The Emergence and Progression of Scandinavian Design
There is a certain je ne sais quois about the principles of Scandinavian design that make it rather contagious. Though the look of minimalism isn’t for everyone, something larger is happening within Scandi-style that make it worth noting. It is reflected in most parts of the world, and it may be safe to say that its biggest supporter is none other than home retailer, Ikea. At the core, a Scandinavian home reflects practicality in a way that doesn’t come across as a bore, which can sometimes be a quality of a stripped back environment.
The History Behind..
Scandinavian Design is an eclectic mix of its history and its surroundings.
Before Scandinavian design spread globally, it’s emergence was formed through various art movements that were taking precedence in the decade leading up. As a result of World War I and World War II, functionalism and simplicity were key design elements in interior design because objects needed to be cost-efficient and guaranteed to just get the job done. In 1919, Bauhaus, German College of Fine Arts opened its doors. This highly influential school based around craft and technology, perpetuated functionalism to international reach and therefore after, global recognition. The Nordic countries which is referred to as the home of Scandinavian design principles, adopted functionalism as the core of any direction Scandinavian design takes. It also takes influence from its natural surroundings. This is why significant art movements like Dadaism, Futurism and Modernism all seep its way into Scandinavian artists approaches, as the movement begins to think about a persons emotions, rather than solely focusing on industrial and functional concepts.
Scandinavian Design Today
It’s the end of 2018, and other art movements that are more vibrant and decadent than Scandinavian design are prevalent in the way new companies choose to design their spaces, and are sometimes favoured by contemporary interior designers. The beauty is that Scandinavian principles are a glue that keep all function and form present in any art direction, regardless of other artistic impressions that may form a single project.
The two spaces above show the direct execution of what a Scandinavian interior would look like at its core, today.
Three main colours make up the entire palette. Black, white and a shade of brown. Wooden floors and fixtures are key signifiers of this art style, so we will always be working within the beautiful constraints of this tradition. The long slab of black and white marble brings a fresh and elevated addition. What you will always note is that it will be extremely hard to find anything you simply don’t need- resonating with Scandinavian Style’s history and its always functional approach.
Life can’t always be black and white with some grey. We’ve found that it is worthwhile becoming familiarized with the fresh takes designers have on using Scandinavian style in more colourful and dynamic ways. The above image maintains a wooden palette and functional pieces like the double tuck table, a large cozy grey couch and iconic nordic chairs, but mixes in bohemian prints and large pops of bold colours. It also maintains an industrial feel with the glass sliding doors and wire light fixtures.
The same goes for this beautifully simplistic kitchen. It doesn’t hide its Scandinavian influence with the industrial light fixture, wooden doors and exposed shelving. In the same breath, it fuses the style with a lively addition of a printed rug and gold trimmed stove.
Because of its overwhelming contribution to design, there is a long list of topics to be covered about Scandinavian style that will help you make savvy, effective, design-focused choices when curating spaces.
Furthermore, Scandinavian fashion shares overwhelming similarities with the interior design ethos, and for that, you can be sure to read upon more Nordic focused pieces from us.