Today I'd like to show you a once-dark, two-story Georgian house transformed into a haven of pale European furnishings bathed in sunlight. Interior designer Shannon Bowers from Dallas, Texas, restored her house using colours found in nature like robin's egg blue, light sand and the lavender of hydrangeas.
In Shannon's words: "When we saw this house, I just loved it. But it was mauve with dark wood floors, and it had mini-blinds blocking out the sun. I wanted more natural light, airiness and a fresh new look."
Inspired by Swedish furniture as well as the light shades of flooring in many European homes, she found a linen with a blue undertone that dictated the colors of the interiors. "Often I'll pick one fabric, and it will determine the palette for an entire house. The wall colour is also a derivative of that fabric."
Complementing the Swedish pieces are numerous French antiques that exude a similar aesthetic. "Most of the French furniture is from the Directoire period, so the lines are very clean, and those pieces work well with our Swedish furnishings."
Bowers wanted a consistent look throughout the home. "If I have antiques in the living room, I think they should also appear in the children's spaces. I want to share them with my whole family. I would like for my children to develop an appreciation for them just as I have as the daughter of an interior designer."
Lots of antiques in the living room: Swedish 19th-c. cabinet and horse, a French 18th-c. chair in linen, Louis XVI chair near Louis XV limestone mantel and French 19th-c. bistro tables. Columns and lamps from 18thc., Gustavian sofa, accent pillows in vintage Fortuny fabric and a Swedish table, c.1750.
Gustavian settee and pillows in French muslin. A 19thc. Trumeau.
Swedish, Dutch and French styles combined: Swedish chair, c.1800, in muslin, a Dutch 18th-c. table and an antique French sculpture on wall. The Oushak rug is c.1920.
In the dining area, a garden statue and milk jar, both 19th-c. French. Antique tole and porcelain flowers in zinc pots.
Above the 18thc. sideboard, antique French ceiling panels as art. Handmade cloth pears in antique Swedish dough bowl and an Italian iron topiary.
In the kitchen an iron table with marble top, Belgian 19th-c. chairs and curtains in French linen. French charcuterie table, lantern and overdoor carving, all 19thc.
In the dining area, garden statue and milk jar, both 19th-c. French. A Mora clock, an antique tole and porcelain flowers in zinc pots.
Swedish 18th-c. library table with 19th- and 20th-c. Chinese jars. French light fixture and a pair of 19th-c. fauteuils in vintage Fortuny fabric.
In this sitting area a custom armchair and sofa, antique Swedish ottoman and Belgian armchair, pillows in French muslin and feedsack fabric, iron 19th-c. floor lamps, Louis XVI bergère in French linen. A custom cotton dhurrie on the whitewashed floor.
In the master bedroom linen slipcovers on headboard and footboard, an antique French table and seagrass carpet.
Lovely nursery with bedding in linen by Ralph Lauren. The mirror, French horse tricycle and Orkney child's chair are all antiques. The light fixture is a vintage French hot-air balloon. Custom cotton dhurrie.
Hope you enjoyed this tour. I have linked this post over at The Inspired Room, Friday Favourites and Furniture Feature Friday. Thanks for the parties Melissa and Jessica and Miss Mustard Seed!
All images and information from Veranda.
