Everyone talks about it, but what exactly is the Scandinavian decorating style?
Much more than just a trend, Scandinavian design is rooted in a philosophy that underpins its founding principles. Ready to embark on a journey into this universe?
The principles of Scandinavian design
Scandinavian interior design is the meeting point between the desire for a tidy space and the desire to live in a soothing, warm environment.
In concrete terms, Scandinavian interior design has several objectives:
- Improving everyday life
- Creating harmony between design elements and nature
- Adopt a minimalist style, opting for functionality without sacrificing beauty
- Create a feeling of serenity by favouring light and airy spaces
The origins of Scandinavian design
Scandinavian decor is inspired by a mix of old and new styles from Denmark, Sweden, Iceland, Finland and Norway.
All these regions are characterized by vast natural spaces and long, harsh winters with very little light. These characteristics explain two essential elements of Scandinavian design: maximizing space for maximum light, and successfully conserving heat.
So we're mainly looking for bright, warm and comfortable interiors, because we spend a lot of time in them!
Focus on the Hygge concept
Scandinavian design is not just about improving the material aspects of your home, it's also rooted in your philosophy.
The word "Hygge" comes from a Norwegian word meaning "well-being". The idea is to find happiness in everyday things, to enjoy the present moment, to do something good for ourselves and for others.
Applied to interior design, the aim is to create a comfortable, relaxing atmosphere that provides an overall sense of well-being. Hygge is the essence of Scandinavian interior design. Here are its founding principles, developed in this article.
Simple, uncluttered, functional designs
Things have to be practical, functional, simple and uncluttered! Things that serve no purpose shouldn't overload the space; we integrate what makes sense, no more, no less! There's not a lot of ornate or excessive detail in Scandinavian design.
Scandinavian decor is based on clear lines, modern pieces and furniture that facilitates storage or even hides it. In this style, you'll find the Lulea console, the Bali bedside tablebedside table, or the Ohama armchair whose clean lines easily find their place in a bedroom bedroom, study or living room.
However, comfort and aesthetics are not forgotten. The challenge is to strike a balance between content and form: warm, welcoming spaces that are always functional and practical. This harmony is achieved on a daily basis, in a quest for continuous improvement.
A play of textures between natural and ecological materials
Scandinavian design is inspired by nature. Lush and immense in the Nordic countries, it is a central element that is integrated into the designs themselves. Designs with natural shapes, furniture made from natural materials, the interior is like an extension of the outside environment.
Several elements are involved: wood, fibers, textiles, colors, decorative objects and plants. Everything is done to create balance and harmony! Discover all our advice on how to create a natural decor in our article how to create your own natural decor?
All these materials blend together to create a balance of textures. Opt for wood furniture, curly fabric curly fabric armchairsrattan rattan chests of drawers. It's also worth noting that the recent trend in Scandinavian decorating style incorporates metallic finishes, which we've developed by creating the range of Lincoln chairsrange of chairs, with metal legs, wooden backs and seats covered in bouclette fabric.
Scandinavian design principles promote eco-friendly interiors, designed with organic, sustainable materials. For Nordlysthese values are embodied in the use of 100% FSC-certified wood from sustainably managed forests, as well as OEKO-TEX OEKO-TEX-certified fabrics.
Sober colors
Here again, Scandinavian decor is a natural style. Sober colors are chosen, as they would be in a natural environment.
Take a cue from our Scandinavian color palettes:
Use shades of gray, white, brown and black. In an office with our Soro chair, or in a bedroom with an Oslo bench. Add a touch of grey to a living room with a Diana armchair.
Choose neutral, discreet colors in pastel tones, and above all, have fun combining them!
Light-colored walls go very well with cool blue and gray textiles, for example. In these shades, you'll find the Bolge armchair , the Kiruna armchair, the Soka footstool, the Fuji footstool, the Cloud bar stool, the Lincoln chair or the Nora chair.
Today, the movement is evolving and some designers from the "New Nordic" movement are introducing more pop colors like bright yellow. Discover the Louis armchair or the Stockholm bench that will easily add a touch of pep to your new decor.
Rust pink and terracotta are also making a comeback, bringing a new freshness to the movement. Our latest addition, the Fjord, will will work wonders, bringing color and softness together!
Keep in mind that there are no limits! What counts is the harmony of the colors you choose. And harmony is based on the association of a light color with a dark one: nothing more!
Read all our tips on choosing natural colors in our previous article, cow to create your own natural decor?
Conclusion
Scandinavian design has its own history and culture. It is based on a timeless philosophy that aims to promote well-being and, above all, well-being at home.
The Scandinavian decorating style is based on several principles: simple, uncluttered, functional designs, a play of textures between natural and ecological materials, and the choice of sober, natural colors.
It's all about the harmony between these different elements: you're the master, trust yourself!
