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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?
Tags: hygge, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, Nordic interior design, Nordic interiors, Nordic style, Scandinavian interior design, Scandinavian interiors, Scandinavian style, shabby chic
Posted in Color Schemes, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on 6 Scandinavian Design Myths Busted
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 –
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.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, Nordic design, Nordic design elements, Nordic interior design, Nordic interiors, Scandinavian design, Scandinavian interior design, Scandinavian interiors
Posted in Color Schemes, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on Scandinavian Interiors: How to Set Up a Divine Home
Monday, May 29th, 2017
The Meritage Collection (FFDM) showcases here the reliable neutral hues beautifully layered in this dining room.
One of the biggest aspects of design that stylists stick to is the creation of a color scheme that actually makes sense. This palette may be altered slightly as the home takes on a lived–in appeal but you will see that the hues throughout the home will always have a close relationship with each other. When this is achieved, then you know that the designer has done everything to harmonize the design elements in your home.
Radiant Scandinavian
Scandinavian or Nordic interiors focus on the essentials. What they offer are functional, simple yet beautiful elements. You will see plenty of sunlight, muted hues, wooden flooring and soft furnishings throughout a Scandinavian home. This is a style that has gained popularity and is showing zero signs of ever slowing down.
If you want to use the Scandinavian style in your home, be ready to embrace white as your fundamental color. This will be your base hue and you will also use it on subtle layers. Be sure to put together these layers so that they achieve a simple and easygoing look.
Say no to clutter then just use a few decorative items to personalize your habitat.
Say No to Schism with Minimalism
Taking the minimalist approach to styling your home is a technique that has been used by many interior designers over the years. This is no surprise since it is a style that is easy to maintain and it shows an uncluttered space.
When you use this approach, bear in mind that styling a home isn’t tantamount to adding stuff. In fact, you can remove clutter and just simplify. A lot of home stylists can work with the stuff that you already have. They can also help you remove items that no longer have any use. From then on, you can just simplify.
You must also be strict with your color palette if you want to live a minimalist lifestyle. Adding a lot of objects and colors is the easiest way to overwhelm your space so stick to the tones from the same color family.
Also, be sure to use simple shapes and lines, none of those geometric and heavy patterns and intricate details. Use plants and art to make the space more interesting.
Anchor the Room with Art
You can use striking black-and-white photographs as a styling element. Think of soft, muted tones or desert landscapes. Such subjects are a wonderful way to amp up the excitement in your home without you spending a lot.
You can buy original art or ask an artistic loved one to paint one on a special canvas.
Jazz Up with Plants
Have you observed that no real estate property is listed without even a slight hint of green plants? Home stylists just love to use indoor plants in brightening up homes. These green living things naturally move something within each one of us. Studies have also proven that plants can increase productivity and creativity.
Choose from succulents, cacti, orchids and peace lilies. There is an indoor plant that will be suitable to your personality as well as your maintenance style.
Matchy-Matchy No More
If there’s anything that you would steer out of, it would be the default design technique of matching design elements. A reliable color palette is neither boring nor matchy-matchy. The use of a limited color palette throughout your home will make it more unified.
Keeping your style more interesting is as easy as adding a different tone as the area differs. The same base color can also be used in every single room with the rest of the design elements taking on a darker or lighter hue.
Just create a flow from one room to the next. Be confident with the color choice that you eventually make as this whole house color scheme will surely work for you.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, minimalism, minimalist, minimalist design, minimalist interiors, minimalist style, Scandinavian design, Scandinavian interiors
Posted in Color Schemes, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | Comments Off on The Consistent Palette: The Reliable Hues That Designers Simply Love
Monday, December 5th, 2016
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.
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.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, Nordic design, Nordic interior design, Nordic interiors, Scandinavian design, Scandinavian interior design, Scandinavian interiors
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Wednesday, September 21st, 2016
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
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.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, neutral, neutral colors, neutral design, neutral hues, neutral palette, Nordic design, Nordic interiors, Scandinavian, Scandinavian design, Scandinavian interior design, Scandinavian interiors, Scandinavian style, white, white color palette, white color scheme, white interior design, white interiors
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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).
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.
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.
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.
Tags: leather, leather furniture, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, Nordic design, Nordic interior design, Nordic interiors, Scandinavian design, Scandinavian interior design, Scandinavian interiors, white, white color palette, white furnishings, white in interior design, white interior design, wooden, wooden furniture, wooden materials
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