Color Outside the Lines: 05/25/11

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!