Tuesday, February 26, 2008

How to Incorporate the Swedish Style

Many of you have asked how to incorporate the Swedish Style into your own homes. You do not need to have rooms exclusively with one period or style. It is best to mix things up a bit to add interest into your room.
Notice the examples below.


This room has a traditional feel, but notice the Mora Clock and Swedish style bench. Adding a Swedish accent or two really adds to the interest of the room. Also notice the desk chair.

Here is the room from a different angle. Notice the side table - not Swedish -

but it adds interest, doesn't it?


Finally, a sweet, Swedish chair as an accent. Lovely.
I love the symmetry in this room. Notice the antique sofas, bench, and the painted table. Great introduction of the "signature Swedish blue" color.


Here is a room much less formal. The Bellman style chairs lend a "Swedish feel". This room would as appropriate in the mountains as in the city.

Another room with Bellman chairs - I love the checked skirts-
a very Swedish touch!
The Kitchen Designer
Finally notice the Swedish influence in this kitchen. There are so many white kitchens. In this kitchen they chose a monochromatic palette, Swedish slat back chairs and striped woven rugs. A great look for a beach house.
As you can see adding just a few Swedish elements can give you this wonderful feeling without breaking your budget!
(all pictures, excepted noted, are from Google images, but happy to give more specific credit if they are familiar to anyone)

Monday, February 25, 2008

The Beauty of the Mora Clock




Lovely Painted Mora Clocks



Set from the movie "Something's Gotta Give" - note Mora clock on side wall




Stripped and waxed Mora clock. Though not as valuable as an original painted clock surely as beautiful. Notice the lovely carving. So much personality!!!

The History:
The Mora clock is a staple in the Swedish design. Mora clocks are a type of long case clock which were made in, and derived their name from, the town of Mora in Dalarna province, Sweden. The Swedish Mora clock first appeared in Stockholm during the Rococo Period in the mid-eighteenth century. Bad weather and poor soil forced the farmers in the Mora area to look for ways to supplement their income. The villagers of Östnor, outside Mora, turned to a traditional home craft, the making of clocks. Each family specialized in a specific part: some made the brass clockworks, some painted the faces, while others built or painted the cases. At the height of production more than 90 families were engaged in the trade, and Mora functioned as one large clock factory. More than 1000 clocks, named for their place of origin, were produced each year and were sold throughout Scandinavia. Within 80 years, competition from Europe and America brought an end to this communal enterprise, but the curvilinear shape of the classic Mora clock is still sought after today. For more information go to http://www.cupboardsandroses.com/


The Mora clock has been growing in popularity over the past several years in the US. You'll see the Mora clock in feature film sets, (Somethings Gotta Give) on the covers of popular home decorating magazines (Veranda March/April 08) and also being copied (albeit poorly) by reproduction furniture makers. Their growing popularity has driven the price up as supply for these original clocks diminishes. The gentle curves lend a warmth and beauty to the rooms they are in! Notice the carving on the bottom Mora clock - so amazing! Handmade, each have with their own unique, whimsical charm. You can't help but smile when you see one. Wouldn't you love one in every room?

Friday, February 15, 2008

Cherry Blossom Special...


We ran in today and 'fluffed' the retreat space at Faded Elegance Antique Boutique... not a big change, just a spiff-up until next month! It's still pretty in pink, and a celebration of spring. Pink cherry blossoms on the tree branches, scattered pink petals, and vintage paper lanterns set the tone...


Lots of pink flowers, pink ribbons, and feminine accents abound. Fabric with a pink cherry blossom print drapes the table.

These sweet songbird cards and some other vintage stationery all have cherry blossoms on them, as do a few pieces of china. You can see one darling little cherry blossom cup with a pink paper parasol in it here...

...here are more cards and a lidded coffee mug with more cherry blossoms & a bird. (I'd use this to hold stamps or paper clips on a desk, or rings by the sink, or maybe packets of sweet n' low by the coffeepot!)

The fun fake cakes are still here, with vintage silk millinery blossoms, some old pink metal flower hooks (SO cute for hanging tab-top panels of pink or white sheer fabric in a window, or hook it over your door to hold your purse...or on a mirror to hold jewelry!), two sizes of embellished bottles, and white glass plates with pink ribbon threaded thru the 'lacy' edge.

I have to share that it is really gratifying to be a part of Faded Elegance...there are SO many wonderful, warm, friendly women who also have spaces in this boutique, and everytime I meet someone new I am just charmed by them! I had a chance to chat with several gals today, and ladies, you just touched my hearts. Thank you so much for your kind words!

We are already working on the designs for March...we are going for a massive change of mood in our space, and are really excited about the new stuff we'll bring in next month! We are also thrilled to be able to offer you brand new copies of Victoria magazine every other month, beginning with the March/April issue which should be arriving soon. Lots happening with retreat - stay tuned!!!

A special offer just for blog readers: Print this post and present it at Faded Elegance for a ten percent discount off of any purchase from our space (#22) through February 29, 2008!

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Victoria Bliss Arrives!


Great News!
Coming in just a few days, retreat will offer the beautifully resurrected Victoria magazine from Hoffman Media. It's on the way here right now, and as soon as it arrives, I'll pop it into a new display at Faded Elegance. What a treat - a few hours of browsing & shopping at a lovely boutique, topped off by a new issue of Victoria magazine to take home & dream over...

For a sneak peek of the new March/April issue, go here !