Interesting Facts that Made Scandinavian Design Popular
It’s 2018 and surprisingly we still love Scandinavian design; I’m sure I’m not the only one who thought the hype would be over, as it happens with trends, but this one is here to stay for good. Though it seems like something we’ve only happened to “discover” in the recent years, Scandinavian design has had its days of glory since the 1930s.
More specifically it all started with the Triennale di Milano design exhibition in 1947 when Nordic countries mesmerised the world with their furniture pieces and home accessories so much so they were later showcased in the US and Canada over the years of 1954 and 1957.
Things haven’t changed today, and our love for nordic armchairs is entirely understandable as some of the most popular pieces of Scandinavia for decades, because unlike other designs, these are about craftsmanship and top notch materials in the example of organic fabrics and strong timbers, so when you buy one of them you know you get style and comfort.
The reason things have taken another turn design-wise in this region as opposed to the rest of Europe has to do with the weather influence and how it shaped Scandinavian lifestyle in general. While other Europeans were focused on opulence, Scandinavians required practicality which would explain why the stress is on simplicity and not ornamentation.
However, unlike other simple products, Nordic actually fascinate with their aesthetics as can be seen in something as utilitarian as the nordic armchairs. Now, when speaking of the weather, winters can be particularly harsh, with little daylight depending on the region itself, so Scandinavians had to stay indoors for months and the way to fight the winter blues was done through a cosy interior with as much light as possible.
This goes to show why Nordic interiors are airy and bright, and along with the use of ambient lighting plus counting on the help of lighting fixtures to add to the interior charm, they relied on candles as they do so today (e.g. Danish Hygge), as much as they used reflection with mirrors and bare floors.
A high sense of respect for nature makes this design unique and that’s why we can’t get enough of it. What Scandinavians have taught us all is minimal can be beautiful when you use some natural materials, like wood, to bring the warmth in combining it with all the white, along with how to reuse and recycle, appreciating a life without clutter.
