Beautiful Kitchens from Sweden

I have the featured the beautiful Swedish kitchen design firm, Kvänum Kok in the past. They are a high end kitchen cabinet and design firm that is very well respected all over Scandinavia. They have some new designs, which are so beautiful, that I wanted to give you another peek. Take a look at this first gorgeous kitchen, with my favorite, white cabinetry. Though I think white cabinetry is the ultimate classic, some may say it is getting boring, as it seems to be featured more and more. This kitchen, though is anything but boring! Several elements take it from ordinary to extraordinary. First, lets look at the cabinets themselves. I have long favored the X cross upper cabinets, and actually used Kvänum Kok as my inspiration for my own kitchen. Read about my kitchen here. Second, I was actually stopped in my tracks by the beautiful backsplash tile. It reminds me of Delft antique tiles. On a wall that has no windows or interesting architectural features, it is amazing how tiles and cabinets can transform a boring, blank wall into the most gorgeous focal point.

Another key to this beautiful space is the wonderful light from the spectacular arched doors. Not all of us are able to incorporate such a stunning feature in our designs, but it is always important to note, how much beauty natural light can bring to a space. Finally the stove is striking. I am in love with stoves that also are works of art and this one is lovely.

Moving on to another kitchen, the one above is part of their newest line. Notice the upper cabinets have been replaced by open shelving. No upper cabinets seem to be a trend worldwide. To read more about this trend click here.

Though the kitchen is not huge by American standards, it is thoughtfully designed, including a freestanding butler's pantry, for extra dishes and glassware. Again light plays an important role with sun streaming in from two sides.

Here is the family room adjacent to the kitchen. Though not part of the kitchen space, I wanted to include it because it is such a pretty room. I love the beamed ceiling and horizontal beadboard walls. Notice the high shelf which acts a bookcase. Also the bleached wood floors which are distinctly Swedish. For more inspiration, read my previous posts on Kvänum Kok here or visit their website here.

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Finally congratulations Victoria at VictoriaArt -please email your mailing address so I can send you off the copy of Slow Love by Dominique Browning. Special thanks to Dominique for both the book and the wonderful interview which you can read here.

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(all photos property of Kvänum Kok )

Welcome! A Swedish Home Tour

Did you ever wonder who actually lives in those homes that are shown in the magazines? Or, what happens when the actual owners decide to move? You might recognize this home from an older issue of Better Homes and Gardens. It is located in North Carolina and is currently for sale. I was over at Harmony and Home a few weeks ago and she had taken her readers through a tour. I thought the house was unique enough that you might want a second a look if you missed it the first time around.

Built like a traditional Swedish Country home the owners made several trips to Sweden for inspiration.

Inspired by the famous painter Carl Larsson of Sweden, who is known for his charming artwork and his book "At Home", in which he drew scenes of domestic life; the owners tried to capture many of the same qualities of the Larsson House in Sundborn.

Here is the actual Larsson house, which is now a museum in Sweden. Can you see the similarities??

Carl Larsson and his wife, Karin, lived in this country cottage at Sundborn, which the couple took over in 1888 from Karin’s father. He and his wife Karin are credited with the bright colors associated with the Swedish country style. The house was something of a revelation in rural Sweden at the end of the 19th century. The colors of red and green in the dining room, and yellow, blue and white in the living room, provide iconic images of simplicity that typifies the Swedish country style. Much like America's Norman Rockwell, Larsson became quite famous by depicting the images of everyday life in his artwork.

Both images above give you a flavor of what lies ahead in the home that is for sale. For more information on Carl Larsson and Karin click here.
Upon entering the North Carolina home you can feel the influence of Larsson. Although the traditional bold colors are not really my style or taste, when the colors are more subdued I find the style very charming. And, I do really like this entryway. The painted woodwork in a soft blue and the wonderful detailed painted flower swags are very pretty. I also like the pale yellow Swedish bench and very pale floors.
The living room is awash in blue and white. In any style and in any decor blue and white is always a classic. The fireplace is hand painted to elicit the feeling of an old fashioned Swedish stove. Again notice the wonderful hand painted walls. I think this room is lovely. Here is the dining room and it very much captures the true Swedish country feeling. Some things to note are the high beadboard walls capped with a shelf, and the use of teals, reds and yellows. If you look at the Larsson artwork above you can really see the similarities in architecture. Here is a close up - notice the Swedish words painted on the walls, the cupboard and red check.

The kitchen truly makes you step back in time. I must say I much prefer my white an gray kitchen, but I applaud the owners for almost perfectly capturing the feel of a true Swedish country kitchen.

Here is a close up of the detailed hand painting.

Here we see the more hand painting

Most striking to me is this entry way open to the second floor. Notice the spectacular railing detail.

This bedroom takes you back to the part of Swedish decor that resonates so strongly with me. the soft blues, whites and gauzy sheer curtains.

Finally the master bedroom. This room would look lovely in any house. It is the classic blue and white again, mixed with wonderful French inspired reproduction furniture. Of note is the fabulous Swedish bench at the foot of the bed.

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Though not a home for everyone - I thought it was a good lesson in identifying what parts of the Swedish decor that you like and can use in your own home. To check out the real estate listing which has even more photos click here.

A Peek Inside a Danish Home

One of the wonderful things about having a sister in Denmark is having her share with me some of her favorite shops. She was excited to see this shop featured in Skona Hem and sent it along to me. K & CO is a wonderful antique shop in Copenhagen. The owner's home was recently profiled in the magazine. Their home is a wonderful mix of industrial and Gustavian styles. Let's have a peek.
In the entryway a console table with marble top was given a new coat of Gustavian gray paint. The iron roof decoration is a beautiful focal point and the vintage shelf makes wonderful coat rack.

The living room is an interesting mix of hard industrial lines and soft linen upholstery. The antique pedestals, lamps and desk, add interest and soften the room. The vintage clock and antique shutters above the couch are charming.
Through out the home the couple adds unique accessories that add whimsy, texture and personality to the space. Above are rusty steeple finials that once sat on a church roof.
The kitchen is a wonderful mix of stainless steel appliances, Ikea cabinets and hand worn antiques. I love the Danish hanging cupboard filled with traditional blue willow plates. Also the Tolix chairs add a wonderful feeling to this space. The owners enhanced the chandelier with antique crystals.

Part of an ancient altar screen hangs on the opposite wall of the kitchen.
The dining area also has the Tolix chairs. I love the linen pillows as chair cushions. The chandelier gives the space a bit more formality and sparkle; and the mirrors bring your eye up and open up the room. Vintage candlesticks and fluted cast iron urn add a rustic contrast.

Finally the bedroom is serene in all white. The owners collection of vintage perfume bottles and female bust in Bronze become a uniquely personal vignette.

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With such wonderful items available to them, they certainly have created a gorgeous home.
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(all photos Skona Hem)

A Perfect Match

(All photos Dallas News unless otherwise noted)

The team of interior designer, Shannon Bowers and long time friend and homeowner, Stacy Hyde was a match in made in heaven. Talented friends working together to create light filled renovation of a 1920's Mediterranean Revival home in Dallas.

The home in the Greenway Parks section of Dallas was originally constructed in 1920 with steel beams from a bank down the street that was being torn down.

The foyer is warm and inviting with it's hand stenciled floors and Swedish and French antiques. Notice the lovely iron work on the staircase which was original to the house. The Bergere chair is lovely covered in linen and the basket adds a unique juxtaposition with the entry table.
The stenciling on the floor was done very lightly so you can still see the wood grain through the stain. The detail is magnificent. The sunroom's linen covered Swedish settee and antique column table make a lovely vignette.
The formal dining room also has an interesting table. The antique column capitals were refitted with new bases to make the table the correct height for dining. A limestone top was custom made and the floor reinforced to support this one of a kind piece. Antique mirror and chest enhance the look. Notice how soft the room still feels even with the lack of a carpet.
The living room's slip covered linen settee sets the mood for this room. The Swedish table, antique chest and pale aqua urns add texture and color.
In the kitchen hang vintage industrial pendant lights which were re-wired for home use. The Lucite stools are slipcovered to add softness. White cabinets, marble and stainless steel add to the classic look.
A dark wine room was renovated into a light, airy butler's pantry. After a long search, the perfect wine racks were located at West Elm.
Charcoal drawings add a punch to the breakfast room. I love the zinc table and with the white washed chairs.
A den filled with texture including linen slipcovers and twisted grapevine floor lamp.
The master bedroom headboard was custom designed by Bowers in a crisp linen. Swedish bench and chest are illuminated by antiqued turned wood chandelier.
Hyde's daughter's room is painted a pale lilac. White linens and custom canopy make it a room fit for a princess.

Material Girls
Through out the redecorating process Hyde found herself traveling outside of Dallas to find the look she was after. This inspired her to open her wonderful home and garden store, Stacy Hyde, on Henderson Avenue. If you are in Dallas plan to visit, as her store inventory mirrors her home style.

To see more photos of Hyde's beautiful home here. And to learn more about the Stacy Hyde shop click here.

Tell me what you think about this renovation and and its interiors.

Please stop by Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch!

Swedish Style Country Homes

Designer Sasha Waddell from England is famous for pioneering the now highly recognizable and very popular Swedish Style. Below are two homes with her trademark style.The first is a wonderful country home in the UK that she decorated in muted blues and greens, although the room has color and pattern it is very subdued. Notice the different scaled Swedish checked fabric on the chairs, ottoman and pillows.

Here is a lovely bedroom! Notice the wall of closets along one side of the room. I love the bed linen and the classic blue and white striped chairs. Wood is painted white or natural stain. Curtains are sheer white.

The guest room has a sweet desk and chair for correspondence. I love the addition of the blue Swedish cupboard and the interesting mirror above the desk. Again wood is painted and floors are light. Again curtains are sheer white.

Here is another Country Home in London by Waddell - This one is designed all in white
Notice the wide planked painted floors and classic blues and white rag rug. Again her trademark white sheer curtains.
Here you see a classic Swedish style chair. Looking to the kitchen you can see white cabinets and natural wood counters.

The bedroom, adorned with white linens accented in raspberry also has the white sheer curtains. The addition of the antique Swedish bench is lovely.

Sasha also has a wonderful line of Swedish inspired furniture. For more details about Sasha Waddell visit her website at www. sashawaddelldesign.com.