Beauty driven from simplicity, nature, minimalism and utility are all hallmarks of Scandinavian interior design. Whether you are looking to fully embrace this look for your home, or infuse elements of it into your decor, there are fundamentals that any homeowner can employ to make their home more “Hygge” – a Norwegian word that means coziness, and enjoying the good things in life.
White: White is the dominant shade in Scandinavian homes for a reason. Due to the lack of exposure to natural light during the long winters, Scandi design uses white to make rooms appear brighter. Many surfaces tend to also be glossy, because it helps maximize light by encouraging it to bounce around.
Pops of color: While white serves as the light reflecting base in most Scandinavian homes, cheerfulness is infused through playful pops of color on furniture and in artwork. At this year’s northmodern design show, hits of blue dominated – ranging from rich, deep shades to more playful indigo. Blush was another popular color at the show.
Wood: Wood is a major design feature in Scandi homes. It warms up a room both in terms of mood and utility as it naturally helps insulate the home. Wood details are often seen on paneling of the walls and on furniture. Form pressed wood is the most commonly used wood in Scandi design because it is readily available for mass production. This is reflective of the democratic ideals that exist at the heart of Scandinavian design – the idea that good, affordable design should be available to all.
Timeless, modern furniture: Furniture designs developed by Scandinavian designers in the 50s, 60s and 70s are still relevant today. The designs consist of clean lines inspired by shapes you’d find in nature. A classic example include Arne Jacobsen’s Series 7. Other influential designs include Hans Wegner’s Wishbone Chair, and Verner Panton’s rocking chair. Many of these pieces influence modern furniture like the Kartell Comback chair and the Tendy Side Chair.
If there is one thing you can take away from Scandinavian design, it is to de-clutter your home.. Everything on display should be objects you enjoy looking at. Storage is built into furniture in order to maximize space and keep the focus on the comforts of the room.
Images courtesy of Avenue Lifestyle.
