A Swedish Treat For A Cold, Winter Night!
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.
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!
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.
A beautiful set of dishes behind a glass fronted cabinet.
A wonderful gilt clock hangs from the wall over a Gustavian chest. The ribbed wood is typical of Gustavian decoration.
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.
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.
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.
