Do you want to bring the Scandinavian atmosphere into your desk? You know that this style is very popular in interior design, but you don't understand it well. This article will take you through the history of its birth to its practical applications in today's working space, helping you understand this style thoroughly.
What is Nordic style?
1. Design origin
Scandinavian design originated in the early 20th century with the desire to create a new design style that reflected the values of the Nordic region, which includes Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway and Iceland. It was not until the 1950s that it became known worldwide. The post-World War II period played an important role in popularizing Scandinavian design worldwide.
One of the key figures in shaping Scandinavian style was Alvar Aalto, a Finnish architect and designer. He believed in creating designs that were both functional and humane, emphasizing the use of organic forms and materials inspired by nature. Examples include the stools found in Apple stores, the PH series of lamps from the Louis Poulsen collection, and the unmistakable Egg chair.
2. Main features
Scandinavian design focuses on functionality, simplicity and craftsmanship. Much of the Scandinavian design also favours natural materials, especially pale woods such as ash and oak, wool and linen, leather and glass. It also has some notable features such as:
- Celebrate light: Flood the space with natural light as well as artificial light sources to create the perfect, cozy ambiance.
- Neutral and muted colors: Because winters in Northern Europe are long and quite dark, Nordic design often uses white, gray, and tan to create a uniform and bright feeling for the space.
- Soft textures: Most Scandinavian interiors use light-colored woods for floors, such as pine or oak. Other soft, natural textiles such as wool throws or animal skin rugs are also used.
- Playing with patterns: Floral, botanical or symmetrical patterns combined with wall art, blankets, rugs or any other accessories are very popular in this style.
- Geometric lines: Remember those overlapping triangles and decorative shapes? Geometric patterns, especially symmetrical and repeating shapes, are a key feature of Scandinavian textile design.
- Greenery: Popular plants are usually those that don't have bright colors, like Delicious Monster, Philodendron Birkin, orchids, or Fiddle Leaf Fig.
- No clutter: Scandinavian interior design is characterized by neatness, cleanliness, and simple design. It does not try to fill unused spaces.
3. Suitable subjects
Scandinavian style is not just a trend but in many aspects, it is a lifestyle or philosophy that suits your views and perspectives. People who choose this design often love warm, peaceful and minimalist spaces, are in harmony with themselves, respect others and love nature.
Nordic style furniture and accessories ideas
1. Popular types of tables
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Jaime Hayon Traditional Palette Table: With its gentle structure, minimalist curves, sophistication and elegance, it has an irresistible appeal. When not in use, the table is also an extremely eye-catching decor for your setup corner.
Jaime Hayon Traditional Palette Table.
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Sector Ferm Living Wall Desk: A modern, versatile version that frees up a significant amount of space.
Sector Ferm Living wall table.
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Fritz Hansen Super Elliptical Table: Inspired by designer Piet Hein's solution to the traffic problem at Sergels Torg in Stockholm: a super elliptical roundabout. It's also ideal if you're looking for a more feminine table.
Fritz Hansen Super Elliptical Table.
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BoConcept Cupertino Desk: Flip-up and retractable compartments keep the desk clutter-free when not in use. Reversible lids allow for a variety of desk aesthetics.
BoConcept Cupertino Table.
2. The signature chairs
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Wishbone Chair (CH24 chair): Handwoven from sturdy paper cord and a curved backrest that supports the arms. Designed by Hans Wegner in classic oak, this is one of the most iconic chairs of the style.
Wishbone Chair.
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Eames Molded Plastic Chair: The chair features a durable injection molded plastic shell, making it a user-friendly design due to the low maintenance material.
Eames molded plastic chair.
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Hee Welling Armchair: Useful for the workspace and one of the best-selling Scandinavian designs. It is popular because it comes in a variety of color options.
Hee Welling armchair.
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Eames DCM Chair: The curved plywood seat and back were so thin that it was dubbed the "potato chip chair" shortly after its introduction. Time magazine named the chair the best design of the 20th century.
Eames DCM Chair.
3. Decorative accessories
- Wall paintings: Geometric patterns, monograms create accents or plaids, stripes in subtle gray, blue, white, black tones are very popular. Some popular paintings include deer, castles, artistic portraits, leaves or abstract patterns, artistic letters.
- Ceramic decorations: The wild, familiar, natural beauty of ceramic vases, flower pots, art statues,... will help to enhance the elegance, gentleness, and grace of the Nordic style, aiming for a much simpler beauty.
- Green plants: The soft green color, close to nature, contributes to making the working corner more relaxing and pleasant. To maintain the style's characteristics, you can choose potted plants woven from rattan and bamboo.
- Carpets: An indispensable piece in this style. Usually, soft wool with simple patterns will be the top choice of Scandinavian followers.
- Desk Lamps: Simple lamps with elegant white and black colors are indispensable in setting up this stylish desk. They are also decorative accents for the workspace.
Nordic style decorative accessories.
Some tips for decorating your work corner
1. Avoid clutter
Scandinavian design should have a clean look and allow plenty of empty space in the setup to maintain its neat principles. When it comes to accessories, keep them to a minimum, and it’s best to choose pieces that have more than one function.
2. Applying the art of Hygge
Hygge is a Danish term that refers to creating a feeling of contentment and coziness. A bit different from pure Scandinavian design, the hygge style is enhanced by plush knit cushions and cashmere fabrics, wood finishes like natural oak or walnut, and dimmable lighting.
Applying the art of Hygge.
3. Bring nature into your work corner
Greenery brings a sense of relaxation to all the senses. In addition, materials such as wood, wicker, rattan, stone, flowers and feathers all work well to emphasize the Scandinavian style.
4. Choose similar colors
Interior designer Bobby Berk says a light color palette will allow you to focus. A room without a lot of color will have accessories that look the same when you use similar materials and colors. Using warm wood tones, stone, and textured accessories will give you a sense of depth.
Nordic interior decoration brand
1. Hem
Hem is a Swedish furniture company founded in 2016 by Petrus Palmér. Known for its elegant yet playful pieces from sofas to sideboards, and making a name for itself with its alphabet pendant lights, Boa Pouf chairs and raised shelves. The company collaborates with renowned European manufacturers and designers such as Faye Toogood, Sabine Marcelis and Mark Braun to create unique furniture for those who do not compromise on design, quality and sustainability.
2. Nordic Nest
Nordic Nest is a retail brand founded in 2002 by husband and wife team Christian and Marie. Bestsellers include traditional Scandinavian rugs, classic tableware, wall art, and other home accessories. They also carry a wide selection of popular Scandinavian-style furniture, lighting, and textiles.
3. Muuto
Muuto is a Copenhagen-based company founded in 2006 by Kristian Byrge and Peter Bonnen. Muuto means “new perspective” in Finnish, which makes perfect sense given its forward-looking ethos and focus on creating items with interesting color and material choices.
4. Nordic
Nordic is a Vietnamese brand that focuses on minimalist interior design, promoting creativity and user experience. All Nordic furniture products are researched based on the human form, preferences and tastes of Vietnamese people to bring a comfortable, safe and convenient experience to customers.
So Epione has explored with you everything related to decorating a Nordic-style working corner at home. Hopefully the article will help you understand more deeply about the design and beauty of this style.
