I have lots of love affairs and Scandinavian design is one of them. I developed this passion in my teenage years when I discovered a book in our local library. Just to put you in the loop , it was a new book then. It is hard to believe that one event can impact one's design aesthetic for life , but that's the case because I've woven various elements of mid century Scandinavian design into every home I've had.
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Here's my take on the elements of mid- century modern Scandinavian design and how I've interpreted it in my own home. |
Form
- function is the priority , and then form is pared back to its simplest statement
- materials are chosen for their beauty and longevity
- the lines are clean and minimal , often with sinuous curves or very "boxy"
- craftsmanship is flawless
- 360 degree design - looks good from every angle
- prominent use of wood , followed by plastic and metals
- emphasis on nature and organic forms; bring natural materials in
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| Scandinavian furniture design |
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| Scandinavian furniture natural tones |
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| White furniture on light wood |
Check out other iconic furniture designs in a previous post . So many well known furniture came from Scandinavian designers.
Colour/Light
- emphasis on magnifying natural light
- white and off- white interiors with blue or blue gray or black
- muted tones , restricted to neutrals
- simple or no window treatments
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| Colour in Scandinavian Design |
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| White colour scheme with light wood |
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| Neutrals with natural wood |
Shape
- geometric patterns , free form / organic and florals
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| organic patterns |
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| Bold geometric patterns | | | | | | | | | | |
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Love the hint of blue with the black , white and gray in the geometric rug. The pop of blue with the throw is inviting and also creates a sense of warmth in the room.
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| geometric patterns |
This is such a crisp but inviting room that is made interesting by using a range of textures and patterns. I love how the striped rug anchors everything.
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| Lassen Accessories |
Texture
- wood is highly valued and used extensively for floors , walls and furniture
- natural materials in textiles: linen , wool , cotton , hessian , fur (sheepskin)
- glass , pottery is used for many accessories
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| Texture in Scandinavian design |
source This image shows a simple room with many natural material in one small space: wool , felted wool , fur , cotton and possibly linen. And great art to anchor the space ,. Wouldn't you love to sit on that chair?
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| Natural materials in textiles |
Another chair holding a selection of cozy textiles that you can choose to cuddle up with.
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| Texture in accessories |
There's nothing like a matte inky black vase and natural elements to draw your attention to a corner or an interesting piece of furniture. This one is so sleek next to the roughly carved stool. A great mix.
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| Knits in Scandinavian design |
Nothing is as inviting as knits on a bed. All that texture , light colour and cuddle potential.
Space
- uncluttered , room to rest the eye
- easy to move around
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| Open design |
And here's my always in transition , uniquely Newfoundland , mid century Scandinavian look at Christmas!  |
Scandinavian colour scheme
I like minimal window coverings in a south facing window when privacy isn't an issue , hints of black and natural toned birch with lots of white and gray.
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Scandinavian design with a twist
Christmas decorations without the traditional red or green and my new Kubus 4 candle holder that is quickly becoming my favourite accessory next to pillows from my sister who knows just what a room needs. |
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| Mid Century Danish modern hand crafted |
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Natural elements Christmas
Margaret Ryall |
source What elements of Scandinavian design do you have in your home?
