Contemporary Scandinavian design is a style of interior design that originated in the 1950s. It incorporates minimalist furnishings and decorative elements, but is characterized above all by light, airy, and functional spaces that often bring the outside in and draw the eye towards the floor.
It celebrates the idea of simple, uncluttered elegance and believes that the use of natural materials and organic forms can create a perfect balance between form, function and beauty. As such, it favors natural materials such as wood, wicker, wool, and stone, as well as light and airy color palettes such as whites, creams, beige, gray, black, and occasionally, a pop of vibrant color.
Furnishings are usually low-slung, with furniture and fixtures that have clean lines and geometric shapes. Particular attention is paid to lighting, which often takes center stage in a contemporary Scandinavian designed home.
Pendant lighting and wall sconces in natural materials, such as copper and brass, are commonly seen in these spaces, as are modern and stylish lamps. Lastly, textiles, such as linen or wool rugs or curtains, and natural fiber wall coverings also play a role in this aesthetic.
How would you describe Scandinavian style?
Scandinavian style is a design and decorating aesthetic that incorporates light and airy elements such as natural materials, muted colors, and simple lines and shapes—all of which create a clean, minimalist look.
It also includes an emphasis on functionality and comfort, often with an appreciation for nature. This style is most often associated with the countries of Scandinavia, but is popular around the world due to its classic, timeless appeal.
Its defining characteristics include the use of natural materials such as stone, wood, and wool, as well as a subtle, muted color palette and clean, simple, geometric lines and shapes. Additionally, this design aesthetic often includes the use of a few carefully-chosen statement pieces to add interest, such as an heirloom rug or an antique sideboard.
As a whole, it is a style marked by simplicity, functionality, and natural beauty.
What is a Scandinavian style home?
Scandinavian style homes are characterized by bright and airy spaces that focus on minimalism and simplicity. This style is known for its intense and natural design elements, such as white walls and neutral tones, warm toned woods, and the incorporation of natural materials such as stone and brick.
In addition, there tends to be an emphasis on furniture that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, with pieces such as low lying couches, Ikea light fixtures, and natural wood tables and chairs.
To compliment the light and airy environment, lighter colored curtains and rugs are used to bring warmth and texture to the living spaces. Overall, Scandinavian design is all about creating an inviting atmosphere while maintaining a minimalistic and uncluttered look.
What is the difference between Nordic and Scandinavian design?
The terms “Nordic” and “Scandinavian” often get used interchangeably in reference to design that originated in or was heavily influenced by the countries of Northern Europe. Generally speaking, “Scandinavian design” is a broader term that encompasses anything related to the design traditions of the five distinct countries of the Scandinavian Peninsula – Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland.
This aesthetic draws from traditional forms and values, such as sleek lines, natural materials, lightness and functionality, modernity and simplicity.
“Nordic design” is a more specific subset of Scandinavian design. It incorporates elements of the more traditional forms but adds in modern, contemporary, and sophisticated elements as well. Features of Nordic design include minimalist and functional design, clean lines, natural materials, muted color palettes and a modern twist.
This style pays respect to the traditional and focuses on the quality, longevity and enjoyment of spaces, items, and products.
How can I decorate my home in Scandinavian style?
Decorating your home in the Scandinavian style is all about creating a cozy, simplistic look with a few statement pieces and natural elements. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
• Start with a neutral paint color like beige, gray, or white as your base and add in colors as accents.
• Incorporate natural materials such as wood, rattan, jute, and wool for furniture, accents, and rugs.
• Add lots of texture to create a cozy atmosphere with texture by layering rugs, drapes, and cushions.
• Use geometric and minimalist shapes for furniture, lighting, and décor.
• Let in plenty of natural light for a bright and airy feel.
• Incorporate plants to bring life to the room.
• Hang art that has nature-inspired or abstract themes.
• Opt for furniture that has simpler lines and patterns.
• Add a few statement pieces like a bold graphic rug or chunky knit throw.
Following these tips, you can create a beautiful Scandinavian-inspired home!
Why do Scandinavian houses have big windows?
Scandinavian houses often feature large windows due to the region’s geography, climate, and tradition. The Scandinavian countries have relatively long and dark winters, meaning that any light available is especially valuable.
The large windows are designed to let in as much sunlight and natural light as possible during the day. Additionally, the landscape of the region is known for its beautiful and calming views, making it desirable to take in the views from inside the home via large windows.
Finally, large windows are embedded in traditional Scandinavian design, which often seeks to balance the indoor and outdoor space. This reverence for nature is seen in the large windows that allow in plenty of natural light, bringing a sense of the outdoors into the home.
What is Swedish decor called?
Swedish decor, also known as Scandinavian decor, is a style that emphasizes a clean, modern look with an emphasis on light, neutral colors. This type of decor typically includes natural, light-toned woods, Scandinavian furniture designs, and functional, functional pieces.
Popular elements include white walls and floors, bright-colored furniture and accessories, light-colored textiles like linens and wool, and a focus on homey but minimal design. Key pieces of furniture often include sideboards, armoires, hutches, and multimedia cabinets.
Additionally, Swedish decor often incorporates traditional elements like ethnic rug patterns, designs from nature, and handmade crafts. All of these elements help to create an inviting and airy atmosphere.
What is Hygge decor?
Hygge decor is a Scandinavian decor style that is designed to create a feeling of comfort, wellbeing, and homeliness. The goal of hygge decor is to make a space feel cozy, inviting, and full of warmth.
It’s important to note that hygge decor isn’t a single style — it’s a way of decorating that is characterized by its comforts and its cosiness.
Common features of hygge decor include lots of warm colors and tones, natural materials such as wood and stone, plenty of soft cushions, blankets, and throws, and candles or fireplaces for a cozy ambience.
Furniture should be comfortable, inviting and warm.
Hygge decor is about creating a relaxing atmosphere and adding a sense of peace and harmony to a space. It’s about giving your home a feeling of warmth, comfort and an inviting atmosphere. Hygge decor also embraces elements of minimalism; less is more, as the saying goes, and in hygge decor, home interiors should not feel overcrowded but free of clutter and knickknacks.
So if you’re looking to make your home feel a bit more comfortable and inviting, try incorporating some of the concepts of hygge decor. Small touches like soft rugs, cozy blankets, and warm colors can help to create an inviting atmosphere in your home.
How do Swedish people decorate their homes?
Swedes tend to approach home decorating in a few different ways. To begin with, they often emphasize being minimal and comfortable, in terms of both colors and furnishings. Neutral colors are popular in Swedish homes, and often utilized in a soft palette of pastels, creams, whites and light blues.
These colors are influenced by their Nordic roots and the country’s natural beauty.
When it comes to furniture, the focus is on functionality and comfort. Simple, neutral designs are preferred and often include materials like natural wood and leather. Soft, comfortable seating is a must, and Swedes often use throws and pillows to make their furniture more inviting.
Accessories in a Swedish home are minimal, but often go hand-in-hand with the overall color palette and aesthetic. Greenery, art, and cozy candles are popular additions and often add a whimsical touch.
Natural decor like antlers, furs, and wooden statues are also common, as they act as a tribute to the Swedish countryside.
Overall, Swedish home decor celebrates the beauty of their homeland while aiming to create a calming, cozy, and comfortable atmosphere.
What is traditional Swedish design?
Traditional Swedish design is a style of design that originated in Sweden, and is known for its characteristic minimalist simplicity and functionality. It heavily draws from the country’s cultural heritage and emphasizes the use of earthy colors and materials from nature.
Traditional Swedish design incorporates traditional Nordic elements and styles like wooden furniture with simple lines, cozy armchairs and wood-burning stoves, earth tone color palette, patterned textiles, folk art motifs and traditional craftsmanship.
This style of design is also rooted in functionality, practicality and simplicity, which explains why Swedish designers favor quality craftsmanship and opt for durable rather than decorative materials.
The design has become an important part of the traditional Swedish culture and is often associated with Scandinavian furniture, glassware and fabrics brands such as Ikea and Marimekko.
