How To Master Scandinavian Style At Home
Scandinavian design is revered as the pinnacle of stylish, confident minimalism, but what are the secrets to achieving this pared-back look in your home in 2022? Here, three Scandinavian designers share their home-styling recommendations – from the aesthetics that endure, and the misconceptions to ignore, to the current updates to bring in. By KATIE BERRINGTON
The minimal base
For designer Lotta Agaton, the perennial key to achieving Scandinavian style lies in perfecting a minimal base, “working with natural materials, such as wood, stone, wool and linen, and a tone-on-tone color palette”. Copenhagen-based designer Helle Mardahl concurs: “The Scandi secret must be our minimalistic approach. It’s a fundamental part of my understanding of design, whether we are talking interior decoration or architecture. Simplicity and clean lines are always the focal point. We are interested in creating something that stands out, but still has some kind of simplicity to it. Clean and crisp.”
The curation
“Get rid of things that don’t add something to your home,” advises Nicholai Wiig-Hansen, artistic director of ceramics brand Raawii. “Collect pieces that create different moods, depending on the changes in light, from day to night. Use a mix of new, second-hand and inherited things that have a personal meaning for you. Mirrors, in particular, can create a different perspective, as well as a perception of space.”
The combinations
“We are seeing a lot of brutalist and more playful shapes right now, both in furniture and objects,” says Agaton of using contrasting elements to add depth and intrigue to a room. “There is also a lot of stone being used as interior details, such as bathroom and kitchen basins. I am always very fond of mixing materials and modern shapes with classics.”
Wiig-Hansen suggests combining materials that play with each other in an interesting manner to incite curiosity or discussion, and layering light sources to create a rich ambience in your home.
“The Scandinavian way to do interiors is not to follow trends – but to choose pieces that have staying power; ones that create timeless yet personally relevant interiors
”Nicholai Wiig-Hansen, artistic director, Raawii
The craftsmanship
There is a focus on standing out in contemporary Scandinavian design, says Mardahl, citing the experimental and daring approaches of emerging artists. There is also pride in the renowned design heritage of Scandinavian culture. “We have so many Danish furniture classics that have become internationally known,” she says. “The ‘Y’ chair by Hans J. Wegner, the PH-lamps by Poul Henningsen, the ‘Series 7’ chair by Arne Jacobsen, just to mention a few. As a designer, you always aim to create these kinds of pieces – classics that will stand the test of time and become well-known additions to people’s homes. I think the secret is excellent craftsmanship, sublime materials and simplicity.”
The misconceptions
Leave behind the idea that Scandinavian style is cold, says Agaton. “I think that the base is often minimalistic, and there are not a lot of bold colors, but there is always a warmth in the way that materials are mixed and contrasted. The styling of decorative objects is crucial when it comes to making a minimalistic space warm and inviting.”
“Naturally – and fortunately – there are a thousand ways to reinterpret and express the heritage of simplicity,” says Mardahl. “People mistakenly think that simplicity means white, but it doesn't have to be so. A blue space or a blue vase can still be incredibly clean and simple. Simplicity with a twist is what we tried to archive when designing our new showroom at the beginning of 2022. Our building was established in 1780, so she’s quite an oldie, and we decided to create a play of contrasts by mixing classic and modern. The architectural details are so elegant, and we wanted to enhance and respect the history of the space while still making it our own.”
Ultimately, the true art of Scandinavian style lies in this individuality, says Wiig-Hansen. “The Scandinavian way to do interiors is not to follow trends – but to choose pieces that have staying power; ones that create timeless yet personally relevant interiors.”