There?s a reason that Scandinavian interiors have caught the eye of design enthusiasts around the globe. The modernist principles developed by Nordic architects and designers nearly 100 years ago in the early 20th century have stood the test of time. That?s because Scandinavian interiors intentionally look beyond contemporary fashion or trends and focus on humanism, functionality, and simplicity. We?ve identified six key design principles that will help you bring the beauty of the Scandinavian aesthetic into any space.
Work With Raw, Natural Materials
Natural materiality is a crucial component of Scandinavian interiors. Designing without artificial colors or textures ensures a timeless and authentic space.
[From: Simo Design]
In this kitchen by Simo Design, natural wood cabinetry is used to bring a sense of warmth and richness to the space. This is contrasted by the white marble countertop and backsplash. Neither the cabinetry or the backsplash use excessive ornamentation, but rather let the quality materials speak for themselves. A timeless look is achieved by not altering these elements and simply celebrating their natural character. [From: Jessica Helgerson and Emily Knudsen Leland]
In this Portland home, restored hemlock wood is introduced on the walls of the living room. The wall brings both warmth and interest to the room, without distracting from the rest of the space. An excellent example of utilizing the authentic qualities of a material to highlight a design eleme...