2014 January | designed equilibrium

Jan 25

Interiors: A built-in, 2 ways

Millwork brings stability into a room. You can customize the look by working with paint colors or finishes that aren’t dominate throughout your home. I designed this built-in with the purpose of accentuating character and adding versatility that would allow for interchangeable settings. The paint color used is Benjamin Moore’s, Wrought Iron.

I’ve styled the environment around the built-in as both a sitting area and breakfast nook.

First, as a library sitting room. A tranquil place to relax and read:

Next, as a breakfast nook. A casual place for coffee, tea, and breakfast:

Jan 20

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Global Inspiration: Swedish Gustavian

Swedish design in the late 1700’s and early 1800’s brought a touch of femininity and lightness to furnishings. Several antique shops today feature brilliant Gustavian pieces. There are also manufactured retail options that embody this genre in their designs.

Tone on Tone

Tone on Tone, located in Maryland, specializes in 18th and 19th century painted Swedish antiques. They have a large selection of cabinets, chairs, clocks, settees, tables, and accessories. Their website is updated weekly. Here are some beautiful pieces from Tone on Tone:

Cupboards & Roses

Cupboards & Roses, out of Massachusetts, are known for their extensive collection of 18th and 19th century painted furniture from Scandinavia and Europe. They have a variety unique case pieces, mirrors, and chairs as displayed below:

Julie Neill Designs

Julie Neill Designs, out of New Orleans specializes in hand crafted lighting. They use various finishing techniques such as: painting, glazing, gilding, plastering, and antiquing. Their pieces can be customized to order in any size and finish. Several of her designs appear to have Gustavian influences, I am especially fond of her one of a kind sconces:

{ accessorize }

If you chose to create a Swedish inspired kitchen or breakfast room in your home, compliment the light hues with soft blue linens, checkered prints, and patina accents.

Jan 18

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Vignettes: Add some artwork

Artwork changes rooms. It’s also a great way to bring color into your vignettes. You can go from contemporary to eccentric, and from vintage to rustic with just the swap of a few key pieces.