The Timeless Appeal of Scandinavian Style

Modern minimalism meets practical functionality

If you appreciate modern minimalism, you have probably heard about Scandinavian style. Scandinavian design is renowned for its emphasis on simplicity, functionality, and use of natural materials. It offers clean lines and a modern aesthetic with light, neutral color palettes to create bright, calming spaces devoid of clutter and with an organic feel. Let’s delve into what defines and creates this enduring style.

What is Scandinavian style?
Scandinavian style, also called Scandinavian modern, is a design used in home décor and furniture style that is characterized by open interiors, clean lines, geometric shapes, low profiles, comfortable pieces, and natural materials. It combines functional elements with organic and geometric forms paired with neutral tones and pops of color. Scandinavian style’s ingenious simplicity and sculptural forms remains an iconic and instantly recognizable design aesthetic popular the world over.

History of Scandinavian style
Scandinavian style originally hails from the Nordic region of Europe with each of the different countries (Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland) bringing their own perspective to the overall design aesthetic. The style first emerged in the 1930s and continued to flourish throughout the 1950s and beyond. It was further influenced by the German Bauhaus design movement with many designers combining simplicity and functionalism with innovative materials and construction methods to bring us the iconic designs still sought today.

Scandinavian versus Mid-Century Modern
While they share a minimalist approach with simple silhouettes and a clean design aesthetic, Scandinavian style and Mid-century modern are not exactly the same. Scandinavian style focuses on the use of natural materials and light, neutral hues, while Mid-century modern tends to incorporate a wider range of materials combined with bold, vibrant colors. Scandinavian style has more sculptural elements and is more organic in nature. Mid-century modern brings more industrial aspects to the design and is more geometric in appearance.

What makes it popular?
Many people tend to gravitate towards connections with nature, neutral, organic color palettes, and soft, soothing designs. Scandinavian style is noted for its focus on muted earth tones and light colors such as white, ivory, tan, and gray, emphasis on simple lines with airy silhouettes and little ornamentation, use of natural woods, cozy textures, and an importance put on function. It’s no wonder that this favored style gives people a sense of peace and comfort. As we spend more time in our homes, we want them to have clutter-free, clean, and bright spaces to provide us with relaxing and calm havens.

Essentials of Scandinavian style
Embracing Hygge, the Danish concept of finding light and coziness during the long, dark winter, Scandinavian style is all about creating comfortable, uncluttered spaces. It bridges the minimalism and neutral tones of modern design with functionality while incorporating the organic feeling of natural elements and textures. This clean and cozy style is identified by these key characteristics:

Neutral colors
Scandinavian interior design puts on emphasis on neutral colors including white, ivory, gray, and tan to create light and airy rooms. Other pale, warm hues such as blue, sage green, and earth tones are used as accent colors to add to the calm and soothing atmosphere.

Natural materials
Natural wood pieces play an important role in Scandinavian style. Furniture, framed wall art, and decorative accessories made of ash, beech, pine, or oak are lightly stained or coated in clear varnishes to give the wood a light, warm finish and a bright, organic vibe.

Light
Scandinavian homes take advantage of natural light during daylight hours, letting sunlight flow through windows unadorned by shades or curtains. At night, lamps and candles illuminate spaces to add a soft, warm glow.

Minimalism
Simplicity is a hallmark of Scandinavian style. Rooms incorporating this style are clean and clutter-free to promote a restive, calm space. Scandinavian design does include elements simply for their beauty, but these show restraint in design and are streamlined in form.

Texture
To complement all the neutral colors and natural woods, Scandinavian home also incorporate a variety of organic, natural textures. Baskets made of woven plant fibers, throw blankets, pillows, and rugs made of sheepskin, wool, and other natural fabrics add interest and warmth to a space to give it a cozy, welcoming look and feel.

Clean-lined furniture
Scandinavian furniture, especially that of Danish modern design, is easily recognized by its clean, functional lines in both curvy or straight silhouettes. The modern profiles are streamlined without extra ornamentation and usually made of light, natural woods with neutral-colored upholstery.  

Design tips to get the look
It's easy to integrate Scandinavian style in your own home. Here’s some tips to get that simple and sleek modern look:

Minimize
To achieve the look of a bright, light, and open space that characterizes Scandinavian style, try to reduce the number of items in a room. You want to keep the right amount of furniture to keep it functional while ensuring you have plenty of room to move around. Be mindful of balancing the furniture with accentuating décor and accessories without creating unneeded clutter.

Emphasize quality over quantity
Scandinavians have a long tradition of quality craftsmanship with timeless design. Select pieces that are well-made, practical, and serve multiple purposes when crafting your space for lasting and functional style.

Embrace Hygge
The Danish word meaning “cozy togetherness” embodies the heart and soul of Scandinavian style. Décor that inspires warmth, comfort, and restful healing will help you create spaces that are ideal gathering spots and make your home feel cozy and inviting.

Contrasting elements
Shape, size, and texture all play a role in creating Scandinavian-style spaces. Curate pieces at bring a mix of contrasts to your room: pops of color in an overall neutral palette, smooth woods and woven textiles, larger focal elements and smaller decorative accents. The right blend of coordinating items will create a cohesive, yet visually interesting look.