Scandinavian Design Ideas

Scandinavian Style Furniture: Traditional

• Scandinavian style furniture is heavily influenced by the Arts & Crafts movement. Simple, well-crafted, heavy, wooden pieces in simple shapes, were white-washed or bleached, and often painted in pale pastel colors. Folk art motifs, such as heart-shaped cut-outs, are a signifier of Scandinavian style. Contemporary furniture is often distressed, or paint techniques are applied, to give the impression of age and rusticity. Track down simple, wooden furniture and paint with whitewash, to recreate this look.

Scandinavian Style Furniture: Modern

• In the 1950s, following the modernist trend, a new style of furniture was popularized by Scandinavian designers. Designers such as Arne Jacobsen, Poul Kjaerholm and Vernor Panton created sculptural seating, often using a new technique of bent plywood, they aimed to create simple, functional pieces for the modern home. Search vintage furniture shops for authentic designs, or pick out simple pieces from high street stores.

Scandinavian Textiles

• Traditionally, Scandinavian textiles tend to be simple cottons, often with naive motifs. Choose a gingham design for an authentic look, especially in red and white, or blue and white and use for curtaining, to allow light into a room. In the 50s, designers such as Josef Frank created modern, colorful designs influenced by the Bauhaus. Look out for prints with small, organic designs in bright colors.

Scandinavian Ornaments

• Decorate your home with homemade ornaments to add a Scandinavian feel. Red or white felt hearts hung from doorknobs or cupboard handles would create a Nordic decor, as would cross stitch snowflake or reindeer wall-hangings. Wickerwork also is a traditional Scandinavian craft, so track down wicker decorations, coasters and candleholders for a Scandinavian look.