Scandinavian Design

We can see the emergence of Scandinavian design as far back as the 1930s, with famous architects including Josef Frank, Alvar Aalto, and Arne Jacobsen. However, it would be a few more decades before the movement grew in popularity and cemented itself as an interior design staple, thanks to exhibitions in America such as “Design in Scandinavia” from 1954-1957. In a similar way to Mid-Century Design, this post-war era was craving a shift from ornate and impractical interior design to simple, functional pieces. It’s in their values and outcomes that these two core trends differ, with Mid-Century leaning towards darker earthy tones, and Scandinavian Design opting for airy spaces and ample lighting. 

Design in Scandinavia (1954-1957)

This exhibition had a monumental effect on the public. Spanning across America and Canada, although its marketing reached globally, the Design in Scandinavia exhibition showcased furniture design from Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden.

With a focus on furniture, textiles, and home decor, this propelled Nordic furniture design - and its top designers - introducing Scandinavian style to the masses. Similar exhibitions cropped up across the world, including the UK, as well as the Lunning Prize. 

The Lunning Prize (1951-1970)

Instituted by Frederik Lunning - owner of Georg Jensen Inc, a department store in New York specialising in importing Scandinavian goods - the Lunning Prize was awarded to two Nordic designers every year from 1951 to 1970. And all the hype surrounding Scandi design, from architecture to furniture, introduced the concept of hygge to the masses. 

Bringing Scandinavian Design into home interiors

Light Wooden Coffee Table

Airy and versatile, a wooden coffee table brings the living room together with effortless style. Consider curved and interesting shapes, and remember to avoid harsh points and lines, opting for oval or round coffee table styles.

Boucle Sofas + Accent Chairs

Add texture and warmth easily with boucle. Having seen a resurgence, boucle is perfect for busy households, particularly with its speckled texture that hides all manner of accidents.  

Jute Rug

A jute rug is a staple in Scandic Design and adds instant Nordic charm. This natural material incorporates the outdoors and gives a great juxtaposition of texture with smooth wooden pieces. 

Rattan or Jute Lighting

A simple way to begin adding Nordic influences to your home. In particular, your bedroom. Rattan and jute light shades give soft and inviting lighting, or you could always consider linen shades, too. 

Light Wood Wall Panelling

If your home struggles with natural light, opting for white walls can make spaces seem cold and uninviting. Consider light wood panelling - especially in open-plan spaces - to differentiate areas and add warmth. 

Cane + Rattan

From rattan lighting to cane seating, we can’t get enough of natural materials that give an organic feel, complementing neutral open spaces with ease.

Warm Lighting

A dimmable function and low wattage give hygge vibes. Using overarching floor lamps creates nooks and cosy corners, ideal for quiet wintery afternoons.  

Embracing greenery

It’s all about those finishing touches. Decorate with subtle trailing ferns and soft pink-leafed plants for a Nordic feel and subtle use of colour.

Wall Art

Dipping your toe into the Scandic Design pool? Opting for wall art is a quick and easy way to incorporate Scandinavian design on a budget. Just remember to keep it neutral.

Scandi Design vs Japandi Design

Both Scandi and Japandi interiors have a similar ethos to create a calm and inviting home; however, in how it is achieved is different. Here are the differences between Scandi Design and Japandi:

Mood + Aesthetics

Scandi - Light and Airy

Japandi - Balanced and Grounded

To summarise - Both styles appreciate the art of functionality and practicality, choosing thoughtful furniture over extravagance. 

Colour Palettes

Scandi - Light and Neutral

Japandi - A neutral base…but moodier 

To summarise - Japandi colours can include more earthy tones like terracotta, brown, and charcoal greys, whilst a Scandi palette sticks to creams, whites, and greys.  

Hard Materials

Scandi - Light woods, rope weaves, and wicker

Japandi - Darker woods and striking ceramics

To summarise -  Scandi favours woods, rattan and wicker in light hues, whilst Japandi styles have chunkier woods in darker stains. Both have a natural organic element.

Soft Materials + Textiles

Scandi - Chunky knits and tactility 

Japandi - The fluidity of paper and linens

To summarise -  Scandi Design enjoys mixing and layering textures. Our signature speckled stone boucle is perfect for this trend, incorporating greys and creams. 

Furniture Shapes 

Scandi - Organic shapes and curves

Japandi - Clean lines and imperfections 

To summarise -  Scandi furniture focuses on engineered pieces built for the everyday, whilst Japandi leans into handmade elements and imperfections, such as the art of Kintsugi - fixing ceramics and pottery with powdered gold.

Who’s it for?

Scandi - Family-friendly yet grown up

Japandi - Serene and curated spaces

To summarise -   Bright and light, Scandi-inspired decor is great for families who need functionality but still want style. Japanese-inspired interiors are suited for those needing calm and serenity. 

Scandinavian design to avoid

Using just white

Neutral doesn’t equal white. Consider a whole spectrum of neutral hues from creams to greys, layering up colours and textures to create depth to avoid looking too clinical.

Overaccessorising

Less is definitely, so if you’re a fan of knick-knacks, this may not be the trend for you. Keep shelving and surfaces clutter-free, and artwork and home decor simple.

Using too much wood

Too much wood can create a samey and boring finish. Team with marble, travertine, and concrete to avoid your space looking flat.

Glossy Finishes

Opt for matte surfaces and soft natural textures over high gloss, glass and metals to play into the cosiness of Scandic-inspired interiors. 

Top Tip: Get to grips with the lighting in your home. Use where the sun rises and sets to inform your design decisions, and layer natural light with artificial light for a cosy hygge feel.