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.

Gustavian Swedish Decorating IdeasSwedish 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 DecoratingSwedish 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 DecoratingSwedish 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

Vintage Angelique On Ebay

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

 

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.

Walltogs (Stencils) On Ebay

Walltogs (Stencils) On Ebay

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

Walltogs (Stencils) On Ebay

Chocolate Burlap Chateau Marmont Pillow Slip by TheLetteredHome on Etsy

Vintage Grainsack Pillow Triple Red Stripe by jillbent on Etsy

Dan Marty Grainsack Pillows 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.

 

Monique Waqué’s 200 Year Old Farmhouse In Northern Germany

 

Swedish Dining Room ChairsPhotography by Andreas Von Einsiedel Picture Credit

Owner Monique Waqué discovered this 200 year old farmhouse located in northern Germany, and turned it into her dream home.  The house is decorated with Gustavian furniture in a Swedish country look.  You can get her style too with a few key furniture pieces.

There are a number of Swedish dealers on 1st dibs that sell authentic Swedish Gustavian chairs just like what  Monique Waqué has in her home. Buying antiques from Sweden allows you to get genuine pieces that have been loved for years.  As you can see Monique Waqué has Gustavian country chairs at her dining table in a pale yellow.

This home certainly has a country flare.  All the choices are rustic, painted with country Swedish colors.  An oval tray sits on the coffee table.  Consider turning to a hand painted tole tray in the color scheme that you are basing everything around.  My favorites are the floral tole trays which have an elegant feminine country appeal.  Collect a color and consider painting your walls to match the tole trays.  The floral hand-painting gives a very distinct country look.

Getting this look doesn’t have to cost you a fortune either.  There are a number of chairs that have this same look for less.

Check out this post for lovely Linen Sofas–  I have collected several pages of  lovely linen sofas available on amazon.  (Located under the Skona Mag Picture- It takes 2 minutes to load the widget)

Set of six, 18th Century style, Gustavian chairs. Beautiful scraped patina. Strong construction. Perfect set for dining chairs –the GARTEN Antiques and Garden Elements

Monique WaquéMonique Waqué’s Bedroom

Hooker Melange Sofia Writing Desk sold by Hooker Furniture is an antique reproduction of the classic Louis XVI desk. 

 

 

How Linen Is The Perfect Fabric For Nordic Decorated Swedish Homes

Linen is still the most desired fabric for decorators and interior designers alike.  Linen is elegant, durable, and simply luxurious.

Linen is the strongest of the vegetable fibers and has 2 to 3 times the strength of cotton.  Linen is from raw flax, a bast fiber taken from the stalk of the plant. Linen is one of the oldest textile fibers known to  man. Over 4000 years ago, it was woven in Egypt and used to wrap royal mummies.

Not only is the linen fiber strong, it is smooth, making the finished fabric lint free. does wrinkle easily but also presses easily. Linen, like cotton, can also be boiled without damaging the fiber.

From  creamy white to light tan, linen can be easily dyed and the color does not fade when washed.  Linen also happens to be highly absorbent and a good conductor of heat, but also has the qualities of keeping cool making it an ideal fabric for summer garments.

-Linen is also prone to mildew in extreme conditions. Don’t make the same mistake that I did and hang drapes in a solarium’s that collects water on the windows, because overtime your drapes will collect mold. Linen on the other hand does well in light conditions compared to all other fabrics due to its inherent resistance to UV damage.

– Linen easily creases and wrinkles, and tends to hold the wrinkles, so if you don’t mind that, it could be lovely for slipcovers. Linen has very little stretch, so be prepared to make your slipcovers a little extra large, as linen will shrink a little. Never put linen in a hot dryer. High heat causes the linen fibers to shrink and break. Consider letting your linen slipcovers dry on a table or on Air dry or tumble.

-Linen should be ironed with a good quality steam iron while it is damp, if you choose to iron at all. The more often linen is worn and washed, the softer it will become. However, if you are looking for a crisp appearance, ironing is a must. Use a steam iron and sprinkle on additional water if necessary to get a smooth finish. Press linen on the wrong side to prevent shiny spots. Use spray-on starch to get a crisp appearance.

-Of all the areas where you could use linen, the fabric looks best with drapery, because it doesn’t need to be washed as often, which also limits the lengthy pressing sessions. Consider linen for your drapes. The material looks elegant, rich, yet very natural in appearance, making it a must have for Swedish interiors.

Modo Textured 100-Percent Slub Cotton 3-Piece Duvet Sham Set only $54 dollars.

Wrinkle Resistant 300-Thread Count Reversible Cotton Duvet Set Stripe– Twin, Full, Queen, and King $45.

Safavieh Becca Grey Linen Dining Chair $249

Sussex Beige Linen Club Chair only $454!

This Louis XVI Armchair Only $319!

Jane Moore, The Successful Woman Behind Jane Moore, Ltd. Which Specializes In Swedish Antiques

18th century French Louis XVI Console with White Marble Top,  19th century Swedish Grey Four-Legged Table, circa 1850,  French Antique Louis  XVI Carved Wood Trumeau Mirror with garden and musical attributes, circa 1760, 18th Century French Coal Burner

Jane Moore, is the successful woman behind the shop Jane Moore, Ltd. which specializes in Swedish and French antiques.   You may recall the extravagant Swedish home that was featured in March of 2008 in Veranda Magazine.

The Dallas home was remodeled and filled with beautiful Swedish antique furniture. The same house was then featured in Swedish Country Interiors, by Rhonda Eleish, Edie Van Breems.

Nobody has put together a better article than the one by Indulge Decor Blog featuring comparisons of this home between the publications of Veranda and Swedish Country Interiors.

18th C. Swedish Rococo black painted chest with rare brass hardware decorated with crown and cross, circa 1760.

19th C. Swedish White Buffet– Original Paint $4,350

18th C. white buffet duo corps, circa 1760 Jane Moore Interiors

19th C. Swedish Gustavian dark blue cupboard with original date, circa 1842 $5,280

Jane Moore Interiors, 2922 Virginia Street, Houston, Texas 77098

Leading Antique Dealer In 17th & 18 Century Furniture -Augustus Brandt Antiques

I have to say I am so thankful to Inspiring Interiors Blog for discovering a rare jewel on the internet.  I haven’t been so excited than I am now, in a long time.

I adore Swedish antiques, and it is even more thrilling to see them showcased in 17th and 18th century stylings.  Augustus Brandt Antiques, not only has incredibly captivating antiques, but their dramatic interiors are breathtaking.

Augustus Brandt is based in the UK.  They specialize in English,Scandinavian, French, Italian and architectural antiques.

Looking through their website, you will see countless drop dead gorgeous antiques in magazine worthy interiors, all which can give you inspiration for faux finishings, interior paint color selections, and furniture selection ideas.

Our hats are off to Augustus Brandt Antiques for spectacular Gustavian inspiration!

Lets cross our fingers and hope they come out with a book that we can buy!

Scandinavian Gustavian Swedish Decorating- Augustus Brandt Antiques

Scandinavian Gustavian Swedish Decorating- Augustus Brandt Antiques

Scandinavian Gustavian Swedish Decorating- Augustus Brandt Antiques

Scandinavian Gustavian Swedish Decorating- Augustus Brandt Antiques

Scandinavian Gustavian Swedish Decorating- Augustus Brandt Antiques

 

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