In this post – What is Gustavian Style and why I love it!
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Gustavian style is a decorating style named after King Gustav III of Sweden.
King Gustav III had gone to visit the Palace of Versailles, and was naturally impressed and decided to create his own Paris of the North in the 1780s.
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| King Gustav painting source- wikipedia |
Below, a picture of Haga Palace, where the Crown Princess of Sweden Victoria resides and was one of the palaces of King Gustav III.
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| source: Swedish Royal Court/Håkan Lind |
Gustavian is a Swedish twist on French Neoclassicism. It has the same proportions as the French styles, but muted color palettes and different carved woods – birch, beech and pine, all native to the area.
Below is an interior from the Haga Palace – an original Gustav interior!
It is similar to neoclassical Louis XIV French style but a bit pared down in opulence -but obviously still opulent, I mean, look at this library in the Gustavian style. The muted colors sing to me.
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| source |
Large mirrors were gilded and helped maximize the light in the Winter, while chandeliers had five or seven arms with candleholders. Additionally candles were added to wall sconces.
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| source |
Below, an interior from Masreliez house, another palace of King Gustav.
Often, the furniture was painted in pale colors to brighten up dark rooms during long Scandinavian Winters.
Upholstery followed suit, and furniture was covered in soft colors. Wouldn’t this room seem so cheerful when it is dark and snowing 6 months a year?
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| source |
Now, Gustavian Style or Gustavian Provincial came later… 1850s-1920s. It is also called Swedish Country Style. Below is a prime example of Gustavian style. It is softer and the least formal of the styles.
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| via Franki Durbin |
I love Gustavian style! It is one of my favorite decor styles of all time. I love French country style too – and they are extremely similar.
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| via Master Henrik Antik |
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| via Master Henrik Antik |
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| via Master Henrik Antik |
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If you love Gustavian style, please go check out Tone on Tone – a fabulous blog and antique store run by Loi Thai.
If you have a hard time telling the difference between French and Swedish – I recommend just looking for a Mora clock in the room!
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| via Swedish interiors |
True Gustavian antiques go for thousands of dollars – but you can find cheaper ones that were made in the late 1800s and earlier 1900s that are more reasonable.
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| via Swedish interiors |
Love this style, picture from the Gianettis – you must check out her book Patina Farm!
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| via Velvet and Linen |
I love all of the carved pieces – someday I hope to own a Gustavian settee…
Like Swedish and Gustavian Style? Check out all of my other Gustavian posts here.
I have two Pinterest boards: Swedish Mora Clocks and Gustavian Decor.
A great article about Gustavian decor.
Swedish Interior Design has lots of pretty Swedish antiques.
Shop Gustavian Decor here:
Angela,
Love Gustavian and Swedish Country Style… the pale blues with white and natural pale woods make my heart sing.
Judith
I love them both too! I knew you would this post!
Beautiful and inspiring pictures. I do love Gustavian style! Thank you for sharing.
Patti
I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Some rooms of the smaller palaces in Germany copied this style. I found those rooms to be enchanting too. While my home doesn't really reflect this style, the master bedroom and one daughter's comes close. Thanks for sharing these wonderful photos and a bit of history.
Yes you are quite right! They all seem to have copied each other over there.
Such and interesting post. My family is from Denmark and when I spent a summer there, I was all over Denmark and Sweden and in many old, old, homes. The interesting thing about Gustavian style is it marries so well with what is inherently Scandinavian, in styles and shapes. Lovely post, thank you so much, Sandi
Yes you are right about that!