INTERIOR DESIGN – FRENCH AND SWEDISH ANTIQUES.

Combining French and Swedish Antiques

The art of mixing different styles and periods has become a way to create moods and spaces that are unique, personal, and filled with character. A fairly recent movement is to combine the elegance of French and Swedish antiques. Both are rich in history, with very distinctive design elements, yet both styles offer different aesthetics representative of their cultural past.

French features

The key to incorporating French antiques into a modern space is balancing their differing styles with more contemporary elements. French antique furniture often works best as a stand alone statement piece. A single piece depending on its style and scale can elevate an entire space without overwhelming it. Pairing a French antique with a neutral palette of whites or greys, allows the furniture to shine while keeping the overall tone relaxed and inviting.

Swedish appeal

Swedish antiques from the Gustavian period in particular, are now a very fashionable accessory to many interior design projects offering a refreshing contrast to the sometimes over the top grandeur of French design. Known for their clean lines, the understated elegance, and light colour palette of Swedish antique furniture has a more minimalist and rustic appeal. Typically, a Swedish antique cabinet, painted in soft blues or greys, will exude a certain calm and serene quality, ideal for spaces that are more laid-back and functional.

Harmonising French and Swedish antiques and styles

French antiques often feature bold colours with intricate carvings occasional gilded, while Swedish antiques tend to favour a more understated approach and design. Combining them successfully, requires using a ‘quiet’ neutral colour palette as a base. This allows both styles to coexist adding to a theme.

Incorporate Natural Materials

Both French and Swedish antique furniture will feature the natural beauty of wood. French antiques more often than not will feature darker woods, such as oak or walnut, while Swedish pieces classically lean toward a lighter wood such as pine or birch. Mixing these woods in a considered way, will create visual interest and variety while maintaining a sense of unity and texture in a room.

The main element to success

Simplicity is everything when blending the two styles of French, Swedish or Scandinavian antique furniture and antiques. In this scenario, the expression ‘less is more’ really does comes into its own. It’s important to allow a single piece a silent space to live and breathe its aura.