swedish

When I traveled to Sweden, I was stunned by all the gorgeous blondes (and blonds), but I was especially impressed with the country's propensity for good design. Not only were design shops ubiquitous, but even simple, everyday items seemed to have smart aesthetics. Though stylish as well, I'm not referring to traditional folkloric design — or Ikea.
Nevertheless, I was pleased to hear about a new stateside store that showcases (and sells) the work of one independent Swedish designer each month, from Sthlm. This month, the first month, you'll find cutting boards, coasters, and tea towels by pattern designer and illustrator Lotta Kühlhorn are up for sale. Kühlhorn's poppy mixed apple and radish designs are cheerful and colorful. Her simple and bold graphics have a '70s flair that would certainly be welcome in my '00s kitchen. I can't wait to see what else is in store for us!

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My girlfriends are always asking for recipe recommendations, but they have pretty high demands. They usually want something that's effortless, delicious, healthy, comforting, and inexpensive all at the same time. Thankfully, with the help of one reader, I know what my next suggestion will be.

According to TeamSugar member mellie_608, it's debatable whether these golumpki are Swedish or Polish, but what can be agreed upon is that these stuffed cabbage rolls — seasoned with tomatoes, lemon, Worcestershire sauce, and a tad of brown sugar for sweetness — are incredibly juicy and tender. To see the recipe, which calls for the use of a slow cooker, read more

I find something innately romantic with using a valance instead of a full curtain. It's like a sweet ruffle on a pretty dress, and they nicely frame a window that doesn't need to be covered, for privacy's sake, with regular curtains. Only available online, this Swedish Geo Window Valance ($10) is from Urban Outfitters, and made of cotton. I adore the green tones in the pattern and think this would look lovely in a kitchen. If you want the bottom curtain, too, it'll cost you a modest $24, and is available here.

What do you think of this 1940s marquetry cabinet ($9,000)? Made from exotic woods, this Swedish Symbolist 1940s cabinet features exquisitely detailed vernacular imagery in marquetry of various exotic woods. It reminds me of a midcentury fairy tale, told with wood tones instead of pen and paper.

For this latest How Would You, I'd like you to think about how you would integrate this fanciful cabinet into your home. What room would it be appropriate in? What would your housemates or significant other think about it? What would you fill it with. Leave a comment below and let me know how you'd use this beauty.

This 1820s Northern Sweden Settee ($6,435) has great bones and a charmingly worn patina. It's a little stark though.

If you'll remember from the last few How Would You posts, I'd like you to think outside the home-decorating box and find some creative ways to spruce up this worn-out antique settee. How would you dress it up to give it a new life? What would you do with the wooden frame? Are there any textiles or pillows that would make this demure wallflower pop onto center stage? Leave a comment below and let me know where you'd put it or how you'd make this settee work in your home.

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Sometimes I think I should have been a math major. Although, on second thought, it doesn't really take a math whiz to understand that:

The recipe for this lovely Swedish Strawberry Cake was provided by TeamSugar member Twinkle. Filled with layers of vanilla custard and delightful berries, this cake will have your friends and family singing your praises. The recipe comes from Swedish celebrity chef Tina Nordström - whose show I actually saw for the first time today on PBS - and it is absolutely droolworthy. I don't know about the rest of you, but I have some math homework to attend to right now... To check out the recipe (thanks Twinkle!), read more