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Its easy to see the timeless appeal of a design movement likeScandinavian style.
Photo: Morsa Images
What Is Scandinavian Design?
Minimal yet intentional, simple yet cozy, clean yet warmScandinavian design is a masterclass in balance.
Barzilay-Freund also points to living spaces as a clear demonstration ofScandinavian design principlesat play.
Photographed by Rich Stapleton,Architectural Digest,April 2024
It is nonetheless worth mentioning that Finland and Iceland are not technically part of Scandinavia.
The climate played (and continues to play) an especially important role in the Scandinavian design ethos.
The Nordic regions cold, short winter days created a desire forinteriors to be both cozyand bright.
A Swedish living room with furniture designed by influential Carl Axel Acking, circa 1945, as seen inThe Studio Year Book: Decorative Art 1943-48.
Open-plan spaces that favored simple forms, lighter colors, and natural light.
Cold, short winter days means that maximizing the amount of light in the home is paramount.
In Scandinavia, our approach to lighting differs from that of many other cultures, Faber explains.
Photo: Getty Images
Among the primary characteristics of Scandinavian design is the use of natural textures.
Woodworking, particularly, is a category that truly exemplifies Scandi design.
These chairs beautifully embody Swedish design principlescelebrating natural materials and tactile richness."
Clean lines and simple forms are synonymous with Scandinavian design, meaning you wont find pieces with unnecessary ornamentation.
(Functionality here meaning only decorating with items that have a utilitarian purpose.)
Designed the Finnish Pavilion at the New York Worlds Fair.
Arne Jacobsen- A grandfather of modern Danish furniture and creator of the Egg chair.
Brge Mogensen- An influential designer in shaping Danish modern design, known commonly as the peoples designer.
Georg Jensen- An influentialDanish silversmithwho founded his eponymous company in 1904 in Copenhagen.
Part of the generation that created the Golden Age of modern Danish design, from the 1940s to 1960s.
Kaare Klint- Commonly regarded as the father of modern Danish furniture design who is responsible for theSafari Chair.
It was discontinued in 1977.
Stockholm Exhibition- Often considered the official launch of Scandinavian modernism.
In 1930, this exhibition brought international attention to the design talents of the region, says Barzilay-Freund.
