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THINK SCANDINAVIAN INTERIORS are all white walls and minimalism? Think again, writes Ruth O’Connor.
If you thought Scandinavian style and Nordic interiors were all white walls, pale floors and minimalism then think again because according to our experts, rather than a cold minimal style, Scandi design embraces all things light and bright and places a focus on considered lighting, layered textures and pops of bold colour.
“I think what people typically think of as ‘Scandi design’ is a bit of a cliche,” says Helle Moyna, founder of Dublin interior design studio and gallery Nordic Elements. “Most people associate it with minimalism because of the popularity of that pared-back mid-Century aesthetic. This is a timeless look that still looks current today – take the Series 7™ chair designed by Denmark’s Arne Jacobsen in 1955 – but, if you look at Sweden’s Svenskt Tenn you will also find all sorts of patterns and colours and that company goes back 100 years.” Scandinavians experience long, dark winters during which the sun barely pops above the horizon. Spending a lot of time indoors means that they are keen to bring light to their interiors, according to Helle: “That’s why we burn so many candles but also why we are so obsessed with lighting.”
When it comes to lighting, Helle recommends using plenty of lamps and eshewing overhead spotlights. “I would say the PS5 by Louis Poulsen is the most iconic light of all but overall it’s about task and ambient lighting – you will rarely find spotlights or bulbs over 60W burning in a Scandinavian home. I often see pendants hanging right under the ceiling in people’s home but the right height for a pendant light is between 70 and 90cm – no higher. Light up the corners of your rooms too – it’s all about layering and softness.”
This idea of layering and softness is something that extends to other aspects of the Scandi aesthetic too. While hardwood floors are a popular choice, Helle says that many people use rugs to add warmth, texture and colour. “We usually put timber flooring in kitchens and living spaces so rugs are essential. At Nordic Elements we use a lot of flatweave wool rugs by Kasthall when designing people’s homes. They have been making rugs for 135 years and they are not the cheapest but they are a great investment for a hallway or dining room.” Pay a visit to Helle’s shop and you might be surprised by the amount of colour too – you’ll find colourful storage solutions by Montana, vibrant rugs by Layered, and cushions featuring the most delicious colour combinations by Christina Lundsteen and Lindell & Co. “I’m not saying the stereotypical ‘Scandi’ home doesn’t exist, but personally I don’t know anyone who lives like that,” says Helle. “A typical ‘Scandi’ environment can end up being very ‘woody’ looking if you have bare white walls, wooden floors and wooden furniture, so you need to layer that with pops of colour.”
“In terms of background I often work with soft taupes or off whites. Generally if I’m using a grey I’ll opt for one with a brown base which is warmer than a blue-grey. Then I’ll bring in colour – for example I’ve just added a chest of drawers in a dark, dusty red to my landing. I have some prints which have a dot of red in them and they look marvellous together. It’s about having some kind of coherence in the home. There has to be some kind of thread running through the home so that you feel that the rooms are connected in some way even if you have painted each room a different colour.”
A key aspect of Scandi design is the mixing and matching of things collected over many years and the investment in good quality pieces which can be maintained to last a lifetime. “Invest in a good sofa, dining table and chairs and in a good couch – everything else is nice to have but not essential. Save up, take your time and budget accordingly,” says Helle. “When we are helping people with their interiors we look to see what they have already and we help them to fill in the gaps. Rather than throwing a piece out and replacing something they already have, we suggest using it in a different space in the home – it’s about being flexible and having pieces that can work anywhere in the house and adding to your interiors over time.”
Johanna Vuorio is the owner and CEO of Nikari founded in 1967 – a wood design studio and furniture manufacturer based in Finland that is renowned for its expertise in creating solid wood furniture. She is also CEO of Woodnotes established in 1987 which specialises in the production of blinds, rugs and carpets made from an innovative wood yarn.
We met Johanna at the home of Leena Gardemeister, the Finnish ambassador to Ireland, during the inaugural Scandinavian Design Embassy – a collaborative platform designed to highlight the best of Nordic design. Johanna agrees that, while Danish design may be the most recognisable aesthetic associated with Scandinavian design, others have also paved the way for the popularity of Scandi style. “The common perception within Scandinavia is that Danish designers and architects are the most well-known as Denmark has produced an impressive line up of globally acknowledged architects throughout the 20th Century,” she says. “While the other Scandinavian nations might not have such a robust list of designers, Alvar Aalto from Finland paved the way for Finnish design and architecture internationally, and Swedish giant IKEA has been helping nations understand the Scandinavian lifestyle for decades.”
Like Helle Moyna, Johanna says that, while we might have a stereotypical idea of what Scandi style is, there are many variations throughout the region and its people, and that the true essence of Scandi style is much broader than the stereotype. She echoes Helle’s opinion on colour as a key component of the Scandinavian aesthetic. “I believe that the essence of Scandinavian design lies in natural materials, sustainability and functionality. A warm, minimalist approach that avoids unnecessary clutter and embraces neutral colours is also part of this aesthetic,” she says. “However, as a Scandinavian native, I’d say there are subtle variations and different nuances depending on the country or region. And, of course, there are different ways to interpret our cultural heritage – one can also find very colourful interior solutions for example.”
Such principles are apparent in her own two companies where simple, pared-back high-quality aesthetics, natural materials and a sustainable ethos are part of the DNA. “Our designs bring out the very heart of quiet luxury, while the products seamlessly integrate with other types of designs – for example with Japanese or Italian designs in both traditional and contemporary architecture.” Johanna says that traditional Scandinavian design values are now more pertinant than ever. “In today’s world, it makes no sense to create products that don’t stand the test of time aesthetically, technically or materially,” she says. “This is definitely the time to produce less but better. Personally, I cherish the old wisdom of never buying anything that isn’t truly useful or needed.”
While we often think of Scandinavian interiors as coming with a dearth of colour, Johanna agrees that this is not always the case and that Scandinavian interiors are more about having a carefully curated selection of meaningful items against a simple backdrop. “It’s very common to use colour – in textiles for example. Art on the walls can also add strong, vivid splashes of colour, and warm, thick rugs on the floor bring a sense of cosiness on cold winter evenings,” she says.
“Scandinavian design often features simple, meaningful objects that carry personal significance, however too many things that catch the eye can look chaotic – while minimising and simplifying is sometimes hard it is worth it. Tactile and calm spaces created with different materials and textures help lower blood pressure and create a safe haven after fully lived days at work, enjoying hobbies or seeing friends. Ultimately, whatever makes one feel at ease and at home is what matters most in Scandinavian interiors.”
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