There are a lot of trends that come and go when it comes to interiors and design. Succulents had a big moment a few years ago as did industrial styles with metal and oversized vintage lights. Trends will come and go, it's part of their very nature so while some peak and get real hot for a short period of time you can bet that before long it will begin fading from stores, from your favorite Instagram accounts and soon from your mind altogether. Some trends though seem to stick around for much longer and even completely phase out of the title "trend". We come to accept these as the new normal, a hallmark of interiors rather than a passing phase.
One trend we have all watched pick up some real steam over the past several years is Scandinavian design. Hailing from one of those far Northern countries, Scandinavian design is about simplicity, craftsmanship, minimalism and functionality. Typically these Nordic spaces are short of space but generous when it comes to style. Why have Scandi interiors had such staying power? There are many reasons that this Nordic style and sensibility has become an interior staple, let's break down just a few!
Simplicity, obviously! Scandinavian interiors are known to be simple but what does that mean? By comparison to the standard American kitchen with it's ornate cabinets and molding, Nordic kitchen are commonly flat fronted and in a variety of muted colors like pale wood, grey and white. Of course you will always find exceptions to the rule but this is far and wide a common thread. Also notice that the countertops remain less cluttered than others, keeping those items most commonly used, along with some decorative pieces, and the rest neatly hidden away. Clean and clear spaces are valued over excessive accessories.
Function is another key value among these Northern countries, often times you'll find pieces in homes that serve more than one purpose. With the sensibility of Scandinavian culture and their passion for design, function is just as important as appearance, maybe more so. Each home has a lot of the same basic needs for storage, organization, and comfort but who says items can only meets the needs without also being attractive? This coat stand is a perfect example. Scandinavian homes prove that it is possible to marry function and beauty without compromise.
Modest, subdued colors are also of somewhat importance in modern Scandinavian interiors. This is a general statement of course and common to find interiors with a strict color palette that is reminiscent of a Danish painter Vilhelm Hammershøi with shady greys and dusty browns. Always, you will find some handcrafted oak pieces and a loose, cool layout.
A few years ago you may have noticed that black & white was peaking in interior styles, monochrome was king and some of that was attributed to Nordic interiors however they have moved past this! In recent times Scandinavian interiors have become much more moody, embracing their short Autumn and winter days with inky shadows and celebrated darker tones.
In spite of the fact that we just unpacked several common threads among Scandinavian interiors that have proven to make this style a mainstay and continual source of inspiration, you can also see that there is ample room for creative expression. Learn from these key traits and put your own spin on it because one thing we've learned over time, this Nordic influence on our interiors is not going anywhere!
