There’s no doubt that the popularity of Scandinavian design is here to stay. You’ve probably heard people refer to a Scandi style and nodded your head in agreement, declaring that you love it too. But do you really have a clue what it involves? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Here are some tips to getting your home more Scandi:
Go Minimal
While it’s a different concept to minimalism and contemporary décor, it is basically a style centred on simplicity and function. There shouldn’t be too much clutter, natural materials are preferred and it’s all about everyone having access to good design, not just the wealthy. This is the concept that puts beauty back into everyday items and explains the concept behind and popularity of IKEA. The simplicity of furniture pieces also makes it ideal for fitting in seamlessly with almost any other era or style.
Scandi design began in the 1930s, achieving peak popularity in the 1950s. It really took off when Nordic designers were showcased during a design show travelling through the U.S between 1954 and 1957. The pieces were inspired by the climate and nature of the Scandinavian region and people loved its simple beauty. A perfect example of nature-inspired simplistic beauty is the Tulip Dining Table designed by Saarinen. Find your Tulip Dining Table at Pash Classics.
It’s all about improving everyday life
The heart of the Scandi style is to improve daily life. In Nordic nations, they can often get as little as just 7 hours of daylight in the winter, so maximising on light in a core concept. This is why you find lots of white, natural wood flooring and sheer window coverings. Furniture must be functional, often doubling up as storage so multiple pieces that darken a room are not required.
Texture combats starkness
You might think all this sounds a little cold and stark, but this is where Scandi style brings in warming texture. Rather than relying on endless decorative items cluttering up the space, they use soft textures like wool and sheepskin to add visual interest and warm the room.
Neutral palette
Neutral colours have always been the backbone of Scandi style, as they are more light reflective. However, it’s now popular to see this neutral backdrop with pops of bright colour being used as an accent. Earthy tones are best suited due to their connection to nature, such as browns, greens, greys and blues.
Hygge is more of a state of mind
Hygge is a word you might have seen or heard in interior design circles. Hygge is not a style but rather a concept, an idea, a state of mind. It is the Danish word associated with feeling cosy and reflects a feeling that you might be seeking in your interior design but is not a specific style.
Finding balance
The Swedish use a word, ‘lagom’ which translates as the right amount or balance. Not too much and not too little, like finding the balance between cosy and clutter or mixing the old and the new. This is the essence of Scandi style – finding the right textures and furniture to keep minimal and functional but with just the right amount of hygge.
You May Like
