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Simplicity and naturalness, the fashion for the Scandinavian style

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Archie Heron
Simplicity and naturalness, the fashion for the Scandinavian style

There are three Scandinavian countries: Denmark, Norway and Sweden. They have not only geographical but also historical and cultural ties. It is there that a very interesting style of interior design was born.

Nordic severity?

Sometimes you hear rumours that the Scandinavian style is harsh and unfriendly. However, if you take a closer look, you will find that these are just rumours. The Scandinavians are very family-friendly, which translates into large, spacious rooms where the whole family can meet and live comfortably. This disproves the myth that Scandinavian interiors are 'difficult' - on the contrary, they are friendly and cosy. They are both minimalist and simple, but do not translate into reduced comfort.

Colours and raw material

The Scandinavian style is characterised by a passion for wood. It is certainly closely related to its availability in Scandinavia. It is appreciated for its unparalleled physical and mechanical qualities. If it is one of the best materials that can be used as a raw material for making furniture, and there is plenty of it around, why not use it for interior design? Natural wood undoubtedly rules in Scandinavian homes. It is used not only in furniture, but also in the floors.

Usually two options are chosen: the floorboards are either coloured in the colour of the wood they come from or they are coloured in colours that automatically come to mind when it comes to Scandinavia: white or grey. The furniture is painted in different shades of similar colours. It is these colours that are most popular in Scandinavian interior design. Sometimes they are enriched with another light colour - beige. Thanks to their combinations, the room is lighter and also optically enlarged - bright colours will add a few square metres to the flat, or at least provide such an impression. You can also see the use of the contrast principle - sometimes the opposites of light colours - brown, graphite - are used, which together create successful compositions.

Light

For the Scandinavians, lighting is very important, both natural, sunny and artificial - in the form of various lamps, often with sophisticated shapes, but with the simplicity they love. Minimalism is also loved, which can be seen, for example, in lighting. Rarely can you find beautiful curtains in Scandinavian flats that serve as decoration. They rather put on blinds - they are functional, but at the same time very simple.

Accessories

In Scandinavian arrangements, accessories and decorations of various types play an extremely important role: colourful cushions, the aforementioned shapely lamps, flower vases, wicker baskets, photo frames. Unlike subdued, calm colours of furniture, floor or walls, the accessories are characterized by vivid colours, which are a springboard from monotony. They add dynamism and variety to the interior. The Scandinavians have mastered the game of accessories. They perform exactly the functions that are intended for them. This may be a little bit at odds with minimalism, but in fact the number of accessories is also limited, which avoids the transformation of minimalism into a style full of overload and splendour.

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Archie Heron
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