A friend reminded me last week about Sweden being a design inspiration beyond what goodies they gift us at IKEA. Not that IKEA isn’t AMAZING. I friggin’ love IKEA and frequently can be found wandering the aisles while claimed by “Acute IKEA Blindness” (i.e. when you go to IKEA, seemingly black out from the overwhelming choices and then resume consciousness in your car amongst a pile of purchases you don’t need like $2 wine glasses, potato peelers, toilet scrubbers, bath mats, packs of 5 zillion tea lights, vases, random chairs, desk lamps and frozen meatballs.) But I digress. I think Swedish interiors are the perfect inspiration for the new year, being so crisp and bright with the air of a fresh start. Hardly formulaic though, you can decorate using inspiration from either a more modern manner or with antique, Gustavian inspired pieces. Or better yet, combine both!
Get the look with these pieces (click picture for links):
I love that Swedish design is fresh, clean, and timeless. Especially with grays being “all the rage” you can’t go wrong. Your suggested items are so on point! Great post.
I’m hoping the photo of the beautiful grey kitchen is a restaurant. Otherwise, HOLY WINE GLASSES!!!
Loving the all-white furniture- how aspirational!
Looove bentwood cafe chairs. One of my lifelong design goals is to have those surrounding my dining table.
WOW! That kitchen! Loooove it! And I love all the white with pops of bright color!
I love the lightness and brightness of Swedish design. I plan to incorporate some of that style into my home this year.
Love the kitchen!
all the images have a quietness about them… yet so clean and refreshing…
Swedish Inspired Interiors are some of my favorites. These images you chose are amazing! (Love IKEA too!)
those floating stairs are so cool! (and a little bit scary)
This comment is totally off topic – but I wanted to say a big thank you for the tip on the Frye-look-a-like boots at Target. I’m a newbie to your blog and while browsing the archives I came across your post awhile back. I promptly called my nearby Target stores and was able to reach a most helpful woman named Laurie in the Framingham store who patiently looked for them and found my size (which is rare in any shoe store!). I am now the proud owner of a pair of 5.5s and am so thrilled! Thanks for that and all the great style tips and your down to earth design inspiration! Best of luck with the new studio space!
How funny that you posted this today as I was just reading about IKEA’s introduction of limited addition Billy bookcases. Your post totally made me think about it again!
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2009/sep/22/ikea-billy-bookcase
I am kind of feeling it.
i adore swedish design. always have. you can just breathe. i swear white has just got to be the new black. i love white. my new fav.
what a fabulous collection of Swedish style! Especially loving that kitchen with the marble benchtops and the room eith the black and white seat cushions. All so sleek, yet inviting!
My absolute favorite style this year, Swedish. Love every picture-want to live in every room.
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I can’t stop starting at the hanging bulb chandelier!
I’m not sure how I stumbled upon your page but I’m bookmarking and following it! Picture after picture of beautiful rooms! And your new years eve outfits were stunning as well-
I adore the kitchen with the golden accents. I’m hoping to bring home a thrift store dresser tomorrow that will need a bit of a makeover. That photo is now the direction in which it will be heading.
Clue me into IKEA. If I remember correctly they have very few stores in the US. And the thought of ordering was cost prohibitive. So where and how can I shop with them?
Thanks,
nancy
While I love all these gorgeous white pics, I have an extremely Swedish sister-in-law whose house and homes in Sweden look nothing like this. She definitely favours light clean floors but has interesting bold pops of colour all over her house, even her couch is green!
Yes! I am Swedish and I love Swedish style!
I love this style! I wish I could use more white in my house, it is so crisp and refreshing!
Hi Erin,
I am trying to find some fabulous wallpaper to put in my dining room. I absolutely love the black on black floral wallpaper posted above (in your Swedish post). Can you let me know who the designer is? Love your blog!!! -Heather
Hi Erin,
Happy New Year! I love so much of this post on white. Especially after all the color overload during the holidays, I’m ready for a fresh white start….thanks also for the great links…very helpful. Lisa