Royal Idea: Go Cozy and Refined With Gustavian Style
Adapt the milieu of an 18th-century Swedish king to bring soft elegance to a modern or contemporary room
I am a freelance interiors and design writer blogging at (http://www.madaboutthehouse.com/) and writing mainly for The Financial Times and The Independent
I am a freelance interiors and design writer blogging at (http://www.madaboutthehouse.com/)... More »
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Most of us tend to think that Scandinavian style is all one and the same, but in fact there are clear distinctions between the countries in this region. Whereas Danish interiors are very structural and almost architectural in look and feel, the typical Swedish home is softer and a little cozier while still looking elegant and refined.
The best known Swedish interior decor style is Gustavian, which dates back to the 1770s when the future King Gustav III returned home from the French court of Versailles. Inspired by what he had seen there, he created his own "Paris of the North." The resulting Gustavian style is a pared-back version of French rococo with neoclassical influences.
Here's how to create that Swedish style in your own home.
The best known Swedish interior decor style is Gustavian, which dates back to the 1770s when the future King Gustav III returned home from the French court of Versailles. Inspired by what he had seen there, he created his own "Paris of the North." The resulting Gustavian style is a pared-back version of French rococo with neoclassical influences.
Here's how to create that Swedish style in your own home.
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| Typical Swedish style is quite homey and warm, making it easier to adapt to many homes than its more stark Danish cousin. The soft palette of chalky whites and pale grays here pays tribute to this style while still feeling modern and fresh. |
The Gustavian color palette also includes lots of soft yellows, often accompanied by soothing, contrasting blues. If the traditional gray and white feel too cool for your scheme, then warm them up with a yellow wall.
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| Fabulous lighting, a key element of Gustavian style, adds detail to a neutral background. In this room the decorative chandeliers contrast perfectly with the clean backdrop. |
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by Dreamy Whites
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| A longcase (grandfather) clock often appears in Swedish homes.This particular clock is a Mora, named after the town in Sweden where it was first made. You can still track down an original, but many modern companies now sell clocks inspired by those first ones. |
Gustavian style also makes use of gilded accessories. Mirrors, wall sconces and touches of gold on furniture will all add to this look. If you can't find something authentic, sometimes a quick burst of gold spray paint can add an instant Gustavian touch.
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by Chris Snook
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| Simple blue and white gingham fabrics were often used in 18th-century Sweden, and they still look modern now. Scatter a couple of blue and white cushions for a timeless and elegant feel. Look for modern fabrics in simple graphic patterns in blue and white and use them to update your own spaces. |
by Splendid Willow
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Gustavian furniture is often recognized by its carved legs. The popular shabby chic style owes its origins to Gustavian painted furniture. If you're not sure what pieces to start with for Swedish or Gustavian style, look for something that feels shabby chic.
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by French Larkspur
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| This style's painted furniture evolved among the middle and lower classes. Originally only the nobility could afford mahogany furniture — everyone else had painted pine, which was much more affordable. The pale colors also help reflect light during the long, dark winters. |
by Chris A. Dorsey
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While not traditionally Gustavian, painted furniture in a Swedish-inspired blue can mimic this style in a more contemporary manner. Farrow & Ball's Hague Blue paint is a great example, and it contrasts perfectly with the lovely warm yellow called Citron.
Here, the soft gray-blue, pop of yellow, painted white shelves and natural floorboards are a more clean and modern interpretation of this classic style.
by Adrienne Chinn
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Or go for something much bolder, like this bright blue armoire.
What Gustavian elements does your home have? Share a photo in the Comments section below!
What Gustavian elements does your home have? Share a photo in the Comments section below!
Ideabook published on Feb. 9, 2013.
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A lot of French elements mix well with Gustavian, especially Louis XV and XVI.
My Louis XV bed came from Ballard.
Katrin Cargill's Creating the Look Swedish Style has been very helpful.