Scandinavian design is a huge interior trend for 2019, it incorporates design from Norway, Sweden, Denmark and other Nordic countries. The simplistic and sophisticated style of Scandinavian living is regarded ‘a way of life’ rather than just an interior design trend. Scandi living focuses on improving daily life by creating purposeful design. But how can you adopt Scandinavian style and transform your living space?
COMPONENTS FOR SCANDINAVIAN DESIGN
1. PURPOSEFUL
Minimalism is prevalent in Scandinavian design; the focus is on simplicity and functionality resulting in furniture that often doubles as storage. Although, unlike minimalist design, Scandinavian style utilizes textures to add warmth and that all-desired ‘comfort-factor’. Textiles such as blankets, sheep skins, jute and linen are added as these are purposeful and practical for the colder Nordic climates that the originators encounter.
2. SOFT PALLETTE
Soft and neutral colours are found in scandi design, this is predominantly to accentuate natural light; as these regions have as little as seven hours of daylight in winter. Although colour can now often be added to accent and lift the room if it has natural and subtle tones. ‘Lagom’ is what Swedish people refer to as a balance of ‘not too much and not too little’; colours should be stabilised, and simplicity should be harmonized with comfort. After all, who wouldn’t want to be comfy over the longest winters on earth!
3. CLUTTERLESS
While ornaments, pictures and knick-knacks feature in Scandinavian style they are well placed, subtle and inoffensive. When adding ornaments choose tonal pieces that blend into the rooms colour palette. Bold patterns or striped can be added in place of ‘extra colour’ to continue the ‘calm’ but offer an alternative to a feeling of plain and pastel! As previously mentioned, the purposeful nature of Scandi design favours storage spaces to avoid unnecessary clutter. Scandi design is influenced by nature which could explain why plants often feature in place of objects.
4. FORM
A noticeable trait of Scandinavian furniture is the abundance of clean lines and rounded edges. Typically utilizing modern sleek forms that create aesthetically pleasing and innovative pieces of furniture. This simple form is usually created using natural materials such as wood, leather and metal; all of which are high-quality materials. This all adds a ‘soothing’ aura to the furniture, and one which has carried through for decades, often helping for reflecting light within a home.
SCANDI + '70S
The '70s were a significant decade in forming retro designs; retro styles can be identified by their iconic characteristics such as geometric patterns, bold outlining, and both contrasting colours and tonal matching. Mis-matched and contrasting patterns, soft velvet and wide backed chairs are all synonymous with the 1970s and all of which have been revived in 2019. This cheerful and bold era of interior design often featured rich hues paired with a combination of subtle colours. Scandinavian design paired with 70’s styles are well balanced as the brighter colours of the '70s adds warmth to the traditionally neutral tones of Scandi interiors.
The ‘living blue’ setting that can be seen in these images incorporates elements of the retro '70s era while maintaining a traditionally Scandinavian design. This is the Gillies ‘Azure’ suite, which has characteristics that are often associated with Scandinavian design; the curved edges of the arm rests and cushions are typical of Scandi furniture as well as the rounded wooden ‘stick’ feet.
Depth is created by layering cushions and throws that are all different textures. The contrasting patterns is very '70s but is softened by keeping the colour scheme limited which makes for a very aesthetically pleasing and most importantly ‘relaxing in style’ arrangement.
The Pranus marble coffee table is used to break up the colour with the white stone reflecting light; which is crucial to creating the Scandinavian design ethos of exploiting natural light.
SHOP THE LOOK
LIVING BLUE
Azure Teal Large Sofa £799.00
Azure Teal Standard Chair £545.00
Pranus Coffee Table £279.00
Pranus Lamp Table £189.00
Estella Pink and Grey Rug £229.00
Barkot Twill Pink Throw £25.99
Fat Face Sai Grey Throw £58.50
Scion Akira Blue Cushion £36.00
Small Pink Hurricane Vase £14.99
Pink Orchid in Pot £28.99
Sky Blue XXL Desk Lamp £202.99
Geo Embossed Vase £26.99
Emma Shipley Audubon Pink Cushion £63.00
LIVING GREEN
Ercol 3330 Cosenza Large Sofa £1445.00
Ercol 3330 Cosenza Armchair £825.00
Ercol 3330 Cosenza Footstool £399.00
Twister Lamp Table £89.00
Mr Fox Silver Rug £259.00
Orla Kiely Stem Black Cushion £31.50
Achates 9 Light Gold and Agate Pendant £594.00
Large Tri Geometric Monochrome Jar £38.99
Small Square Op-Art Monochrome Jar £30.99
LIVING PINK
Como Compact Corner Sofa £1499.00
Azure Designer Accent Chair £519.00
Scion Sula Blush Rug £349.00
Berkeley Lamp Table with Drawer £269.00
Berkeley Coffee Table with Drawer £369.00
Zakara Table Lamp £55.99
Scion Eloisa Cushion £36.00
Khaki Mosaic Dimple Jar £37.99
Harlequin Salice Plum Knitted Throw £148.50
LIVING ORANGE
Cirrus Large Sofa £799.00
Phoebe Accent Chair £599.00
Ercol 354 Nest of Tables £545.00
Scion Paprika Rug £699.00
Conrad Cone Pendant £91.99
Conrad Pendant £78.99
Orla Kiely Giant Abacus Cushion £31.50
Orange Zebra Jar £60.99
( All prices shown are current sale prices on offer until 1.9.19 )
Available in store or online at Gillies: Aberdeen, Broughty Ferry, Inverness and Perth