The Secret of the Stable: A Home's Transformation

Julia von Hülsen, an antiques dealer specializing in Gustavian pieces, lives in a beautifully restored stable in northern Germany. You can read about her home in Homes & Antiques, and see some marvelous photos of its interior. The home, nestled in a picturesque landscape, exudes warmth and nostalgia. Julia has carefully preserved the original character of the half-timbered house while adding her own touch with chalk paint and restored antique furniture. She often travels to Sweden to source unique pieces and collaborates with local joiners to create furniture in the Gustavian style. During the festive season, Julia introduces pops of green and red to the otherwise muted interior, embracing the traditional Christmas spirit.

Gustavian style, originating in 18th century Sweden under King Gustav III, is characterized by its clean lines, light color palette, and simple, functional design. Often featuring muted white or cream paint and subtle carvings, it draws inspiration from French Neoclassical aesthetics while maintaining a distinctly Swedish feel. To combat the long, dark winters, Gustavian interiors often utilize locally sourced woods like pine and oak to maximize light reflection. Key elements include curved lines, fluted legs, scallop detailing, and the iconic Swedish Mora clock.

Here is how Julia approaches preserving this style in her restored home:

Several times a year, Julia travels to southern Sweden where she looks for beautiful unique pieces–for herself and her customers. She loves restoring wooden antique furniture that has been stripped of its original colour. “When I find furniture without its paint, I always look in the corners and cracks. You can often still find tiny remnants of the original paint, which I can then use to colour match. My goal is to make the piece of furniture look as it would do today if it hadn't been stripped of its colour,” she says.