Thursday, May 17, 2012

What I Learned from my Book


Hello everyone!

I've been enjoying reading my new book that I mentioned in my last post.



  I was happy to hear that I inspired some of you to go out and buy it for yourself too!  Thought I would I would share some things I've learned about Swedish style since reading it.  I included some pics (not from the book) that might be inspirational too.
Ten Things I Learned
Light colors are used to counter act their long dreary winters.


Painted furniture came about as a result of some people not being able to afford fine mahogany.  So, they bought pine and painted it to look better.


The most popular paint colors used are white, pale grey and light blue.

Floors are usually painted white or stained in a light color.

Most kitchen tables are flanked by a window seat or bench on one side.


Unlined minimal window coverings are used so that more light can come inside.  There isn't alot of concern for privacy from the outside, in public areas of the house.


Mirrors and other reflective objects are commonly used to bounce light around the room.


Symmetry is very important when arranging furniture and accent pieces to a room.  It gives the feeling of order and calm.


Most of their houses are made of wood.


Most of their houses have a white painted fence around them.


I hope you found some of these facts interesting regarding Swedish style.  I know I sure did! 

Thanks for stopping by!

~ Kelly ~

All images via Google

Linking to:  Inspiration Friday

22 comments:

Angie said...

Such gorgeous photos! I love the room with the chandeliers and the valances in that great room. I am inspired! Angie

Daniela @Frugal Aint Cheap said...

Going Swedish? I actually have come to appreciate white as a color!

Cheri said...

You sure did give us lots of info...thanks. I love their use of color or lack of, makes it seem all clean and fresh.

Linda said...

Thanks for the info. You should get credit on all those who purchase this book. It's called networking.
My granddad was a Swede and our son
played hockey in Sweden. So I guess I'm a little Nordic.

Marie said...

LOVE that book. i have a similar book called 'scandinavia living design' but yours is much nicer!

Beth @A Little Country House said...

thanks for that. I love swedish style and am very attracted to the light and bright. I love the light floors too. Great photos!

Rosemary@villabarnes said...

Beautiful images. I do like Swedish interiors. Very serene.

NanaDiana said...

What great facts...I knew some of them but not all of them. I like how light and bright the interiors are in most Swedish homes. Thanks for sharing your book here- xo Diana

Tanna said...

Loved every single lesson!! Thanks, Kelly!! blessings ~ Tanna

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

What a great lesson Kelly. Your images are gorgeous!

lisag said...

Beautiful rooms Kelly. When did you find those locks from Wuslu?
Must have missed those!

Vickie @ Ranger 911 said...

Long winters. Short days. It sounds a lot like Minnesota! I better get out my bucket of white paint. :@

I love all the images you posted. They really do make me want to paint everything white.

jessica said...

Sounds like a winner of a book!! Must check it out!

Thanks for sharing :)

Toni said...

Beautiful images. I will have to look for the book. I thought I was already following you, but now am. Have a great weekend, Kelly.

bj said...

I just adore their styles. The blues, grays and whites are so pretty.
Thanks for sharing these images.
x bj

Sandy said...

I love the look of every room! Unfortunately, with our lifestyle the furniture would never stay clean but I really, really love the clean, calm look of the rooms.

This N That said...

I love the decor..I seem to have followed a lot of that style thru the years..Except for painted furniture..I love natural wood...Mahogany, cherry, oak..love the grains..Thanks for sharing...

Anne said...

Kelly,
That sounds like a great book.I missed this post.Too busy painting....again.I really love that style.
Anne

Shirley@Housepitality Designs said...

OK..I gotta add that book to my collection!!...I can see why you love that book so much...your home looks like many of the pages from that book....I love the images that you presented...and love, love picket fences...wish I could have one here...they are restricted....That HOA Architectural Board has no taste!....

PAT said...

Love this post, Kelly. I am trying to do some catching up this evening. I also enjoyed your beautiful lilacs.:-) I don't mind they are faux.

The book looks good. I think it is time to add to my library.

thistlewoodfarm said...

I love all the insights into Swedish style! What beautiful rooms in gray and khaki and those dishes hanging on the wall.

Thanks for all the inspiration.

blessings,
karianne

PS I really like your make-over, too!

SHERRY HART said...

Oh gosh...some good pinning there!