The style of Scandinavian interior design is arguably one of the most popular interior design styles that has swept the world in recent years. The popularity of the Scandinavian design evolution has been adopted all around the globe in homewares, furniture and lighting designs especially making a huge impact in England.
The English adore the Scandinavian style due to its distinct look, which has a strong focus on simplicity, minimalism and functionality. Scandinavian homes are usually distinguished by minimal ornamentation, practical interiors, with flawless craftsmanship and understated elegance.
SO HOW DID THE SCANDINAVIAN STYLE COME ABOUT?
This style originated in the 1950s as part of a modern movement in five Nordic countries – Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Denmark – that prioritised function and affordability over luxury and extravagance. Highlighted by the use of neutral colours, natural materials and lean and clean lines, this design aesthetics was largely a response to the Nordic region’s short days and long winters, which called for bright, light and practical interiors.
Fast forward to today, Scandinavian design has become a firm favourite among minimalists for inspiring a clutter-free lifestyle, and is particularly trendy around the start of every year, when New Year resolutions to declutter are still fresh.
So how can we create that beautiful Scandinavian interior design for our own homes? Here is our take on how you can infuse your space with Scandinavian design with the clever use of lighting.
LIGHTING IS KEY
Lighting is known as the life source of any Scandinavian interior design. With only seven daylight hours to spare in Winter months, Scandinavians spend a lot of time indoors during the long, dark Winter nights. Lighting is therefore incorporated into many aspects of Scandinavian interior design. The first important point is to allow natural lighting into the interior as much as possible.
Ways to Maximise Natural Lighting for Scandinavian Interior Design
Here are some tips on how Scandinavian interiors can maximise lightness in a room:
Neutral colour palette
The foundation of contemporary Scandinavian design is based on neutral colours, with a white, sometimes cream, base. Serene, muted neutrals, such as pale blue or cool grey are also quite unique to Scandinavian minimalism, making rooms look very bright and spacious. This clear background will also allow for a maximum visual impact when it comes to additional design elements. If you have a knack for colourful things, you may consider incorporating it in the small details throughout the house. This includes pendants, vases, rugs, table and floor lamps, and wall art which can be used to spice up a room.
Furniture and homewares with clean lines
Modern Scandinavian furniture and homeware design embraces symmetry and clarity. Clean lines, organic shapes, and tall legs, will create a feeling of spaciousness and airiness.
Walls and Flooring
White is the basic foundation colour for Scandinavian interior walls and flooring. Choosing a light colour will help reflect natural light and create an optical illusion of space, especially important for rooms with low ceilings. Truly Scandinavian interiors will often feature white or light wood flooring. Interestingly, carpet never really took off in Nordic countries. The reason is because natural wood floors will expand the space and invite more light, while maintaining a feeling of airiness and cleanliness.
SCANDINAVIAN LIGHTING DESIGN
Natural light must be also complemented by modern lighting. Scandinavians rely heavily on modern lighting to light up their interiors due to their shorter daylight hours. The same principles of Scandinavian design apply to Scandinavian lighting fixtures. Most Scandinavian modern lighting features a simple, neutral white aesthetic and the same clean lines found in Scandinavian furniture and homewares – therefore nothing too extravagant like crystal chandeliers here!
There are four main categories of modern lighting that can be used to compliment the Scandinavian interior design:
1. Scandinavian Pendant Lights
Pendant lights are a great way to incorporate Scandinavian style to your interior. Pendant lights are relatively inexpensive, come in a large variety of choices and has the flexibility to be used in many different settings. People most commonly use pendant lights above kitchen islands, dining tables and staircases but recently we have witnessed increasingly innovative ways of using this type of lighting fixture. Here are two examples of how you can use pendant lights in refreshing ways:
Hanging beside the bed, directly above the bedside tables. This helps to save precious space on the bedside table.Hanging inside the bathroom, such as beside the mirror or above the bath tub.
We have also selected few of our team’s favourite Scandinavian-style pendant lights below for your consideration:
2. Scandinavian Table Lamp
3. Scandinavian Floor Lights
