Scandinavian Style at Auction

I love the freshness that is often characteristic of classic Scandinavian style. They interpreted French style but modified it to bring light inside their homes during the long dark winters.

Lars Bolander, antique dealer and decorator, epitomizes Swedish style. His own house interiors are so chic and fresh.

Note the X stool under the wonderful console table!

I love the mirror. See French trumeau versions in my blog posting 'More on big mirrors'.

The white painted furniture updates a classic style for the modern home. The screen in the corner adds such a wonderful decorative element to the room.

I love the use of the console table as the anchor for a wonderful display of sculpture against a backdrop of prints and classic portrait paintings. The inclusion of the Asian statue mixes up the styles and makes it more interesting.

Let's see if we can find items to duplicate Lars' style at upcoming auctions.

The next New Orleans Auction sale is September 11th and 12th. The catalogue is chock full of wonderful pieces. I love the woman's portrait on the left above. She's so stately and the blue dress injects color into the room. It's Lot 11 and is described as 1st quarter 19th century Continental school. It has an auction estimate of $600 - $900. Buying paintings without seeing them in person can be a bit of a gamble, so I would call the auction house to discuss condition in some detail. Also check out my posting on Buying Paintings at Auction.

The equestrian print on the right above is one of a pair in Lot 384 at the New Orleans auction. Horse prints are always stylish, and these look quite interesting. They are mid-18th century British and have an auction estimate of $150 - $300.

Bolander uses screens to add more interest to a room. I love this classically decorated one at the New Orleans auction. It's Lot 48 and is described as a Restauration style 4 fold screen, early 20th century, with an estimate of $200 - $400.

To recreate Bolander's style, French Louis XVI is the easiest to find at auction.

This set offered in the upcoming Doyle New York 'Belle Epoque' sale on September 15th would jump start your Bolander look. Lot 1098A is described as a Louis XVI style carved and painted settee and pair of fauteuils. I don't love the gold paint, and would paint it white and reupholster in white canvas as would be typical in a Swedish style. The set has an auction estimate of $1,500 - $2,000.

The console table shows up over an over again in Bolander's decor. I found several that may re-create the look at various price points.

The console table on the left above is being offered in the next Bonhams Los Angeles 'Fine European Furniture and Decoration' sale September 13th. This is Lot 4108 and is decribed as Louis XVI style carved giltwood with a marble top, and is late 19th century. It has an estimate of $5,000 - $7,000.

The table on the right above is being offered in the new orleans auction sale, and is Lot 168. It is described as Louis XVI style giltwood with a marble top. It has an estimate of $1,800 - $2,500.

For something a little more affordable, but in the spirit of the Bolander style I like this lovely painted version.

This is a bit simpler, but I think true to the Scandinavian style. It happens to be Italian late 19th century, and is offered in the Brunk Auction sale in Asheville, NC on September 11th and 12th. It has an estimate of $500 - $1,000.

Finally, let's add something Asian to mix it up a bit!

I always love adding a Buddha to my decor. This one is being offered at the Doyle New York 'Asian Works of Art' sale September 13th. This bronze Buddha is Lot 75 and is Burmese. It has an auction estimate of $600 - $800.

Have fun interpreting Lars Bolander's style to bring updated classic Scandinavian style into a modern setting!