Saturday, December 27, 2008

A Swedish Treat For A Cold, Winter Night!

 

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As seen in the new French Elle Decor.   Since I don’t speak French – I can only surmise what the captions say!  Two Swedish antique dealers chose the Gustavian style for their home.  I love this picture of the enfilade – or rooms that are set up next to each other, without any halls.  This enfilade is comprised of three different rooms, at least.    I love how the floors are untreated – or I should probably say “look” untreated.  I suspect it took a lot of work to make these floors look so perfectly raw!!    While Americans think of Gustavian furniture as mostly painted gray – red paint was another popular finish as the chair in this picture shows.

 

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A living area is furnished with gray painted consoles and table.    The arm chairs wear a blue checked fabric on the back.  The walls are faux painted.  Notice the beautiful oils – especially the round portrait on the fireplace.   A tall clock is to the right – not the typical Swedish Mora clocks Americans are so used to.  I think this room is very charming!

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Looking into the dining room and onto the kitchen area.  Here you can see how the faux painting actually is two toned, imitating a wainscoting.  The crystal chandelier is a  hallmark of a Gustavian interior. 

 

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A beautiful set of dishes behind a glass fronted cabinet.

 

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A wonderful gilt clock hangs from the wall over a Gustavian chest.  The ribbed wood is typical of Gustavian decoration.

 

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Small round table, armoire and chandelier.   Notice the thick Belgian type linen napkins and the adorable iron wine holder – these holders are popular items at antique shops.

 

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Two pairs of barrel back Swedish chairs share space with a gilt and marble console.  These types of chairs were very popular then, as they are today. Notice the beautiful clock on the console.    The shades are simple white linen, a typical authentic Swedish design.

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The Salon is a gorgeous room – the long Swedish sofa is gray with a gilded shell motif.  There are at least three mirrors, one rests on the settee.  Notice the candles attached to the mirror – this form of sconce was popular in Sweden – a very dark country during the winter – this way, the candlelight was reflected causing maximum illumination.  Just beautiful.