DESIGNER SECRETS: Nailing the Gustavian Style at the Washington School House Hotel

Washington School House Hotel Chandelier and Mirror

Washington School House Hotel silver bowl

Washington School House Hotel chairs

washington school house hotel gilt table

washington school house hotel dining area

washington school house hotel rug

washington school house hotel sofa

washington school house hotel silver trays

washington school house hotel banquette

washington school house hotel pillow

washington school house hotel art

washington school house hotel settee

washington school house hotel carving

Pretty. Pretty. Where is this charming place?

It's the Washington School House Hotel, a boutique hotel located in Park City, Utah.  I paid a visit during my recent vacation there and was treated to a lovely tour.  Built in 1889 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the hotel underwent a complete gut renovation, retaining only its dramatic 16 foot ceilings and 9 foot windows.

It's stunning new interior perfectly nails the Gustavian Style -- a look first made popular back in the 1780s when it was used in Swedish royal palaces.  The Gustavian Style, named after King Gustav III, was brought to Sweden after a visit he made to Versailles, when he decided to create a  "Paris of the North."  

Essentially the Gustavian Style is a pared down version of French Neoclassicism.  The look also reflects the Scandinavian need to capture the light, especially to help endure those long dark winters.  To get the look in your own home, consider including these elements:

• Large mirrors

• lots of gold gilt and heavy carving on furnishings

• white, or other very pale colored walls

• painted furniture

• luxe textiles

• reflective surfaces like silver

• large chandeliers dripping with crystal accompanied by wall sconces

• hardwood floors, with area rugs and other rough surfaces for texture

• marble

To bring the Gustavian Style out of the 1780's into modern day,  try adding  a few contemporary elements.  At the Washington School House Hotel, the designers accomplished this by curating a beautiful collection of contemporary art.

washington school house collage

The Washington School House Hotel is dreamy! And they have a super cute card--love the cut out.

I am considering the Gustavian Style as a basis for the design of our apartment when Larry and I move to NYC.  Would you do it in your house?

washington school house 6

washington school house hotel outside

washington school house card

Photos: Except for the aerial photo and the exterior shot which came from the Washington School House Hotel, all photos by Lynn Byrne for Decor Arts Now.