The Scandinavian decor style is ideal for anyone with a penchant for everything simple! Through this blog, we bring you an insight into the fundamentals of this interior decor style, which is fast gaining popularity, especially with Gen Z.
Scandinavia
The North European countries of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Iceland are collectively known as Scandinavia. Much of the area lies inside the Arctic Circle, and the sea separates four countries from mainland Europe. Although each country has preserved its national identity, the similarities in climate, landscape, and building materials make it possible to bind the regional differences together as Scandinavian interior style – bright colours on the outside and cool, sophisticated colours on the inside.
Scandinavian Style
Timber is Scandinavia’s traditional building material, used both inside and out. The extensive pine forests provide a ready supply of construction timber. Country houses are built-in traditional styles and are painted in vivid colour combinations. The colours used to decorate the outside are very likely to be stronger than those used on the inside. Houses are painted in rich brick red with bright blue, yellow ochre with sea green, or bright blue with yellow and white, all rubbing happily against each other. The logic here is that houses need to stand out to be seen in cold northern countries where the landscape is often snow-covered.
Moreover, the Gustavian style gets its name from King Gustav III, who fell in love with English and French interiors in the late eighteenth century. In those days, what met with the King’s approval became the fashion of the day, and Gustavian remains one of the most recognisably Scandinavian interior styles.
Scandinavian Cities
Cities in Scandinavia have larger structures with exquisite, classically-inspired architecture. Scandinavia didn’t industrialise as quickly as other large cities; therefore, its surroundings are less chaotic, and its architecture is less frantic. Instead, they approach the construction of their towns in a more organised, aspirational “lifestyle” manner. Their interior design included furniture, glassware, ceramics, and traditional crafts, reflecting their superior knowledge of external design.
What is Scandinavian Decor Style?
Scandinavian decor style combines minimalist and traditional elements. Georgio Daccache, in his book ‘Create your Home Interior Design Styles Like a Pro: Interior Design Styles Demystified (2019)’ mentioned that ‘one of the truest characteristics of Scandinavian interior design is making sure spaces are well used and limited in unnecessary clutter.’
Furniture is upholstered in soft blue or yellow checks; walls are pale blue, sometimes striped with white; floors are polished pale pine, and magnificent and elegant chandeliers provide the lighting. People who respect the minimalist approach in theory but cling to a more conventional style of interior design have taken a shine to this look. It combines the best of both worlds, being perceived as modern for its cool, calm, uncluttered style and limited colour palette; and traditional for the inclusion of accessories such as antique chandeliers and gilded mirrors, which are central to a successful Gustavian look.
Scandinavian Decor Style at Your Home
In order to get the Scandinavian look, just make a few little changes, like Scandinavian wall decor or add Scandinavian design elements. Below are points for Scandinavian-style living room decor.
- Go for a popular wall treatment such as hand-painted wall stripes.
- Choose some antique and functional furniture pieces.
- Renovate wooden chairs with reupholstered seats or place small, frilly, skirted cushions on them.
- Add artificial lights to keep the room’s environment warm and cheerful. As mentioned in book ‘Scandi Rustic: Creating a cozy & happy home (2020)’, written by Rebecca Lawson and Reena Simon ‘Create a cozy ambient lighting scheme using natural light sources like flames and candlelight combined with dimmable lamps for a laidback, restful mood. ‘
- Roll out a wool, cotton or jute rug to create a cosy feel. Invite nature by placing some plants in terracotta or earthenware pots.
So go on and unclutter your life and try a little Scandinavian decor style…!
Maybe if you are interested in other decor styles then check out the below link:
Country Style Decor: Home Decor Styles in Different Countries.
Interior Design Styles 101 – Redefining The Decor Ideas In 2020
Author Bio
Huta Raval – An English Literature and Journalism Topper, Huta Raval has graduated from the L D Arts College, Ahmedabad. Post serving for 23 years in the NBFC and Public Library Sectors her desire for ‘writing the unwritten’ brought her to the creative field of content writing. Her clientele comprises of NGOs, Blogging Platforms, Newspapers, Academic Institutions, et al.