Royal Idea: Go Cozy and Refined With Gustavian Style
by Kate Watson-Smyth · 11 photos · 14 comments
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
What Gustavian elements does your home have? Share a photo in the Comments section below!
Latest Ideabooks
People found the photos in this ideabook after searching for:
View over a million photos:
Find Local Pros by Category:
Architects & Designers · Carpet and Flooring · Closet & Home Storage Designers · Design-build Firms · Fireplaces · General Contractors · Home Media Design & Installation · Interior Designers & Decorators · Kitchen & Bath Designers · Landscape Architects & Designers · Landscape Contractors · Specialty Contractors · Tile, Stone & Countertops
Find Local Pros by Metro Area:
Atlanta · Austin · Baltimore · Boston · Chicago · Dallas · Dc Metro · Denver · Detroit · Hawaii · Houston · Las Vegas · Los Angeles · Miami · Minneapolis · Nashville · New Orleans · New York · Philadelphia · Phoenix · Portland · Salt Lake City · San Diego · San Francisco · Seattle · St Louis





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.