Scandinavian decor: create a warm, minimalist interior

Scandinavian interior design is the meeting point between desire to have a tidy space and the desire to live in a calming and warm environment.

Concretely, Scandinavian interior decoration has several objectives:

• Improve daily life

• Create a harmony between the design elements and the nature

• Adopt a minimalist style by opting for the functionality without sacrificing beauty

• Create a feeling of serenity by favoring the bright and airy spaces

Scandinavian decoration is inspired by a mix of old and new styles from Denmark, Sweden, Iceland, Finland and Norway.

All these regions are characterized by large natural spaces as well as by long, harsh winters with very little light. These characteristics explain two essential elements of Scandinavian decoration: maximize spaces to capture the more light possible and succeed in retain heat.

We are therefore mainly looking for bright, warm and comfortable interiors, because that’s where we spend most of our time!

Beyond seeking the material improvement of one's living space, Scandinavian decoration takes root in its philosophy.

The word “Hygge” comes from a Norwegian word meaning “well-being”. This term has the principle of finding happiness in everyday things, to take advantage of present moment, and to do something good for yourself and others.

Applied to interior design, the goal is to create a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere which provides a feeling of general well-being. Hygge is everythinggasoline Scandinavian interior design. Here are its founding principles developed in this article.

Things have to be practical, functional, simple and refined ! What is of no use should not overload the space; we integrate what has to meaning, no more, no less! There isn't a lot of ornate or excessive detail in Scandinavian design.

Thus, Scandinavian decoration is based on clear lines, modern pieces, and furniture that make storage easier, or even which allow it to be hidden. In this style, find the console Pireus, the bedside table Bali, or even the armchair Ohama, whose clean lines easily find their place in a bedroom, an office or even a living room.

However, we do not put aside the aspect comfortable and aesthetic. The issue therefore lies in thebalance between substance and form : warm and welcoming spaces, but always functional and practical. A harmony that is found every day, in a quest for permanent improvement.

Scandinavian decoration draws its inspiration from nature. Lush and immense in the Nordic countries, it is a central element that is integrated into the designs themselves. With natural shapes and furniture made from organic materials, the interior becomes a real extension of the external environment.

Several elements come into play to create this balance: wood, fibers, textiles, colors and plants. Everything is done to create perfect harmony!

All these materials mix to provide a balance of textures. Opt for wooden furniture, French terry fabric armchairs, or rattan dressers. The current trend also includes metal finishes, as in our range of Lincoln chairs, combining metal legs, wooden back and looped seat.

Scandinavian design principles promote eco-friendly interiors, designed with materials sustainable. For Nordlys, these values are concretized by the use of 100% FSC certified wood from sustainably managed forests, as well as OEKO-TEX certified fabrics, guaranteeing healthy and durable compositions.

Here again, Scandinavian decoration is close to a style of natural decoration. We opt for sober colors, inspired directly by the external environment.

Take example from our Scandinavian color palettes:

• Timeless basics: Use shades of gray, white, brown and black. Bring that touch into an office with our chair Soro, in a room with a bench Oslo, or in a living room with the armchair Diana.

• The softness of pastels: Choose neutral and discreet colors, and have fun combining them! The light walls go wonderfully with cool blue and gray textiles. In these shades, discover the armchair Bolge, the pouf Soka, or even the chair Nora.

• The “New Nordic”: Today, the movement is evolving with more “pop” colors like bright yellow. The armchair Louis or the bench Stockholm will bring an immediate “pep” touch.

• Warm lands: The rust pink and the terracotta are making a comeback. Our youngest, pouf Fjord, will do wonders by gently adding color.

Always keep in mind thatno limits exist ! The important thing is theharmony, which is often based on the simple association of a light color with dark color.