Swedish Interior in Texas

I was paging through a recent issue of Veranda while lounging this rainy Sunday afternoon when one of the features caught my eye. It was the Swedish inspired interior of Texan designer Shannon Bowers. As many of you know from both my inventory and own home, I adore the calm hues and painted woods of Swedish interiors, so it was no surprise that Bowers' home would cause me to pause.

Taking a cue from subtle natural colors, Shannon Bowers has transformed her once-dark, two-story Georgian house into a haven of pale European furnishings bathed in sunlight. "I'm a purist," she says. "For me, colors found in nature—like robin's egg blue, light sand and the lavender of hydrangeas—are soothing. Because this house feels so open, the indoors and outdoors are married." Veranda.

Let's take a tour of her house.....

Love the pinstriped pillows reminiscent of the old mattress tickings.

Some people wonder why I leave the muslin uncovered with the nailheads showing on some of my pieces. Doesn't it look fabulous?

Although all in hues of greys, the flowers on the mantle add a "pop" to this calming decor.

The blue/green cabinetry is amazing. Nothing like a bit of primitive here and there.

Blues and greens bring nature inside.

The theme is carried through to the kitchen. I love the way she used a table as an island.

Again, the hues of blue and green throughout the house brings the outdoors in.

The gilded chairs are covered in my favorite fabric, Fortuny.

Grainsack pillows add comfort and casualness to this sitting area while the Louis XV wingback in muslin adds just the right touch of sophistication.

How adorable is this child's room??????

To add Bower's touch to your home, consider these pieces from my own 1stdibs collection of one of a kind antiques and vintage pieces. All of these pieces were carefully restored and can be viewed in either my New York showroom at 1stdibs@NYDC (200 Lexington Avenue) or by appointment in my New Orleans shop.

Have a fabulous week!