Scandinavian Design: Everything you need to know

​Scandinavian Design: An Overview
 
The Scandinavian design aesthetic is often considered the ruler of minimalist interiors. But what sets this design style apart and has made it so popular worldwide? One key reason is that Scandinavian design is both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional. Living or working in a “Scandi” interior is a truly enjoyable experience. So what are the qualities that define this trend and create its signature atmosphere? There is much to explore!
The Birth of a Feeling You may have heard of the concept of “hygge” by now, which has triggered a cultural phenomenon in its own right. This Danish and Norwegian word describes “a mood of cosiness and comfortable conviviality with feelings of wellness and contentment,” according to Wikipedia. It’s no wonder that hygge is woven into the Scandinavian aesthetic, making Scandinavian design interiors a pleasure to inhabit.
This particular design trend found its footing after World War II as attitudes towards what constituted great design changed. As much of the world recovered from conflict, the idea that beauty could and should be accessible to everyone took hold. A design movement emerged in Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Iceland, which offered a simple beauty with understated elegance, practicality, and comfort.
 
It’s All About Capturing the Light 
Scandinavian designers have developed a mastery for capturing natural light and enhancing spaces through illumination. Pale and gentle colour palettes are a tell-tale sign of Scandinavian design interiors, along with white or light wall colours paired with pale wooden surfaces. Light wooden floor finishes dominate, offering warmth underfoot and a calm, airy atmosphere.
For cosy evenings or darker corners, where bright light won't reach, the aim is to create a sympathetic and functional atmosphere. This is achieved through layers, created by perfectly placed pendant lights, task-oriented lighting, and quietly elegant table and floor lamps.

​Embracing Natural Materials 
The world's love for 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 made of wood, with occasional elements of metal or stone and the strategic softening of cosy fabrics. The colour palette 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 a preference for natural fibres such as hemp and hessian, 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-possessing, rather than modest. The earth-inspired mixture of light space, texture and interesting surfaces is elevated further by the adding of a few rebellious plants!
 
Gorgeously Functional Design, and Quality Over 
Quantity Ergonomics are central to Scandinavian design interiors, from the sweeping lines of chair backs to the thoughtful form of a lamp's switch. These spaces are designed to be used, with objects to be touched and details to be appreciated. The Scandinavian approach is that less is more, creating a sense of calm through an absence of clutter and favouring a perfectly formed feature piece, floating in open space. We all know that a crowded space is not conducive to a feeling of wellbeing, so decluttering is as much about the hygge lifestyle as it is about spectacular Scandinavian minimalist interiors.
 
 
The combination of Scandinavian design with wood flooring is a match made in heaven, as space is created for beautiful design to inhabit. Pale woods such as beech, ash, and pine, or 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. 

​Ash Wood Flooring is perfect choice for Scandinavian interiors
Ash wide plank wood flooring can be a good option for Scandinavian interiors, as it offers a clean and minimalist look that is in line with the design principles of Scandinavian style. Ash wood is known for its light color and subtle grain patterns, which can complement the neutral color palette commonly used in Scandinavian interiors.
If you are dreaming of creating your own Scandinavian design inspired space, HOFF PARQUET is here to provide expert guidance towards your own expanse of Scandinavian contentment.