A Dose of Swedish
Happy new week, friends! It is pouring in Seattle right now. It is gray, gray, gray and I lust for airy, light & uncomplicated Swedish rooms. Who better to capture that then the very talented Stockholm-based photographer Martin Cederblad.
I have a pair of similar Swedish baroque chairs (ca 1750) as the gray ones around the table. And hundreds of years later they – with their heads high - work so beautifully hand in hand with contemporary pieces (in my opinion one of the few antique styles that can). That is why Swedish antiques never will go out style (especially the old, gray painted furniture). They are beautiful, simple and fit in just about anywhere.
Also don’t be afraid to mix different time periods and build your own cluster of objects for the eye (and soul & heart), like these silver candle holders.
Lovely cottage living. Nothing matchy-matchy. Nothing contrived. Just relaxed.
White in different textures.
Imagine starting your day with a cup of tea in this setting! Look how much a simple linen table cloth adds to the atmosphere. Now envision the image without it!
Happy eating in this lovely & cheery setting where vintage china adds color to the table.
Sigh. Simple and so beautiful.
Can’t wait for the sun! Can’t wait to get my hands dirty and put a whole row of lovely white blooming plants on my own stone steps! Spring can’t come quick enough for me.
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Hej !
Det ser underbart ut och så vackert med de gamla möblerna. Nu har jag fått den inspiration jag behöver idag
Ha en skön vecka !!
Kram
Anci
Would love to have a cup of tea in that setting. Beautiful! Have a nice day!
I love your post today my friend…yes I love mixing and matching. Nothing in my home really came as a matched set. Raining here today too…but I have a new umbrella to try out… so my day is going to be happy. Have a great week. xoxo
What beautiful pictures. I am getting ready for spring!
Beautiful. Martin and I were in the same school may years ago. Terrific person. He sailed a stunning wooden sailing boat to our country house for midsummer one year I remember. So Sweden…Bring on spring please! xxxSofia
I like the yellowed, speckled wall in the picture with the two hanging portraits. Wake me when Spring arrives….
Vackra bilder! I Sverige har vi nu isande kallt och mer snö väntas. Jag längtar verkligen efter våren. Kram
Oh I can’t wait to eat outdoors again – until then, curling up next to that cozy fireplace will have to do…
Monika,
Your website is absolutely phenomenal. Everyday when I turn on my computer the first email I look for is Splendid Willow.
Sometimes when I’m having a not so wonderful day, I save it, like a good bottle of wine, because when I finally open it my mood is quickly lifted and I am inspired all over again.
Thank you. Jennifer
Dear Jennifer, thank you for your nice comment. You were one of my very first customers (when I sold Swedish antiques) and I am proud to call you a loyal and wonderful friend (although it is about time that we actually meet in person!). I am so happy that little Splendid Willow can brighten your day! Much fondness, xx Monika
I love the mismatched chairs + the sweet little white flowers in the last photo! xo
that beautiful garden is making me crave springtime! beautiful, as usual.
Monika: Everything is beautiful! I especially like the paintings secured with ribbons hanging over the table. Lovely, lovely as always.
xoxo
Hej! You have a such a nice and stylish blog that I read continually! So you can imagine how surprised I was to see my chairs on the first photo! And the candle sticks as well! (most of them are from me, they are made of pewter btw, not silver). I have an antique shop in stockholm- http://www.gudrunodmann.com and have also Very recently started a blog: http://sofieodmann.blogspot.com/. Please come and visit!
Katie: How wonderful to hear from lovely you! All the way from Paris! I am still hoping you will send me some images from your home!
Sofie: Welcome to Splendid Willow! I have actually bought some wonderful 18th c. candlesticks from – at the time – your Mom’s fantastic antique store in Stockholm. Small world!
Love that collection of candlesticks!
xo
Eddie + Jaithan
Eddie & Jaithan, thank you! You are simply the best & the kindest! Cyber hug, Monika
Mmmhhh..! I already feel warmer and my mood has lifted. Thank you, dearest.
xoxo,
-maria
Nydelige bilder du viser fra ditt hjemland!
Ha en skjønn weekend!
xx
Lene
I love all the white textures and the garden! I have a thing for plants. I just love the idea of outdoor dining on a sunny day…!