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Add Scandinavian Style to Your Apartment Decor
Interest in Scandinavian-style decorating has never swayed in Northern Europe, but in the United States, this flexible and fascinating style of decor is experiencing a serious resurgence from its mid-20th-century arrival. Read on for ways to decorate the Scandinavian way.
Origins of Scandinavian decorating
Scandinavian modern style emerged in Sweden, Norway and Denmark at the beginning of the 1950s and the world was never quite the same. Scandinavian furniture designs are known for their simplicity, functionality and, in many cases, their affordability. This combination of outstanding form and function was an essentially modern idea and one that continues to reignite new designs across the globe, all of which, sooner or later, seem to bow their heads to Scandinavian inspiration.
The hallmarks of Scandinavian decorating
Scandinavian interior designs usually work with a neutral color palette and natural materials, aesthetics that reflect the landscapes that inspired the original look. Whites, ecrus, beiges and natural wood tones are often accented with blue or red. Natural fabrics are commonly used — cottons and linens, especially. The smaller repetitions of floral patterns found in ‘50s designs got bigger and bolder in the ‘60s and persist today, in rich variations.
This look is all about combinations of straight and tapered lines. Arms and legs of tables and chairs, for instance, are always gracefully proportioned. Wood tones are usually light brown or white, generally from white pine, ash and beech. When Scandinavian designers were first pioneering the look, the goal was to get as much light as possible into the interiors of Northern homes that didn’t see much sun for a good part of the year — and the quest for light in Scandinavian style persists.
How do I get it?
Thankfully, the irresistible combination of great form, utility and a low price tag has become, again, the main appeal of the Scandinavian look. Find it in infinite, authentic varieties at IKEA, which, hand in hand with the resurgence of all things ‘50s and ‘60s, has had much to do with the newfound or remembered love of this look. You can also find variations on the Scandinavian look at all price points online and in department and retail stores. Any furniture or home store that champions design first is inevitably about Scandinavian decorating.
Scandinavian decorating accessories
Look for simple, uncluttered items. Mirrors, which make use of natural light, are a must. Area rugs are also common, since Scandinavian modern furniture is best placed over hardwood floors, for contrast. Look for stripes and floral patterns. Glass and silver are also integral to the ensemble look, so shop for tabletop elements made of these materials, but use them sparingly and to best dramatic effect.
Scandinavian style is timeless, refreshing and instantly elegant. Lucky for us, it’s also very easy to get! Learn the basic look and let yourself go. You’ll have all the elements of a Scandinavian contemporary home assembled before you can pronounce the Danish words for the cool looks you have put together!
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