Swedish Design in Florida Cottage

Some time ago, we perused designs originating from different countries.....today, I would like to feature Swedish design - American style.

This Florida vacation home is owned by Joanne Barwick, author of Scandinavian Country, interior designer, furniture designer and former editor-in-chief of House Beautiful.  

You will note throughout the cottage almost all of her wooden furniture is painted white or some shade of blue.  The blue and white palette is very Swedish and so is painted furniture.  She also uses comfortable and easy care textiles, such as linens and ticking, and textures from seagrass to wicker.  And finally, the Swedish look is topped off by the constant flood of light thoughout the open concept main floor.

Her accessories of art, hydrangeas, seashells, pillows and plants complete the look.

She and her husband were successful in achieving the look they desired when they built this cottage, as the "views, natural light and easy elegance" are perfectly defined.

What a lovely, relaxed, cool and charming summer home!

Living room

Living room

Seashell collection

Painted chest

Dining room with seashell

encrusted bust in background

Bedroom corner vignette

Bedroom

Bedroom corner vignette

Bednook the grandchildren

fought over - no wonder!

Gazebo dining

Gazebo relaxation

All images via Traditional Home



A Southampton Home by Meg Braff

This is a pretty house with interior designs by Meg Braff.

Since the house is located in East Hampton, New York, I immediately thought the color scheme was based on the surrounding scene of sky and ocean (blue), sand (sisal, toile and stripes in master bedroom) and the natural third accent color would have been yellow to represent the sun.  But, I was wrong.

As I perused the images, I saw the third accent color was green.  Aha!  Never assume anything!

As I read the interview with the designer, I realized it was the living room painting over the fireplace from which she drew her colors.  It's one of her favorite 1960's Swedish artists, Gustav Bolin, whose works she collects.  Although the clients were at first hesitant about the painting, Meg convinced them to try it for a month and they were thrilled with the final results.

And therein lies the secret of easy color combinations by designers.  I've heard it over and over again......if you are not sure where to start with a room color scheme, use a favorite piece of art, fabric or colorful carpet.....after all, the artists and designers of all of these items are master colorists.    

We all know that the artist, Matisse, is famous as a master colorist, so I was intrigued to read some time ago, that he used fabrics of the time to gather his color schemes.  Interesting!!

Enjoy!

All images via House Beautiful