Scandinavian Design: All you need to know

The Scandinavian aesthetic could easily be dubbed grand ruler when it comes to minimalist interiors, so what elevates this design style to such a lofty height? One of the key reasons why the passion for Scandinavian design has gripped the world so impressively is that the design choices are so deftly made. A “Scandi” interior is not only aesthetic, but incorporates fantastic functionality. A space that employs this style is truly enjoyable to work or live in. So what exactly are the qualities that comprise this trend, and what embodies that on-point atmosphere? There's so much, and yet so little, to explore!
The Birth Of A Feeling
The chance is fairly tiny that you won't have come across the craze-inducing concept of “hygge” by now. Triggering a cultural phenomena in it's own right, the Danish and Norwegian word is described by Wikipedia as “a mood of cosiness and comfortable conviviality with feelings of wellness and contentment”. Upon consideration, who wouldn't want a little hygge in their lives? Hygge is woven into the Scandinavian aesthetic, which is why Scandinavian design interiors are such a pleasure to inhabit.

This particular design trend found it's steady footing after World War II. It rose to meet a broadly sweeping change of attitude towards what great design was all about. As much of the world recovered from conflict, the notion that beauty could, and should, be accessible to everybody took hold. A design movement was maturing in Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Iceland, and was ready for the global stage. The result was a simple beauty that offered an understated elegance, paired with a step back from industrialisation, towards practicality and comfort.
It's All About Capturing The Light
Thanks to their own shortage of natural light over much of the year, Scandinavian designers developed a mastery for capturing what light is available, and enhancing spaces further through illumination. A pale and gentle colour pallet offers a tell-tale sign of Scandinavian design interiors, alongside the pairing of white or light wall colours with pale wooden surfaces. Light wooden floor finishes dominate, offering warmth underfoot, and a calm, airy atmosphere.
For cosy evenings, or darker corners where the bright flood from a large window won't reach, sympathy and functionality is the name of the game. The effect is created without overstated elements, but with layers, created through perfectly placed pendant lights, task oriented lighting, and quietly elegant table and floor lamps.

Embracing Natural Materials
The world's love of Scandinavian design interiors marked an easy retreat from the rise of harsh industrialism. The luminous flow of light across largely bare walls and hardwood floors quietly invited interruption by natural fabrics. Scandinavian furniture is dominantly wood, with occasional elements of metal or stone, and the strategic softening of cosy fabrics. The colour pallet is one of cool earthy browns and greys, highlighted with organic greens, quiet pinks and terracottas.
The Scandinavian design sensibility calls for efficiency, with items crafted for longevity. There is also an eco-friendly element, with favour placed on natural fibres such as hemps and Hessians, traditional sheep-skin rugs, and organic dyes. The theme of wood is ever-present, with the playful contrast of different woods between floors, furniture and wall cladding. The uniqueness of each wooden surface only adds greater interest to an aesthetic that is self-posessing, rather than modest. The earth-inspired mixture of light space, texture and interesting surfaces is elevated further by the adding of a few rebelious plants!

Gorgeously Functional Design, And Quality Over Quantity
From the sweeping line of a chair back, to the thoughtful form of a lamp's switch, ergonomics are central to Scandinavian design interiors. These spaces are designed to be used, the objects to be touched, and the details to be appreciated. For an interior that induces contentment, the Scandinavian approach is that less is more. A sense of calm is created through an absence of clutter, favouring a perfectly formed feature piece, floating in open space. In this, we all know that a crowded space is not conducive to a feeling of well being, and so de-cluttering is as much about the hygge lifestyle as it is about spectacular Scandinavian minimalist interiors.
The Scandinavian design/wood flooring combination is a match made in heaven as space is created for beautiful design to inhabit. Pale woods such as beech, ash and pine, or a stunning lightly structured oak, lend perfectly to this look. Within this canvas, the furniture of Scandinavian design is intended to create satisfaction, without noise or evident effort. The aesthetic is simply pleasing to behold, touch, and find inspiration within. If you are dreaming of creating your own Scandinavian design inspired space, Unique Bespoke Wood is here to provide expert guidance towards your own expanse of Scandinavian contentment.