Big metal turkey is from a catalog called At West End. Purple English ironstone collection via eBay. Console table by Swede Collection.
This has been such a strange situation we find ourselves in this Thanksgiving. Hope all of you are well. We, of course, don't have family or friends in or we would be arrested. Cooked the bird anyway and keeping our Thanksgiving meal traditions as normal as possible.
All the best,
Colleen
I love going to Roundtop, Texas for the antiques show. The fall show was moved to the end of October which was much cooler. I thought I would share some of my favorite things. I came back with about 200 photos so this is a small sampling. Most of these have also been shown on my Instagram feed which is Swede Collection. I was surprised to see since last year [April show was cancelled] how many new permanent buildings were along Highway 237. Looked to me like it was moving towards being a year-round antiques market in the future. Although the Roundtop show is open for a couple weeks in some venues before Marburger Farm opens, we time our trip to be there for Marburger's opening day. That is our favorite place so we start there first and then go to other places such as Blue Hills, Market Hill, Red Barn, The Compound and Excess II. Some of the new buildings I don't know what their name is. We did take Ascot in the car -- 10 hour drive-- and he did incredibly well in the hotel. We use a pet friendly hotel so we don't take him to the fields anymore. I think Roundtop is the largest antique show in the US but it could be a toss up with Brimfield, MA. In a week you still cannot see every venue at Roundtop. In all the years we have been going we have not seen a fraction of the fields and tents. The Spring 2021 show is the end of March. Sure hope Covid is over by then.
The dealer was Art and Antique Hunter at Marburger Farm.
Dealer is BellaVita by Crystal Nichols of Houston.
Dealer is The Side Door.
Dealer is Sheffield Antiques.
Rick bought me four of these white jugs.
Renouve Antiques at Market Hill.
Absolutely loved this. From Tres Bien Antiques.
Tres Bien Antiques again.
Renouve at Market Square.
Dealer is Two Maisons at Marburger Farm Tent F.
Art and Antique Hunter at Marburger Farm.
Tres Bien Antiques again at Marburger Farm, Tent F.
Art and Antique Hunter, Marburger Farm, Tent F.
Renouve Antiques at Market Hill.
Bone inlaid chest by Adam Babicz Antiques in Tent F of Marburger Farms.
There is so much eye candy. I have a sweet tooth for this type of thing.
And this! You certainly can fill a complete house with fabulous things. Need a big fat wallet as well.
Enjoy,
Colleen Martin, Founder
Swede Collection
swedefurniture.com
I chose to start my blog on July 4, 2010. A date I could remember in addition to my strong patriotism.
Today I mark ten years. Amazing. However, I have slacked off and sometimes stopped posting for long spells since publishing more on Instagram and Facebook. I keep telling myself I need to get back to doing more tablescapes. This blog shares my personal life as well as my professional life in showing the furniture pieces I design for Swede Collection. Some real surprises coming in the next few months on what I am making next. I have had a beautiful run these past few years of showing my furniture line in Milieu magazine. So the blog topics jump all over the place like life itself.
Back in 1969 I was the editor of my high school newspaper. My yearbook photo caption says what the graduate wants to become in life. Mine said I wanted to be the editor of a shelter magazine like House Beautiful. Well, that never happened but at that time nobody could have ever imagined that we each could have our own magazine on the Internet. Technology is amazing. So this is my little House Beautiful platform! I sort of got it in the end run.
My original goal when I started in 2010 is the same now ten years later. I want to share everything beautiful I find in life. There is so much ugliness in the world that I need the comfort of focusing on enjoying the beautiful things that are everywhere if you just look.
But my real message today is to thank the followers that have stayed with me, many of whom for all ten years. I celebrate you today. I am so grateful for your loyalty and kind words about my photographs. My tribe is small in comparison to others but are the most caring and genuine people. I don't need a large audience. I need the best hearts and minds and I have that. THANK YOU! Let's stay together another 10 years.
Since this is the Fourth of July, I want to share some photos I took of the Statue of Liberty. I tried to capture unusual angles. I hope during my lifetime I never see her destroyed.
Regarding this last photo of Ellis Island, I remember some years ago when I was working on my family tree a conversation with a young woman about Ellis Island. She thought all immigrants were processed through Ellis Island. But not mine. Ancestors on one side of my tree arrived in 1640 and the other side came in 1660. Those were brave people. Ellis Island wasn't around until 1892. I found records that by 1705 one family had already had 15 kids born in Pennsylvania. By 1776 recognized as the birth date of America, my people had been here 130+ years. So grateful for those risk takers to give me this country to live in.
Today is a day of thankfulness to you reading this and Happy Birthday America.
Colleen Martin
Founder, Swede Collection
Happy Fourth everyone!
Expressing my gratitude to be American on this day each year.
Two containers on my porch.
Wishing you a nice weekend.
Colleen
I finally have my two Swedish portrait medallions hung in my own dining room! I purchased them in Sweden many years ago yet they never got on the wall until two days ago my sweet husband [without too much fuss] hung them. I have two more that have been in a wood crate for about 8+ years. They are for sale if anyone has an interest.
Sofie Hagman, famous Swedish ballet dancer and a king's mistress, is on the left. King Gustav is on the right.
Items I created for Swede Collection in this photo are the buffet, mirror, chairs, floor candelabras and pillows. I didn't realize how symmetrical everything was until I saw this photo.
The portrait medallions are made of plaster and even though they don't look big here are 27 inches in diameter. The originals were done by Sergel in bronze I believe for the outside of Swedish buildings and casts were made of those. He did them of famous dignitaries of the day.
This is Sophie.
This is King Gustav. I also printed his medallion on the pillow on the chair. It is in my new pillow collection.
That's all for today. Hope all of you have stayed virus free.
Thanks for your help, Rick.
Colleen
I have some interesting news today. I launched my pillow collection. Remember all those thousands of photos I walked the streets of Paris to take 8 to 10 hours a day? I did that with the intention that someday I would use them either in a book or product. While making other pillows I came up with the idea of putting my photos on fabric to make my own very unique pillow line. It is now reality. I looked through thousands of those photos and came up with some I thought would look good as a pillow. I printed those photos on linen canvas and hired a lady in California to make the covers. I can sew but my machine doesn't have an overlock feature since it was made around 1956 [bought for $60 in 1969 to take to college] and I do not want to buy another sewing machine, even though my husband offered and found one. I would rather give her the business for her college tuition than spend those hours upstairs sewing. Win-win for both of us, I think. She does excellent work and does 50 at a time.
So let's take a look. I made them in two sizes. The larger is 22" x 27" and the square smaller ones are 22" x 22". All have luxury down inserts [overfilled]. Velvet or chenille backs.
Here are the Paris architecture ones:
If you have been to Versailles you will recognize this as one of the rear entryways in that back door courtyard.
This is one of my favorite buildings in Paris. It was built as a private mansion [hotel particular] and is now an office building. It is called Hotel de Sully.
Love Paris doors as they almost always have beautiful overdoors. Here is one with cupids holding hands carved in white marble.
Here are some paintings I photoed at The Louvre.
Do you recognize Juliette Recamier the socialite that gave the name to the chaise called a recamier.
This painting I photoed one year and when I got home I realized I did not capture who the artist was nor the name of the painting. So the next year I went to the Louvre information desk showed them my photo and they told me which wing and section it was in. The Louvre is so huge I would never have found it again. The title is "Femme Prenant des Fruits". Absolutely love her.
That was a sampling of the bigger ones. I will show you more later. In the meantime, here are some of the 22x22 Paris architecture pillows.
This one I climbed to the top of Notre Dame to get. It is the exterior roofline with a gargoyle water downspout. I hope it was not damaged in the fire and can't wait to go back to see Notre Dame after it opens to the public again.
Next is a photo of a wall section at Musee Hotel de Soubise of a romantic couple done in plaster and gold leaf. I was surprised at how well the gold leaf turned out in the photo. As the mother this is one of my favorite children and I will keep one of these for my living room.
This blue/gray and gold one is another plaster and gold leaf wall but it is at Versailles.
And last for today is a photo of a white Tree Peony I took in the garden at the Rodin Museum. I printed it on low nap velvet. You can actually hand wash this one. Neutral white velvet back.
This is a fragment from a cathedral altar in France.
After I took about 100 photos I noticed the sunburst mirror above the sofa did not line up on the center. The sofa somehow got moved a couple of inches to the left from vacuuming or something. Wish I had noticed that earlier but I can just crop the photo if need be. I promptly moved the sofa to the right 3" so that doesn't happen again.
I wholesale the 22x27 pillows for $240 and the 22x22 size for $184. Free shipping via Paypal invoice to your email if you would like any of these. Just tell me you saw it on my blog to get that rate. Remember they come with the luxury 10/90 down overfill insert. Designers are selling them to their clients for $380 - 420 for the big ones and $320 to 368 for the smaller 22x22 size.
I will show you more designs in the next posts.
This has been a very fun project. I can't wait to see the rooms where they find their new homes.
Gustavian sofa and oval-back chair from Swede Collection at swedefurniture.com. You can also see more of my furniture at Chairish.com. I will put some of these pillows on Chairish in a few weeks. Also available at La Maison Antiques in Memphis.
Colleen
I received my preview issue of Milieu yesterday since I am an advertiser. My ad is on page 181. Our fur baby, Ascot, is sitting on the chair.
The cover photo is fabulous - truly for lovers of blue. Spring issue on newsstands second week in March.
So great to be involved with this incredible magazine. I hope you will pick up a copy or subscribe.
Colleen
Colleen
Magenta is not usually a color to decorate with for Christmas decor and most years ornaments in magenta are hard to find or just not sold. I check the normal places like Target, Hobby Lobby and Michaels each year to see what they are selling. Purple can usually be found and shades of pink. I've collected mine over the years from various sources. I do rotate what color I use each year for my Christmas decorating and for some reason I was drawn back to using magenta this year in the dining room. My tree is white and crystal with no other colors.
I'm sharing a few photos of what is on my Swede Collection buffet.
The easiest way to decorate is just fill a glass bowl with ornaments. Simple and done. Viewable through the glass. I also use a string of Philips Dewdrop mini battery lights in always on [not flashing] across the buffet. They are from Target.
Some ornaments I place in votive candle cups or just lay them on a plate.
I found some little clip birds a few years ago that are sweet.
For my Christmas gift this year my husband got 8 more of these chargers so now I have a dozen. They have been discontinued so I was very happy to find them. They are Haviland Laque de Chine in Amethyst with gold rim. Not really magenta but they blend so well. I also have Aubergene chargers but they are a bit too ruby so clash instead of blend.
This is a larger view of the room. I have some reindeer with fur collars, galvanized cone trees from H-L and two small green trees on the dining table.
Below is a magenta tablescape I did some years ago.
Close up of how the ornaments look through the glass bowl.
If you are on Instagram, send me a note telling me what your IG name is so I can follow you. Mine is Swede Collection.
And, last, here is a funny for you.
Wishing you the happiest of holidays and a fabulous 2020!!
Colleen
Today I thought I would share the turkey plates I have collected over the years. Generally, I am not a novelty tablescaper and don't do a Halloween, St. Patrick's Day, Fourth of July, etc. table and prefer something that speaks to the event of the day without shouting it. As you know, however, I have china hoarder syndrome, so when I am at a charity auction, estate sale, or shop and I come across a stack of 12 or more vintage or antique turkey plates in mint condition, my syndrome clicks in and I can't leave them there. Shocking to say, though, I did sell the turkey plates I purchased on sale at Pottery Barn as I really didn't like the heaviness of them being made of ceramic.
Cauldon
Pottery Barn
Churchill of Columbia, Myott Factory
Williams Sonoma
Spode
I would love to hear from you if you have found other patterns or if you also collected some of these.
I fill these glass turkeys from Williams Sonoma with small gifts for each guest.
I got this big metal guy from a catalog called AWE [At West End] not to be confused with West End. He is 24" tall and 21" wide.
These metal turkeys are placecard holders from Pottery Barn.
Hope you all are having a happy Thanksgiving!
Colleen
Swede Collection
Just got the preview Winter 2020 issue of Milieu. Pam Pierce, the Editor-in-Chief of Milieu's home is on the cover showing her Swedish pieces. Particularly love her Rococo Swedish carved chair. Lovely article on her home inside. LOVE this issue. On the newsstands around December 1. So nice to see how many people love Swedish design and antiques.
My ad is on page 157. The puppy in my ad is Milly.
Colleen Martin
Founder, Swede Collection, LLC
We are holding a warehouse sale open to the public for my furniture designs on swedefurniture.com. It is an online sale to clear the two warehouses. We are starting with seating to make the most empty space on the floor.
All pieces are first come, first serve. You do not have to be an interior decorator or in the trade. Open to all for this sale. To view the first pieces on sale, go to this link on Issuu. More pieces will be made available after these are sold.
https://issuu.com/
https://issuu.com/swedecollection/docs/warehouse_sale1-compressed?fr=sOTcyMTMyODQ4
Please keep in mind these are all hand crafted and made to last a lifetime and inheritable -- not cheap throw away furniture.
I am happy to answer any questions. [email protected]
The Spring 2019 issue of Milieu has our ad on page 97. It shows our hand-carved white barn doors as a backdrop and three of our chairs. Will be on newsstands March 1.
Let me know what you think. Love Milieu and hope you do also.
Colleen
I hope 2019 is an incredible year for you.
This is an angel on the wall of an antique shop in Sweden where I purchased it.
Colleen
Wishing all of you joy at this Christmas time. And, thank you for your support since 2010 to follow where Swede Collection and I have gone. May 2019 hold great things for you all.
Colleen
I just received my Winter 2019 pre-issue for advertisers of Milieu magazine. We get our preview copy about three weeks before they hit the newsstands.
Cover view.
My ad is on page 35. This kitten is precious -- provided by my commercial photography studio. Would love to be her pet mother.
There are four magazines per year and I believe the subscription cost is $29.95 for two years. In my area the single issue in bookstores and grocery stores is $7.99. The owner, Pamela Pierce, does a fabulous job with interior content.
On another topic, if you would like to see the Lookbook I produced for the shop La Maison in Memphis, here is the link. This is the December issue as a gift guide. The November issue was for holiday decor.
https://issuu.com/swedecollection/docs/la_maison_lookbook_december_2018_en?e=0
Wishing all of you an early Happy Holidays.
Colleen Martin
Founder, Swede Collection
For those of you who wish to see some of my photo graphics work, here is another lookbook I finished for La Maison Antiques shop in Memphis. This is to show what is available in the shop for the month of October. I use paintings that are for sale and convert them to backdrops to show other merchandise. The cover is a painting by Vance Boyd.
And the link:
https://issuu.com/
Now working on the November one. Enjoy!
Colleen
Just got home from attending the BIG antique show at Round Top. My favorite venue is Marburger Farm. We also went to Big Red Barn and Market Hill.
I made a lookbook of the photos I took.
Here is the link to Issuu to view the lookbook:
https://issuu.com/swedecollection/docs/marburger_farm_lookbook_october_201?e=4041138/64983693
I think Round Top is the nation's largest antique show. Either first or second to Brimfield. There are miles of tents and buildings along Highway 237 to stop and shop. It has it all. Everything from junk to high end pieces.
Enjoy!
Colleen
The Fall issue of Milieu magazine is now on the newsstand.
It is their 5th anniversary issue. Hard to believe it has been five years since Pamela Pierce started this beautiful magazine.
The marketing gals came to meet with me at High Point market in April and I agreed to advertise with them. Here is our first ad.
Swede is on page 41 in the magazine and on page 84 in the editorial story called The Gift of Wood.
The commercial photography studio I work with is Studio 323 in High Point, NC. The four-month old French Bulldog in this photo belongs to the studio owner. Her name is Patsy Potato. Studio 323 has also finished my ad for the Winter issue of Milieu for December 1 release and I really love this new one.
Shown in this photo are Swede's long Gustavian bench, our Leaf Tip Gustavian stool and our French shell stool. See them all on either Dering Hall or our website, www.swedefurniture.com
Very proud of this accomplishment.
Colleen
I haven't done a digital flipbook on Paris for you in awhile -- lots of procrastination -- so decided to work on one again. It takes several days for me to put one together.
This one is on the use of gold by Parisian architects, interior designers, landscape architects, iron workers, painters and other craftsmen. This is what I see as a tourist visiting museums, castles and walking around town. Put simply, gold is everywhere in Paris. I limited this flipbook to 166 pages which is only an overview of the massive availability of things to capture covered in gold.
I am a beauty seeker by genetics, drive and passion. My passion yells at me "capture this beautiful view", "capture that detail" and "preserve this artistic skill" to soak up for my own deep well of visual need and to share with others who love beautiful moments as much as I do.
If you've been to Paris, I hope this reminds you of your visit and if you have not yet gone to Paris, I hope it inspires you to visit.
Here is the link. Best viewed on a desktop. Click the full screen button to see all the details.
https://issuu.com/swedecollection/docs/flipbook_paris_gilt_retry.compresse?e=4041138/63763887
Last, one other tidbit of news, Swede Collection will have a full-page ad in Milieu magazine starting September 1 with their anniversary issue to reach more people about what Swede makes.
Enjoy!
Colleen
I love this time of year -- end of May -- first of June when the blue Hydrangeas bloom. Picked these on the north side of the house this afternoon. Wish they would bloom forever.
This vase from Wisteria catalog is the closest one in color that I have.
These plants are ones I got at the grocery store many years ago as potted plants to decorate with. When they finished, I planted them outside in the flowerbed. I always try to save them and not just throw them away. I put many of them with the shrubs in the greenbelt.
Placed the vase on my swedefurniture.com buffet. I've been redecorating and moving things around lately. The date stamp on the back of the gray English transferware platters is March 13, 1849. There are four in the set. One is huge [not shown]. Love them with the gray finish of the Swede trumeau and buffet.
I saw some dark red ones in a magazine this week. They were 2Die4. I also have pink but the bluish purple ones are my favorite.
Have a fabulous week!
Colleen
I want to show you another new product Swede Collection showed at April High Point Market. We made an 18" square stool that is 19" high [dining table height] that has a hand-carved shell on all sides. I love making little stools. You can tuck them anywhere in a room. I particularly make these so men can sit on them. Extremely sturdy and built to last 200 years. Have you ever watched a man enter a room and his eye searches for a place to sit down? Men won't sit on anything they think will collapse under them and are frustrated when furniture is so delicate it shouts out "don't sit on me". Won't happen with these stools.
I made three different color combinations so you could see how versatile they can be.
This one has an Acacia [blue/green] finish with Italian gold leaf and Italian cut velvet upholstery.
The fabric has a teal background with chocolate velvet damask.
This one has a textured Silvermist finish with Italian cut velvet upholstery in blue/gray on a metallic background. Notice that the shells are on all sides.
This Silvermist finish is the same as my shell-carved barn door with Italian silver leaf. Nailheads match the Italian leaf color.
This third one is Software Gray with Italian gold leaf and a solid gray velvet for the upholstery.
The finishes and upholstery choices are unlimited. The other thing I like about them is they are so easy to ship FedEx Ground.
They would look great in pairs tucked under console tables. I also made them 19" high so you could pull them up to a dining table for extra seating.
Swede also makes hand-carved leaf tip 20" square stools which were introduced at October 2017 High Point Market. Several colors in these as well. These are Swedish in style.
Now I am thinking about what design to make the next stools.
Colleen
You have heard the saying "necessity is the mother of invention". Have you ever wanted a beautiful sliding barn door and the only thing on the market is ho hum or your builder had to make one for $300 out of some pine boards on the jobsite? Still not very pretty? If you are like me, you searched the entire Internet and could not find any sliding barn door that had hand carving or was elegant.
Search no more. Swede Collection introduced at April High Point market its first three elegant barn doors. Nobody but Swede is making these. There are more designs in the works for October High Point market including a very interesting one you could call Bohemian with lots of details.
Want an elegant sliding door between the master bedroom and bath? How about one of these? Also incredible in a dining room.
This one is Silvermist blue with hand carving and Italian silver leaf.
And it is finished on the back side as well. Italian silver leaf on the trim. Lovely from both sides.
Have a white room and need an elegant white sliding door? Here she is. Hand carved a couple feet from the top down.
The back side is painted white also. Due to the depth of the door the carving can only be on one side.
How about the elegance of this one in Serious Gray with Italian gold leaf on both sides.
Back is the same as the front on this one.
Sizes??? These three are 8 foot 4 inches tall and 39 inches wide. They fit an 8 foot interior door that is either 32 or 36 inches wide.
Can't wait to show you the new ones being developed now. They also come in 88 inches high for either 7 foot interior doors or 6'-8" openings.
Pass the word. Pretty barn doors now exist. Webmaster is putting them up on swedefurniture.com this week.
Colleen
Simple Easter Sunday at home. Here are a few shots around the house today. I have been trying to pare down my decor and not go crazy with a lot of novelty items for holidays. Today I am using a few things I have had for many years. I did put an Easter wreath on the front door - same one I've had for 8 years or so.
Simple wreath of eggs on my Swedish 1770 cupboard.
Always love getting this little flying rabbit on a stick out each year. So fun. I've probably had him around 20 years. Wish I had the creativity to create things like this. Love his egg.
Fried oyster breakfast, a tradition from Rick's side of the family.
Another long time decor piece, this birch wreath with blue eggs on the console table with glass bottles from France and glass floats.
For today's tablescape, I chose a blue charger Lacque de Chine from Haviland. Placemats from Williams-Sonoma. Ricci gold plated stainless steel flatware.
I started this family tradition of using covered glass objects at each person's place setting for holiday meals. For Easter I have clear glass rabbits from Williams-Sonoma filled with gifts for each guest. I believe these glass rabbits were made for W-S by Smith Glass of New England. I've had these about 20 years.
My theme today is blues and greens fresh for Spring. Dinner plate is Pompadour by Charles Field Haviland. Love the hand painted birds all round the rim. Inside the dining room you can hear birds chirping nonstop. Great fit.
If you know me, my tables are all about the mix of high and low. I don't care where something comes from as long as it can hold its own - trash or treasure. These bunny plates were about $8 at Pottery Barn. They originally came in different colors but I only chose the aqua ones.
Simple and cheap stemware - clear and bubble glass.
I do love the color aqua. This is an antique French monogrammed gravy boat.
Aqua pedestal cake plate pulled out of the cupboard.
Huge green bunnies for the centerpiece. They are made out of birch sticks and a covering of faux moss. Ribbons around their necks. Everybody who sees these wants one. Kicking myself for not purchasing more when I found these.
Rick put a ribeye roast in the oven for dinner.
I worked in the garden a little bit this morning. Snow Drops are still pretty as well as the Daffodils. White Dogwood tree is starting to come out.
And, last, here is a sneak peak of one of my new items being introduced at High Point market in a couple weeks. Not a good shot as it was taken on the loading dock. Swedish barrel chair with nickel sun faces on the inside back. For April market, I am introducing Elegant Hand Carved Barn Doors - four styles, some new French shell stools, a Gustavian bench, a huge cathedral candlestick and my triangular sunburst mirror in gold this time. More photos later after market closes.
Hope you are having a wonderful Easter Sunday!
Colleen
If you would like to know more about Swede Collection, here is an interview of me by Meranda Devan, author of The Swedish Furniture blog.
http://theswedishfurniture.com/archives/colleen-martin-founder-of-swede-collection-tells-us-her-journey-of-how-she-began-reproducing-gustavian-furniture
Swedish design in American interiors is at an all-time high. Chosen for its qualities not as a fad or trend. White and light interiors are loved by so many. Today I am talking to Colleen Martin, Founder of Swede Collection, in the hand-crafted segment of the furniture industry, who is living her life passion reproducing Swedish furniture, particularly from the Gustavian and Rococo periods. Colleen was making console tables when the need for new dining chairs for her home arose. When she couldn’t purchase what she wanted nor find anyone to make them for her, necessity being the mother of invention, she decided to make them for her line. Swede Collection is shown at High Point market in April and October. The line can be seen at www.swedefurniture.com.
Gustavian is my favorite style as it makes my heart sing. To me it is eloquent, romantic and refined with a simplistic beauty. I do like a few Rococo pieces as well. What I love is that Swedish pieces have never gone out of style 200 years and counting. They are lasting, enduring and inheritable due to their design. Because they are not overly embellished, you don’t get tired of the look.
I first decorated my homes in French antiques due to access as that was what was available in antique stores where I lived and as far as I could travel to antique shows. Keep in mind this was pre-Internet years so purchasing access was limited to as far as you could travel. Even though I lived in larger cities, Swedish antiques or reproductions were not available. I loved the straight legs of Louis XVI. I have always been a huge shelter magazine reader so that is where I first saw Swedish pieces and then realized Swedish was where my true love was which was similar to French Louis XVI. When the Internet made access easier, my passion for Swedish design intensified. One could see and purchase Swedish pieces in the US and Sweden easily.
The colors of white, pale blue/grey and pale aqua are very soothing to the soul. I find people who love Swedish style are deeply devoted to it. Perhaps it is the peaceful feeling people experience in light toned rooms where the furniture is not stark but not overdone either. Swedish pieces have great balance and detail. With the painted frames people get a departure from the brown tones of wood. Today, décor is all about the mix. What is so fabulous about Swedish design is that it fits smoothly in any décor and very surprisingly with contemporary.
Gustavian Spindle-Back Dining Chair, SC0019
My mission was to make excellent quality hand-crafted and hand-carved Swedish furniture more accessible for everyone to enjoy in their homes. I traveled to Sweden and purchased antiques which I reproduce both in Gustavian and Rococo style. This is my passion. I wanted to bring back the hand-crafted pieces originally made in the workrooms in Stockholm by the masters. Swede produces unique pieces for interior designers but also has some pieces available to the public in the retail section. We are continuing to add to the website retail section smaller pieces that can be shipped via ground. Access to Swedish design is an important part of our mission.
Some of the master furniture makers that I admire are:
Although you read that Gustavian style furniture is credited to king Gustav living at Versailles, loving the French style but having the details relaxed for Swedish pieces in his homeland, I differ from that viewpoint by giving credit not to the king who was not a furniture designer, but credit to the master craftsmen and their apprentices working in their shops all over Sweden. The king may have commissioned their work for the royal properties but I believe the design was the masters’ who presented it to the king for his approval on the commission. I really don’t believe King Gustav came up with all these fabulous designs by himself. Pehr Ljung was a known master carver at the time who was called upon for difficult carvings. There were furniture “architects” and architects who did both buildings and the furniture within. Stockholm was a furniture center with many famous workrooms but these fabulous original designs were not exclusively created in Stockholm. Some masters specialized in making mirrors or clocks. I love researching these makers and am searching for information on women designers.
I like to honor the original creator that inspires me but I do change the scale and some details so it is not an exact copy. People were much smaller in body size at that time and particularly their chairs are too small for today’s people to sit in comfortably especially larger men. I didn’t want my husband or a buyer to “perch” on the chair, I wanted him to comfortably sit in it. Comfort is king in what I do. There is no point in making something nobody can sit in. I also produce in Maple, Ash and Cherry not Swedish Pine. I do believe these masters would be proud and thrilled to see that their designs are loved 200 years later by my bringing them back to life for today’s homes. For the most part, I own the original of what I reproduce. There are a few items in my line that my talented crew was able to duplicate just from a photo of the antique.
Yes, in Sweden, England and the United States and it makes my heart pound to find initials carved into the frame. There is also a mark on furniture made for the royal properties. When you see the carved initials IL for example, remember an “I” is a “J” so this could be made by Johan Lindgren. Pieces reproduced 100 years ago of the originals created 200 years ago are fairly available to purchase today.
Although pieces can be found, price is another issue. A chair can run from $4,000 to 7,000. And, you may not be able to sit on it. That is the other reason I decided to reproduce these chairs – to make them affordable. Hand crafted chairs should be inheritable for generations to come and should last another 200 years just like their ancestors.
I made the finishes on Swede Collection pieces blend seamlessly with antique finishes. Unless you have an expert eye, you probably couldn’t tell the difference. Making the new pieces allows me to fill in the blanks smoothly where unattainable pieces can’t be acquired.
I fell in love with this chair at Sabylund Manor. Bukowski’s auction house in Stockholm sold a set of these as well. I believe they look identical to ones made by Johan Hammarstrom which my talented team copied.
I purchased this antique Rococo chair on right and our copy is on the left.
Everyone on Pinterest will recognize this desk in a home in The Netherlands on the left and Swede Collection’s version on the right.
We also went to Jacquemart-Andre museum in Paris and photoed the Nattier portrait which we made into a poster in a larger size.
Here is another example. Antique sofa on right with Swede Collection sofa on left.
On the left are demilune tables brought back from Sweden on my 2014 trip and on the right the new Swede Collection one.
These Rococo chairs, antique on left, new on right.
We made some hand-carved boiserie panels that buyers at market kept asking to be made into sliding doors. For April 2018 High Point market, we are introducing four sliding “barn doors”. What is different about ours is that they are elegant with hand carving on solid wood or antiqued mirror glass inserts in beautiful soft colors. You would never find them on a barn. They are great used between a master bath and bedroom instead of a traditional door. They are beautiful separators of any spaces within the home. And, we are always making more chairs and benches. We are also working on a massive tall candlestick like ones found in European cathedrals. There is a never-ending list of items to make. I am having the thrill of my lifetime making these pieces.
We got our one day of snow for the year yesterday so I am staying inside today. Looking at all the details which I adore on antiques and furnishings in the house and admiring them this afternoon. I really love antique hardware on Swedish pieces.
Enjoy!
Can't wait to plant my annuals in mid-April.
Colleen
Colleen
Magenta is a great color for holiday decorating. Not as edgy as bright red. Looking back over designs I used for past holidays, I found these images.
Enjoy!
Colleen
I primarily blog about two things: tablescapes and Swedish furniture and flowers now and then. For those who follow me for the tablescapes, here is my latest one. Simple silver and white for a winter dinner before the Christmas tablescapes.
Since I just moved from storage into the dining room my painted Icy Grey dining table with black pepper finish, I had not done a grey tablescape on this table so was eager to see how silver, grey and white would look. I did not want to overdo it -- just keep it low key. Resource list at the end.
For the centerpiece, I used three large silver reindeer standing in bead garland on a white linen runner. I like the fur collars on the reindeer. These are very well made. I had others and they cracked and broke.
Here is what one looks like close up.
The beaded trees are about 50" tall so they go past the bottom of the chandelier. I like them because guests can see each other across the table but yet they add a touch of beauty.
I looked through my china stash and decided to use these plates. Top one is unmarked antique porcelain with the cute crown. I believe they are French due to the quality and the size of cups that came with them.
Dinner plate is vintage Admiral by Coalport.
The grey French charger also has a little crown symbol with a hammered look edge. On the right, the damask napkin made in Russia for Williams-Sonoma and Tiffany antique St. James pattern sterling.
French white opaline stemware and crystal clear stem from William Yeoward.
This table is set for a small dinner of six people. For the silver reflective value, I chose to use mercury glass votives and candlesticks.
Oval back chairs from Swede Collection. Antique Swedish cupboard.
Resource list:
Beaded Trees: Pottery Barn
Beaded Garland: Target
Mercury Glass Votives and Candlesticks: Pottery Barn
Crystal Stemware: Pearl pattern from William Yeoward
French White Opaline Stemware: Portieux Vallerysthal
Sterling Flatware: Tiffany
Napkins and Linen Runner: Williams-Sonoma
Silver Reindeer: Target
Enjoy!
Colleen
www.swedefurniture.com
Swede Collection made this Swedish Gustavian demilune table for all who told us that when they went to look for this style table they couldn't find any.
Classic Swedish style with simple lines and hand carved leaf tip on rim.
This demilune table sells directly from our website. No designer license needed.
44" Wide, 31.5" High, 22" Deep
Hand Carved Frame; Textured Grey Finish
Made of Maple; Shipped KD FedEx Ground; 50 pounds each. Very easy screw bolt/nut assembly of legs.
Use them separately or pull them together for a 44" diameter dining table. Ships in about 4 days from High Point, NC. Still time to have it in your home for Christmas.
http://www.swedefurniture.com/sc0045.aspx
Swede Collection is now retailing some items directly to buyers. No To-The-Trade license needed to purchase these pieces.
Ships FedEx Ground in a few days. Still time for Christmas.
This Gustavian stool is 20" x 20" x 19" high. Dining table chair height.
Solid Maple. Hand Carved.
Several colors available. This one is Grey with Lee Jofa chenille fabric. Only 4 of this color left. Hurry.
Ships from High Point, NC. See our website for all colors and other items.
http://www.swedefurniture.com/online_items.aspx
Here is the newsletter article [before some content was cut] from my interview with La Maison Antiques on Thanksgiving and other holiday entertaining.
Q: What are the key elements to achieve any memorable holiday event in your home?
A: Make your guests feel special, comfortable and leave enriched by their experience. I try to give them the unexpected WOW that they will remember for quite some time.
If it is your turn to host a holiday event at your home, don’t panic – just start making lists of ideas as far in advance as possible. Planning ahead and being organized are the best ways to eliminate stress for you and your guests to create a memorable event. Use what you have but add some eye candy. You don’t necessarily have to be “creative” to achieve a fabulous result when you plan, research and organize. There is nothing wrong with using an idea you found on a blog or Pinterest. I casually plan a year ahead by being open to ideas throughout the year. It may be July when I find perfect Turkey plates at an estate sale or antique shop or something for my next Easter table. A month out from the event, I make detailed lists and collect all the items I am planning to use. If it is a major holiday like Thanksgiving, guests need to be invited months in advance. Guests will feel enriched if they can take away an idea you have demonstrated to use at their own next event, learn something new like a new recipe or be entertained by a happy atmosphere. They should leave feeling content, grateful and honored to have been invited.
Q: Since Thanksgiving is almost here, can you give an example of something special to do for Thanksgiving guests.
A: I purchased some amber glass turkeys with hollow bowls under the lid that were intended to serve cranberry sauce. On each guest’s plate to open before the meal begins, I place a turkey filled with small gifts specially selected for that guest. It could be golf tees, fish hooks, thumb drives, key chains, a tube of lipstick, nail polish, lip gloss, small toys, etc. I stay away from candy and money unless a teen is collecting coins, then I may use Buffalo nickels or Indian head pennies.
I also place under their placemat or charger a small Ziploc bag so they can easily take the gifts with them. The more research or thought you put into the selection of small items the more special the guest will feel. Thoughtfulness makes a guest feel special, comfortable and enriched.
Using place cards either purchased or hand made at each place makes guests feel special when they see their own name. It confirms their sense of belonging. Many styles are available.
Q: And about making guests comfortable, what are your suggestions?
A: Find out their likes/dislikes beforehand if you can. What do they drink? If you are serving wine, have plenty of alternatives. Are they allergic to oyster dressing, cranberries or nuts?
A: Have comfortable dining chairs. Men are not comfortable for a three-hour dinner when perched on the edge of a small chair they feel will collapse any second. Check the seat depth and width of your chairs. Swede Collection at La Maison has many full scaled dining chairs. Guests won’t remain at the table if their chair is uncomfortable.
This hand carved armchair from Swede Collection is available at La Maison. After the dinner you can pull it into a living room to use as an occasional chair for a larger crowd.
A: Seat all guests at a table so they don’t have a wobbly tray on their lap. Use multiple tables in the foyer or hallway if you have to. Guests are very uncomfortable when they worry about spilling food or drinks on your upholstery or carpet.
Two demilune tables can be put together as a dining table for four people. These from Swede Collection are available at La Maison.
Try to have a place for all guests to sit down. Have available small stools or benches for use in family rooms for larger crowds that can be tucked under a console table when not in use. Small stools are available at La Maison. This one from Swede Collection at 19” high is dining table chair height.
This area can seat nine guests plus seating on the Mongolian sheep hide bench, which makes quite a conversational item. Pillows can be switched out for the color theme of your event.
Larger chairs like wing chairs are comfortable for the ends of dining tables. This wing chair in spa linen is available at La Maison used here as a host/hostess chair.
Q: What would you do to make a Thanksgiving table memorable?
A: The centerpiece usually is the center of attention at the table. This does not have to be a $200 arrangement from the florist. For example, you can take an antique transferware platter [many available at La Maison] and fill it with dried gourds and some Bittersweet vine. I purchased these gourds at an antique mall and a package of faux Bittersweet vine at Michael’s. Real Bittersweet vine is available at Fresh Market.
I also cut Cleyera, Holly, Nandina, colored leaves and Magnolia branches from my yard to place in wet Oasis with some flowers from the grocery store. You can also purchase inexpensively fresh and ceramic pumpkins and gourds, chalk ware or metal pheasants and game birds to create an attractive arrangement. Using what you have will be less stressful.
This platter is placed on a plaid cotton runner [Williams-Sonoma] in coordinated colors.
Here Osage Oranges picked from a field are in a simple clear glass bowl with ceramic pumpkins for the centerpiece.
An urn, large basket, wooden dough bowl or large pedestal bowl from La Maison filled with fall items would make a great centerpiece.
A beautiful table always makes guests feel special to be invited to the meal.
Q: What ideas do you have for a Thanksgiving theme at the table?
A: A traditional fall tablescape used in September and October can be converted to a Thanksgiving theme with a few additions such as Turkey plates, thankful plates, Turkey napkin rings and place card holders or linens. Here is an example.
This fall place setting uses antique bone handled flatware, a copper sheeting on cork placemat [Copperworx], amber stemware, plaid linens, tortoise charger [Jaune de Chrome] and tortoise flatware [Vietri] and an antique French game plate. Horn and bone themed items can be found at La Maison.
Just add a Turkey plate [Myott] and use what you already have. A quick switch up makes a big change of style. A mix of new, vintage and antique plates makes the setting very interesting.
A simple “Thankful” plate could be used for dessert. This plate [Williams-Sonoma] would look beautiful with an all-white tablescape. Just this one plate converts the look from classic white to say “Thanksgiving”. You could also add, as a centerpiece, white mini pumpkins on a white platter. Or spray paint dried gourds white.
You could also use a bird plate [Copeland-Spode], not necessarily a Turkey. Brown and white can be wonderful.
Here is a green antique Minton plate with a new brown and white transferware salad plate [Spode].
Chocolate and peach. Note the turkey-shaped place card holder.
Here is another switch up of the same fall place setting of the chocolate charger and copper placemat with a new transferware Turkey plate [Williams-Sonoma].
We think of Thanksgiving colors as brown, rust, harvest green, gold, amber or orange. You do not have to use fall colors. Here is an example if your everyday dinner ware is blue and white. Just add a blue Turkey plate [Cauldon]. Adding lime green or orange to a blue and white theme would look beautiful. Or you could do red or coral with blue.
Antique English Cauldon transferware plate with a new coral charger [Alberto Pinto]. Pairing coral and blue is unexpected for Thanksgiving.
You may already have blue and white stemware. This idea fits in perfectly if you already decorate in blue. No need to switch entirely to fall colors just for one holiday meal.
Greens are a great choice as they are easily found in natural elements. Just put some fresh gourds on a platter for an instant centerpiece. Coronet bird plates.
Go through your cupboards and see what you can mix. There is no right or wrong. Color themes are endless. You only need a hint of orange with green.
These vintage plate patterns from Royal Worcester are perfect for a holiday table. Cup/saucer from Mottahedeh.
This antique French fish plate with a pumpkin colored napkin is another idea to use with the same fall Jaune de Chrome Tortoise brown charger and copper platemat from Copperworx.
Any color combination can work for a Thanksgiving table. Here is an example of amethyst and amber.
A mix of new, vintage and antique plates and stemware makes a more interesting table. I look for these year ‘round to be ready to switch up my tables. This one is Johnson Brothers.
The addition of this leopard tumbler adds an interesting twist.
For more tablescape ideas see Swede’s blog Tablescape section here:
http://swede.typepad.com/swede/tablescapes/
Q: How would you switch up your décor for a one-day event such as Thanksgiving dinner when your everyday color scheme is not fall colors?
A: You can change the theme by three things: paintings, pillows and flowers.
Select the colors you want to work with and use pillows in those colors.
Select a blooming plant, Mums or cut flowers placed in a color coordinated pot or vase.
Get a large blank art canvas from Michael’s and splash, throw or finger paint it as an abstract with paint in those colors and place it in a prominent place. Whatever color you use that is what the color the room will be [without painting the walls].
The next day you can put the canvas and pillows in the closet and give the floral away. I like the three elements triangle décor process because if your furnishings are neutral, you can have an orchid room one day, a turquoise one the next, on and on. You can switch up by seasons as well.
La Maison has many colors of pillows, such as the one above, available as well as abstract paintings if you don’t want to do your own splash paint canvas.
Here is an example of placing Mums in a cachepot in front of your finger painting with ceramic pumpkins, votives, antique orange fish plates and Bittersweet vine on a Swede Collection console table.
Q: What are some helpful hints for entertaining?
A: Do make sure your guests across the table are not blocked by the height of the centerpiece. If you are using fresh flowers, put them in flower towers that are above the guests’ heads. Guests will be talking about these for years to come. You can fill them with inexpensive Mums from the grocery store and greenery from your yard.
Do set the table and make floral arrangements a day or two ahead and prepare as much in advance as possible so there is less work the day of the event.
Do use stools and benches to provide more seating for large groups. Swede Collection at La Maison has many to choose from.
Do have table conversation ideas preplanned. Memorize some great jokes or stories, interesting news or fun questions to ask guests.
Do make your event unique so it will be memorable. Put sideboards, buffets and console tables to work. Here is a huge metal Turkey wading in Acorn and Butternut Squash which is next week’s dinner.
Do switch up the table if you have guests staying several days over the holiday. Change out the napkin color, placemat color or plates but keep the centerpiece and chargers the same. A little switch out will make it look like a new tablescape. If you are using fresh flowers they should last for four days or more.
Make breakfast for your overnight guests special as well.
Breakfast mugs and plates with leaf designs.
All photos: Colleen Martin
Colleen
For those of you who have been following me for a long time, you know how much I disliked my brown wood Henredon dining table that I have had since 1983. It has been a love/hate relationship for a long time. What I loved about it was that it was 45" wide and 134" long. If you have shopped for dining tables lately, you know that makers have reduced the width to 40" or 42" and it is hard to find wide ones. Likewise, long ones over 108". When tables are 40" wide using a runner is difficult as it doesn't leave enough room for chargers at the place settings and using placemats doesn't look good either. So I loved the size and that it had two pedestals so chairs slipped under the edges nicely -- having no apron skirt that chair arms slammed into. It also had casters so I could roll it around. It certainly didn't look Swedish. But that BROWN wood just sucked up light and not much in the way of china or linens went well with it. It has been with me for 34 years almost part of the family. I have threatened to paint it many times but just didn't have the courage to "ruin" it.
So I was looking in the clearance section of a local furniture store one day last summer and found this table for $713 plus $75 delivery that was a HOT mess. It had shipping damage on the leaves and top. It would only sell to someone who wanted to fix it up. And, it was BROWN, of course. Doesn't anybody make a white table????
What I liked about it was that it was 46" wide, an inch wider than mine, but shorter at 116 inches. But it would blend with Swedish decor if painted. In my next house, I want a large kitchen where I can put a kitchen table in place of an island. So I thought this would work if I could use wood filler in the holes and nicks and paint it. They are still selling that style table for $2,000 + tax and delivery. I was happy with my bargain.
You should have seen the delivery man's face when I wouldn't let him take it in the front door and told him to go around back and put it upside down on the patio. I primed it and enameled it icy grey with a black pepper top. I used it as a display table at the shop for a while then it went to storage. Last week I had the movers put it in my dining room at the house and put the Henredon one in storage.
I do love the light color. Oval back chairs are Swede Collection in pale grey.
I decided to do a simple tablescape in grey and white before I have to do Thanksgiving decor.
I bought a large oriental bowl on stand at the Stock Exchange charity consignment store in August and filled it with shells and coral. Spray painted the brown stand with grey paint for $7.
A couple years ago I found a graduated set of platters. This is the smallest one. Transferware made in England in 1849 according to the mark on the back side. This one is called "morning". Loved the ladies. It is hard to find antique transferware in grey.
I love to mix china, new, vintage and old. This is a new Anna Weatherley charger, Richard Ginori Italian "Torino" pattern dinner plate, which I think is discontinued, and on top an antique French monogrammed plate. I LOVE gold monogrammed china. The grey/white runner is from Williams-Sonoma. French opaline goblet and Simon-Pearce twist stem in "Stratton" pattern. Ricci gold flatware.
When I find gold monogrammed china it is almost always in mint condition. Always "saved for good company" and never used.
This little man I absolutely LOVE who adopted us is dressed in his tuxedo ready for a formal dinner.
Now that I have photoed the table it is time to set it with turkey plates.
All the best,
Colleen
Here are some photos I took today of the space where I show my line in Memphis. La Maison at 4768 Poplar Avenue. The only two pieces that are not my design are the Mongolian Sheep White Fur Bench and the Spa Blue Wing Chairs. Please ignore the price tags hanging in view. The floor constantly is rearranged so this is what it looked like this morning. This is only a part of it -- not the whole thing. Some parts were too messy to show you. These photos show the large scale silver and aqua damask wallpaper that I put up two years ago. I LOVE it. From Seabrook now discontinued. White/silver wallpaper is from Thibault. To save floor space the chairs are put inside the bed frame.
My webmaster is getting the website ready to start doing retail sales. Should be ready next week. This will give the public access to purchasing some of my furniture line that is not to the trade. Will tell you when it is up and ready.
Colleen
I am home from showing my line at October High Point market. Here are the new products I introduced.
Gustavian sofa with Italian silver leaf accents. We showed this before with Italian gold leaf.
Gustavian 20 inch stools in three colors. This one is Silvermist with Italian silver leaf accents.
Here it is in Acacia with Italian gold leaf.
And this one is textured grey with no leaf.
Pairs of this demilune table which combined make a 44 inch round dining table. This is a textured grey finish.
French desk in solid Ash with a cerused finish.
Here is what the inside looks like.
SC0037 Rolling Coin occasional chair in Silvermist and Italian silver leaf finish.
These panels are for interior shutters on windows or doors. This particular set is 10 feet tall and 2 feet wide per panel.
We are also making them into elegant hand carved sliding barn doors with Italian silver leaf for spring market in April. Beautiful in a master bedroom between the master and bath areas.
I have been suffering with Plantars Facitis in my right heel so doing market wasn't much fun. It has improved a bit from when I couldn't walk on my right foot at all.
Hope you enjoy what Swede Collection is making.
Colleen
Here is a sneak peek at one of the pieces we will be showing in a couple weeks at High Point October market. This Swedish Gustavian stool is being introduced in three colors, Silvermist, Grey Texture and Acacia. Photos are taken on the loading dock as I was in a hurry to see them. Formal photos will be taken in October.
These stools are 20 inches wide/deep so a man can sit on them without the fear they will collapse like delicate ones could. Solid Maple with Italian silver and gold leaf on two of them. Grey one is plain. Made 19 inches high so they can be used as seating on the side of a dining table in place of chairs. More new pieces to come ----.
I will also be showing a new desk and Swedish demilune tables.
Colleen
If you would like to know more about how I started my business, a passion for recreating Swedish antiques, here is the link to the interview of me by Michele of Hello Lovely.
http://www.hellolovelystudio.com/2017/08/lovely-finds-swedish-furniture-and.html
Antique cupboard I brought back from Sweden and the Rococo side dining chair I recreated from the original Swedish antique.
Hope all of you are having a fun summer.
Colleen
I want to show you an example of a desk in my line and the back story of how it got included in what Swede makes. I am sure you have seen this photo on Pinterest if you are a decor enthusiast. It must have been pinned a million times.
When I first saw this photo I just couldn't stop admiring it. I believe somebody said the desk belongs to a lady in Copenhagen and was not for sale at an antique shop. Love the Swedish Rococo chair as well.
But there was something else magical about this photo. My eyes were immediately drawn to the poster of the young woman propped up on top of the desk. That young girl and I had a past encounter! When I was in Paris a couple years ago, my husband and I went to some of the smaller museums after having done all the big ones. I saw a flyer for Jacquemart-Andre museum and asked my husband to get us there as he knows the Paris metro like the back of his hand. The first thing I saw when I walked into J-A was this painting on the wall. I was smitten. Thankfully, J-A museum lets you take digital photos inside the museum and I took my heart's fill of this painting among many other fabulous pieces of furniture.
So when I saw this photo of the desk, I knew exactly what that poster was. When we were in the J-A museum gift shop, I could not find the poster for sale. So I came home and made one from the photo I had taken. I took the full painting showing the bird. The poster is cropped showing more detail of her face and bird-less.
I could not stop thinking about this desk so I decided to make one as close to it as I could get. My CAD guy is incredible and could make engineering drawings just from this photo. I already have a chair very similar to the photo, my SC0025.
So here is how it looks in my shop. Desk, posters and chair are all for sale there. La Maison, 4768 Poplar, Memphis.
The desk is SC0032. I also made a cabinet to go on top of it which is not shown here. Now anyone who loved the original desk can have one. My passion is to give rebirth to cabinetmakers' beautiful pieces from the 1770-1790 period. I can't show enough gratitude to the men and women who make my furniture pieces as they are incredibly skilled and produce very high quality work.
Colleen
Wanted to show you the new products we took to High Point market the end of April.
Now currently working on new products for October market which will include Swedish demilune tables, Gustavian stool and a French writing desk. Always exciting to see these products being made and like seeing your new baby when you see them finished for the first time.
SC0042 Bench With Rounded Ends
Love the beautiful twist legs. Notice they are off-set. It is 72" long, 20" Deep and 19" High.
The above photo shows the rounded ends. You can see the hand-carved detail on the rim here a well.
This is the backside. It is made straight so it fits nicely against the footboard of a king or queen bed.
I also like it in a long hallway, foyer or side of a dining table just for a different look than identical chairs all around.
SC0039 Swedish Mora Clock
We used German clockworks. The face is steel. Brass pendulum. Italian gold leaf on silvermist finish. She is a "looker". Clocks are much more difficult to make than you could imagine.
SC0041 Gustavian Sofa
I wanted to make this for many years and now my dream has been realized. It is 85" long. The seat depth is 24" so I can lay down and take a nap. Creme finish with Italian gold leaf.
Here is what it looks like with some pink pillows.
SC0011 Pierced Rim Console
The carving on this console is all hand done. It is available with a black wood top as shown here or a black marble top. This finish is Italian silver leaf. There are other finish choices.
SC0037
One of my favorite occasional chairs. Has 8-way hand-tied springs. Carving all over is all hand done. Finish is Silvermist with Italian silver leaf.
SC0040
This wave rim occasional chair with tufted barrel back also has hand carving.
If you are in the trade, you can get more information by emailing me from the website, www.swedefurniture.com.
Hope you like what we have made as it is total passion to create.
Colleen
Photos: Swede
Today on my daily quest to capture beauty, the bluish Hydrangeas were ready. I do favor the bluish/purple ones over the pink even though I have mostly pink ones. I tried the soil amendment to turn pink ones blue but don't think it worked very well or I didn't do it correctly.
I brought some inside to decorate around the house. The periwinkle blue column vases I purchased several years ago from Wisteria catalog. Bought them in a couple colors.
Colleen
Photo: Swede
Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving!
This tablescape started with a pair of cobalt blue glass candlesticks from my shop. I had purchased some melon colored candles to go with them. Cobalt and any shade of orange doesn't really fit in my decorating scheme at home, but I decided to see if I could put together a table by finding things in the closets. Here is what I came up with.
Blues and shades of melon and orange.
I circled the base of these with faux Bittersweet vines.
I remembered I had this blue graphic tablecloth upstairs stored away so brought it down. It has several shades of blue in it as well as white. This tablecloth I made from dress fabric sewn together down the center to get it 108" wide so it will touch the floor on all sides of the table. When I can't find a tablecloth that I like, I go to the fabric store and buy dress fabric because it is washable. This is probably eight yards of fabric cut in half and the two four yard pieces are just sewn down the center. Very easy. The cobalt candlesticks and the tablecloth were good together so I kept digging in the cupboards and found more cobalt and orange items.
I have collected two sets of turkey plates, this cobalt set made by Cauldon of England and a brown and creme English set. I do not collect blue and white transferware but I do have purple transferware. I have tried to get blue out of my house except for turquoise and aqua and sold most of it. Then I came across this set of 12 turkey plates in perfect condition. They wanted to come home with me so I said Yes. If you know me, then you know that I rarely pass up a set of 12 beautiful plates of most colors if they are in mint condition. One of my biggest weaknesses. And I don't even blink if they are French porcelain. Done deal. I knew these plates that are only used once a year would be perfect with the cobalt candlesticks.
I brought out of the closet several chargers to try, white, blue edged Haviland, etc. but this one screamed at me. I thought this was a very WILD choice but in the end it won out. This is French Raynaud designed by Alberto Pinto in the Christobol pattern. This red/orange coral pattern is nothing I would ever go to the china shop and buy new. But low and behold, I came across a set of 20 of these in perfect condition used. So, you know me, they were French - I bought them.
The rim soup, which I use for appetizers, is also Raynaud. I tried two napkins, this cobalt one and a burnt orange one, and the blue one won out. Flatware is Ricci in gold plated stainless steel. Love the fish scales on the pattern and it has a very nice heavy weight to it in your hand.
For glassware, I am using French Portieux Vallerysthal white opaline, celestial blue vintage Noritake Perspective water goblets and a tumbler hand made by Saul Chavez, a glass blower from California who does beautiful work.
For the center of the table, I made this silk arrangement in late summer for the shop so I borrowed it. Around the base I placed faux Bittersweet vines from Michael's and fruit made of resin and ground nut shells that I have had for about 18 years made by a company in Kentucky called Apple Annies which is now out of business. Here I have used their pears, gourds, apples and two sizes of pumpkins. I am also using some real gourds that have been dried. You can shake them and hear the seeds rattling around inside.
These votives with reflective coated glass came from a Dollar General type store but they were $2. Ha!
These metal name card holders are from Pottery Barn. Even though they are metal they easily tip over backwards.
At the beginning of the meal, I put little gifts inside these amber Smith Glass turkeys for the guests. This is what guests initially see when they sit down at the table. I got them years ago at Pottery Barn.
Underneath is this fabulous French hand painted game plate from the turn of the century. The set of 12 plates also came with a huge platter -- all in mint condition and French -- so you know what happened. They came home.
The oval-back white chairs are from my Swede Collection line.
Table end view.
A closer view.
Next year I will probably switch to my brown turkey plates.
All the best,
Colleen
Swede
I am participating in Tablescape Thursday this week on the blog Between Naps on the Porch:
http://betweennapsontheporch.net/
Eye candy that is 2Die4. If you have spent any time on Pinterest, you must have come across this photo. I have come back to the photos of this home time and time again to dream about being in this room. I daydream about being at a flea market in Europe and finding a pair of these huge prickets. Wouldn't that be a dream come true? I probably would put them in my living room, however, not at the foot of my king bed, but they certainly make a huge design statement. The room would look so different without them. Wouldn't you like to know where they came from, a church, private chapel, or manor and what year they were made? I am curious and always have so many questions.
Look at that ceiling -- the wide plank floors [replaced?] -- the mirrors -- the bed corona -- the linen and the plaster patch stains on the back wall. Those beams must be over 550 years old. Every surface and object is neutral in color. Who said neutral is boring? Think about what would magically happen if you put an orchid colored pillow on the bed, or a turquoise one or a bouquet of orchid Lilacs on the table or a painting on the wall with those colors. The room would become orchid or turquoise or any color you choose. Instantly changeable. Love neutral decor for that reason. I am fully in the process of switching my home to nearly all white. I can't stop looking at that photo. In September it will be three years since James Balston went to Sees, France [West of Paris] to photograph this home for the London Times published on September 23, 2013. To me, this is timeless decor. This is not a dainty house so scale of furnishings is critical. Do you want to move in and never leave? I would probably change the nightstands, however, and add some of my console tables with the marble tops. And install my Swede Collection four poster crown bed instead of the corona, although in our master I currently have a corona but much smaller than this one. When I was doing my container in Sweden, I found a corona this big size but didn't purchase it as I didn't think I could sell it easily and didn't have the space for it.
And, have you seen this photo of the huge cupboard and just stared at it forever wondering what it would be like to see it in person? I have thought about what I would store in all those drawers. Is it Swedish Baroque?
Well, here it is.
Do you ever look at a fabulous photo and wonder about the backstory -- where is it -- who lives there? I found the answer to those questions. The residence, the bedroom and the cupboard belong to the owners of Augustus Brandt Antiques in England, Paula and Stephen Parkinson, who spent 10 years restoring this 15th century property in Sees France. Can you imagine the cost to do that? But now restored, it can live another few hundred years. Love preserving things. Would also love to visit their antique shop.
Preserving beauty is one of my missions in reproducing Swedish antiques. Imagine my delight to see that Paula and Stephen chose Swedish Rococo chairs for their breakfast room. So similar to the ones I make. And, these are around my kitchen table at home as well.
Side view of the chairs. See how versatile Swedish furniture is to mix in a French home. There is also a Swedish bench shown below -- look in the photos for it. And, note that HUGE mirror that reflects the outdoors.
View of the eight chairs around the table.
Here are Paula and Stephen in the kitchen.
Thank you both for the joy of the eye candy you have given me. This house must give you pure joy daily.
Also note the close up view of the top rails of the Swedish kitchen chairs. Look familiar?
And the epauleps on the chair knees.
Absolutely love these chairs. They grow on you over time and you love them even more.
Here is my reproduction Swede Collection Rococo chair based on the original antique chairs that I purchased from Sweden:
I also make it without the arms like Paula's antique chairs.
More photos of the bedroom. Notice there are no drapes on the windows. There is another Swedish chair by the radiator.
See the oval commode with drawers on both sides -- if I remember correctly, Henredon made this style in the 1990's. I am not sure how old this one is but it looks English.
View of the opposite end of the bedroom. Swedish bench in the window at left. Vitra's LaChaise is striking in contrast but very fun. It runs just over $11,000. Okay, I'll dream of finding one on clearance! Bathroom is behind the open doors in the paneling.
I do not know what year this came to production, but the original was done in 1948 by Charles and Ray Eames.
Living/dining room. Love that big cupboard on the left.
Love the floor. Limestone perhaps. It would not surprise me to learn that all these floors were installed during the renovation as it is doubtful that floors from the 1400's would still be in good shape. I heard that the staircase was replaced.
Have you ever lived in a home made of stone? I have wondered if it has an odor of wet dampness. Some plasters hold moisture as well.
Lots of lovely details.
Another photo of the dining room.
I would love to see the "before renovation" photos of this property. I hope the Parkinsons write a book about this house. Do you think the left portion where the new kitchen and breakfast room are is a new addition to the old structure?
My Swede Collection furniture line would look fabulous in this house. Wish I could use it for a photo shoot for my product catalog.
So what do you think? Love it? Would you take on a renovation like this?
To see more of the property photos go to www.jamesbalstonphotography.com.
Oh, be still my heart!
Colleen
Photos: James Balston, Colleen Martin
Wishing all of you a wonderful Easter.
I found these large topiary bunnies a couple years ago at an outlet. They had four. I purchased two and then was kicking myself that I didn't buy all four. I wish they still made them. Can't imagine why they stopped making them as everybody who sees mine wants one because of their huge size.
Hope the Easter bunny finds your house.
Summer/Colleen
Photo: Swede
I just finished my sixth digital magazine, a flipbook of 100 photos of exterior architectural overdoors in Paris.
See it here:
https://issuu.com/swedecollection/docs/pure_paris_100_overdoorsupdated?e=4041138/33797689
Hope you enjoy.
Colleen
Spring has sprung. Picked the first Daffodils today. Love these resin vases I got last year from a florist that look like bulbs in cluster of three. Perfect way to display Daffodils and Hyacinths as they support the tall stems. Lidded blue and white jar Rick recently inherited from his Dad.
Warmth of Spring is so welcome. Can't wait to start planting annuals.
Colleen
Photo: Swede
Happy Valentine's Day everyone.
Here is my table. So many shades of red and berrry: Cranberry, raspberry, puce, aubergine, strawberry and ruby. In this tablescape for Valentine's Day, I pulled out of the cupboards a lot of red-ish plates and stemware.
I think I got the heart at Hobby Lobby as a Christmas ornament several years ago.
But first, here is my favorite definition of love:
When I Googled, it said the author was Simone Wood and the full quote is: "Love is an unconditional commitment to an imperfect person. To love somebody isn't just a strong feeling. It's a decision, a judgement, and a promise." With love being so hard to define, I like this one.
I decided not to make fresh flower arrangements and just use items I had in the house like the white Orchids and seashell sculpture for the centerpiece.
Antique Swedish Rococo cabinet from 1780. Swede Collection oval-back chairs.
I used this white quilted boutis tablecloth because I like how the scallops touch the floor.
Here are the resources I used:
Haviland charger in Laque de Chine Aubergine gold. These are new not antique.
The appetizer plate for soft foods that don't scratch the painting on the plate. This porcelain cherub plate could be made by Nyon of Switzerland [1780-1860] from the fish symbol that is on the backside with no manufacturer's name. I call these my Florence Vanderbilt plates - set of 12.
The dealer I purchased them from told me they belonged to a granddaughter of Florence Adele Vanderbilt Twombly [died 1952], who was one of nine children of William H. Vanderbilt. Apparently there was a large set of this china but by the time I found it only the dinner plates were left. According to the dealer, much of the set went to a man who collects Vanderbilt memorbilia. I did not buy them because of the V connection because I thought that was just sales talk, but checking into it further [I Googled and looked on Ancestry.com], I did find the last name of the seller [Burden of Connecticut] and it matched the family name on her family tree. That doesn't really mean the granddaughter got them from Florence. They could have come from another source or even the other side of her family. This is when I really wish antiques could talk and tell the story of their lives. A lot of times there is more fiction than facts to inflate an object's value. I know that I could never sell anything that I inherited from my Grandmother or GreatGM even if I was starving.
This is Florence Vanderbilt painted in 1896 by John Singer Sargent. Do I really own her plates? Will never know.
Salad plate is signed RB Boston. This color when it was popular was called puce. Lovely plates with the swirls, gold flourishes and hand painted flowers.
Rim soup plate by Royal Worcester marked on the back 1885. Wonderful size at 10" across.
Hubby made his fish chowder of shrimp, clams, mahi-mahi and vegetables.
The dinner plates I think are vintage not antique.
Made by Royal York of Germany. This color is more ruby or cranberry. Flatware is Ricci of Italy in the Raffaello pattern. It is gold plated stainless steel. I love the fish-scale design.
These dessert plates are among my favorite china. Made by Spode Copeland and hand painted and signed by R. Wood. I call this color ruby.
I am using three pieces of stemware.
In front, William Yeoward's "Pearl", on left a Pottery Barn goblet with ruby stem, pattern name unknown, and on right, Varga's raspberry "Imperial".
Napkin ring by Kim Seybert and Le Jacquard Francais napkin in Graphic Black Current.
Thanks for visiting to see my tablescape.
This week I will be linking to:
Tablescape Thursday: http://betweennapsontheporch.net/
Colleen
Photos: Swede
Made this greeting from a photo of my Dicentra - Bleeding Heart plant taken last year. They bloom the first part of March.
Tons of love to you all.
Colleen
Photo: Swede
I purchased a pair of these candlesticks from Restoration Hardware maybe 8 to 10 years ago. Last week I decided to paint them. I had been putting off the project because one was wobbly in a joint and didn't stand up straight but I finally got my husband to fix it.
Above is the before and after.
The candlesticks originally had some kind of sealer on them but that is all. They had never been finished.
On the right you can see my first base coat of Annie Sloan chalk paint in beige. For the second coat, I used Annie Sloan chalk paint in Paris Grey dabbed on with a natural sea sponge moistened in water and then mixed in a darker grey by using Artisan water soluable oil paint in Payne's Grey. I applied it lightly so the base coat would show through.
And, here is what it looks like with the Payne's Grey.
On the right is the next step which is to sponge on with a water dampened natural sea foam sponge a little bit of Amy Howard brown stain. The Payne's Grey paint looked blue so I wanted to knock that down a bit to look more aged and grey.
The last step is to add on French Gedeo gilding wax in King Gold.
Here is how the pair look on my Swede Collection buffet. They are 37.5" tall which is what I needed in height because the mirror reaches to the ten foot ceiling.
I am happy with the way they turned out. I can use them now instead of storing them away because they weren't presentable.
Colleen
Photos: Swede
