When the heir to the Swedish throne, Gustav III, returned to Sweden in 1771 after time spent at the French court at Versailles, he was so inspired by the style of decoration he had seen that the style we know as ‘Gustavian’ was born.
Fast forward two centuries and this classic Swedish style is still timelessly elegant, made instantly recognisable by its soft palette of chalky shades, often enlivened with touches of gilt.
Loi Thai and Thomas Troeschel, owners of the Bethesda antiques store, Tone on Tone, near Washington DC, specialise in 18th and 19th century painted Swedish antiques. They have also decorated their home using the calm, ethereal palette synonymous with Swedish style and it’s a haven for their carefully chosen pieces and treasured heirlooms.
Their concession to colour is in the pops of green evident throughout, from the wonderful vintage pendant lights in the light grey kitchen, to the delicate topiaries that they cultivate. Enjoy this tour through their thoroughly elegant world . . .
All images from Martha Stewart & Tone on Tone Antiques
