Wednesday, May 25, 2011

TUESDAY: Inspiring Spaces by Edie Van Breems & Rhonda Eleish

When it comes to Swedish inspired spaces, it's hard to know whether to call it Swedish, Gustavian, French, Italian, sometimes even Dutch. And if you're in the same boat, don't worry! There IS a reason we're all so confused! Sweden embraced international decorative arts and culture during the reign of Gustav III (1746-1792), who hired English, Dutch, Italian, and French cabinetmakers, painters, and plasterers to redo his royal palace in the neoclassical fashion favored by Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. (Go figure the Swede's would embrace culture in the 1700's!)

While pouring over images for inspiration these past few weeks, I found more and more rooms designed by designers and purveyors of fine Swedish, Gustavian, and French antiques: Edie Van Breems and Rhonda Eleish. Partners in their Connecticut based antique store for many years, the two feed off of each other to purchase, collect, and design the most amazing pieces and rooms for clients, magazines, and TWO books: Swedish Country Interiors and Swedish Interiors. Having a similar heritage and interest in Sweden, both Breems and Eleish incorporate the historical components of Swedish design and the philosophy of it, into their interior design work with a particular emphasis on comfort, elegance, and soft light. I've included pictures from their portfolio, which you can find here, and from their books (with credit if available to the designer/homeowner) which you can purchase online here (which I intend to purchase) and here (which I own and can't put down!!). Enjoy!









In their two books, Eleish and Van Breems showcase homes from across the United States that are varied in scale, style, and interpretation. Among them, Van Breem's own home.

Focus on the clock/secretary hybrid in Shannon Newsom's home, owner of Wisteria.com and daughter-in-law of Veranda editor, Linda Newsom. Oh, and if that wasn't illustrious enough, her mom is famed Houston designer, Jane Moore. What a bloodline those kid's will have!
Another clock/secretary combination in the home of Linda Kennedy.


 Home of collector, designed by New Orleans interior designer Gerrie Bremermann.
 Home of Studio White on White owner, Lena Kaplan.
The home of famed interior designer, Lars Bolander. Another proponent of Swedish design, and future Tuesday post designer.
(Pictures 13, 14, 15, 16 sourced here.)

9 comments:

  1. Such gorgeous rooms....thanks for all the fabulous eye candy and inspiration!!!!
    ~Des

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks for all those pictures... The more I see of that "Sweddish/Gustavian/..." style, the more I understand what I want to "steal" from it and what I don't want to keep! It really helps.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I never really had much exposure to Swedish design until I went to Sweden, strangely enough, it is quite prevalent over there (LOL!) I fell in love with it, especially those grandfather style clocks! Thanks for sharing these beautiful images, such a pleasure to visit your blog. I hope you're doing well!

    Hugs, B.

    p.s. Hi to Mrs. Ben if she happens by!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Gorgeous, white and fresh interiors! I love all that white, I don't know if I can have it, I'm sure my little ones won't keep it spotless! I am going to remodel my bedroom with all white! Thank you for sharing it with us. Have a nice weekend.
    FABBY

    ReplyDelete
  5. Perfection simply stated! It is certainly understable why the style is growing to be a favourite.
    -Brenda-

    ReplyDelete
  6. Wonderful spaces! I'm loving the country feel to it! Enjoy the beautiful week ahead, Kellie xx

    ReplyDelete
  7. Okey,Thanks for posting this article and for sharing those tips and advices. Keep posting articles like this!and i like it

    ReplyDelete
  8. Such gorgeous rooms....thanks for all the fabulous eye candy and inspiration!!!!
    Vans for Sale

    ReplyDelete
  9. Home decor is a trend which is becoming very popular with passing time. There are many professional Vintage Interior Design New Orleans decor services available in the market that can help you with the best facilities. When it comes to changing the whole look of any place or interiors, it is important that you bank on the best decor services. There are plenty of such professional Antiques New Orleans service providers.

    ReplyDelete