What’s Scandinavian design?

Scandinavian design is about so much more than furniture; from electronics to fashion, architecture to interior design, Nordic design, and especially elements of Scandinavian minimalism, have found their way into every aspect of our lives. But what does Scandinavian design actually mean?

Scandinavian design is a design movement characterized by its simplicity, natural color schemes and a clean approach that seeks to combine functionality with beauty. Its focus is on simple lines and light spaces and especially at the void of everything clutter. This principle extends to all areas of design from architecture to electronics but its commonly used to describe interior design including furniture, ceramics, textiles and lighting. Typically there is nothing superfluous about Scandinavian design. It literally strips back everything unnecessary, its all about showcasing the very best of the actual product.

Most use Scandinavian colors are the naturals and monochromatic which means bright, warm, white, black and tan with puffs of color used as accents. Especially colors rooted in nature like sage, gray, blues and many shades of brown are the most popular in Scandinavian design.

Organic and natural materials often take pride of place in Scandinavian design, reflecting the Scandinavian and Nordic countries. Wood, lightened to fit with a natural color scheme, cotton and wool feature heavily in Scandinavian design, as do house plants.

This clean but warm theme alongside the calming nature of light-filled space without any clutter is partly why Scandinavian design is so popular. This sort of Nordic minimalism allows people to invite peace and calmness into their home without creating a space that is just cold and uninviting. Its full of brutality without being chaotic.

What’s the History of Scandinavian design?

The first golden age of Scandinavian design extends from the 1930’s to 1970’s. its founders are architects and designers such as Elvar Alto from Finland, Anna Jacobson from Denmark, Joseph Frank from Sweden and Maya Isola from Finland. All their work created this golden age of Scandinavian design. They have provided the model and the values which still inspire Scandinavian design today. Like durability, functionality and reliability but also the less tangible values such as simplicity, equality, joy, courage and the daily pleasure visible through this simple and colorful forms. Scandinavian design didn’t reach international recognition at first and its stellar levels of popularity until the 1950’s, when the learning prize was awarded to outstanding Scandinavian designers between 1951 and 1970.

Why Scandinavian design is so important?

The guiding principle of Scandinavian design is to create harmony in ones environment and to create things that is made to last. It seeks to complement the art of living very well by promoting a very simple home environment surrounding yourself with quality items and a very relaxed interior without too much consumerism. This Scandinavian design just encourages you as the homeowner to be super proud of your own home.

What’s Scandinavian design décor?

Canadian design is very minimal so the few things in each room has to make it count, that’s why there’s so much emphasis on each item itself. Craftmanship and timeless design is almost guaranteed to be found in any Scandinavian home. Lighting is a huge part of Scandinavian design because of very long and very dark winters. Its absolutely important that we take advantage of all the natural light possible, so its absolutely crucial that we maximize on the natural light like having very wide walls or very big windows but lighting and lamps in general is also a very essential part. In every room there should be multiple sources of light from the warm lit candle in the corner to the overhead glowy light in the ceiling. Scandinavian design seeks to spread light as efficiently as possible without creating a harsh atmosphere.

Why’s it all so expensive though?

Scandinavian design pieces often comes with a relatively high price tag and there is a reason because it’s also about functionality and quality. We are making stuff that’s made to last a lifetime this is also why Scandinavian design pieces often comes with a relatively high price tag but if you take in the longevity, the quality of the different pieces and the timeless design into account then I don’t think its that expensive.