Scandinavian style in the interior: features and key features - EDEN blog about textiles
We continue to acquaint you with the characteristics of the most popular styles of the interior. Today, we got into focus the most fashionable European interior design - the so-called Scandinavian style.
Maximum of style with a minimum of accents - that's what the Scandinavian interior design is.
Simplicity and functionality are the basic principles that shaped this design style of Northern Europe in the middle of the century, as a result of which space was filled with light, airiness, serenity and a sense of unity with nature.
The main trends in the interiors of Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland are natural elements, a neutral color palette, simple lines and functionality of each decor item.
Thanks to simple chic without excessive fuss, the Scandinavian design has won admirers around the world.
The history of Scandinavian interior design
Scandinavian decor and Scandinavian furniture blew up the design world after the popular exhibition in Milan in 1947, the Triennale di Milano. Furniture, glassware and home decor with the inscription "Nordic design" became a sensation on the show and soon gained popularity all over the world.
Taking advantage of this new popularity, the Design in Scandinavia was held in the USA and Canada from 1954 to 1957, making the Scandinavian projects famous on another continent. As a result, fans of Scandinavian design ideas have become even more.
It is interesting how the furniture and decor in the Scandinavian style differed sharply from design trends in the rest of Europe, where in general they preferred expensive and pompous decor, reflecting the luxurious way of life of the aristocracy and the royal family. While the home interiors of northern people, created another vector of design development, preferring functionality to excesses.
The style itself was formed mainly in the middle of the century of the last century. Long, harsh winters, with little daylight, forced people to stay indoors for months. In addition, most people lived in small houses, which explains the minimalism of Scandinavian style. Therefore, it was extremely important that the houses had a cozy and light atmosphere, and each object in it reflected as much light as possible. The result was a style that skillfully combined beauty with practicality. These main features have survived in the modern Scandinavian style.
The popularity of Scandinavian design has weakened in the 1980s. However, in the following decades, when the style began to be used in new interpretations, the Scandinavian interior regained its position.
Characteristic features of the Scandinavian style in the interior
"Less is better than more," wrote the poet Robert Browning in the 19th century. He involuntarily described the very essence of the style of the house decor that developed in the Scandinavian region in almost a hundred years. The most accurate definition of Scandinavian decor is minimalism.
The main features of the interior of Northern Europe were:
1. Simple lines
Simplicity is the mantra of modern Scandinavian design. The key principle of Scandinavian architecture is the combination of functionality and aesthetics.
To date, there is a huge range of Scandinavian furniture in different price ranges. The best example of Scandinavian minimalism is the popular chair Arne Jacobsen 7, which is widely used in dining rooms, kitchens and offices around the world. The surprisingly strong chair became the main element of modern architecture of the middle of the last century. The attractive design "out of time", in combination with compactness, visually takes up little space, which makes it indispensable for small residential or working premises.
2. Lots of light
The constant twilight of a prolonged winter makes one use a lot of light in a Scandinavian house and decor. Natural light is amplified by any means. The windows in the Scandinavian drawing room are always as open as possible.
Curtains in the design of windows, if they are used at all, are mostly chosen from transparent materials and light tones.
Another important element of Scandinavian decor is mirrors, which are used to visually expand the space and reflect as much light as possible.
For the Scandinavian style in the interior use only light and neutral shades, which also help to reflect the light.
In the Scandinavian style concept, sources of artificial light are preferably used by those that have simple lines and shapes. Also, candles are widely used, which soften the Scandinavian interior with its flickering flame.
3. Neutral color palette
Tranquil, muffled neutral tones in combination with a white base are the main color trend of the Scandinavian design. Such calm colors help make the houses bright and spacious even on a gloomy, cloudy day. White walls, decoration, cabinets and countertops visually make the rooms of Scandinavian houses much larger than they really are.
However, the preference for light shades does not mean that the Scandinavian design is devoid of bright accents and mood. Small decor elements, such as dishes, carpets, pillows and interior items, are allowed to use bright colors, thanks to which, the space is filled with life and character.
4. Natural materials in decor
The stunning nature of Northern Europe is reflected in the decoration of the interiors of houses. Therefore, the use of natural wood is the main trend of Scandinavian interiors. Wood is used not only in furniture and a headset, but also on the floor.
Pine, beech and ash are most often used by Scandinavian architects. Mainly preserve the natural color of the tree. Also, plants in pots are widely used as decor to recreate the natural beauty in the house.
5. Light Textile
Scandinavian interior should not visually weight a large amount of dense tissue. Textile decor is minimally used in the interior inspired by the Scandinavian region, but it reflects its essence as much as possible.
For example, you can use a bright carpet that will outline the space for rest; a pair of pillows with an interesting pattern or strip can be sketched on your favorite sofa; put a warm knitted plaid on the chairs by the fireplace; to decorate the window, select transparent curtains; and, perhaps, to lay out patterned napkins and towels on the dining table. Preferably use natural fabrics, such as cotton, wool and linen.
For furniture upholstery, use single-tone fabrics of light shades, such as white, beige, ivory, aiwory, light gray. You can see the whole range of furniture fabrics here.
Scandinavians do not like anything like taking a family and friends for dinner. The unfolding kitchen table plays an important role in Scandinavian furniture and, in most houses, is the centerpiece where all family members gather.
This philosophy of housing arrangement embodies the Danish dream of "hygge", which, in fact, means living a good life surrounded by loved ones.
And since the Scandinavian style of interior, in general, is minimalistic, the majority can embody it in their home without harming the family budget.
Summarizing, we can conclude that using all of the above techniques of decor and design, you can achieve the very Scandinavian ideal - "lagom" (Swedish word, which means the right amount - not too little, not too much). The interiors in the Scandinavian style are simple, uncluttered and functional, but at the same time warm and cozy.
To refresh such an interior, it is enough just to replace several decor elements.
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