When did Scandinavian interior design start?
Scandinavian design is a design movement characterized by simplicity, minimalism and functionality that emerged in the early 20th century, and subsequently flourished in the 1950s throughout the five Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Iceland.
Scandinavian design is the name of a movement made up of designers, companies and products, characterized by simplicity, minimalism and functionality, which emerged at the beginning of the 20th century, developed in the 1950s in the five Nordic countries of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.
From the 1930s, designers such as Alvar Aalto (Finland), Arne Jacobsen (Denmark), Josef Frank (Sweden), and Maija Isola (Finland) began producing their work, creating a “golden age of Scandinavian design.” Their work was inspired by the concepts of Constructivism, Functionalism, and in some cases Surrealism.
While many minimalist interiors can come off feeling a little too stark or cold, Scandinavian spaces are meant to be warm and inviting. Cozy, comforting accents are the key to that success. In Nordic countries, they call this concept hygge.
But the Scandinavian design of the era was also heavily influenced by the Nordic region’s cold, short winter days and a desire for interiors to be cozy yet bright. These practical considerations led to a new level of spare elegance and a fondness for lighter colors, simple forms, and open-plan spaces.
Scandinavian Design History The term “Scandinavian design” originated from a design show with the same name that traveled through the United States and Canada between 1954 and 1957. It promoted simplistic ways of living and showcased various works by Nordic designers.
Scandinavian design is marked by a focus on clean, simple lines, minimalism, and functionality without sacrificing beauty. It first came to prominence in the 1950s, around the same time as modern style took hold in America and Europe. Part of what makes it so aesthetically pleasing is its lack of clutter.
“Scandinavian design is timeless because it is simple, beautiful, finely crafted and made with natural materials that appeal on a fundamentally human level,” says Aamodt.
Scandinavian architecture uses Scandinavian design elements such as merging the structure with the surrounding environment, integration of wood and natural materials, natural light, clean lines, neutral colors, and more. The overarching theme of Scandinavian architecture is minimalistic and simplistic design.
Inspired by traditional Swedish farmhouses, Scandinavian-style homes are characterized by their two-story wood construction painted in bright colors, lots of windows, and light, raw wood throughout the interior.
A majority of Nordic style designs also favor natural materials, especially pale woods like ash and beech, wool and linen textiles, leather, and glass. While some items boast traditional patterns or brighter color accents, most Scandinavian style designs have an understated, minimalist appearance.
What is Norwegian interior design?
The main objective of the Norwegian interior design is to keep the sunlight indoors as much as possible. As such, the walls and furniture of the Norwegian homes are in light colors. White is likewise popular in their home interiors. In addition to these, the flooring is commonly glossy to reflect the natural light.
The monochrome colors are the major colors used in Scandinavian style. White or off-white walls are very ideal as they create a bright, clean backdrop. White, gray, blue, black, and cream color are the mostly using color in Scandinavian furniture. Those color are Scandinavian’s natural colors and become a trademark.
Scandinavian minimalism is all about simplicity, purity and calm. About buying less and buying better. To let the objects do the talking whilst staying functional and comfortable. It sounds so simple. But without it being in your blood, it can be impossible for some to copy.
What is a Nordic theme?
The Scandinavian style is characterized by furniture and objects with clean lines, a look without artifice or frills, the use of natural materials such as wood, light colors as well as open and bright rooms.
Stereotypical Scandinavian traits and facial features have since the early 20th century included straight, blonde hair; blue eyes; tall figure; a straight nose; thin lips; and non-prominent cheekbones, according to Werner & Björks 2014 book Blond and blue-eyed.
Cooperative, egalitarian and practical—never showy, acquisitive or excessive—culture in the three Scandinavian countries: Sweden, Norway and Denmark (as well as in their Nordic cousins Finland and Iceland) does seem to have achieved a perfect balance of personal comfort, economic strength and societal welfare.
IKEA (Swedish: [ɪˈkêːa]; US: /aɪˈkiːə/) is a Swedish-founded, Dutch-headquartered multinational conglomerate that designs and sells ready-to-assemble furniture, kitchen appliances and home accessories, among other goods and home services.