Customer Reviews

Swedish Country Interiors

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With a slightly misleading title, SWEDISH COUNTRY INTERIORS, is a look at fourteen houses and one shop in the United States attractively furnished using some Swedish antiques, mostly from the Roccoco and Gustavian Periods. So there are no true Swedish interiors in the strict sense in the book, but a few of the houses have architectural detailing inspired by Swedish models. Among the the subjects are a new house designed by the architectural firm of Robert A.M. Stern in Seaside, FL, a rubble stone Craftsman bungalow in Atlanta, GA, a New England style house in Dallas remodeled by architect Frank Ryburn, and co-author Edie's own home in Connecticut.

Each property is given its own chapter with color photos and some text by Rhonda Eleish and Edie van Breems who own Scandanavian Design Center in charming Washington Depot, CT. Rhonda's husband L. Langdon Ergmann and partner Jon E. Monson were the photographers. Noted interior designer David Anthony Easton provided an Introduction and there is a limited Resource Guide. Also there is a short list of Interior Designers, so brief that it does not even include the afore-mentioned Mr. Easton! Veranda magazine editor Lisa Newsom, whose son and daughter-in-law's home appears in the book, wrote the Forward. This is an attractive coffee table book, with some interiors that might be inspirational, but do not expect more than just an approximation of the all-out charm of genuine folk Swedish interiors.

This book is a real stunner. Rather than focusing on interiors in Sweden, it reveals the Swedish country style adapted to a variety of American interiors. The photography is first rate as is the text, and the book reveals numerous ways that Swedish decor translates beautifully in other contexts. It makes a great addition to the collection of the designer or homeowner.

Compiled with commentary by Swedish interior design experts Rhonda Eleish and Edie Van Breems, the fifteen American country dwellings showcased in "Swedish Country Interiors" large country estates to small cottages. Showcasing a variety of interiors, each of whom are superbly photographed, "Swedish Country Interiors" is an ideal resource for ideas and inspirations. Of special note is a converted Connecticut antique paper factory, and a beach house in Laguna Beach, California, each of which has been crafted into an ideal Swedish country retreat. All this and more make "Swedish Country Interiors" a 192-page compendium of commentary and images that is especially recommended for academic and community library Interior Design reference collections in general, and the supplemental reading lists for non-specialist general readers seeking interior design ideas in particular.

I had to return this book, was expecting a more authentic book I could use for inspiration on Scandinavian interiors . It seemed to be more for staging or showcase for antiques. I particularly did not like the Sweden meets Florida chapter come on -an alligator coffee table? Gave me the heebie jeebies or Sweden meets the American West chapter. Cover pic is misleading.

The photographs alone make the newest title from Eleish-van Breems team a must! Wonderful saturated color and amazing locales! You'll have more than enough ideas for your next "Gustavian" make-over.
I loved this book and the author's approach!

fabulous book always wonderful to read about other countries and their style of decorating their homes