Swedish design

Swedish Furniture

The Swedes and their nearby neighbors in Norway have long been known for a rather unique style known as ‘Scandinavian’ or Swedish and characterized by its heavy use of unfinished woods and simple but elegant lines. There are variants such as ‘Country,’ ‘Nordic,’ and ‘American’ Swedish design as well as true Scandinavian design which should really be classified as its own unique style - but all hark back to the roots of Sweden, the dark and long winters there and the ancient Viking past.

With a history ranging more then 9,000 years B.C. the Swedes were traders and pillagers long before many countries were even formed, and this allowed them to access to many materials and ideas that might not have come to them naturally had they been less adventuresome.

The dark winters and early nights of Sweden are the cause for their preferences to light colors, bright lighting and light-colored unfinished woods, all of which are now combined with non-traditional elements inspired by but not from Swedish history.

The end result of these elements was the basis for the so-called ‘Swedish’ style created and popularized by Carl Larsson in the early 1900’s – this style which was based upon trends necessary to overcome the long dark winters and lack of natural light in the Swedish homeland features light, lustrous and pale colors and furnishings as well as reflective surfaces and minimal clutter.

Perhaps nothing characterizes the style as well as the use of whites, creams and light blues in various pale shades that are used on almost any surface.

Often seen on walls, flooring or furniture as well as accessories and draperies they are set off by light shades of pink, gray, yellow and gray with some darker accents of gold and red occasionally used for drama and to set off a space.

White and blue are by far the most popular colors in the Swedish style color palette however, with the feeling of clear skies and the ability to be combined with whit cream yellow gold and red to create a feeling of a sunset blue skies and white clouds are at the core of the basic color palette.

The accent colors, especially when used in modestly designed floral patterns or in striped or checked fabrics help avoid too unadorned a look and retain interest and focus where desired.

Swedish style furnishings avoid too many intricate carvings or styles relying more on a simple mix of straight and gently curved edges with delicate and often tapered bottoms which end in traditional round or squared off edges. Beds typically show off simple wood lines occasionally with upholstered headboards or footboards, and in more elaborate instances show off yards of light or white-colored fabrics in a canopy either hanging from the ceiling or from the wall. The ‘country’ Swedish look is often achieved by using nooks, trundle and daybeds rather then a large piece which would not have fit in smaller country Swedes homes.

Benches and stands are very common and typically have six legs with an upholstered top, rectangular or even a narrow long style is traditional. Sofas normally use light-colored wood framework with very little upholstery and often have removable seat cushions done up in the light colors and styles previously mentioned.

The woods used in floors, cabinetry and furnishings are almost always the lighter woods such as beech, birch, white pine and alder and are often ‘whitewashed’ or lightly stained with white or pale tints but never painted or stained with dark stains or colors. When furnishings are painted (normally white or cream) often accent pieces in the same color with stenciling and hand-painting are used to bring out the color and placed on nearby locations.

Simple carved accents are used on some pieces of furniture, especially on fluted legs and mirror frames and leaded glass windows, high ceilings, wall moldings and reflective mirrors and sconces are often placed on walls to increase and reflect existing light which is typically a mix of simple hanging fixtures, wall sconces and lamps.

Light, bright and airy in white blue and light colors like yellow with accents of red and gold and minimal clutter is the key to this style. Keep it simple, elegant and restrained with light colored floors and fabrics and put the detail into the simple accessories and touches not readily apparent and you’ll have a home any Swede would be pleased to call ‘their’ style!

Home decoration’s ageless favorite

The comforting elegance of grander times and the classic furnishing designs of gracious living converge into a traditional style that is clearly America’s most popular decorating theme. Based upon styling first popularized in the 18th and 19th centuries, Traditional deco rating’s long history and survival comes from an ability to adapt to lifestyle changes. Avoiding signs of aging is Traditional rare hallmark.

Traditional Decorating pedigree

Color or texture might be the primary element in some decorating styles. In yet another, it could be the geometry of the design. Traditional decoration relies upon the commanding presence of finely crafted woodworking for it’s pedigree.

Three hundred years after their introduction, Queen Anne colors, Chippendale and Thomas Sheraton furniture designs are conceded to be the universal benchmark of craftsmanship and lines of design.

Modern renditions have relaxed the historical code to suit. But, enough of the classic identifying remain.

Gracefully refined Queen Anne pieces are characterized by ball and claw footed cabriole legs, violin chair backs, inlay surfaces, s-curve lines, shell motifs and decorative turned finials. Some pieces are oriental lacquer finished, most are varnished.

Chippendale elaborated on the Queen Anne styling for his own distinctive fashion. Some lines were straightened but, in a gentle way. Greater and more elaborate use of artistic embellishment account for most of the recognizable differences. Motif and ornamentation come in more choices, greater use of carving and the addition of fretwork perfected the Chippendale trademark.

You should start with choice furniture pieces, then work out from there. Don’t be afraid to mix these two anchoring sty lings. Antique and newer replica versions can be placed side by side.

A sofa addition for example, can even be a complete departure from these main sty lings and still be a very nice fit. In fact, you should work toward developing a discriminating eye for pleasing yet versatile combinations throughout the entire breadth of your Traditional decorating project.

Lots of freedom

You’ll be happy to know once some choices have been made about furniture pieces; the door to the Traditional home is open for lots of personal preference. What’s right for you is probably one of the main reasons Traditional provides such personal warmth and has managed to keep it’s place against all comers in the popularity race.

Traditional Color and Texture

Key here is to keep in mind that most everything you do is designed to let the main furnishing stay center stage.

Paint for walls are generally in the mid-tone range –nothing startling. Rather than going to the color samples with a pre-determined idea of what you are after, try reviewing them with the idea of pausing on those tones which impart a feeling of comfort upon your mind. Once you have found the range, work combinations of wall colors which blend into one another in a manner that minimizes distinguishable transition lines. Room changes should be subtle as well. Let color flow through the home without jarring changes.

Generally use the lighter tones on your walls. Introduce slightly deeper hues in your choice of window covering and upholstery fabric. Deepen the hue ever so slightly again when choosing accessory fabric and floor coverings.

Fabrics in a traditional room tend to take the middle road as well. Texture isn’t coarse but neither are they too shiny. Commonly used fabrics are chintz, crewel, or velvet in solids, tone on tone, and faintly detailed all-over patterns.

Hardwood strip flooring with area rugs under furniture settings is a widely seen practice. Most homeowners continue to enjoy the warmth and sound damping qualities of wall to wall carpeting but, note that a shift to Berber is the popular way to go.

 Accessorizing the Traditional way

This is your opportunity to give that comfy, homey, feel to the scene you’ve set. The most successful traditional interiors are those that accessorize somewhere well below the limit of becoming “clutterizing”.

You’re best striking a distinguishable balance by using objects in pairs. A pair of lamps. Two potted plants, two but not necessarily matched urns. A matched set of framed prints. Do things this way and you telegraph your personal sense of order to visitors.

Lighting is direct and classic. Lamps with plain shades, sconce lighting, a bankers lamp on a desk are all familiar and expected.

The dinning room and bedrooms will feature crisply clean linens. White for dinning and perhaps a muted plaid worked with slightly off white for the bed. Predictability is expected. Comfort food that’s by no means boring.

The final word

Your traditionally decorated home is a success if you can feel wrapped in a comfortably homey, understated ambiance. You will be using many of the same Traditional trademark items such as fine woodwork and graceful lines as others undertaking their own projects but you can still show your own underlining identity.