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We’ve all heard about Scandinavian decorating style, but what is it exactly, how did it come about and how can you achieve it?
WHAT IS SCANDINAVIAN DESIGN?
Scandinavian design has become a global phenomenon, admired for its simplicity, function, and connection to the natural world, while offering understated elegance. It grew largely out of a demand for functionality, the harsh winter climates meant a lot of time spent indoors in homes that were not overly large and hence utility was valued over adornment. Rooms designed in Scandinavian style offer a blend of textures, contrasts, and soft hues to create a sleek, modern feel. It is minimalist but still cosy and continues to span years, continents, and styles.
It first came to prominence in the 1950s, around the same time as modern style took hold in America and Europe. It pays homage to the simplicity of life demonstrated in the Nordic countries of Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, and Norway.
WHAT ARE THE KEY ELEMENTS OF SCANDINAVIAN STYLE INTERIORS?
The signature elements that defined the style, began to take shape with the establishment of The Lunning Prize by Frederik Lunning, a New York based importer of Danish designs which was awarded annually to Scandinavian designers from 1951 to 1970.
In 1954, Elizabeth Gordon who was the editor of House Beautiful, arranged a travelling exhibition showcasing Scandinavian design in America called “Design Scandinavia”. These two events brought Scandinavian style to a larger audience.
At its very foundation, is a strong relationship between design elements and nature, abstract and natural shapes, as well as a combination of hard and soft materials and surfaces. The Scandinavians have an affinity with nature and have grown up with amazing landscapes with lots of open spaces, forests, and other naturally occurring wonders and as such, Scandinavian-inspired decor, should bring the same feeling of natural wonder and appreciation for the great outdoors into the home.
Even the colour palette reflects the wonderful hues occurring in nature - warm greys, natural tones, soft neutrals and generally lighter timber colours, although darker timber tones have now made their way into Scandinavian style. If more accent colours are desired, soft blues, muted greens, or black hues work beautifully.
It is one of the easiest contemporary styles to master, it’s all about a balanced and carefully curated mix of elements. It highlights organic shapes, tonal textures, and the relaxed appeal of an all-white space with pale timbers. The emphasis is on clean lines, utility, and simple furnishings that are functional, beautiful, and cosy. Hints of colour are added with a piece of coloured furniture, wall art or the addition of a single, coloured throw or floor rug.
Even though the furniture chosen for Scandinavian design is often simple and understated it still feels and looks like a work of art with a sculptural influence. There’s always an emphasis on functionality but style is never sacrificed.
HOW TO ACHIEVE THE SCANDINAVIAN STYLE IN YOUR HOME
Now it’s up to you to create your own Scandinavian interior – the version that suits you and your home.
Mix it up by introducing classic design pieces with your existing furniture. You’ll find because it is elegant and simple it blends well with a lot of other styles. The three things to keep in mind are:
1. Colour Palette: Mother nature sets the theme for Scandinavian design.
2. Textures: There are endless possibilities for adding interesting textures to a room, but it maintains a consistent neutral colour palette. Add some chunky throws, textured cushions, woven rugs, or chairs with wicker seats.
3. Minimalism: Marked by its simplicity, lack of visual clutter, and purposeful placement of featured items, Scandinavian design relies on a few perfect pieces to tie a design together. A good thing to remember is “less is more”.
Discover the Scandinavian Style
