Residents of Scandinavia, Iceland, as well as their neighbors, the Finns, have always decorated their homes in an original and authentic way, without looking back at Central Europe. Until one day they themselves became trendsetters in interior fashion. Which is quite natural: Scandinavian interiors cleverly, on a whim, combine the principles of minimalism, elements of the Gustavian style, cozy Nordic decor, and comfortable furniture of the mid-century modern era: we would have known it completely different if it were not for Swedish and Danish designers.
Northern Europe declared itself in 1951 at the London exhibition “Scandinavian Design for Life” (at the same time the term itself appeared). A new surge of interest in Scandinavian style has arisen thanks to the “Little Book of Hugge. The Secret of Danish Happiness ”by Mike Viking – it was released last year.
DNA of style
Main features: simplicity, democracy, functionality, minimalism, cool colors.
Where and when it arose: in the 20-50s of the XX century.
Bright names: Alvar Aalto, Hans Wegner, Martha Mos Fietterström, Stig Lindberg.
5 Rules for Interior Decoration in Scandinavian Style
1. Layout basics: less space means less furniture and decor
A calm background and laconic forms of furniture and decor of this style, as a rule, do not require large rooms and any special planning solutions. And building with high ceilings, it is quite possible to create the atmosphere of a Swedish apartment. When filling the interior with furniture, textiles and accessories, remember that the minimalist-oriented Scandinavian style does not tolerate piling up, therefore, the smaller the space of an apartment or house, the simpler the furnishings should be and the less furniture should be in it.
2. In the decoration, use matte textures, wood floor or wood-like parquet
Paint the walls or paste over them with wallpaper – in a Scandinavian interior, both options are appropriate if the paint is matte, and the wallpaper is monochromatic, textured, or in a small inactive floral pattern or print. The white color of the walls, traditional for northern interiors, can take on a dirty tint. Therefore, designers advise replacing it with a light gray or making a slight tint in olive.
In the field of the zoning, the Scandinavians are more traditional: zones of the kitchen and corridor stand out with floor tiles or porcelain stoneware, the rest of the space is a plank floor made of light wood species (pine, beech or ash) or structured parquet. The floor is almost never complete without carpets – the Scandinavians owe their active use to the cold climate. The Scandinavian style rug is usually textured, decorated with geometric prints, sometimes in patchwork technique.
3. Mid-century modern furniture, iconic items from Scandinavian designers
Versatile, ergonomic, comfortable – these are the main features of Scandinavian-style furniture. Linen, cotton and any fabrics with a pronounced texture are used in the upholstery. Stools and tables are made of inexpensive wood, plywood, and plastic. Mid-century modern furniture is an integral part of Scandinavian interiors.
In a Scandinavian dwelling, you can often find fireplaces or stoves of various types and shapes, very often – tall, faced with white tiles. Therefore, a decorative fireplace portal will be quite appropriate in this style.
And an obligatory touch of any northern interior is a feeling of comfort. You can achieve it with the help of accessories, for example, large glass vases, figurines, original hangers or flowers in crocheted pots.
4. Cool color palette, Nordic patterns
The Scandinavian-style color palette is not limited to white and woody colors. Add graphite, dark blue, emerald green, cherry shades to the interior palette in dosage. In general, the Scandinavian style is about cold colors, and even initially warm – brown, sandy, red – are usually broadcast in the coldest shades.
5. Variable luminaire design, spot lighting
Organize lighting in different levels, pay more attention to local lighting: floor lamps, sconces, table lamps. The obligatory candles in the interiors of Danes and Swedes are not props at all, but full-fledged lighting devices. Inverted cup candlesticks are a great idea, aren’t they?
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