Book Report: Lars Bolander's Scandinavian Design

By Marni Elyse Katz
September 6, 2010

Swedish designer Lars Bolander, who has showrooms in New York City and West Palm Beach, recently published his first book, Lars Bolander’s Scandinavian Design, with author Heather Smith MacIsaac (The Vendome Press, September 2010). The tome showcases a mixture of super modern and traditional Scandinavian rooms and architecture from all four Scandinavian countries. Bolander recently talked with us about what defines Scandinavian style and how he achieves his elegant, yet thoroughly relaxed spaces.

Portrait (Photo Credit: Tria Giovan); Book cover (Photo Credit: Tria Giovan)

The Inside Source: What are the key elements of Scandinavian style?

Lars Bolander: Rooms are very light and airy, which is important because winters are very long. No one color is dominant. Colors and tones are muted. Art is very contemporary. Furnishings are antique. Floors are light wood. Lighting is very important—lamps are mixed with recessed lighting so it looks natural. Scandinavians use lots of candles; there is always one in the window or on a table, especially in wintertime. Simplicity is key; the atmosphere is calming and soothing, cozy and friendly.

TIS: Any specific colors you can recommend or caution us to avoid?

LB: I love gray. It sounds boring, but it makes a great base. I might mix in pale blues and very pale greens. Farrow & Ball makes beautiful colors. There’s a pistachio green I can't take, and I really dislike greens with too much yellow. I never used to use purple, but now I’m quite into plum colors. I’d use on upholstery.

TIS: What kind of furnishings do you use?

LB: I like to mix antiques and contemporary. I love Danish furniture—it goes with everything. Sometimes, if the finishes aren’t good, I lacquer it in white, pale green , or light blue. There has been a rush on authentic Gustavian furniture, so you’re no longer allowed to export it. Cheslea Textile makes good reproductions of Gustavian furniture in very good finishes. I’m starting my own furniture line of dining tables and side tables. I’ve designed about 20, though I’ll probably pick a dozen to try out and put in my shops to see what kind of reaction they get.

Lars Bolander Book Images Clockwise from top left:

A bolder blue and white palette in a Stockholm bedroom. Here, a rare example of layering pattern, with an oversize wall covering and a decorative tiled stove. White linens make the bed a calm oasis. (Credit: Staffan Johansson)

Swedish formality is decidedly (and sensibly) dressed down in this airy dining room of a house built about 1770. A bare wood floor and white linen slipcovers balance the crystal, silver and polished mahogany. The pale blue painted antique sideboard complements the chinoiserie wall paintings, original to the house. (Credit: Staffan Johansson)

Long winters were conducive to indoor projects, like folk painting. The hand-painted ochre toned sailors and a ship amid blue flourishes refer to the coastal location of this Norwegian barn. (Credit: Solvi dos Santo)

The rosy terra-cotta color of this entry hall is definitive without being bold. And it complements the warm gray trim. (Credit: Staffan Johansson)

TIS: What designer has been an inspiration to you?

LB: David Hicks was extraordinary. He was truly revolutionary in the ‘60s and ‘70s. He had a lot of guts and flair. It all worked. Coming from Sweden, this was a total contrast of what I had been taught, seen; so appealing.

TIS: Where was the last place you traveled?

LB: The last place Nadine [his wife and business partner] and I went was Marrakech. We are very enthusiastic, which is dangerous when you shop. We got a lot of tassels and pillows.

TIS: What are you reading right now?

LB: My family, we are all interested in food. One son is a chef at Grammercy Tavern in New York City, though we all like to cook. We easily have 500 cookbooks in the kitchen bookcases. On my last plane ride, from Denver to New York, I was reading Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Saveur.

** Images provided courtesy of Lars Bolander. **