If you want a new look to spruce up your home, why don't you try decorating in Swedish Cottage style?

Swedish style decorating became very fashionable in the mid-1800s, and was influenced mostly by Scandinavian weather. To combat the gray, winters and the short days, people strived to bring lightness indoors to cheer up their homes.

So ask yourself…Will you feel comfortable with white walls, light wood and painted furniture, unfussy window treatments, pastel colors and natural fabrics?

Do you like the idea of a casual, not too modern, somewhat eclectic house? If your answer is an emphatic “yes,” then let’s get started.

The first rule of Swedish decorating is to think light, airy, and pale. Walls and moldings should be painted in whites or pale pastel blues.

If you want a little more activity on those walls, and feel creative, try sponge-painting them…white background with the palest of blue sponging.

Your place will feel warm and cheerful on even the nastiest winter days!

Do your accessorizing in pastel greens, rose, lavender or primrose yellow. It does not belong on the walls, or floors!

Your fabrics can be in small prints, checks, florals, or stripes, on a white background. Use natural materials.

Keep your floors light and unadorned. They can be whitewashed, pickled, bleached, or distressed wood. If you are artistic, try stenciling pale shapes or stripes on that floor. If you prefer natural looking wood floors use a light stain. Throw rugs should be simple, in an open floral or a soft stripe… flat pile or a loose weave.

Window treatments should stay simple and light. Decorative molding painted in the palest of blues can stand alone with no curtains if privacy is not a factor. Light sheers are fine. You can drape panels of white linen or muslin. Roman shades would be a nice touch.

Your Swedish cottage is ready for some furniture now. Most Swedish furniture is or painted, in white, cream, light grays, etc. It can be stenciled.

If you prefer natural woods, you’ll find pieces made of birch, alder, white pine and beech available. They can be bleached, stained, or distressed.

Table and chair legs are delicate and tapered; sometimes fluted.

Slip covers and loose cushions make it easy to change your look, at a very reasonable price.

Table tops often have detailed edges, either carved or beaded.

The couches are usually wood-framed with upholstered seats and loose back cushions. Use cushioned benches for extra seating.

Bedrooms in a Swedish cottage can be either formal or casual.

Try a white draped canopy bed in your room. Hang it from the ceiling, using a coronet or rings.

A matching padded headboard would be nice! Day beds and trundle beds are great for the kids’ rooms.

It is time to accessorize your swedish cottage now. That bedroom needs an antique treasure box and and a clear or white vase on the dresser.

Your element of surprise can be bright red and gold flowers, real or silk.

Mirrors should be plentiful and in every room, to further brighten things and make the rooms seem larger.

A little white and gold table set in the corner of your living room, with colorful candles or flowers on it.

Swedish design favors faux framing. Paint your frame on the wall and hang your picture in it. Just make sure you love it in that spot!.

You will be amazed at how easy it was to decorate your Swedish cottage.

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