What’s your style? Scandanavian?

WHAT’S YOUR STYLE?

So many people are overwhelmed by designing the spaces in their home.  This is where most of your memories are created.  It is highly important to spend some time planning and understanding what exactly you like before you start spending money on home furnishings.  There is another interior design that is often overlooked.  Do you love a simplified lifestyle, generous natural light and open concept living but you aren't quite a fan of industrial, contemporary design-- consider Scandinavian Design.  

You may know this style first by the brand of IKEA. They do an excellent job of branding and merchandising their products to make people fall in love with their well thought out vignettes and lower priced items.  While I do not use their products in any of my work, there are many elements found in scandinavian design that we can implement in residential interiors.

In my eyes, scandinavian design is an esthetic based on simplicity, reduced materials, limited trim levels, and a balance of wood and concrete.  Oftentimes, you will find one wood type used in all casegoods and cabinetry.  This creates such great modern harmony and limited visual distraction.  In addition, modern fireplaces are the statement piece in the open concept living space.  Does any of this sound familiar to you?  Does anyone remember the television show Frasier?  In my eyes, this is the perfect example of how scandinavian design can be interpreted in The United States.  Do you remember the back and forth between Frasier and his father over the ratty recliner that completely stood out?  If you are too young to remember this show, I highly recommend that you look it up.

Let’s be very clear.  This style isn’t for everyone.  If you equate luxury and comfort with a lot of items around you, this may not be the exact design style for you.  There are many things to love about this design style.  It's simple.  If it isn’t needed, you probably will not have it in the space.  Storage is often hidden and discreet.  If you are a busy professional and need calm in your life, this is great.  Scandanivan Design is known for being calming, less stressful, and very easy to clean.  Smaller spaces quickly appear much with the simple lines and less than fussy color palettes.  In reality, the style rarely changes.  If you fear making huge investments in furniture only to have to replace or upholster in a few years, this could be for you.  Overall, it's modern, clean and sophisticated without being stark and harsh.  

There are four key elements to Scandinavian Design. furniture selections, color, lighting and accessories. If you think this is the style for you, it is important to first begin with these key pillars.  Remember, creating great design doesn’t just happen.  Thought, understanding, and planning are where we all must begin. 

Accessories.  Do you remember when I said this style of design is easy to clean and relaxing?  When it comes to accessories you really don’t want to forget this rule.  I would suggest larger pieces over a lot of small items.  Large mirrors, candles, bowls, trays and coffee table books are a great place to start.  Finally, keep your accent pillows as simple as possible.  Solid fabrics in various textures and materials are the way to go.  Finally  think of simple pottery, blown glass, and ceramics.

Furniture.  In many cases the cost of furniture is most likely the largest line item in any residential interiors budget.  You may think that a few pieces of furniture would decrease the budget--this is not always the case.  The truth is, quality Scandanavian furniture can be expensive.  The good news is the furniture will rarely go out of style.  If you make wise selections it is likely that the pieces can live in your home for many years to come.  The furniture is the art here.  Think sculptural sofas, sectionals, and chairs.  The dining table should be one of the most impressive pieces!  Finally, shy away from overstuffed pieces.  Your selections should not be chunky but sleek and refined.

Color.  When it comes to color, complex isn’t in the wheelhouse.  In my practice, I would encourage my client to limit their color palette to no more than (3) colors.  Think emotions.  It is hard to have a calm and serene environment that has a complex color palette.   Work to create cohesion between your colors, wood stains, and tint of the concrete in your space.  Mostly likely you will use tan, white, black and red.  Blonde woods and lighter concrete tend to work beautifully.  When selecting textiles think earthy, neutral, with limited geometric print.

Lighting.  Light is important in all the modern styles of interior design.  We strive to add as much natural light as possible while remembering that it can be manipulated when needed to create privacy.  When selecting lighting consider function in addition to appearance.  Architectural lighting that wash solid walls with light can be a great way to emulate natural light flooding through windows.  Chandeliers and lamps should be simple statement pieces.  With industrial interior spaces we do mix large ornate crystal chandeliers with simple modern and rustic elements.  In this case, we want lighting that is simple, clean and statement worthy.

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