6 Colors You’ll Find In Every Scandinavian Home – Laura Barry
Swedish 18th Century Gustavian Pine Desk –1st Dibs
Kaylee Spindle Accent Chair – Amazon $340
The regions fondness for natural materials, muted color palettes and fine craftsmanship set the standard high when it comes to interior design, however achieving the same look in your own home isn’t that hard.
Scandinavian interior design is about embracing what nature has already presented us with. Using timber for furniture, buttery soft leather for upholstery or soft furnishings and looking to wool, linen and cotton for bedding and accessories. But it isn’t just the use of natural fibres that demonstrates the Scandinavian love of nature, it’s the color palette that’s entirely inspired by the naturally occurring shades found in forests and landscapes.
If you’re trying to inject a little bit of Scandinavian style into your home the first thing to do is rethink your color palette, and try using these six colors that appear in all Scandi-inspired interiors.
1. Forest Green
This rich shade of green offers a home the perfect balance of on-trend color that still feels timeless. Work a forest green cushion, throw blanket or linen duvet set into your interior scheme and finish off with a dark green foliage plant to complete the forest transformation.
The Mary” Periwinkle Floral Block Print Pillow Cover –Amazon
“The Camille” Floral Block Print Pillow Cover – Amazon
“The Juliet” Floral Block Print Pillow Cover – Amazon
“The Hazel Bright Blue White Floral Pillow Cover – Amazon
“The Louis” Blue Floral Block Print Pillow Cover – Decorative Throw Pillow Cover –Amazon
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
Swedish Antiques From Debenham Antiques
19th Century Swedish Birch Neo Classical Sofa US $5,540.37 On Ebay
Early 19th Century Painted Gustavian Sofa -US $4,477.83 Beautifully carved, re-upholstered with fitted cushions- On Ebay
Pair of 19th Century Carved wood French Armchairs US $3,718.88 On Ebay
19th Century Massive Extending Swedish Painted Dining Table US $12,702.51 On Ebay
This table has been adapted to form many scenarios of use and size. Can be used as a round dining table, and comes complete with varying bearers to allow housing of 5 leaves. Fully extended at 167″ in length which is just short of 14FT. Could also be used as a pair of demi lune side tables when not in use for dining.
19th Century Painted Pine Bookcase Cabinet US $6,151.53 On Ebay
Circa 1880. Fine piece of Swedish rustic furniture which could lend itself to many uses such as a desk, kitchen table or dining table
Rustic 19th Century Pine Table From Debenham Antiques US $1,510.32 On Ebay
Early 20th Century Birch Root Swedish Bombe Chest Of Drawers- US $2,796.15 On Ebay
19th Century Swedish Elm Secretaire Chest Of Drawers- US $2,504.55 On Ebay
Massive 19th Century Biedermeier Birch Sofa Settee, US $5,236.79 -Length: 108 3/4″, On Ebay
19th Century Inlaid Swedish Kingwood Commode US $2,959.92 On Ebay
Profusely inlaid and decorated with various woods such as satinwood and walnut. Detachable marble top with ormolu handles and decoration. 3 drawers which open on the key- circa 1870
19th Century Mahogany and Satinwood Inlaid Desk $4,477.83 On Ebay
Early 20th Century Mahogany Inlaid Commode- US $3,718.88 On Ebay
Pair of 18th Century Louis XV French Gilt Fauteuil Armchairs By Michard US $7,513.65 On Ebay
19th Century Antique Swedish Carved Wood Gilt Pier Mirror -US $3,718.88 On Ebay
19th Century Painted Swedish Day Bed Sofa, US $3,263.51- On Ebay
19th Century Antique Biedermeier Birch Commode Chest of Drawers -US $2,504.55, On Ebay
Pair of 19th Century French Empire Mahogany Armchairs US $3,718.88 On Ebay
Early 19th Century Antique Carved Scandinavian Mahogany Sofa US $3,415.30 On Ebay
Massive Mahogany Cherrywood Gateleg Table Seats 16- Can be made up to 18 feet, 9FT 6INCH X 8 FT On Ebay
Pair of 19th Century Painted Pine Swedish Armchairs- US $1,510.32, On Ebay
Swedish arts and crafts influenced. Made from pine, painted with floral decoration to the back, gold lining to the seat, continued with painted elements to the freize and turned legs
Early 19th Century Swedish Occasional Side Table US $1,176.38 On Ebay
Early 19th Century Biedermeirer Birch Drum Table US $4,326.04, On Ebay
19th Century Swedish Birch Square Tilt Top Table – US $1,897.39 On Ebay
19th Century Painted Gothic Swedish Cabinet US $6,311.31 On Ebay
19TH Century Swedish Painted Pine Bookcase- US $3,507.17 On Ebay
Rare set of 12 -19TH Century Queen Anne Influenced Painted Swedish Dining Chairs US $12,702.51 On Ebay
The Swedish Wreta Gestgifveri Inn
Take a trip back in time to Carl Larsson’s turn-of-the-century romanticism by dining and taking in a breath of fresh air of all things Swedish at the Wreta Gestgifveri Inn. Lose yourself in the romance of the 17th century baroque period, and forget the tv, work, and stresses of this day.
When Owner Jim Grundstrom, one of Sweden’s most accomplished interior designers, first saw the seventeenth century building, it was empty, and lacked any sort of style. Seeing beyond the battered interior, he saw the potential of restoring it back to it’s orginal form and opening it up as a boutique country hotel. This hotel gives you the choice of several different styled rooms, ranging from Gustavian, Empire and rustic folk art.
Around The Area
Only 20 minutes out of Stockholm is the Högberga farm and a magnificent view over the water. In about an hour you will find Rånäs Castle, Ulvhälls Estate and Wreta Gestgifveri.
1.5 hours north reaches you Gimo Estate in Northern Roslagen and Söderforsgatan Mansion at Dalälvens beach. Hotels Havsbaden, Chub Estate and Söderköpings Brunn are all two hours away.
The Upper Floor In The Main Building:
The Mamsells Kammare room is one of the oldest rooms in the guesthouse, showing off a country feel with a touch of red. The Kuskens Kammare is another old room, and may have been one of the rooms where the coachmen stayed. The von Fersens Kabinett room, has an elegant feel, and was inspired by the late 18th century frequent guests, Axel von Fersenis. The Bernadotterummet Room is a room decorated around the true Empire style, named after Crown Prince Karl Johan Bernadotte’s visit to Wreta in 1816.
The Gustavianska Gemaket room is a late-Gustavian-style room looking out over the apple orchard. The Hårlemanska Gemaket Room is named after the castle architect Carl Hårleman, who was a frequent guest at Wreta in olden times. The Kolonialrummet Room is an example of how the Swedish East India Company’s journeys to Southeast Asia influenced some Swedish manor houses. The Gestgifverisviten Room is where he Gustavian meets the Empire style. A warm welcome awaits you in this bedroom and lounge.
Designer Martha Angus Loves Gustavian Style
Swedish Portrait -the figure of noble women, in courtdress, within giltwood frame
The Style Saloniste posted an interview with designer Martha Angus, founder of the San Francisco-based firm, Martha Angus Inc. about her favorite style and paint colors. It turns out she loves the Gustavian Swedish styles, and gives out the paint colors she uses most often in her designs.
Q- Favorite design period?
Martha Angus: Gustavian. It’s late eighteenth-century, and feels like Louis XVI but not as grandiose. In addition, I love the painted finishes typical of the period, often in gray. Swedish design can offer a type of low-key opulence. During the Gustavian period, a light wash of paint in earth colors of light blue, gray, green and yellow was used instead of gilding. The prices of antiques vary, depending on the object. They’re now very collectible, so prices are rising fast. I’ve seen some fantastic examples at the Marche Paul-Bert at the Paris flea market, Clignancourt.
My favorite local source for Gustavian furniture is Therien & Company in Los Angeles (as well as the Therien & Co 20th-century collection at their gallery in San Francisco.)
Q: Your most versatile paint color?
Martha Angus: It’s Benjamin Moore and my special mix of half Decorator White mixed with half Linen. Works every time.
The finest paints are those designed by Donald Kaufman in New York. They are all elegant and multi-dimension and complex, so you could pick one with your eyes closed.
I’m a big fan of Farrow & Ball, colors: Parma Gray, Folly Green and Mouse’s Back are very individual and give rooms character.
Q: Which fabric could you use over and over?
MA: Heavy Belgian linen by Henry Calvin Fabrics, # 8793 “Mail Bag Linen” texture in natural. To the trade, Henry Calvin Fabrics, 151 Vermont Street, San Francisco, 415-565-1981. I often use antique textiles, tapestries, and pillows from Kathleen Taylor, The Lotus Collection, 445 Jackson Street, San Francisco, 415-398-8115.
Home Dit also features an interview with Martha Angus, where she reveals more of her love for French and Gustavian antiques.
Q: Tell us about the moment when you decided to follow a career in the field of interior design.
Martha Angus: I always felt like an artist growing up. I moved around constantly for my father’s career, so the whole idea of ‘home’, a place where you feel comfortable and can settle into, is the most important thing in the world to me. When I was a child, I absolutely fell in love with color, especially coloring books. I became so passionate about art and color, I thought “Oh, wow!” this is all I ever want to do, which led me to
eventually study painting at Carnegie Mellon and the Ecole des Beaux Arts de Paris.
When I came out of college the options for a female artist were quite limited yet art has always been a driving force in my career. As a young artist fresh out of school, I got my start as a fashion illustrator and textile designer in New York City. That eventually led to store design and high-end residential design. My work and interests are always evolving but I never abandoned my first love –painting and contemporary art. To this day, art is the most important feature in my designs. It’s usually the first thing I discuss when starting a new project.
Q:Where do you look for an obscure source of inspiration?
Martha Angus: I find inspiration in my usual trips to the Paris flea markets. I believe my ideal shop would include that sense of history, unstated elegance and fun that the French do so well. As in my projects, my ideal shop would include timeless and elegant items such a Gustavian settee or a weathered neoclassical zinc planter paired with a super chic custom designed plexi-glass bench upholstered in zebra silk-screen hide and bold Ellworth Kelly prints.
Q:What would be your recommendation for “what to do first” in a decorating project?
Martha Angus: Start with a good floor plan and remember that upholstery is the key. High quality upholstery can go a long way. Not only is it a good investment but it also brings a sense of tailoring and richness that other items can’t. Once the art and essential furniture items have been selected, accessorizing can do wonders. Scented candles and cashmere throws add a sense of luxury to a room without a significant investment. I always include small trays and boxes that bring the project down to a warm and livable level.
I always say that art is the most important aspect of a space, aside from the people collecting it. I live for bold, statement art. High art should not be treated as a mere decorative item that accessorizes a room, but almost a living element of the space – something with a very distinct personality.
Q: What’s your current paint color obsession?
Martha Angus: I believe in airy, fresh spaces that usually call for very subtle neutrals so that I can come in later and play with fun splashes of color in art, fabrics or accessories. When it comes to paint I find myself constantly going back to some Farrow and Ball colors precisely because they have that timeless elegance that relates so well with my philosophy. Some of my favorites are Middleton Pink and Arsenic.Throughout my career I have always recommended Benjamin Moore’s decorator’s white for its freshness and vibrancy. I have a life-long love affair with textiles of every kind. In fact my career started in New York City as a textile designer and fashion illustrator. I believe David Hicks style fabrics are classic and always so chic.
Q : What advice do you have for someone with a new house to decorate and perhaps a limited budget?
Martha Angus: Small changes can go a long way. I also advise my team to use color as envelopes for a room. Soft neutrals like French Gray or even Decorator’s White are great colors for walls, ceilings and trim because they can give an atmospheric look to a room and make it timeless, standing the test of time and whimsy trends. The one item I would recommend investing in is good upholstery pieces. The big items should also be covered in a neutral material that can stand the test of time. It will not only look good but will wear well for many years to come.
Pair of Swedish Late Gustavian Side Chairs- the rectangular upholstered crest rail within carved and moulded frame on foliate carved spindle supports, over upholstered seat with carved and moulded apron flanked by rosette filled blocks, raised on foliate carved round section tapering legs ending in toupee feet
The Neoclassical period replaced the Rococo influences during the second half of the eighteenth century. Cabinet makers responded to the excavation of Herculaneum and Pompeii with great fervor, eliminating the robust naturalistic forms of the Rococo in favor of delicate colors and a less exaggerated line. The Klismos, the original antique form of this chair, was brought to light late in the Neoclassical period in Sweden as well as other countries. The Gustavian, another name for this chair, was developed during the reign of Gustavian III who seized power in 1771. This chair is believed to have been made for the marvelous pavilion at Haga, the summer home of Swedish royalty
Pair of Roman Neoclassic Painted And Parcel Gilt Armchairs with horseshoe shaped foliate carved back with downswept arms, joined to Greek key carved seat and raised on tapering fluted legs
Pair Of Swedish Baroque Giltwood Candlesticks each of compound foliate and gadrooned tripartite form rising to flaring foliate sheathed bobeche, raised on conforming scrolling volute base, centering ribboned and foliate swagged cabochon medallion and ending in lion paw feet; now electrified and fitted with beeswax candle and calf skin shade
Swedish Neoclassic Painted Armchair- the upholstered back within conforming moulded and carved flaring frame, over urn shaped carved spindles joined by down swept supports to upholstered seat, raised on stylized foliate carved swelling round section legs ending in brass sabots and headed by rosette filled carved corner blocks; the whole retaining original paint
Swedish Karl Johan Mahogany Satinwood and Olivewood and Parcel Gilt Sofa Table- the rectangular top with satinwood stringing centering satinwood and olivewood inlaid central patera medallion and corresponding corners, with two drop leaves over breakfront apron incorporating single drawer, flanked by relief carved foliate volutes, on cluster columnar support in the early English taste, with molded socle and concave platform ending in foliate carved downward scrolling feet centering floral medallions
Louis Masreliez- The Designer Behind Gustav III’s Pavilion At Haga Park
Masreliez was born in Paris and began his education at Ritakademien, which was a drawing academy at the youthful age of 10. In 1769, Masreliez was given a study grant which allowed him the opportunity to travel to Paris and Bologna to study. When he left Bologna in 1773, he decided to stay in Paris for eight years,where he then returned to Sweden in 1782 to become a commissioner of the Royal Swedish Academy of Arts. He advanced the following year, when he was made a professor of art history. Then in 1805, he bacame the director of the Academy.
He was responsible for the interior of Gustav III’s Pavilion at Haga Park. In addition he also was responsible for the interior of Tullgarn Palace. Masreliez is remembered for its interior decorations at Haga, Drottningholm, Stockholm Palace in the classical Pompeian style. Masreliez was inspired by the excavations of Pompeii and Herculaneum, which could be seen in his interior design.
The pictures below in this post are located in Salviigränd, which is an alley in Gamla stan, old town in central Stockholm. On the second floor -Number 1, (the only building in that block not part of the Parliament administration), is a suite of rooms created by Louis Masreliez for the bachelor Wilhelm Schwardz in 1795. Dressed up in pastel, grey, and gold, the elegant Gustavian Classicism interiors features lighted candles, cut-glass chandeliers, taffeta curtains, and friezes and medallions.
A special thanks is to be given to A Connoisseurs Quest Blog for the pictures of Wilhelm Schwardz’s Home in Stockholm- See the entire post “A Peek at the Usually Hard to See House by The Gustavian Designer Masreliez in Gamla Stan, Stockholm”
One can see parallels between the Gamla Stan and Sturehov, particularly in the placement of furniture. Larger round tables serve as focus points in both the Gamla Stan and Sturehov. Both of the Kakelugnar stoves also have classical columns which make the base of the stove.
We are happy to discover this designer with you….!
Affordable Holiday Dining Décor That Looks Like It Was Done by the Pros- Grace Kelly
Decorating for the winter holidays does not have to be arduous or expensive. A professional look is easy by following even a few of the following hints. There are some simple rules of which to be aware before diving into the list of ideas.
First, one should work with the look that he already has in the dining room. For example, a rustic looking room could be decorated with an abundance of natural outdoor elements. On the other hand, a formal dining room may call for a more ornate look.
Second, one should always decorate in a way that feels comfortable to him. Most decorating can be done simply using items that the individual already has while obtaining a couple other pieces affordably. The key is to use the imagination to take indoor decorations, pieces from the outdoors and a few affordable add-ons to decorate just like the professionals.
Theme and Colors
The first step in decorating a dining room for the holidays is choosing a theme. A few options include rustic, elegant, country, modern or eclectic. In addition, the individual may choose to decorate around one or two simple items, such as snowflakes, pinecones, flowers or fruits. A good point to remember is that a theme does not have to be overdone to be meaningful. Professional decorators often prefer to use one or two main décor pieces that will catch the eye.
The second step is choosing a color scheme. Many prefer using a traditional palette of reds and greens. However, modern options would include shades of blue, shades of green, or an all white setting. A dining room will look quite elegant when outfitted in metallic colors.
Plants
Plants are the perfect way to enliven a room. They provide natural bursts of color and fresh scents. There are several ways to use fresh plants in a dining room.
§ Poinsettias are a staple for the holiday season. Because poinsettias come in varieties of reds and whites, they will match a variety of color schemes.
§ An environmentally friendly option is to place evergreen tree saplings on the table or the floor; in the spring, they can be planted outdoors.
The Table
The dining room table is the perfect place for creativity. The ideas for decorating here are as limitless as one’s imagination. First choose the color and design of the dishes, tablecloth and napkin.
§ Napkin rings are essential for a polished look. These can be store-bought or homemade using florist’s wire and greenery from a craft store.
§ Nametags make seating easy. The tags can be decorated with stamps, printed or hand-written on specialty paper, wired to sprigs of greenery or set in spray-painted pinecones.
§ Candles provide ambiance. Floating candles, set in short glass bowl filled with cranberries and water, will not block one’s view across the table. Pillar candles in varying widths and heights will look elegant when placed on glass pedestals.
§ A rustic look can be achieved with branches from evergreens or hardwoods placed in tall, straight glass vases. They will fit into a holiday theme when coated with metallic spray paint or fake snow, which can be found at craft stores.
§ Fruit always looks welcoming and can often be found on sale during this time of year. Citrus fruits provide bursts of color when placed in tall glass hurricane vases.
§ Those who have bulb ornaments left over after decorating can place these in glass bowls or vases for a festive centerpiece.
The Rest of the Room
After the table is decorated, one should not forget about the rest of the room. For a cohesive holiday look, doorways, windows and more can be decorated. For example, wreaths provide a cheery welcome when hung on windows. Fake or real evergreen branches can be placed around doorframes. Holly can be hung from a chandelier.
Holidays are the perfect time to get together with family and friends. Decorating the dining room for celebrations can be done affordably using many items one may already have around the home or yard. A professional look is simple to achieve with a simplistic, themed design.
Author Bio
Grace Kelly writes for Zintro, a marketplace of experts in various fields that helps connect investors, lawyers, analysts, designers, entrepreneurs, and more. Find an expert by discipline on Zintro.com consultant directory.
The main house dates from 1819. Stolper and gable boards are beautifully carved by Per Haugen from Lom, one of the masters in this demanding and traditional art© FOTO: Nils Petter Dale
EPOK Norge – Swedish Furniture
Swedish Gustavian Interiors From The Affari Catalogue
Country Swedish Style From The Affari Catalogue
Where To Find Swedish Looking Wall Sconces
PAIR Vtg Ornate Gold Syroco $20 Etsy
Pair of French Style Oval Gilt Wall Sconces with Mirrors $450 Etsy
One common decorative element found in Swedish decorated homes is the use of small mirrored sconces. Not only were these beautiful to look at, they were practical in the 17th and 18th centuries when light switches and modern electricity was not invented yet. Candle sconces were placed on the wall in old times to bring light to a room. The mirror backing magnified the light from the candle which allowed the room to be even brighter.
Sconces were paired with tables, which made sense to protect the home from fire hazzards. Candles at walking height were easier to light at dusk, allowing the freedom of candles on the tables to be moved around from room to room as needed. In addition, stationary candles on the walls didn’t serve a fire risk as much as those on table tops. Often times pictures depicting Gustavian interiors feature demi lune tables paired up with wall sconces. Gustavian interiors are all about simplicity, and symmetry, although I am sure positioning the table or chair below a candle also prevented bumping and tipping over of candles.
Today it is hard to locate a set or a pair of these Gustavian styled wood sconces. They are not a common find! If you are really enamored with old world Swedish and Gustavian styled rooms, hunt around for rectangular mirrors that you can alter yourself.
1. Shop Ebay For Similar Looks
Ebay is one of the best resources for decorating your home. Lets face it, if you are after a particular style, it isn’t going to be in your local antique store, unless you live in Sweden. Shopping ebay allows you to narrow down the parameters, and search for key words. Consider buying something close to the style you are after, and alter it with additional wood, decorative wood appliques, and paint. You do not have to have ALL genuine antiques in your home. Be creative without spending a fortune.
Get the Look For Less- Vintage Primitive Pair Homco Black Mirrored Candle Holder Wall $17.00 Check out this pinterest page with looks you can create for less.
2. Shop Esty!
Esty is often the last place I look, and often times I forget all about esty. Ebay is always my first place to look, although when I have looked on esty, often times there are a few hidden gems.
Last week I was searching through ebay for a particular set of handles for a desk I am finishing up. I found what I was looking for, and waited several days to bid. I ended up loosing the bid to another, and would have spent way to much money anyhow. I looked on esty after loosing the auction, and found an identical set of French pulls for a lot less money. The best thing is I could buy right away. Esty has a LOT of great listings. Take the time to search out key words.
The greatest thing about Esty and Ebay is you are supporting local families and small businesses. Every day people like you and I…. Often times they are looking for a small profit, making it very a reasonable place to purchase.
Suggestions:
Smiling Horse Designs has for sale an 18th century Gustavian reproduction gold painted mirror with candle holder. Hand crafted wood painted mirror, using same techniques as in the original design. 7″ taper holder in metal, painted gold. They are selling this incredible mirror for $99 Here you go! The best deal I have seen yet!
Please be sure to add yourself to the Swedish and French decorating page on Facebook. Enjoy lots of photographs and other people who enjoy this particular decorating style
This house is situated outside the town Karlstad in Sweden. The house actually manages without water and sanitary sewer! This primitive styled log house has been passed down for generations. The current family who enjoys this home are the eighth generation.
Gustavian Sconce – www.lauritz.com
Gustavian Sconces – www.smagarde.nu
Gustavian Sconce www.stadsauktion.se
Spegel gustaviansk Johan Åkerblad –www.stadsauktion.se
Pair of wooden wall sconces…. perfect for a country side home. Paint them, and heavily distress them. Buy it for $20 on etsy
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.
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.