In recent years, the Scandinavian style has become one of the most popular interior design trends. Its popularity is primarily due to its simplicity, coziness, and functionality. However, when deciding to decorate a home in the Scandinavian style, it is important to keep in mind a few principles to guide you during the interior arrangement.
1 - The Genesis of Scandinavian Style
As you might easily guess, Scandinavian style originates from the northern part of Europe. It is in countries such as Norway, Sweden, and Denmark that outstanding designers decided to combine comfort with elegance, creating one of the most admired and, consequently, most frequently used interior design styles. It is worth emphasizing that the way Scandinavians arrange their interiors is directly connected to their lifestyle and approach to the surrounding world.
The Scandinavians are guided by the hygge philosophy, which loosely translates to "coziness" and comfort.
Beige sofa upholstered in corduroy will fit perfectly in a Scandinavian-style living room.
Hygge is called the philosophy of happiness because people living in accordance with this trend strive to celebrate every moment. Hygge is directly related to the so-called work-life balance, which involves planning time appropriately so that work does not constitute the main part of life but is an integral part of it.
The Danes, the nation responsible for creating the Hygge philosophy, emphasize that it is a multidimensional word that can have different meanings depending on the approach and context. When it comes to arranging interiors according to this trend, it is important to highlight the significant role of an atmosphere of calm, intimacy, and comfortable finishing, which aims to bring residents into a state of relaxation and unwinding. To achieve this, it is worth taking care of pleasant textures and accessories such as candles that will warm the entire room. It can therefore be stated that the designers responsible for creating this aesthetic were merely responding to the needs of the residents.
Green, glass candle holders from the HKliving collection complement the Scandinavian-style dining room.
2 - Creators of the Scandinavian style
Among the most popular designers responsible for promoting and spreading the Scandinavian style in Europe and around the world are Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen.
Hans Wegner, who was one of the main creators of Danish modernism, began his design career at the age of 14. It was then that he started training under the master carpenter H. F. Stahlberg. It quickly became clear that young Wegner had a unique talent for working with wood — perhaps his work with Stahlberg contributed to his later passion for this material.
Wegner almost his entire life repeated that he aimed to create the simplest and most functional designs based on the beauty of natural materials. His main principles include: simplifying forms, limiting broadly understood decorations, and introducing the so-called process of purifying interiors.
Interestingly, Hans Wegner is primarily known for the chairs he designed. Throughout his life, he managed to create over 500 chair designs that continue to amaze world-renowned designers with their form. Today, Wegner's works can be seen, among others, at the Museum of Modern Art in New York or at Designmuseum Danmark in Copenhagen.
3 - Types of Scandinavian style
Although Scandinavian style is extremely popular (especially in Europe), few people realize that there are several types of it. This diversity arises primarily from the different needs of the respective communities (after all, Scandinavia includes three countries). Despite many similarities and common features, one can easily notice also characteristic elements that appear exclusively in specific ways of interior design.
Danish style
The most popular and commonly encountered type of Scandinavian style is Danish style, which we mentioned above while discussing the figure of Hans Wegner. The Danish style is characterized by maximum simplicity. All elements of decor in the Danish style are very thoughtfully designed and functional. Additionally, it should be noted that furniture and accessories in the spirit of Danish minimalism also feature extraordinary design and excellent quality.
Being here, it is worth emphasizing the immense role of quality, as it is the essence of Danish style. By using high-quality materials, furniture will look great even after many years and fulfill its purpose.
Danish minimalism has become a symbol of functionality, excellent design, and exceptional precision.
Danish style table. It features a distinctive wooden texture and a natural finish that reflects the lifestyle of the Danes.
Dark Nordic style
The next type of Scandinavian style that deserves attention is the so-called dark nordic, which, unlike the classic Danish style based on a light color palette, is characterized by the presence of black, navy blue, and dark shades of gray. Despite these innovations, all elements in this style maintain color consistency, and the materials used to produce furniture in this aesthetic are of natural origin.
Furniture constructions in dark nordic style are most often made of wood.
Black sideboard designed in dark nordic style. It is made of high-quality oak wood and stainless steel.
Japandi style
Although style Japandi, represents a kind of hybrid, a combination of two styles; we believe it is worth mentioning. First and foremost, it should be noted that this is a contemporary variation on the Scandinavian style, based on its key principles such as:
- Consistency,
- Simplicity,
- Order,
- Natural materials,
- High quality.
Interior design trends change very quickly; however, when it comes to Scandinavian style and its variations, one can theorize that it belongs to classic solutions that periodically return in completely new or traditional forms. This is all thanks to universal patterns that work wonderfully in almost every corner of the world.
To create an interior in Japandi style, choose furniture that is minimalist in form, without curved legs or patterned fronts. It's also worth paying attention to elements with rounded shapes and smooth fronts. Opt for upholstery that is free of quilting and stitching.
In Japandi style, furniture in wood tones or white works best.
White armchairs upholstered in boucle fabric in Japandi style
Scandi boho style
Similar to Japandi, scandi boho is also a blend of two styles. This branch of Scandinavian style is characterized by a muted color palette, minimalist shapes, and the use of natural materials (both in furniture and accessories) such as wood, wicker, linen, cotton, rattan, or jute.
When planning a scandi boho interior, it's also important to include plants and botanical motifs.
Designer wardrobe in scandi boho style
4 - How to decorate in Scandinavian style?
After reading this article, you are surely well aware of what defines Scandinavian style; now it's time for practical tips that will help your home perfectly fit into this specific aesthetic.
Colors in Scandinavian style
The first step towards a Scandinavian-style home is to remember that its main goal was to adapt to the needs of its inhabitants. Scandinavia is an area where so-called polar nights and days occur, which is why the local community often has to deal with a lack of sunlight and vitamin D.
This is mainly why interiors designed in Scandinavian style are usually kept in light colors. Among the most commonly mentioned colors associated with Scandinavian style are traditional whites, beiges (in various shades), and grays.
Convertible sofa in beige perfectly complements a Scandinavian living room
Natural materials of furniture and accessories
The inhabitants of the Scandinavian Peninsula also value contact with nature, which is why their homes are filled with furniture made from materials such as wood or stone. It is also worth remembering about accessories: when choosing textiles for the home, opt for products made from cotton, linen, or wool. Interestingly, both Swedes, Norwegians, and Danes pay great attention to tableware. Table settings are most often ceramic, and their design makes functional items also decorative.
Rattan chair is perfect for the living room or bedroom
Functionality and comfort above all
When it comes to dining room furnishings, it is also worth emphasizing that both dining room, as well as kitchen are practical spaces, so when planning them, it is essential to focus primarily on functionality and maximum comfort. Scandinavia is a place where caring for the natural environment is a significant part of daily life, which is why recycling, as well as furniture or decorations made from reclaimed materials, are very popular. However, people living in these areas usually choose high-quality products that serve them for several years.
Stunning table made of sungkai wood in a Scandinavian dining room
We hope that this article helps you understand the origins of Scandinavian style, its characteristics, and what to consider when designing an interior in this style. If you need more inspiration, we invite you to explore our Scandinavian collection.