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Posts Tagged ‘Scandinavian interior design’

Charmingly Scandinavian

Monday, September 17th, 2018

Coming soon is the Hooker Furniture Living Room Amani Spot Accent Table which perfectly evokes the relaxed and modern style of Nordic interiors.

Also referred to as Hygge or Nordic design, this interior style has swept the world with its distinct look. Various magazines and websites featured the simplistic beauty and minimalistic functionality of this interior design.

Emerging in the ’50s, Scandinavian interior design has emphasized the beauty of craftsmanship and muted elegance in many homes. If you want to have this neutral style be the look for your home these holidays, then here are some tips to make it work –

Be Mindful of Lighting

It becomes imperative to think of ways to better light your home with just seven hours of daylight in winter. And since you have decided to make this your style, you should know that light is a huge part of it.

Lighting in Scandinavian design centers on mood building through proper illumination and ample amounts of light. As you would delve deeper into this style, you will soon notice that most of the lighting fixtures are bordering on industrial style. Pendants are also quite common as well as wall sconces.

Candle lighting is also a common whimsical feature. Votives can give you the right ambiance.

And since Scandinavian interiors are big on lighting, why not make illumination more exciting with the Maitland-Smith Accessories Brass Candlestick 8167-16?

Linear Furniture

When it comes to furniture, the way to go would always be clean lines. Whether you’re thinking of getting new tables, chairs or sofas, it is safest if you also refer to the Mid-century modern style.

The round edges that this style offers as well as its natural hues are all welcome inside Scandinavian interiors. The secret is also to be space savvy, meaning, there is a place for everything and for everything there is a place.

Light Hardwood Flooring

If you’re a huge fan of wall-to-wall carpeting, then you won’t find it here. Scandinavian homes are traditionally made of hardwood. Don’t go for dark hardwood, though, as this is against the white or natural-colored flooring that is a staple of Scandinavian flooring.

Whether you’re installing the living room or bathroom flooring, always consider the neutral hues that are the standard for these spaces.

Neutral Palette

Speak of neutral colors, Nordic style is definitely a choice of grays, whites, browns, and blacks. These are also often interwoven with the calming and clean interiors popping with dusty pinks or sea green as accent hues.

Walls are typically painted white which allows for artworks and furniture to captivate.

Zero Clutter

What’s a Scandinavian interior if it’s filled with clutter? Since Nordic homes have enough storage spaces, then it is expected that there won’t be unnecessary clutter. Shelves and cabinets are a huge deal in such a home and while less is more, any Copenhagen native will tell you that the furnishings are all intentional.

Warm Textiles

Since Scandinavian homes show lots of whites and neutrals, the only way to balance these is to provide warmth with the mohair, sheep skin or wool cushions and throws. These do not just make your home look more comforting, they can even add to the needed depth provided by texture layers.

It Ain’t Just Tulips for Accents

It is equally important to add living elements to your Scandinavian home. Fresh flowers are the best way to go since they also look luxurious and stylish. Just picture the sidewalks filled with flower shops in Copenhagen and you’ll realize just how colorfully attractive tulips and other flowers could get.

Don’t limit the colors in your home. Make the indoors more flamboyant.

Decorative accents can also be ceramic vases or those cushions with geometric patterns. Explore all the beautiful textures that will balance the canvas that has been set by the style itself.

The Fireplace as the Focal Piece

If you have to make a statement, then say it with a fireplace. Find a corner or the center of the living room where this architectural feature will surely stand out. Then be sure to decorate it according to the Scandinavian design rules and you’re all set.

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6 Scandinavian Design Myths Busted

Wednesday, December 13th, 2017

The Century Furniture Living Room Fox Tuxedo Chair AE-11-1068 is made with sturdy Scandinavian leather.

Scandinavian or Nordic style remains to be one of the most sought-after looks by interior designers, critics, and homeowners. It is especially popular this last quarter of the year because of the Christmas season. All things hygge seems to fascinate people globally. But what features totally describe the Nordic look?

Believe it or not, there are some popular myths about this look. If you’re not careful, you could fall into the same trap and end up making your home look like it’s the land of the frost giants.

Myth #1: Scandinavian Style Means All White

While Nordic nations do love white interiors because of its light-giving properties (remember how dark it could get during those long wintry months?), it could also cause depression when not used with care.

You still can use colors, in fact, you have a rainbow of tints and shades to choose from. The safest way to do it is to find the most gorgeous pastel colors. Imagine ice cream flavors and you have pretty much captured what a stylish Scandinavian interior should look like.

Myth #2: Scandinavian Style Is Always Minimalist

Have you seen those Nordic-style homes in interior design magazines? While almost all of them are simple and pared-down, with their unadorned rooms and shades of black and gray, the Swedes, Danes, Icelanders, Finns, and Norwegians are far from unexciting.

In fact, they also have a more exciting side to them. Adding simple potted green changes the monochrome setting in an instant. You can delight your guests with patterns and popping hues taking inspiration from Nordic arts and products.

If you have seen Josef Frank’s patterns, you will surely feel warmer and more welcome as he tries to soften neutral homes.

Myth #3: Scandinavian Style Is All Wood and Organic

Oops, wrong again.

No less than three of the Scandinavian nations are covered with lush forests so it is not a surprise that they are default resources for many furniture and housing needs. While this is true and while organic stuff is welcome, there are many creative works out there that also spell Danish or Icelandic.

Colorful, bright patterns such as flamingos are always welcome.

Brentwood Collection features the Sadie Night Table which offers the light-colored wood requirement for your home’s Nordic look.

Myth #4: Scandinavian Style Is All About Living Close to Nature

Nordic countries are always pictured as idyllic countryside villages with gentle breezes. While there is plenty of woods and the locals do love nature and everything organic, they do not limit themselves to the stunning beauty of nature alone.

A bigger percentage of Scandinavians actually live in cities, metropolitan spaces, and towns. These are urban areas though they may not have as dense a population as New York City but, you do get the picture.

Since they, too, live in an urbanized location, it is pretty common to find the most interesting architectural features.

Myth #5: You Can Shop for Hygge

Hygge has become a catch-phrase of sorts as this has become synonymous with warmth and coziness. While tea, sheepskins, slippers, and open furnaces are the coziest things that you can have in your home, there are other ways to create hygge in your home.

Spending time with your loved ones inside your well-lit home is hygge. This is the Nordic statement for contentment inside one’s own home.

Myth #6: Scandinavian Is All Function

While Nordic style does put its emphasis on functionality, you must never forget about style. Just think of their global designers such as Arne Jacobsen, Poul Henningsen, and Lisa Larson and you would understand that Nordic interiors are far from static.

Now that we’ve busted these six myths, are you ready to redesign your home into a more exciting Nordic theme?

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Scandinavian Interiors: How to Set Up a Divine Home

Thursday, November 16th, 2017

Hooker Furniture Living Room Thicket Console

Scandinavian design has swept the globe with a lovely look featured in blogs and magazines. The focus is on minimalism, simplicity as well as functionality. The movement began in the 1950s when people wanted to have something understated yet still elegant in their homes.

Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Iceland – all Nordic nations wanted to prioritize function hence they used leaner, cleaner lines and the most basic aesthetics. And since the Nordic region has long winter nights, houses there require brighter and more practical lighting.

Here is a guide on how Scandinavian design can be yours, too –

Scandinavian Lighting

Lighting is always a key component in any design. Scandinavian designers create the perfect lighting by using neutral color palettes, clean lines on furniture and homeware, and optical illusions on walls and flooring.

These people know that they only have seven hours of daylight so they need to have lighting fixtures that would give them ample lighting during the longer nights.

Natural light should also be complemented with the use of modern lighting. Pendant lights come in a variety of options and is flexible enough to be used in different settings. They are also widely used above the star of the kitchens, the island. They are also widely used at the center of dining tables as well as staircases.

Here are two ways that you can use Scandinavian pendant lights in a unique way –

  • Hang it beside the bed. You save space as you install it above the bedside table.
  • Hang inside your bathroom near the tub or right beside the mirror.

If you’re not a huge fan of pendant lighting, then you can also go for wall lights. Choose from the unique designs then make sure that you get the LED type so that you also get to save money.

Scandinavian Form and Function

Scandinavian design is the platform for designers and architects. While this is so, all you will find are pieces that are extremely practical. Front doors are simple hardwoods though they have simple designs. The doors, in essence, serve their very purpose which is to keep the entryway closed or open depending on the current situation.

It is also okay to mix and match materials for furnishings. You might think that white is the only option for furniture but you will also be surprised to find plastics and metal. Experiment on different fusions to show off the design that you have chosen to embrace.

Scandinavian Furniture

It is easy to understand the look that Scandinavian furniture has if you go back to the 1950s designs. The chief aspects are light hues, minimalism, functionality, and wood use. Also, locally available materials were used to make the functional pieces.

Make your furnishings as comfortable as possible since the home should be cozy and would act as a refuge during the cold, wintry nights.

Be sure to center on classical designs yet paving the way to some newer interpretations.

Scandinavian Flooring

Do not use wall-to-wall carpeting even though you are setting up a home for a colder region. This does not happen at all in this part of the world so don’t try to create something that isn’t traditionally done.

Hardwood flooring should be left in its natural color. This light-colored feature adds to the overall brightness of the room. Bathroom could be fitted with heated tiles for warmer underfoot during cold nights.

Scandinavian Plant Life

It is also crucial to bring in living elements into your home. Your first choice is to have fresh flowers or succulents.

Why the need for flowers?

Copenhagen natives are used to seeing sidewalk florists selling tulips in many different colors.

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Mastering Scandinavian Design in Time for Christmas

Monday, December 5th, 2016

FFDM Brentwood Collection: Everything in this living space is easy, breezy and light.

FFDM Brentwood Collection: Everything in this living space is easy, breezy and light.

Very few designs influence the furniture market for a long time. One of such designs is the Scandinavian design, thanks to the hardworking mass retailers, the stark, clean lines that we have come to love have become mainstream. Though this has become a popular interior design theme and a go-to style, do you really know how to define it? What features could be considered solely Scandinavian?

Scandinavian Basics

Let’s begin with the fundamentals – Scandinavian style first showed up in the 1950s. It was a part of Nordic design (a popular design attributed to Denmark, Sweden, Iceland, Finland and Norway) and was a modern movement.

Nordic design prioritized affordability and function above all, hence, the leggy furniture pieces, the leaner upholstery, and the aesthetically sound pieces. These were all in response to the long winters and short days that were common in these nations. White is bright and practical for these wintry interiors which is why this hue became the primary color of Scandinavian design.

Scandinavian Design Today

These days, Scandinavian is a favorite among minimalism enthusiasts because of its lack of fuss. The interiors are particularly trendy throughout the year but more so during the New Year when people are out to create resolutions.

If you keenly observe, you would see the overlapping characteristics of Mid-Century and Scandinavian designs. The differences are in the color palette and the lighting. The former offers darker hues while the latter works with everything that’s bright and light. Scandinavian, after all, is all about maximizing light in the room.

Scandinavian can also be a lifestyle as much as it is a chic look. It entails discipline and loving everything that’s basic and simple such as benches with zero frills. Think also if the bench or ottoman could double as a storage unit. Clutter ruins Scandinavian design so it is best to keep the room clean at all times. Clean up and open windows to allow light and air to circulate – these are the things that make Scandinavian a must-have design.

Scandinavian design should not be intimidating, though. This style may or may not be adapted in its entirety. It can work well with farmhouse furniture pieces and industrial elements. Scandinavian furniture may appear simple but don’t be fooled – when chosen well – they can actually stand the test of time.

Having an appetite for modern things is also okay with Scandinavian style. It also has a place in a traditional setting. The thing about anything that’s Swedish is that you should learn to work with traditional or classic elements. If you know your history then you’re the perfect designer for this style.

FFDM Campton Grove Collection uses white and light blues.

FFDM Campton Grove Collection uses white and light blues.

A great place to begin your Scandinavian design is at the dining room. Slowly swap the heavy furniture to light ones then mix interesting, light colors and materials. Have fun – don’t forget that. This is the perfect place where you can have an extendable wood table paired with any simple chairs.

After this, you can move to the living room where you can add a hand-woven mat, some copper light fixtures, interesting candleholders, and some bold accents. Look for masculine elements that would keep your design from looking too feminine. The secret is to allow the light to bounce all around this room. Use a lot of pastels as the backdrop for your darker featured pieces.

Design blogs and magazines might make you think that it is an impossibly immaculate design what with its whitewashed walls, crystal pendant chandeliers and light-flooded rooms. These aren’t always the realistic look for Scandinavian. Just remember to meet both function and uncluttered and you should be fine.

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Scandinavian Interior Design: Simplicity, Function and Beauty Rolled Into One

Wednesday, September 21st, 2016

1586-80116-MULTI Aura Round Accent Table with Shell Top 1118CR Delancey Club Chair

1586-80116-MULTI Aura Round Accent Table with Shell Top 1118CR Delancey Club Chair

Scandinavian design is maximized styling with the least amount of fuss, the two guiding principles being function and fundamentalism. This design has been shaped by the sensible minds in Old Nordic Europe resulting in airiness, light, serenity, even a stark oneness with Mother Nature.

Scandinavian trend is a concoction of Danish, Norwegian, Swedish and Finnish design principles. All of these use natural elements which favor the neutral color palette. Remember to keep lines more basic.

Winning the World Over with the Scandinavian Look

Scandinavian home design invaded the world right after the 1947 Triennale di Milano edition. This is a renowned design exhibit in Milan. Here, glassware, accessories and furniture pieces coming from Nordic regions are shown. Later, the world caught on as they saw the beauty that this stark white design can offer.

The design show soon travelled to the U.S. and in Canada. The years 1954 through 1957 were the most fascinating years for this design as more and more ideas were added.

It is interesting that Scandinavian trends have evolved from the usual European look of favored ornate and opulent décor brought to the world by royalty and aristocracy. The Nordic people embraced a more practical look though plush pieces also appear now and then.

Scandinavian Light

Lighting is key in the Nordic regions with only seven daylight hours during the winter season. The look and feel of your lighting fixture will say a lot about whether or not you have achieved the Scandinavian design.

Scandinavian interiors have different kinds of lighting for mood building and correct illumination. This usually hangs between the industrial and modern looks. The styles could be anything from pendant to wall sconces.

Candlelight is also a must as it can automatically add a beautiful glow to any space. Votives are a beautiful deviation though you can be traditional by using candelabra.

Hooker Furniture Dining Room Mimosa - Cottage Fabric Barstool

Hooker Furniture Dining Room Mimosa – Cottage Fabric Barstool

Scandinavian Form and Function

Scandinavian furniture is all about the use of clean lines. Find chairs, tables and sofas that have a Mid-Century modern look. These are the ones that have rounded, smooth edges and neutral hues.

This design also focuses on function and innovative look.

Scandinavian Flooring

Don’t ever use wall-to-wall carpeting as this never happens in Scandinavian interiors. Flooring is traditionally hardwood, used in its natural color or, often, painted white. Since it is white, it automatically contributes to the expansion of the space and allowing more light inside.

Scandinavian Living Elements

It is also crucial to bring in living elements of beauty and color in this design. Fresh flowers are an absolute necessity. This is apparent with all those sidewalk florists in Copenhagen who sell tulips in every possible color.

Succulents are also a welcoming vision in any Scandinavian home.

Scandinavian Means Neutral

If there is one color palette that is most associated with Scandinavian design, then it would have to be neutrals. So go ahead and use a lot of whites, grays, browns and blacks. These can be interwoven throughout your home if you want to create a calming and clean look.

Designers have introduced pop colors throughout the years so sea greens and light pinks are also now acceptable.

Regular Scandinavian homes have white walls that allow art and furniture to mesmerize.

Scandinavian Means Zero Clutter and Limitations

One of the best features of Scandinavian interiors is cleanliness. Storage is a must and is often implemented through shelves and cabinets. Décor is always intentional where less is more. Always remember visually relaxing as your mantra.

Inviting light in is a major concept in Scandinavian interior design. Windows from these European regions have windows that are often stripped bare. Should the homeowners consider using window treatments, then the materials should be sheer or linen.

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Scandinavian Design: Simplicity and Function Epitomized

Tuesday, February 9th, 2016

 

Scandinavian theme can be used as well in the kids' bedroom (Winners Only Bedroom Del Mar White Twin Storage Bed BDP1001TS).

Scandinavian theme can be used as well in the kids’ bedroom (Winners Only Bedroom Del Mar White Twin Storage Bed BDP1001TS).

What do Iceland, Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Norway have in common? All these countries showcase perfect homes.  Spaces featuring  Scandinavian design are super stylish but not in an ornate kind of way. Also known as the Nordic design, Scandinavian design is all about keeping most design elements subdued. More often than not, such homes sport a stark white backdrop which is the best canvas for anyone’s artistic flair.

Scandinavian Design: A History

Simplicity and function are the foremost design principles for all of Nordic Europe. The homes in these places are airy, bright, and mostly serene.  Natural elements are effectively used, with neutral color palettes taking centerstage.

The world had its first glimpse of this style during the 1947 edition of a design exhibit in Milan. Triennale de Milano specifically featured home accessories and glassware coming from the Nordic nations. It was a rage and pretty soon, Canada and the U.S. capitalized on its popularity. The years 1954 through 1957 made Scandinavian design the star of the interior design industry. It was a timely break from the designs enjoyed by Europeans during that time. Europeans generally favored ornate designs and opulent settings. Nordic design changed all these.

Function over embellishments became the new trend.

The design’s popularity declined during the 80s but upped again in the next decade.

Artistica Dining Room Crystal Stone Round Dining Table 373-100.

Artistica Dining Room Crystal Stone Round Dining Table 373-100.

The Scandinavian Textures

It is important to play with textures when you are designing your home with a bare white environment. The colors can still participate in the whole picture but they should be muted. Rich textures must be seen on the furniture pieces, lamps, the accent rug, textiles, the bed and the couch. The secret is to keep things exciting.

Mix rich textures with a little shimmer or a touch of nature (as simple as a flower arrangement inside the living room will do wonders). A bit of black will also look nice as it will provide a striking contrast to the white background.

Colors can be added one bit at a time. Abstract paintings are a nice addition; they will surely pop in a mainly neutral space.

The flooring does not have to be white, too. If you do not want the flooring to appear sterile or too cold, then you may install wooden flooring. If you love dark colors, then don’t worry. You can still use such colors without making the room look gloomier. Begin with an accent wall then work the rest of the design from there.

Scandinavian Furniture

Wood is a primary feature of many Scandinavian homes. Life in that region of the world has long winters and just a few hours of daylight. Since this is so, people often stayed indoors for a long stretch of the wintry season. Small houses featured wooden furniture pieces that were masterfully crafted by artistic hands.

The Hickory White Living Room Sofa 5104-05 has throws that make a colorful and interesting contrast to the all-white fabric.

The Hickory White Living Room Sofa 5104-05 has throws that make a colorful and interesting contrast to the all-white fabric.

Scandinavians love organic materials such as natural wood, metal, leather and natural textiles such as cotton and linen.

Statement pieces such as tables and chairs do not even have to match. You have the leeway to mix and match different pieces to make the dining space look more interesting. Natural materials like oak, suede, leather, linen and cotton comprise many Scandinavian furniture pieces.

Leather furniture is also welcome in a Scandinavian setting since it can effectively add warmth and texture. To complete the elegant look brought about by the wooden and leather furniture, see if you can have a fireplace in your living room. A column fireplace can be used as a focal point in a huge living room or in a family room. More often than not, the fireplace is just a bunch of columns located in a corner of the room.

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