Sue's purchases and travels

Today's Washington Post's Montgomery Local Living section featured a home that was transformed from a dark Tudor to a light filled Swedish Interior. The rooms looked lovely but I question Linda Bond's comment about Swedish Antiques being expensive-she obviously hasn't shopped Klaradal. I wish people would take the 30 minutes needed to head out of DC, Chevy Chase, or Bethesda to drop by my shop to see affordable Swedish design. I, unlike many of the shopkeepers, still travel to Sweden at least three times a year to make purchases. I also have a relationship with numerous auction houses that allows me to buy items on line throughout the year. I also have family in Sweden and know that the typical Swedish house is not all gray and white. The pale colors are to reflect the light on those winter days when the sun sets at 3:00. The success of Josef Frank and Jobs Fabrics which are as bright and colorful as one can imagine speaks to the Swedes love of color. We have visited relatives who live in a fabulous centuries old apartment in Gamlastan and in Ostermalm near Strandvagen. These are the equivalent of our Georgetowns and, although there are a few classic Gustavian pieces, and a Mora clock, there is also a Zebra skin rug, Josef Frank elephant print pillows, and (God Forbid) some Ikea shelves. Stop by Klaradal for a taste of Sweden. (I am working on updating our website to reflect our newest purchases....be patient or send a request of what you would like and I'll send back photos) It's dark a gloomy today...be Swedish, light a candle then sit down to enjoy a hot cup of coffee and a cinnamon roll (and plan a trip to Klaradal!)