Is it possible to bring home the best of an entire country?
This is the question that came to author Cheryl MacLachlan when she fell in love with the charms of Sweden--its pristine landscapes, its warmhearted people, and above all, its delightful homes. What was it that made her visits there so memorable? And how could she replicate those pleasures back home?
In Bringing It Home--Sweden, Cheryl MacLachlan reveals the secrets of Swedish decorating and entertaining and explains how to capture those charms anywhere. After spending much time visiting homes and conversing with families in towns and cities throughout Sweden, she became familiar with the subtle but unmistakable qualities of Swedish how furniture is chosen for its pure, fine lines; how simple fabrics are used to great effect; how soft, delicate colors are layered to create rooms full of light and elegance; how the freshest ingredients are combined to prepare delicious meals. Now in this book, she offers the essence of Swedish style, with an abundance of practical information, handy how-to projects, and colorful inspiration to enrich any home.
Bringing It Home--Sweden explores the full range of life in this beautiful country. From the finer points of Gustavian furniture (now available in reproduction everywhere) to the exquisite choices offered by Swedish crystal, from the secret to buying the perfect down comforter to the ultimate recipe for Swedish meatballs, the best of Sweden is shared with readers. Richly illustrated with more than two hundred color photographs by Ivan Terestchenko, Bringing It Home--Sweden also includes recipes, resources, and a useful buying guide. Learn what makes Swedish life so welcoming--and then bring its best qualities back to your own home!
This book does not appear to hold up well over the decades. I've never seen a single Swedish home that looks like the ones portrayed. Either it's a relic of the past, or the homes she includes in the book are reflective of the ultra "Lidingo posh." I suspect it's the latter.
She is right on the money in her discussion of "clutter-free zones." I have the impression that she has the sentiments correct, but the actual designs don't match the homes of everyday Swedes.