A+ in Swedish Glam

Design Tip #1: Embrace White, Make Statements with Color

Who knew white could look so colorful? The Swedish have always known this well-kept secret. White floors, white walls, white ceiling, white furniture, white cabinets, white electronics... and a plethora of bold and beautiful splashes of colors like electric blue, hot raspberry, and cool turquoise.

Design Tip #2: Mix the Shabby with the Chic

Smooth, sleek white floors and cabinetry paired with a rustic cream table make for an interesting and appealing contrast. And ghost chairs! Oh my, I'm a sucker for ghost chairs. They blend into any decor scheme with effortless, elegant translucence.

Design Tip #3: Get Your Eclectic On

The Swedish show no fear when mixing and matching textiles and patterns. Take a moment to take in all of the different textures in the above photo: the floor, the white screen, the antiqued table, the various fabrics, the worn wardrobe, the wallpaper, the pillows. If you like it, find a way to work it in. This decorator was bold enough to mix the shabby chic with Indian influences. Genius.

Design Tip #3: Embrace Femininity

The thought of Swedish decor can often conjure up thoughts of starkness, white, and masculinity. But you can still enjoy being a girl! Throw in some pink, some lace, something ornate like an elaborate mirror... and you'll have some romantic Swedish style without being too frou-frou.

Design Tip #4: Creatively Make Do

Don't have the money to afford that perfect side table just yet? Or just haven't come across the right one? Take a cue from the above photo. Stack some great coffee-table books for a makeshift lamp stand. Creative impromptu can be oh-so-pretty.

Hope you enjoyed the tips on how to decorate like a glamorous Swede!

I found this apartment via one of my favorite blogs House of Turquoise... who found these lovely photos via Ada and Darcy and Avolli. Check 'em out for more inspiration.