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 and 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 by choosing functionality without sacrificing beauty.
Create a sense of serenity by favoring bright 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 wide open natural spaces and long, harsh winters with very little light. These characteristics explain two essential elements of Scandinavian interior design: maximizing space to capture as much light as possible and successfully retaining heat.
We are therefore mainly looking for bright, warm, and comfortable interiors, because that's where we spend most of our time!
Focus on the Hygge concept
Beyond seeking to improve the physical environment, Scandinavian interior design is rooted in its philosophy.
The word "Hygge" comes from a Norwegian word meaning "well-being." The principle behind this term is to find happiness in everyday things, enjoy the present moment, and do something good for yourself and others.
Applied to interior design, the goal is to create a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere that provides a sense of general well-being. Hygge is theessence of Scandinavian interior design. Here are its founding principles, developed in this article.
Simple, clean, and functional designs
Things need to be practical, functional, simple, and uncluttered! Anything that serves no purpose should not clutter up the space; only what makes sense should be included, no more, no less! There are not many ornate or excessive details in Scandinavian design.
Scandinavian decor is based on clean lines, modern pieces, and furniture that makes storage easy, or even hides it away. In this style, discover the console table Pireusconsole table , the Bali, and the Ohamaarmchair, whose clean lines easily find their place in a bedroom, office, or living room.
However, comfort and aesthetics are not overlooked. The challenge lies instriking a balance between substance and form: spaces that are warm and welcoming, yet functional and practical. This harmony is found in everyday life, in a quest for continuous improvement.
A play of textures between natural and eco-friendly materials
Scandinavian decor draws inspiration from nature. Lush and vast in the Nordic countries, it is a central element that is integrated into the designs themselves. With natural shapes and furniture made from organic materials, the interior becomes a true extension of the outdoor environment.
Several elements come together to create this balance: wood, fibers, textiles, colors, and plants. Everything is designed to create perfect harmony!
All these materials blend together to create a balance of textures. Opt for wooden furniture, bouclé fabric armchairs, or rattan dressers. The current trend also incorporates metallic finishes, as in our Lincoln chair range, which combines metal legs, wooden backs, and bouclé seats.
Scandinavian design principles promote environmentally friendly interiors made from sustainable materials. For Nordlys, these values are embodied in the use of 100% FSC-certified wood from sustainably managed forests, as well as OEKO-TEX certified fabrics, guaranteeing healthy and sustainable compositions.
Sober colors
Here again, Scandinavian decor is similar to a natural decor style. We opt for sober colors, inspired directly by the outdoor environment.
Take inspiration from our Scandinavian color palettes:
Timeless basics: Use shades of gray, white, brown, and black. Bring this touch to an office with our chair Sorochair, or in a bedroom with an Oslobench, or in a living room with the Diana.
The softness of pastels: Choose neutral, subtle colors and have fun mixing and matching them! Light-colored walls go beautifully with cool blue and gray textiles. In these shades, discover the Bolge armchair Bolgearmchair, the Soka, or the Nora.
The "New Nordic" style: Today, the movement is evolving with more "pop" colors such as bright yellow. TheLouis armchairorthe Stockholm bench Stockholm will add an instant touch of energy.
Warm tones: Rust pink and terracotta are making a comeback. Our latest addition, the Fjord, will work wonders by adding a touch of color.
Always keep in mind thatthere are no limits! The important thing isharmony, which often comes from simply combining a light color with a dark color.
Conclusion:
Scandinavian interior design has its own unique history and culture. It is rooted in a timeless philosophy whose ultimate goal is well-being, and more specifically, well-being at home.
In summary, Scandinavian style is based on four fundamental pillars:
Simple, clean, and functional designs.
A play of textures between natural and eco-friendly materials.
A selection of understated colors inspired by nature.
A commitment to sustainable interiors.
The secret lies inthe harmony between these different elements: you are the master of your interior, so trust yourself!