What is Scandinavian Interior Design?

Jack Parrott
Nov 13, 2018
3 min read

Updated: Nov 14, 2018

Scandinavia's proficiency in interior design is so renowned that the region and the art are almost synonymous with one another. Much like the composition of the region's defined aesthetic in fashion, Scandinavian interior design is often perceived as minimalistic on the surface, but it is when one looks at the details, the beauty and intricacy of Scandinavian interior design reveal itself. Therefore, without it's important to know a couple of basic things about interior design as a practice in general, before defining Scandinavian interior design.

Interior design has existed since the inception of the concept of home. At it's core, interior design is meant to maximize the functionality of a living space, while making it a comfortable and pleasing space to spend time in. Hints of modern interior design can be traced all the way back to the Egyptian, Greek and Roman empires. Throughout its progression as a craft and an art, interior design has constantly mirrored the sentiment of culture and society of that existed during the relevant time period. For example, in the middle ages, houses were dominated by stone floors, wood paneling and muted furs. However, in the renaissance period, interior design reflected the sense of luxury and lavishness that was present during the time. The wealthy had their houses adorned with marble floors, eye catching paintings, and bright, gold accents. It is due to the fact that interior design is so intertwined with culture, that homes in India look nothing like homes in Denmark or South Africa. Ultimately, Interior Design is a beautiful form of cultural expression, and it's a vital component to helping us live our lives.

It is this connection between design, lifestyle, culture and political views that made Scandinavian interior design so iconic. The origins of modern Scandinavian interior design stem from the 1930's, and then grew exponentially into the 1950's. Furniture designers Arne Jacobson, Børge Mogensen, Hans Wegner and Alvar Aalto paved the way with their re-imagination of mundane furniture, thus resulting in designs that were incredibly futuristic and functional. The majority of Scandinavian interior design tropes were born out of functionality, thus creating a differentiation between Scandinavia and the rest of the world, as maximalist styles such as Art Nouveau were all the rage in the mid 20th century. Scandinavian people didn't share the same admiration for opulence as their European and American counterparts, and this lack of admiration can be noted in their design ethos. White and black dominate most Scandinavian homes, making rooms feel open and airy. The white walls also served as reflectors for sunlight, making homes warm and relaxed. To combat the long harsh winters, many Scandinavian homes use the fireplace as the focal point of a room, thus influencing a sense of community in Scandinavian homes. Scandinavian furniture is defined by simple, but natural and clean lines, thus making the furniture become one with the room. Scandinavian rooms are often highlighted with natural elements, rather that be rich oak coffee table, deep green foliage, or a patterned textile. The end result of the accent pieces in Scandinavian design is an aesthetically pleasing contrast between a stark white, mixed with warm, natural color. However, the most noticeable aspect of Scandinavian interior design is the intangible one. The Danish call this intangible aspect the "hygge", it is the thing that makes homes warm, cozy and inviting. Hygge played a significant role in Danish society because due to the weather and few hours of daylight, Danes spend a significant amount of time inside, thus there is a necessity to create "hygge" in a home.