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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.
by swedish interior design
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.
by Scandiadecor.com  
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.
by Howard Bankston & Post
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.
by Dreamy Whites  
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.
by Scandiadecor.com
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 Chris Snook
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.
by Splendid Willow
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 French Larkspur
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.
by Chris A. Dorsey
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 Dijeau Poage Construction  
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!
by Adrienne Chinn

Comments

Lanie Brown I'm starting to see the differences between Scandinavian/Danish/Swedish. I prefer Swedish because it is softer and more gilded. I also like the modern take with bolder accent colors like a more cobalt blue. Thank you for the education, Kate.
3 months ago · ·
Kate Rakena What a beautiful house you have created.
3 months ago ·
Kate Rakena Oops, I mean, what a beautiful collection of rooms in that genre of design. Inspirational.
3 months ago · ·
Jean Corey I love the mirror with the medallion inset and the large round framed medallion. I wish I knew where to buy things like that.
3 months ago · ·
bellefonte Yes more examples of international design please!
3 months ago ·
patscats2 Beautiful.
3 months ago ·
designchallenged Every one of the above rooms is beautiful.
3 months ago ·
mccutcheon1 I got a 5 drawer dresser from realgustavian.com. It is a reproduction but made in Sweden the traditional way, linseed paint and all. I love it! I shopped everywhere, but this baby is pretty without being childish, and it's made of solid wood. I picked the style and color, RG ordered it just for me. After looking at so many junky pieces made of glue and sawdust, the price felt justified.
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.
3 months ago · ·
Fretworks Designs, LLC A beautiful collection. Thank you!
3 months ago ·
victoran Love the elegance and strong use of white and light blue to bring light into homes. Sweden's Carl Larsson also has an amazing home...many books about this marvelous artist & his wife's tapestry and their magnificent home in Sweden.
3 months ago · ·
melwoody Now to try and find a Mora clock in Western Australia?! They are divine!
3 months ago ·
madaboutdesign0924 Both my mother's parents were Swedish immigrants. I have looked into Swedish design before, and I have to say that I love these pictures. It's a bit more feminine and homey than I've seen before, but still in a way, a nod toward minimal. Fresh is a good word. The clock is amazing.
3 months ago · ·
CAROLE MEYER Very pretty!
3 months ago ·
stephaniebauerle Hallelujah! There is a name for what I have always liked!
3 months ago · ·
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