May 10, 2010

The Sweet Swedish Look

If I were to build a new house and for the first time meet my architect, I would describe my dream home with a single picture of a furniture and my home will be built around it. I am talking about a Gustavian, Scandinavian, Swedish style, considered all in the same category. Long before shabby chic became a trend, painted furniture were already evident in the early 18th-19th century. One could be characterized as high style with furniture produced in the fashionable Empire or Regency manner and the second is the more provincial pieces with the rustic look, popularly known as the Swedish Neoclassical style.
Started out with King Gustav's enthusiasm for french furniture, he invited french cabinet makers to Sweden but later he was unable to pay them. As a result, Gustav used local craftsmen to produce similar furniture in a less ornate style that became known as "Gustavian." Local woods were used then painted rather than gilded because it was cheaper.
Whether it be shabby chic or Gustavian, for me an interior decor will not be complete without incorporating a rustic piece that will complement well with vintage style.
Sources here, House Beautiful magazine, Judith Miller Furniture

34 comments:

It's me said...

I really like these Swedich style !! Mary Ann..................so beautiful !!! and rustic !!

Thanks for share..............happy week hugs from Ria

PASSIONEDECO FRANCESCA said...

Mary Ann, just a word... YES!

Tato said...

Hi Mary Ann
He is really wonderful,
I like!

the gardener's cottage said...

i'm with you mary ann. i love the pared down simplicity of swedish design. it's so humble yet so beautiful.

~janet

Unknown said...

Love that exposed stone wall! I did not know ANY of this, I thought that shabby chic originated with Rachel Ashwell! Excellent post! Oh, and our cat is named Gustav, now I can tell people exactly who he's named for! Cheers!

Unknown said...

gorgeous furniture! if you're into swedish style, you should check out splendid willow's blog:

http://splendidwillow.com/

she has style to spare and is one of the sweetest bloggers i follow! thank you for your lovely comments as always :) you're the best!

HAMPTON HOSTESS said...

One of my favorite styles-my best friend is Swedish and she collects antiques so I've the pleasure of seeing some fantastic Swedish furniture both old and modern. Thanks so much for visiting HH this morning--I hope you have a great week. BTW--can you give me the name of the fantastic music you used to play? xxBarbara

Brenda Pruitt said...

I really love your images here. And you taught me something. I learn something from blogs every day!
Brenda

Anonymous said...

I sure didn't know that. I assumed that painting furniture started with the depression, because no one could afford new pieces. Thanks for the info.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful rooms! I love them all. I especially like the chairs in the first room. xo

Debbiedoos said...

I would take anyone of those rooms, so beautiful. You have features some great inspiration here!~

Sixty-Fifth Avenue said...

So very pretty, i love this style too. Even though i have many different things going at once. this is one of my favorites.

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Mary Ann, I really love all these looks, too. I am loving old shabby and chippy.

Millie said...

Beautifully elegant pieces, with just a little quirkiness thrown in for interest - perfect May Ann!
Millie ^_^

Andrea said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog! I like the idea if building a home around a single piece of furniture!

Unknown said...

Swedish style is one of my favorite styles!

Burlap Luxe said...

Hi Mary Ann
Thank you for your comment and I love the photo's you displayed on your blog...Love the drop leaf table and the fireplace mantle only I need it to be in the driftwood tones :) with the gray's and weathered whites.

xx
Dore
Keep inspiring us all...

Les Cotrions said...

I adore the Swedish look Mary Ann! The photos you show are a source of inspiration!!!
A nice rest of the week to you!
Vale

Unknown said...

Dear Mary Ann,
I lOVE YOUR IMAGES!!!!
I Adore Swedish look "Gustavian"...beautiful color!!!
Kisses :)

Daniela "Dream Shabby Chic" Milano

Tamanna A. Shaikh said...

Abslutely head over heels in love withthese images!! Lovely blog and lovely choice!! Following you! :)

xoxo

Tamanna

The Shiny Pebble said...

Beautiful. But the showstealer must be those fantastic walls. If I were building my home from scratch, I think I'd ask my architect for some exposed beams and textured wall...

Splendid Willow said...

MaryAnne, how lovely! This makes my Swedish heart beat extra hard!

You know, the Swedes themselves also wanted more simple lines. They were farmers and did quite get the King's fascination with glamor and glitter. He was very flamboyant - Gustav III! But boy are we Swedes lucky that we had him. He did so much for Swedish culture.

And the furniture pieces from that time are timeless and forever beautiful. Just look at that gray secretaire. It could move in with me any day! (The fire mantel too!)

Thank you for sharing. I feel at home here!

ox, Mon

Unknown said...

I totally agree with you! And I love all of the pictures you have shown!!! The Scandinavian style is wonderful!

:) T

The Tattered Cottage said...

Mary Ann -
Beautiful photos! I have always admired the Scandinavian style and you have shared some beautiful examples. I'm partial to the blue pieces, the dresser, desk and table. Thanks for sharing these lovely photos and the history.
Have a great day.
♥ Toni

M.L. @ The House of Whimsy said...

Wonderful photos!!! I loved them all! funny, I posted about furniture today, too! : )
Thank you for stopping by recently.
M.L.

Pemberley said...

Love your blog! I'm putting you on my blog roll. Thanks for stopping by mine and for the nice words.

Jessie at Gimlet Eye said...

Thank you for stopping by my blog and commenting! I love yours and am so so glad to have discovered it. So comprehensive and wonderful!

The Red Umbrella said...

These are delightful photos! Love the look.

lori miller vintage design co said...

Oh my God Chicka!! I am in lovE with all the furnishings in your photos. Chippy - painted - aged to perfection. L.O.V.E.

Thanks for the oh so sweet comments you left for me. You are too fun. I will have to spend more time here later when I can get comfortable and stay awhile.

~L~

trishie said...

i love these swedish styles!

Pauline Wiles said...

Fascinating - I didn't realize the style stemmed from financial embarrassment!

Laura said...

I love that blue dresser! All very pretty

Paris Pastry said...

This is so pretty! I love the rustic writing desks!

Miles Of Style said...

ahhmazing pics!

thanks for following my blog...i'm following yours too now! and hope to see more of such fabfulous posts soon.

Persis
www.onestylemile.blogspot.com

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