for your child. The shop has the best wallpapers, beddings, decorative wall display, Lamps, and cushions.
- Molly-Meg
Unlike all the other stores, Molly-Meg is specifically designed for children selection. The shop is stocked with home decorations, toys, and edited selection of furniture and course gifts for the new family member. However, the designs for most of the items here are not Scandinavian but have the same functional, simple and modern design aesthetics, which is a traditional model for the Nordic decorations.
- 4. Skandium
Although the shop only stocks a few selections for children furniture, it has the best and durable items. Rather than preparing the nursery for sleeping purposes only, here, you will have a selection of junior size design chairs to keep your child active with a matching tableware and lots of gifts for the child. Skandium provides you an assurance that your Nordic style of a modern home is complemented with some of the best brands.
- 5. Kidsen
Kidsen is the place with all the small room decorations design furniture and toys. Here you will shop for everything made of the top Scandinavian brands. Mini, Rodini, ferm living, Brio, Isak, and many more. At Kidsen, you will find everything stocked just for you from toys, furniture, clothes and all other necessities for nursery decoration.
- Lo and Behold store
Your child’s room needs to be colorful, decorative and attractive for the child to find quick rest and fun. At Lo and Behold Store, there is all this in place just for you. Talk of cool posters, beautiful bedding from Ferm living and Danish brands, furniture and all other accessories for interior design. The shop ensures you get all you need to keep your child healthy active and physically fit.
- Mood
Want to nurture your child’s in a design atmosphere, the mood is the right place to shop. Here there is an appreciation of the direct role of design in your toddler’s development. The store is carefully curated with all the latest and high-end brands from trusted designers to ensure you get the best items. It’s the only store you will find Leander in stock. It’s all about interior décor for the child and a modern family. Mood guarantees you perfection in every item you buy.
- Smallable
Looking for Convertible toddler beds, shelves, cots, wardrobes, baby essentials chairs, furniture and baby desks, smallable has it all. The shop gives you a full selection of baby valuables for perfect decoration including night lighting, poster, lamps, rugs, garlands, mobiles, and bedding. The shop is divided into sections to ensure you shop faster. The beddings have designer fabrics prints for longevity and quality. This is the only shop with specified design to meet your toddler needs and save you cost and the hustle of moving from shop to shop.
Conclusion
With such shops in your mind, it’s therefore easy for you to decorate the nursery for your toddler and it the best crib. Additionally, you can make the best selections to ensure that the room is still right for your child when s/he turns teen.
Study Shows The Gustavian Period Has Defined All Tastes Through Time In Sweden
A New Dissertation From Uppsala University Shows How Gustavian Style Has Defined Swedish Tastes In Art
Why has the neoclassical Gustavian style become so prominent in the Swedish self-image? A new dissertation from Uppsala University shows how researchers in art history, along with museums, commercial enterprises and the monarchy, have contributed to preserving and conveying the Gustavian style.
“An important reason for the extreme strength of the Gustavian style ideal,” says Hedvig Mårdh, doctoral student at the Department of Art History at Uppsala University, “is that it managed to unite a series of seemingly contradictory movements during the 1900s, such as tradition and modernity, and nationalism and internationalism, and that it has become part of various utopian visions.”
The Gustavian style, connected to the 18th century and Gustav III and Gustav IV Adolf, has been intimately associated with what has been designated as specific Swedish cultural heritage, linked to Swedish tastes and interior design. The style has generally been highly esteemed by both museums and art historians, who have produced national and international exhibitions and publications and have also contributed to successful furniture production from the late 19th century through today, including both IKEA’s line of 18th-century furniture as well as more small-scale production.
It’s about recurring re-use, in the form of copies, reconstructions and staging of the period. In her dissertation A Century of Swedish Gustavian Style: Art History, Cultural Heritage and Neoclassical Revivals from the 1890s to the 1990s, Hedvig Mårdh studied three periods that all illustrate the re-use of the Gustavian period in different ways: the 1890s, which saw the emergence of art history as a discipline, and of museums and cultural heritagethe period 1930-1940, when the production of period furniture existed concurrently with functionalismthe 1990s, a decade characterised by a cultural heritage boom, economic crisis and the search for a national identity in a European context.
Read more at eurekalert.org
Gustavian style, 20th century Wall Clock, Bukowskis
A gustavian wall sconce from around 1800, Bukowskis
A Swedish gustavian style 5 pcs dining furniture, Bukowskis
Ten Swedish Gustavian chairs, early 19th century, Bukowskis
All these images are found are bukowskis.com
All these images are found are bukowskis.com
Mix Old and New Like the Scandinavians Do- Chloe Taylor
Co-Op Cotton and Linen Upholstered Balloon Chair – Amazon
Guest Post -Chloe Taylor
Scandinavian interior design has been on the very top when it comes to décor trends for years now, but this style, as we know it, is reflected in modern furniture, clean lines, functionality and minimalism; all of which are features ideal for a bedroom.
Has this design style always been like this?
Of course not.
Although it has always been characterized with light colors and natural elements, it hasn’t always been so clean-lined and minimalistic. The old Nordic pieces are equally as appealing as the new ones, and it would be a shame not to get the best of both worlds and times when decorating with this approach. Here are some things that will help you combine something old and something new, the Scandinavian way.
1. Know Both Styles.
To be able to truly know how to fit in two different design epochs, you need to be familiarized with both of them. Modern Scandinavian design is represented by light colors (usually white and grey), use of pale wood, clean lines, functional pieces and metallic accents.
As for the old style, its most prominent representative is Gustavian style, influenced by Neoclassical style, and it is characterized by white-washed or grey furniture, and pastel and golden accents.
2. Choose 1 Dominant
You can’t just put bell-shaped matte black pendant lamps above each side of the bed, and then install a Gustavian-style crystal chandelier in the center of the room.
You must choose a style you consider to be dominant (old or new), and complement it with accents from the other one. For example, if the bed, nightstands and the dresser are of clean lines made of pale unpainted wood, you can score some oldie but goodie points with a crystal chandelier.
3. Pair Them Up
If you want to make sure that the piece you’ve included isn’t standing out too much you can always use two pieces and group them together or put them opposite to each other. Also, some more subtle pieces can be joined with an entirely different style.
Bed is the focal point of every bedroom, and as such, it will draw all eyes, which means that it should be greeted with both styles in an appropriate measure. If you decide on an antique bed, you might have some problems with finding the right mattress, but the offer of various mattresses online is so extensive that you’re bound to find the perfect one. Make a style contrast on an antique bed with zig-zag patterned throw pillows, and other modern details.
4. Focus On A Single Color Palette
Whenever you want to fit in different styles into a single room, you should focus on what they have in common and which colors can be associated with them. Fortunately, regardless of the epoch, Scandinavian style is all about light neutrals, enriched with just a bit of pastels, and metallic shades. Matte black is the modern addition that goes well with everything. Choosing the same tonal family for the walls and the furniture will produce a soothing effect and make various different style statements whisper instead of scream.
5. Catch The Eye With A Statement Object
So, what can be a statement object in a bedroom? Well, everything, ranging from an area rug to the bed. You’ll want it to be instantly identifiable with one of the two styles you are mixing. Choose a gigantic crystal chandelier, a big white-washed dresser, a cowhide rug, a salvaged-planks headboard, metallic nightstand lamp, etc.
Make sure you go full-Scandi and introduce at least one houseplant in your bedroom. Kill two birds with one stone, and choose plants that will help you sleep better such as Parlor palm, Snake plant, Moth orchid, Pothos and Cast-iron plant.
Mixing old and new design styles can be really difficult. In this case you have the mitigating factor of both styles being part of one unique design evolution, so they can be connected on some basic levels, such as color palette. If you find the harmony between the two, you will have the perfectly decorated bedroom that would put some of the most famous interior designers to shame.
Swedish Furniture Design – What Makes The 1800’s So Obsessive
Co-Op Bouclé Pintucked Sofa – Amazon
Guest Post – Jason Phillips
The Scandinavians are known around the world for creating simple, stylish and functional furniture; its style reflects its origins, furniture and décor which maximized the available light and space. The look is minimal, yet honest with an earthy flavor. It is the perfect style to use when you are looking to revitalize an old, gloomy house and create a contemporary yet practical flare. To really get the 1800s Swedish feel in your home you will need to follow these tips:
1. Wooden Flooring
The flooring should be light and preferably wood, although a laminate will have the same effect. This allows the sunlight entering the house to bounce around the room and help to create a feeling of space, warmth and light. The bathroom is the only exception to this rule as a darker, warmer color will make the room feel more inviting.
2. Color Palettes Of Brown and Gray
The original Scandinavian design would be for white walls and a pale grey or light blue; either as a feature wall or as part of the design; the color of the furniture or the accessories. However, there have been several other influences in the Scandinavian scene and it is possible to introduce some bright colors through the accessories or even the flowers in the room. These will draw the eye and make the room feel friendly and inviting. It is also possible to opt for wood on one of the walls; it is a natural material and adds a layer of warmth to the property. If the wood is too yellow for your taste than it can be white washed or you can use grey oil to dilute the color.
3. Furniture Lines
The handmade designer furniture you use in your Scandinavian room must have clean lines. The majority of Swedish furniture elements will already have the lines you require. This simplistic approach will provide a calm, tranquil room in which to relax.
4. Functional Furniture
The Swedish pride themselves on providing stylish yet functional furniture. Every piece has a specific purpose and it is well designed for that purpose. This ethic should apply across the entire house; it avoids unnecessary clutter and encourages the simple, minimalistic style. Furniture may have been designed recently or may be genuine antique pieces. Either will work as the elements of design have stayed true throughout time; every Swedish piece has a classic beauty in its simplicity and will sit perfectly in a room today. The way this furniture has been designed allows it to blend with any room, creating a stylish, yet practical living area.
5. Corner Fire
Swedish winters are generally much colder than those in many other parts of the world. A fire is an essential part of surviving these winters. However, they are not the feature point of the room; they are seen as another piece of furniture. Swedish fires are often tiled and sit in the corner of the room. They are usually very simple in design and may hardly even be noticed with their doors closed. The corner approach also allows the heat to radiate out across the room effectively.
6. The Environment
The Swedish are well known for adding environmentally friendly features to their houses. This can be as simply as embracing the energy efficient light bulbs, to adding solar panels or a ground source heat pump. Insulation and triple glazing are also standard on new builds and help to create the warm, inviting interior of a Swedish house.
7. Less Is More
Scandinavian design does not incorporate an abundance of ornaments and accessories. The approach is minimalistic in order to keep the clean lines and bright spaces that they desire. Among the few accessories will usually be a plant or bunch of flowers to add a touch of the outside to the décor. Blend your minimalistic approach with natural materials and you will have a beautiful house that you can
actually live in!
Embrace the Swedish home design and transform your home into a welcoming, truly inviting living nest. Choose a dominant color that best lives up to your expectations, and don’t be afraid to improvise. Oversized throw pillows, flower pots with seasonal flowers and custom-made furniture items are everything you need for a Swedish-inspired home.
5 Pieces Of Wise Decorating Advice From Tricia Foley
Find her books on Amazon
“I think that many people try to copy what’s trendy rather than trusting their own personal style in decorating a home and then the look doesn’t last. If you’re really not sure about making decorating decisions, keep a file of pictures of favorite rooms culled from books and magazines to help narrow it down” Tricia Foley
“In terms of color for walls, I always do a test patch and live with it to see how the color responds to the light and with the existing furnishings. It’s also important to put it all together and make sure that your color palette is compatible and that you’re not acquiring furniture and accessories in bits and pieces that don’t work together. “Tricia Foley
“It makes sense to follow the architectural style of the space. Determine the function of the room and really think about how you will use it. Then furnish it appropriately for those uses. Finally, layer on your own personal style — not someone else’s. Aim for personal comfort as well as visual appeal level.” Tricia Foley
Go with good classic design in terms of furniture. I always look for multi-purpose pieces, that can be used for other rooms as living conditions change. Set the scene for your own personal style with neutral walls and floors. Then add simple window treatments and bed linens to transform a space with color.” Tricia Foley
“I see children’s rooms as part of the home, not so much a separate world. I would design the space so that it visually belongs to the rest of the family spaces. It should also be a comfort zone for children and a place for them to express themselves with their own things — there are lots of great storage units, armoires, bins, etc. that are perfect for kids rooms in grownup styles but scaled down sizes available from Pottery Barn for kids, for example Traditions and Mitchell Gold make smaller versions of armchairs from leather club chairs to slipcovered pretty cotton wing chairs that suit many styles.” Tricia Foley
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Glass For Every Occasion Tricia Foley-Found on triciafoley.com