For the past few years I find myself attracted to Swedish furniture especially Gustavian, the formal, more polished design of the 18th century. When you think of Swedish style, images of light-filled spaces with no rugs on the floors or curtains on the windows come to mind. The familiar Gustavian period was named after King Gustav III, who ruled Sweden from 1771 to 1792, and lasted about 30 to 40 years after his death, said van Breems. The colors of this period are creams, whites, blues and grays, hues that reflect the fleeting sunlight of Sweden.

According to Edie van Breems, ”It’s known for a return to neoclassicism, fluted, straighter legs, simplicity of line, lots of crystals, guilt and lighter colors. Clocks in Sweden are very important. Clockworks were made simply by local ironsmiths and were affordable for most houses.”

L. 18th C. Gustavian carved Swedish clock

For a magical tour of Swedish antiques visit http://evbantiques.com and learn about Rhonda Eleish and Edie van Breems.

Originally from Fairfield, CT, Rhonda Eleish began her career as a national merchandiser of retail stores before joining professional forces with Edie van Breems, herself a commercial photographer and Westport native. With a shared heritage and interest in Sweden, they opened the doors to Eleish van Breems Antiques in 1998.Their antique store in Woodbury, CT specializes in 18th and 19th century Swedish design and lifestyle on display. Eleish and van Breems have come to incorporate the historical components of Swedish design philosophy into each of their interiors with an emphasis in light, comfort and elegance. Eleish and van Breems’ antiques and interiors have been featured in such publications as Country Living, Victoria and House Beautiful, as well as having appeared on Martha Stewart Living and HG-TV Canada.

Please send your comments and questions. I love to hear from you, Faith.