Book Review: "Classic Swedish Interiors"

As my regular readers probably know, I'm a big fan of Swedish interiors. That's why I was super excited by the opportunity to review the new book, "Classic Swedish Interiors," by Lars Sjoberg. The poetic photos are by Ingalill Snitt.

I'm going to quote Amazon as they describe the book better than me -

"Lars Sjöberg has made it his life's work to understand and preserve the Swedish manor houses of the 17th and 18th centuries. Here, exquisitely photographed by Ingalill Snitt, are the eight houses (and one church) that he has acquired over more than 40 years. The book focuses on Sjöberg's first, most complex project: the manor of Regnaholm. Unoccupied for about 40 years when Sjöberg arrived in 1966, it allowed him to experiment with interior decoration and refurnishing, copying old furniture, reweaving, and reprinting old fabric patterns.

His other projects include Ekensberg, a three-story Italianate villa near Lake Mälaren, built in 1788-90, and Salaholm in Västergötland with a garden laid out in the first half of the 17th century. Odenslunda, a small manor from the 1770s with a panelled exterior and a säteritak or manor-house roof, is his family home, while Sörby, a scaled-down early 17th-century manor house, was reproduced in its entirety for an exhibition in Stockholm. Full of insight and inspiration, this is a deeply personal summary of everything Lars Sjöberg has learned in his years of working and living with classic Swedish interiors." - via Amazon.com

Here are some of my favorite photos from the book -


One day I will have an antique Swedish grandfather clock!

Living Rustic

How rustic could you go with your decor? Or how rustic have you gone? Growing up on a farm I like rustic - though I prefer "lighter" rustic - not too much dark wood paneling and taxidermy. I would always pick an old house with a story over a new house - hands down. Just not the maintenance costs.

This home office looks so quiet and serene!

Embracing natural patinas is surely a part of rustic living

Look at this lovely garden room!

...a slightly cleaner "rustic"
via Country Living


What do you think of chicken wire in the cabinets?
via Cottage Living

via abc design via LivingEtc.

via The World According to Jessica Claire

From my library - small space living

I thought I'd share from you some of my favorite images from one of the very first interior design books I ever purchased. It's always fun to look back!

I love these wooden floors - and the fireplace!



charming - and checkout the blue floor!


It would require a lot of tidying - but I really like the glass front pantry. Check out the mix n' match table and chairs.

I liking the look of art leaning against the wall more and more. I also really like the fuchsia carpet and the retrained fireplace decor.

I love old houses - and when a renovation includes old architectural elements I don't mind "newness" so much.

A really good way to divide spaces in a studio - this solid screen acts as a wall/headboard.

A romantic treehouse retreat...

All images from Susan Boyle's "The Smart Approach to Small Space Living"