Profile

Rhonda Eleish and Edie van Breems are the founders of Eleish van Breems Ltd., a company whose approach to design stems from a modern application and interpretation of historic Scandinavian interiors and form. The objective is to visually succeed in an environment where less is more; clutter is eliminated and natural balance is achieved.

Their sought after design aesthetic led Eleish and van Breems to publish two bestselling Scandinavian interior design books, Swedish Interiors (2006) and Swedish Country Interiors (2009) , published by Gibbs Smith, with a third book to be released in Spring of 2013. “Our books ,” says Rhonda Eleish “grew from a need to share the knowledge we have gathered from our Swedish heritage, teachers, mentors and travels, as well as a need to define a standard for great Scandinavian interiors and design in the United States. Our mission is to, wherever possible, introduce a clean, elegant, and fresh approach to interiors, all with a Scandinavian essence.”

Eleish van Breems, Ltd started as a fine antiques gallery in Woodbury, CT in 1998. Set in a historic 1760 house and garden, the store was a compelling example of a Scandinavian lifestyle on display. Eleish and van Breems’ fresh take on
Gustavian formal and country Swedish folk antiques mixed with the latest accessories from Scandinavia quickly became a go to resource for Litchfield county luminaries such as Ann Bass, Bill Blass, Graydon Carter as well as international jetsetters such as Uma Thurman, Cate Blanchett and Helena Christiansen. Design work and a line of historically based Swedish furniture soon followed.

Today Eleish van Breems have moved their storefront online and by appointment. Their design work and books have moved to center stage. To achieve each client’s vision they work with the finest artisans, builders and workrooms on both sides of the Atlantic and are known for their expertise in the layering of textures and soothing use of colors. “We are totally focused on creating for our clients spaces to live in that are highly personal and that, above all, inspire them.” says Edie van Breems. The work of Eleish van Breems, Ltd has been featured in fine national and international publications such as House and Garden, House Beautiful, Elle Decor, Veranda, Glamour, Country Living, Gods and Goddars, Departures, Travel & Leisure, the New York Times as well as appearing on Martha Stewart Living, Sheryl Bordon Design on PBS and HGTV Canada.

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