Scandinavian Country Style Furniture and Decor

Simplicity of designs, elegance, painted woodwork and the blue and green palette are elements of the Scandinavian country style furniture. The colors are usually faded and feminine, best fit in a casual room or in a kitchen. Earthy bare pine and navy-dark-greens and gold are also found in the Scandinavian country style furniture. Eclectic style is not far from the rustic Scandinavian, combining the old elements with the modern ones.

The Scandinavian country style furniture is characterized by light colors, simply painted with folk art stencils, matching the light, bright whitewashed walls, the bleached wood floors and the unfussy window treatments. The style is inspired by the old northern farmhouses and peasants' life. The Swedish folk art brought a considerable influence to the general Scandinavian look: the rose painting motifs and the all the floral ones from the Norwegians. Also, the English Art and Craft movement, which were promoting art in all fields of life, developed the use of ornaments and creativity in the country style furniture.

In the 18th century, King Gustav III of Sweden, who, during his trips thorough Europe, borrowed the grand styles from France and Italy, like the marble, elaborate tapestries and exotic silks. After that, the Scandinavians became masters of faux-painting and design imitating marble. Candles are used in the Scandinavian style indoor and outdoor as well and chandeliers are very important, as they bring elegancy. The mirrors are Rocco style and the tapestries are embroidered with delicate textures.

A specific representation of the Scandinavian country style furniture and decor was the Swedish painter Carl Larsson, who was depicting rural life, including furniture craft through watercolors at the end of the 19th century. His wife, Karin was famous for her country textiles and furniture’s that were found in their house. The Scandinavian folk art is based on simple structures, yet artistic ceilings and walls, painted wooden furniture and neoclassic lines. The floors are made of unfinished pale wood and the accessories remain functional. The furniture is painted with flowers, birds, fish, herbs and many other aspects of the environment.
 
The Scandinavian country style furniture is more colored than the western rustic style, than the Oriental country or even than the English and French ones; this is given mostly by the painted wood and the wide palette for the walls. Scandinavian country style furniture is a combination of elegant and eclectic, yet it remains traditional and artistic.