Beautifully Blending Gustavian Style and Rustic Organic Design

As we are back in school for an intense eight week summer semester, our newest project is to renovate a quaint, minimalist traditional 1930's home by transforming the style into a Gustavian, Rustic Organic blend.  During this project, we are responsible for space planning the home to effectively function for a couple that will be adopting a six month old infant within the next few months.  The couple would like to add some additional square footage to their home by adding a bedroom for their newest addition, laundry room, garage, and a small office area.  Incorporated in the design, will be custom cabinetry designed for the kitchen, bath, and fireplace walls.  We will also design an effective "age in place" home for the growing family and provide the home with wheelchair accessibility.  After interviewing the client,  measurements have been taken preliminary sketches are in the works.    

For those unfamiliar with the Gustavian style, it can be described as an unmistakable Swedish style that was imported by King Gustav III in the late 1700's.  Gustavian style is marked by grayed pastels, lots of whites and creams, painted furniture, clean simple lines, and fabulous lighting.  Just as Gustavian style lends itself to natural fabrics, such as cotton and linen, so does the Rustic Organic style.  Rustic design also incorporates re-purposing furniture pieces, pewter or patina metals, and earthy colors. We will strive to balance the styles by keeping the colors light and airy, while adding in some stonework and painted, re-purposed furnishings.  To accomplish the beautiful blend of Gustavian and Rustic Organic design, it is important to keep in mind the following characteristics:

• Painted Furniture
• Light Walls
• Gold Gilding
• Natural Fabrics
• Crystal Lighting
• Wood Finishes in Neutrals
• Stone Work

To get us started, let's look at some inspirational images!

Now that we have a good feel for the design, the fun begins!