Hello Decor Chasers!
#scandinaviandecor, #scandinavianstyle, #scandinavianhome, what’s the deal with Scandinavia? These hashtags keep popping in the photos that I “heart” on Instagram. Scandinavian decoration is everywhere, and how not to love it? You might think this is a new trend, but it actually isn’t.
First, let’s get our geography straight. The term Scandinavia refers not only to a region in Europe, but also a culture. The three countries that are most related to it are Denmark, Norway and Sweden. Culturally, the Nordic people preferred functional, eco-friendly beautiful design.
The Scandinavian design emerged from a post WW2 ideology, that beautiful and functional products shouldn’t only be for the rich. Remember that back then there was a boom in low-cost materials and mass production, reason enough why the “democratic design” prevailed. It then grew in popularity because from 1951- 1970 there were two yearly awards given to the most outstanding Scandinavian designers. The term Scandinavian design was born back in 1947, when a traveling design show titled “Design in Scandinavia” passed through the U.S. and Canada, showcasing the work of Nordic designers.
An example of a very popular Scandinavian design is the 3107 model chair. I could bet some money that everyone reading this post, no matter where you are from, have sat at least once in your life in a chair like this. It is a very popular design by Arne Jacobson, one of the pioneers of SD, that has been sold and copied thousands of times.
There isn’t one magical formula for Scandinavian decoration because it has various styles within the style…of course it does, it goes back to a whole region! But behold.. I give you 10 +1 tips on how to get your house to look more Scandinavian:
+1: Look for inspiration on the internet. It’s fun, motivating, and basically free; careful it is also time-consuming… guilty! According to my calculations, at least 40% of my day is used on Instagram/Pinterest interior design stalking. Hehe!
Tips to make your house look and feel Scandinavian
- Declutter. Scandinavian design is minimalistic, own less. Scale back on the accessories.
- Paint your walls white. The palette associated with Scandinavian design is a neutral one.
- Wood! Choose floors, furniture, cabinetry, accessories, toys etc. made of light wood and other natural elements.
- Black and gray for fabrics, use nature prints. Accent with splashes of color, pale colors mostly. Blue is very Nordic.
- Have clean lined furniture, with smooth rounded edges and natural hues.
- Decorate with plants.
- Maximize the use of natural light. Scandinavian design uses little to none window treatments.
- Buy a natural textile throw (for example sheep skin, wool or mohair).
- A chimney is very popular in Scandinavian design; but it is never in the middle of a room, it’s not the focal point. It should be in a corner.
- Choose eco-friendly materials.
If you want my opinion about SD, I love it. I can’t get enough of those touches of pink, the brass lamps, and the feeling of simplicity and coziness it gives. I would love to have a Scandinavian bedroom. Could I have a Scandinavian home? Probably not. There is no way I can have a uncluttered simple living room at this point of my life. Remember to always stay true to your lifestyle before buying decoration, it is going to have an impact on your family.
I want to know YOUR opinion! Leave me a comment 🙂
♥Laters, Mari
Ps: Did you know IKEA is a Scandinavian store?
The Décor Chaser 
Another great post Msria! What resonated with me was the comment about minimalism. It is good on so many fronts and after s lifetime of gathering we are slowly de-cluttering to give the impression of more space. The challenge is also to get rid of objects that don’t end up in landfill!
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