Before we start, I have a confession to make: I’ve never been a big fan of painted wooden furniture. Lacquer? All day. A colored stain? Yes, please. But paint? It’s always felt like a bridge too far for my vintage-loving heart, which has always prioritized preserving and maintaining the original finish of my case goods. Paint, in my mind, was for walls and art. NOT ANYMORE.
Over the last few weeks, we’ve shared a few of our favorite upcoming trends with you. Arlyn walked us through the bright, modern successor she believes will replace the now-ubiquitous Modern Farmhouse look; Jess broke down tips to get this new moody, artful, California-inspired style in your own home. And today, I’d like to throw a third design style into the ring from FAR left field: I am wholeheartedly convinced that we are departing the English cottage era and entering a Scandinavian Folk Art Revival period. I know, I know – it sounds a little out there at first blush, but take a peek before you make up your mind!
Doin’ It the Scandinavian Way
We’re obviously going to start with a little design history…but it’ll be fun to learn about, because the history, in this case, looks like it stepped STRAIGHT OUT OF 2024. I’m sorry, nothing that is hundreds of years old has any business looking like it was plucked out of an Elle Decor spread. See for yourself – (You can click through to see more using the little arrow on the right, just above the chair, BTW.)
These shots were grabbed a few weeks ago by Ben Penreath (a design legend in his own right!) at the Open Air Museum in Copenhagen. The preserved structures that dot the property are hundreds of years old, and as you can tell, they each share a beautifully consistent design vernacular. They’re warm, charming, and collected – bright but not garish; whimsical but not twee; hand-crafted but not slapdash. This is the kind of Scandinavian style that my inner maximalist can get on board with!
There are a few hallmarks, too, that make Scandinavian folk art easy to spot: cheery, near-primary colors, often in unexpected combinations; simple, geometric adornment; nature-inspired motifs (especially flowers, leaves, or animals), sometimes painted in conjunction with a mythological or folk tale reference. It all just looks so sweet, home-y, and somehow, perfectly on trend – so let’s break down how to use it in 2024, shall we?
Tip 1: Desaturate The Palette
Make no mistake: you’re about to see a lot of colorful furniture. What you’re not going to see? A loud, overstated, or overwhelming palette. Despite being painted, these pieces aren’t stealing attention – they’re adding to each room in a harmonious, charming way. The hand-painting on these built-ins just makes them feel more finished, doesn’t it?
BRB, adding “custom-painted fridge cabinet” to my new list of requirements for my future dream home. The floral motif could lean granny in a different space, but the geometric inlays and brass hardware keep it feeling modern. On that note…
Tip 2: Bring In An Antique-Inspired Floral
Ring a bell? IT SHOULD – we saw some similar bed nooks earlier at the museum in Copenhagen! (You can scroll back up – I’ll wait.)
I was first drawn to this room because of the genius space planning, but this hand-painted floral is the cherry on top. There’s so much going on here – Curves! Stripes! Ditsy florals! Big florals! Contrasting colors! Printed wallpaper! – but it still feels calm, restful, and simple. IT’S SO COOL, GUYS.
You know what else is cool? Actual antiques! I love the cabinet that Reath Design pulled for this room – do you see how the simple yellow in the floral speaks to the ultra-modern canopy bed and antique geometric rug? (They’re playing design chess, not just checkers!)
Tip 3: Geometric Pattern? Guaranteed Win
Settle in for a surprise: this little harlequin number was painted around 1780. Nearly 250 years ago – as America was starting out – a hipster craftsperson sat down in Northern Italy and chose this bright, happy color palette. Isn’t that fun to think about? A lot of the time, I think we imagine the design of the past in neutral tones – I’m sure it’s partly influenced by the media we consume – but that’s not true at all! Historical design is MUCH more vibrant than we give it credit for. 🙂
We’re continuing our world tour with a quick stop in Kenya. Soak it all in: the painted bed frame, the striped nightstand, the woven carpet, the show-stopping canopy, the beautiful beams…and the fan in the corner. Did you even notice? I didn’t! There are only three things on the floor in this room, and I didn’t even clock one of them. (Let the serve as a testament to the power of an interesting paint job.)
Tip 4: Add A Lil’ Whimsy
Did I slander “twee” earlier? Is it too late to apologize? THIS IS TOO CUTE. I literally can’t even look at this cabinet – it’s going to give me baby fever. Please hold while I re-calibrate by reminding myself that this art art also dons the walls of Bemelman’s Bar, a venue that has bestowed on me the single most brutal hangover of my life. (I’m nauseous just thinking about it. Baby fever cured!)
Whimsy isn’t limited to childlike illustration, though. I know this armoire (from the Hotel Peter and Paul in New Orleans – check it out, the design is AWESOME) gleans its inspiration more from trompe l’oeil than folk art…but I’M MAKING THE RULES HERE, and I think it’s relevant.
This painted furniture trend is in its infancy – you’re in early – and I’m not sure how it’ll shake out and develop as it’s interpreted and re-interpreted in different homes, styles, and aesthetics. I do know that this armoire contains the cornerstones, though – a desaturated palette, a geometric line, and a dash of unexpected charm. I wouldn’t be too mad to see pieces like this sweeping the nation!
Tip 5: When In Doubt, Combine A Circle + Stripe
Alright – you’re kind of on board and you’re thinking of taking a can of paint to an aging piece of furniture…WHAT DO YOU PAINT?
If you’re feeling totally stuck, “a circle and a line” is the correct answer. Any hue, any layout, any configuration – they’re all winners. To steal a phrase from the EHD handbook – this look really IS simple and special. 🙂
Tip 6: Match Your Vibe
You know that clip of Oprah, where she’s yelling about everyone getting a car? That’s how I feel about these painted pieces – there really IS a fit for everyone. Do you want to maintain the farmhouse aesthetic you’ve grown to love? A piece like this will slide right in…
Swoon. It really brings such a nice harmony to the kitchen, doesn’t it? But maybe you’re a modern gal, who’d prefer a 21st-century interpretation, like this new, custom, 1790s-meets-1990s piece from Reath Design…
It’s the perfect piece for that space. But it’s not about shoving any old painted cabinet or armoire or dresser into your home – it’s about finding the right piece that works with your life, your taste, and your style.
Now that we’ve reviewed the case, WHAT SAY YOU? Do you buy into Scandinavian Folk Art, or is something larger at play? Have you also felt the siren song of painted furniture? Are you surprised by your reaction? Or, perhaps the most pressing question: have I finally lost my mind? Let’s chat about it all – it’ll be a welcome reprieve from my currently-fruitless, borderline-endless searches for “painted (insert item here)” on Facebook Marketplace. SEE YA DOWN THERE! xx
Opening Image Credits: Photo by Tessa Neustadt | From: Our Modern English Tudor Living Room
THIS POST WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED HERE.
