The Swedish style of interior decorating is refined, casual and simple all at the same time. The designer Carl Larsson (1853-1919) is generally credited with creating and popularizing this decorating style which is airy, pale and light. The reason things are so light is to reflect light during long dark months when little light gets inside the house.

To decorate in this style make sure that furniture is painted or stained in pale tones of white, cream, pink, yellow green and gray. Accents on the trim are usually gold or gray. Blue pottery, pillows or small tables often accent this type of look. Tiny prints and patterns, usually of birds or flowers, are also typical of this style. Favorite fabrics used on windows and as part of furniture oared linen and cotton. Checks, tiny plaids and ginghams prints are also common. Most fabrics in Swedish decorating usually involve color on a white background.

Although the style is a bit austere it is known for its well padded benches and chairs with tie back cushions. The legs of tables and chairs are often delicately fluted, like deer legs. The stole is also identified by hutches with humped arched tops and many panes of glass on the doors. Knobs on cupboards and doors should be wooden, round and plain or a brass color.

Floors, tables and most furniture are made of soft woods such as birch beech, alder and white pine. These are also often pointed or stained with white paints. Sometimes tables and floors are stained with low contrast stripes or geometric soft colors in pinks, reds, greens, yellows and blues. Rugs also tend to have geometric designs in pale colors. Sometimes door and cupboard panels and door frames are lightly stenciled with birds, flowers and delicate patterns.

Another characteristic of this style is mirrored tiles in every room. Pairs of wall sconces light up the sides of entrances and closets. Simple oval framed mirrors also help reflect the light.

Delicate crystal chandeliers and iron chandeliers painted white or a pastel color also are part of the Swedish style of décor. They do not tend to be overly ornate. Simple vases of clear glass or cream colored ceramics are used to hold vases of flowers.

Motifs such as swags of ribbons, wreathes of flowers, sheaves of wheat, hearts and scrolling natural depictions are also seen as part of Swedish design. Oval shapes of all kinds are quite common.