living room inspired by scandinavian design Scandinavian design has become one of the more popular interior design trends today. Characterized by minimalism and simplicity, it has attracted many people thanks to its bright style, versatility, and functional qualities. But how did Scandinavian design rise to popularity? Take a look at our brief history of Scandinavian interior design below.

Scandinavian Design Origins

Scandinavian design originated in the Nordic countries of Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Iceland. Though Iceland and Finland aren’t part of Scandinavia, these regions have come together to inspire many aspects of Scandinavian design. It’s believed that the branding of “Scandinavian design” was a result of an international PR campaign after World War II. The Scandinavian countries wanted to be perceived as an entity in design and culture, and by fostering greater solidarity throughout the 1940s, their collective design was able to spread. But Scandinavian design had already begun to take off as early as the 1930s, when architects from Finland and Sweden exhibited at New York’s Museum of Modern Art. In 1947, Scandinavian design was featured at the Triennale di Milano, which is a design exhibition in Milan, Italy.

The Spread of Scandinavian Design

Although Scandinavian design developed its roots during previous decades, the term “Scandinavian design” didn’t debut outside the Nordic region until 1951, when an exhibition called Scandinavian Design for Living appeared in Heal’s department store in London. Between 1954 and 1957, the Design in Scandinavia exhibition toured 24 locations throughout the U.S. and Canada. This exhibition was one of the key events that led to the rise in Scandinavian design. By the end of the 1950s, Nordic furniture and decorative arts were common in local department stores thanks to international imports. Although Scandinavian design lost much of its momentum in the following decades, it gained traction again in the 1990s when focus shifted back to sustainable development.

Scandinavian Design Today

Scandinavian design lends some of its success today to the financial crisis of 2008. While large economies struggled during this time, many small Nordic countries experienced hardly any effect. This attracted attention to Nordic society and reinfused interest in their culture and design. Increased media coverage led to booming business for Scandinavian designers, which then drew others to the simplified, minimal décor and lifestyle that Scandinavian design offers. Today, Scandinavian design is guided by the concept of “less is more.” It is governed by principles like:
  • Clean Lines – Clean lines provide striking simplicity, while ensuring both comfort and sophistication.
  • Natural Lighting – Scandinavian countries experience long winters, which makes natural lighting a must. Large windows with few window treatments, mirrors that reflect light, and pale color schemes are commonly used in Scandinavian design to brighten the space.
  • Neutral Colors – Neutral, muted colors, especially white, serve as the backdrop to Scandinavian design.
  • Functionality – The essence of Scandinavian design is to create a functional yet sophisticated space. Each piece serves at least one purpose.
  • Natural Textures – Scandinavian design likes to bring the outdoors inside, which means incorporating natural wood floors and potted plants. You won’t see wall-to-wall carpets in Scandinavian design, but you might accent your wood floors with area rugs for added warmth and coziness.
  • Fireplaces – With long, harsh winters in northern Europe, it’s common to see simple fireplaces in Scandinavian-inspired homes.
As more and more people work to simplify their lives, Scandinavian design is a choice interior concept. And it all traces back to the early 1900s, assisted in part by World War II and early design exhibitions. What are your favorite elements of Scandinavian design, and how do you incorporate them into your home? Let us know in the comments below!