So, here's the thing. I love Scandinavian style. I do. I love the crisp white walls and natural materials. I do.
Buuuuuut...so does everyone else. And I'm speaking from what I know now, which is Denmark. For the most part a standard apartment has the white walls, white or natural floors, and beautiful modern classic Danish furniture or an inspired nod to it. Or Ikea. There are lots of neutrals and then a pop of color now and again.* If you had asked me to define my interior style prior to moving to Scandinavia I would have said a mix of French/Swedish Gustavian (read here for a short history of the style. So interesting!) and loads of color and humor. I'm learning that Gustavian hasn't remained much in Denmark (if it ever made it's way here? anyone know?). I'm thinking it must be strictly Swedish.** Here's what I'm talking about when I say Gustavian:
Now, these are a little too toned down & mature for me. What I'd do is blend the two styles together to get the best of both worlds. Domino (RIP) was quite good at achieving this eclectic mix of historical and modern. This one, below, is an apartment in Malmø, Sweden, just across the water from us in Copenhagen. I'd probably add in some more historical pieces with fun colors & patterns to achieve my ideal look, but I think they did a great job modernizing an historical apartment.
I'd also take advantage of the wonderfully bright patterns and colors that Scandinavians have come to perfect like Josef Frank's. Joanna Goddard recently showed her apartment redo and added in his fabric. I thought it was a clever way of adding color and history.
I realize that I don't talk about Scandinavian style enough and I need to take advantage of my surroundings and focus my design eye while I'm here. I'm going to try and feature more interiors/products. If you see anything noteworthy or know of any awesome designers, let me know.
1st and 3rd photos from Emma's Design Blogg
2nd photo from Line Klein
Gustavian entry and living room found here
Joanna Goddard's bedroom with Josef Frank
Wallpapered entry
**Though Denmark once governed Sweden. I'll have to check my dates. I would think there should be some overlap.
14 comments:
I think you should definitely tell us more about the design you're surrounded by! I'd be so interested to hear your thoughts on all things Scandi since you're in the heart of it! Meanwhile, I haven't a clue what style surrounds me in Dublin. Georgian with an overwhelming wallop of nouveau riche, perhaps? ;)
I would love to learn more about the Scandinavian style surrounding you - my husband's family is Danish and we hope to visit Denmark later this year to see them. I've loved reading through your posts and learning about Denmark through you! Anything you have to share on the design front would be amazing.
Yes, more of Scandinavia design! And go with your gut when it comes to decorating. Do what YOU love. I definitely was bummed I didn't get to see you at Alt, but there's a chance we might be taking a trip to Scandinavia this fall, so maybe we'll get to see you!
what?! You might be coming to scandinavia?! come to denmark! I'd love to see you!
so fun to hear everyone's scandinavian connections!
I am so glad to know that I am not the only one who faces this. As a fellow american here in DK, I feel the pull to blend in and put my best Scandinavian "design foot" forward. And truthfully, I absolutely ADORE Danish design, but I feel like I would lose the essential flavors of our family to simply emulate someone else's style. We've gone for a more Domino style, just mixing in what we have bought along the way while embracing what is available here (yup, more Danish!) A few of my friends have told me that I decorate like an old lady (and dress like one too!) but I just stick my tongue out and say, "well, I don't know any little old ladies who have a house like mine!" Ok, so I don't actually stick my tongue out. Usually, I just sulk for a few days and eventually just realize that I'm different and I'm me and that is just fine!
Did you know the editor of Domino has an online magazine now called Lonnymag.com (London-NY)? It filled the hole Domino left.
hi April, thanks for the tip. I love Lonny!
hi...i have read tons on gustavian style, and i mean books full...and i do not believe it to be part of the history of denmark...it is named after king gustav the 3rd and was a backlash to rococo, but done in less costly woods like pine and whitewashed...i have an overview on my blog, if that may interest you have a peek...
having just found your blog i will check back as i love scandinavian design also...
Hi Dawn,
Thanks for your comment. It's so nice to have feedback from an expert. Do you have some favorite books that you would recommend? I'd love to read more about it. I'm going to have to follow your blog now to learn more. Thanks for your comment!
@Traveling Mama,
I'm so glad I'm not the only one! You can totally stick out like a sore thumb here if you don't have all the same stuff in your place. You certainly have to have the confidence to pull off your own style. Let's do this!
LOVE LOVE LOVE this post, and love your style. About the Scandinavian dilemma, I'm no interior designer, but I feel like so long as there are pieces in a home that are specific to the people living there, it won't look like everyone else's place. For example, oversized black & whites framed in Gustavian-style frames. Or silhouettes of you and Paul in those frames. Or I could see you designing something like a Jepsen family crest. Just brainstorming ideas out loud... Not that you need ideas by any stretch of the imagination; you have no shortage of creativity or originality! Thanks for such a fun and inspiring post!
@Janna, I agree. Things to personalize the space or things that really mean something to the people living there. Often times I find that the downfall of an interior designer is that they fill a home with things that mean nothing to their client. For myself, I love choosing things that I really really love.
At night when I can't sleep, I look through my copy of The Swedish House: http://www.amazon.com/Swedish-House-Ingalill-Snitt/dp/1580931294
Crazy gorgeous, and very related. The prints also remind me of Charley Harper, enjoying quite the revival in the US. I am now imagining an American-Midwestern-Scandinavian decor style...
oh wow. what a great reference. I'll have to check it out. Thanks for the tip Amber! I can totally imagine the midwest/Scandinavian too....but definitely with an Americana twist.
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