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Part of the fun – and sometimes the frustration too – of changing your home decor scheme is figuring out a decor style you want to at least loosely follow.
Country style interiors have been popular for decades, but sometimes all that rustic, darker decor is just too much for a modern urban home. But that does not mean you should discount that welcoming country decor vibe, just perhaps consider something different, like the wonderfully modern yet still cozy look of Swedish country home decor.
The History of Swedish Country Home Decor
The Swedish style of interior design is generally accepted to be influenced by two distinct styles (and no, one is not Ikea!) Those are the 18th-century neoclassical decor known as the Gustavian style and Swedish Country Style, which was mostly influenced by Carl Larsson, Sweden’s best known artist, and Karin Larsson , a textile designer (who did influence the items sold in Ikea.)
The Gustavian style was heavily influenced by French stylings of the time but the Swedish lightened the color schemes and stripped back the ideas, removing a lot of the most elaborate of embellishments for a softer, more casual look.
When the Larssons decided to use the style in their own country home (where they raised eight children) they simplified it even further, adding more light wooden looks and using cheaper materials that the average family could afford. By the time Carl Larsson died in 1919, the style had become popular all over Sweden and was moving across Europe as well. As Swedes immigrated to the USA they took brought their style with them too.
Here are a few tips for recreating the beautifully elegant Swedish country style in your own home:
The Gustavian style colors are light and fresh. Winter whites, soft creams grays and pastel shades of blue, pink, yellow and green.
The Larssons, in creating Swedish Country style added deeper accent colors as well, darker reds, brighter yellows and even golds.
Choose furniture that is made from light blond woods. Light oak, white pine alder and beech are all common choices.
Fresh cut flowers and naturally influenced accessories and trinkets are always considered to be an important part of the Swedish decor style as are woven textiles and blankets scattered around.
Large central light fixtures rarely play a huge role in Swedish decor, and for lighting it relies on a mixture of table lamps, sconces and decorative candle lamps instead.
Window treatments are light and unobtrusive – white muslin drapes, light fabric Roman blinds, or even slated wooden blinds are usually a great choice.
Love this style but unsure how to incorporate it in your home? We can help. Our team of experienced home decorators can help you create a look that is unique to your home while incorporating elements of your favorite design and decorating choices, including the light and airy Swedish country decor looks we’ve discussed here. Contact us today to get started.
Working with Taya and her team is easy. You can book an appointment easily on her website, or contact her directly at 832-271-7608
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