History and theory of the most modest style in the interior
Despite the fact that the characteristic features of the style have been formed for more than one century, the term “Scandinavian design” itself appeared during a design exhibition held in the USA and Canada in 1954.
Scandinavian style in the interior is often called the most democratic design and there are two big reasons for this:
The main ideological aspects of the style were formed at a time when new inexpensive materials and methods for mass production. From a means of necessity, design has turned into a tool of unnecessary consumption. Railroads made it easy to import needed resources: cheap materials led to an oversupply of mass-produced goods, and northerners quickly grew tired of them.
This has led to a trend towards durability and flexibility in furniture and design. Things that could remain relevant and survive any trend. Beauty that remained functional. For inspiration, look at the design of a small apartment and a large one. country house.
It doesn't matter whether we're talking about interior design or attitude to life, Scandinavians have always had their own way. The love for simple aesthetics and light colors is partly due to natural conditions: during long winters one had to stay in houses for a long time, which also had to be built quickly in a short summer.
For many years, wooden furniture and simple crafts were the main decorations Scandinavian houses due to import difficulties and a huge selection of wood. But times have changed, and even to the north the luxury and aesthetics of European styles have come, albeit in a Scandinavian manner.
Development of the Gustavian style in the north
The history of the Gustavian style begins in 1771, when the future King of Sweden Gustav III fell in love on a trip abroad and brought elements of his love for Parisian Versailles to Scandinavia. So the Gustavian style is a restrained interpretation of French neoclassicism.
Features of the classics in Scandinavian style:
Neoclassicism was easily accepted by the Swedes, but in their own way - without any frills. Airy and calm, graceful and bright, over time the Gustavian style spread from palaces to rural houses. Typical colors of the style are soft yellow, cream, pale blue, green, gray tones and, of course, a lot of white, which best reflected the light from the candle.
Furniture and accessories:
Gustavian furniture is easily recognized by its classical proportions and carved legs and scallops, and the furniture is almost always painted. The most famous accessory is the Swedish Mora watch, tall and curvaceous, named after the city where it was produced. The clock is made of wood, has a softly rounded shape and a characteristic crown of petals. In addition to watches, gilded accessories are important in the Gustavian style - large mirrors that increase light, wall candlesticks, furniture elements.
The most necessary accessory in the north is chandeliers, lamps, lamps, candelabra. In Gustavian design, decorative chic chandeliers and candlesticks contrast perfectly with the clean white background. Just imagine how impressive crystal looks with many candlesticks above simple tables and chairs.
Bauhaus and Scandinavian design
Modern Scandinavian design is also influenced by the ideas of the Bauhaus, an artistic association based on the German higher school of civil engineering of the early 20th century. Representatives of this style put the functionality of design and architecture at the head of the table and rejected elegance and luxury. classic styles, leaving the premises almost naked.
Open plan
Along with simple color schemes, Scandinavian interior design doesn't involve making the space too cluttered. big amount furniture or accessories. At the same time, the layout of common rooms is often open - the living room smoothly flows into the dining room, then into the kitchen. This layout allows you to leave more windows and bring in as much light as possible into the space.
Wood Accents
In Scandinavian decor they love to use natural ecological wood. It can be found everywhere: on the floor, ceiling, furniture, in toys. The floors and ceilings are usually white or very light, the furniture can be warmer if it is, for example, oak or teak. The most popular wood is pine, and it is most often painted.
Cool colors
The main color is white, it underlies everything, the walls are painted with it. In addition to white, northerners love cool blues, cyan and gray tones. In some houses you can find bright spots of color - for example, yellow, orange, green. Often meets black and white design. For example, in the photo above there is a calm black and white palette, diluted with wooden furniture and brown accessories.
Accessories
The exception is paintings on the walls, of which there can be quite a lot, as in the photo above, and accessories that increase the amount of light - mirrors, lamps, glass vases.
Living vegetation
Perhaps because of the climate, northerners lack greenery, but almost every Scandinavian home has houseplants. There may be only a few of them, or there may be quite a lot - northern minimalism does not always apply to flowers.
Bright spaces
Well, probably the most important item on the list. Thanks to minimalism and functionality, most of the space in a Scandinavian interior remains unoccupied - this creates a feeling of spaciousness and airiness. All furniture, all decorations are designed to maximize natural light - look, for example, at these windows - they are created so that every drop of light reaches its owners.
Design examples
Wooden floors, white walls, functional decor... we think you already understand - all rooms are worth sticking to uniform style registration Let's talk about the other features of our favorite rooms in more detail:
A rug on the living room floor like the one in the photo is a rarity, as stained or distressed parquet flooring is a big part of the Scandinavian aesthetic. Every room should be airy, so even the sofas are slightly raised on thin legs. Chairs of unusual shapes, less often colors, work well. Geometry and simple lines are valued in rooms; you can place them on paintings or pillows.
One of the key (and few) style accessories in the bedroom is textiles. Lots and lots of textiles - rugs, blankets, pillows. As a rule, you should stick to a three-color scheme - black, gray, white, less often pastel shades, but there can be as many textures and shades as you like - the more, the better. And yet, the room must breathe, so choose a bed frame from either light wood or metal.
In the nursery, you should start with the same white walls and large windows, but add different color accents to the taste of the parents or child. It is very important here not to turn the nursery into a sterile, clean room, but to fill it with little things that are important to the child - drawings, old toys, leaves or fingerprints found in the forest.
Kitchen and dining room
In the kitchen, as in the dining room, there is little furniture and accessories, and the few dishes are hidden in large and comfortable closed sets. With an open plan where the kitchen, dining room and living room are combined, Kitchen Area takes up very little space. Dinner table with thin legs, most often white or very light. If your choice is darker, make sure the other items in the room are subtle and subtle enough for contrast, like in the picture above.
The same rules apply in the office as in the dining room. The table should be light with thin, or even better, tapering legs. Such a simple, streamlined table will look good against the backdrop of a heavy, large chair. The storage theme is well played out in the office; Scandinavians especially love large wicker or steel baskets. Standard accessories – black and white pictures, metal lamps, green plant in a beautiful pot.
Most bathrooms are also white, although you can find pastel and gray colors on the walls, and part of the space can even be black. The accents can be very bright; the presence of large window. You can approach the storage system with great imagination - for Scandinavians this is one of important elements decor, which also allows you to free up space as much as possible.
The Scandinavian style in the interior of a country house or apartment is completely special, unlike anything else: it is equally far from the pomp of the West and the exoticism of the East. This minimalist design movement has had a major influence on modern styles with the coziness and warmth of a half-empty home, where it always turns out that less is actually more.
The majestic beauty of northern nature with the mirror surfaces of lakes, rocky slopes, evergreen forests, as well as the harsh climate that forces one to live in constant readiness to fight the elements, largely determined the character of the Scandinavian architectural movement.
Restrainedly practical, but at the same time impeccably elegant, originating in what is now Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland, this style is very original, because in its development it managed to avoid the influence of antiquity.
The Scandinavian style in architecture is far from high technology and artistic and decorative innovations. This is rather a modest, devoid of meaningless pathos, rather restrained, but at the same time, a very elegant and cozy option for home decoration.
Absolute rationality color harmony, impeccable quality and natural materials - these are the main features inherent in the Scandinavian architectural style.
The characteristics of this direction also include:
The height of a Scandinavian-style house is small, usually one or two floors. The entire layout is thought out to the smallest detail, making the home as cozy and comfortable as possible.
Scandinavian-style houses are popular in many European countries. The reasons for this demand lie in a number of positive characteristics such houses:
Traditionally the main building material For the construction of houses in the Scandinavian countries there was and remains wood, or more precisely, calibrated or laminated timber.
The natural beauty of wood is not hidden behind a layer of paint, but, on the contrary, they try to emphasize it by treating the walls only with transparent or tinted paint. protective coating. In this case, preference is given to natural shades: beige, brown, gray-green, earthy black.
The design of the façade in Scandinavian style is based on practical minimalism. To place color accents and give the home an elegant decorative appearance, some elements, such as platbands, ridges, beams and roof supports, are painted in more saturated, and sometimes in bright, contrasting colors.
In its modern design, the Scandinavian style is more laconic.
For construction, not only wood is now used, but also brick and concrete structures. The walls are often covered with light plaster, lined wooden clapboard, panels or facade boards.
A carefully thought-out combination of textures and shades, as well as a predominance natural wood in decorative design, save these houses from depersonalization, without violating the concepts of style.
The roof in Scandinavian buildings always meets the requirements of simplicity and functionality. Traditional option– single-pitch or double-pitch design to avoid excessive snow load.
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Traditionally, tiles are used as roofing material. However, recently its polymer analogues have also proven themselves well.
For Scandinavian-style buildings, the color of the roof plays an important role. The harsh northern climate requires the use roofing materials dark shades, mainly gray or rich brown, which accelerates the melting of snow, naturally relieving the roof of excess load.
One of the options stylish design Scandinavian houses include extensive roof landscaping. In this case, instead of traditional materials, the entire surface of the roof is filled with live lawn grasses.
Windows in a Scandinavian house are always large. They can take over two floors at once. Sometimes even an entire wall is made with panoramic glazing. Thanks to this technique, the eternal problem of lack of lighting is solved, and it becomes possible to constantly enjoy the surrounding landscapes. And given the high quality of the double-glazed windows used, heat loss through the window openings will be minimal.
Frames, in addition to their direct purpose, are also an integral part facade decor, look massive and solid. Depending on the exterior of the building, their color scheme imitates dark or light wood.
There are several options for designing entrance doors in Scandinavian buildings.
For lovers modern solutions and free space, panoramic doors are suitable, they practically do not stand out against the general background of the glazing, repeating the style of the windows, their shape and color design.
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Supporters of more conservative views should pay attention to insulated metal doors sheathed in wood, in accordance with color design facade.
And finally, the third one, universal option, combining the two previous ones - thorough wooden doors, with stylish glass inserts.
An integral part of a Scandinavian home is the porch, which is usually quite high. It is located at the main entrance and, taking into account the climatic characteristics of the northern nature, has an exclusively practical purpose - maintaining cleanliness inside the home.
If it is possible to increase usable area, why not use it?!
- To this end, prudent Scandinavians always supplement their construction projects terraces.
Being an obligatory part of the building, the terrace is a full-fledged recreation area.
Most often, this open area under a canopy, decorated in minimalist traditions. In some cases it is supplemented wooden fencing harmonizing with the color design of the facade.
Depending on the design project and the wishes of the owner, the terrace can be combined with the porch, located on the opposite side of it, or simply surround the entire building along the perimeter.
Color solutions for the design of the facades of Scandinavian houses are chosen depending on the characteristics of the landscape.
White. It corresponds to northern nature as much as possible, personifying snow. Fits perfectly into any environment, it gives buildings visual lightness, harmoniously combining with both cold and warm shades. 
Black. On the facade of a small Scandinavian house, this color looks incredibly stylish and laconic. And woody and milky accents give it notes of warmth and grace. 
Wood beige. Perfectly complements any landscape, demonstrating the natural beauty of texture and creating a feeling home comfort. Looks especially impressive in combination with more dark shades or contrasting white. 
Grey. An impeccably practical, modern and laconic option, perfect for urban development. It combines favorably with all the basic colors of the style, allowing you to create win-win options. 
Each nation has its own idea of the architecture of a residential building and the design of premises. This is due to both national traditions and natural features one region or another. Scandinavia, this region of harsh and beautiful nature in northern Europe is no exception. And although each individual country can find its own characteristics that are common to all Scandinavian cultures, the principles of construction, organization of space and interior decoration of a building will unmistakably indicate its stylistic affiliation.
Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland are all Nordic countries that share a common architectural tradition. This is partly due to the fact that their historical development was similar - they did not experience the influence of the powerful Roman Empire, remaining pagan for a relatively long time. Actually, it was the pagan heritage that became one of the main themes of the beautiful architecture of northern modernism, the most interesting examples of which can be seen in Finland. In addition, the formation Scandinavian style the architecture and interior were facilitated by the general features of geography: a broken coastline, many fjords, a cold and harsh climate, a large number of mountains and lakes, huge forests. It is the abundance of forests that determines the popularity of wood in Scandinavia - wooden architecture has been the main type of construction here since ancient times. Traditional Scandinavian design is associated with simplicity, rationality and democracy. It is characterized by natural materials, laconic forms, environmental friendliness and quality. One of the characteristic decorative elements is the natural texture of wood, which can be preserved special technology processing.
Architectural features
What is the Scandinavian style in architecture? The best way to see this, or rather to feel it, is by visiting the world-famous library built by Alvar Aalto in the 30s of the last century in Vyborg. Simple and modest forms may seem rough and even unsightly to a person not interested in architecture - but at the same time every little detail has been thought out. This is especially felt inside the library. Upper diffused light, in which no shadows or glare will interfere with reading; heating pipes are hidden in the walls, thanks to which the room warms up evenly and is protected from drafts. And finally, a lecture hall with a wavy wooden ceiling for better acoustics. It is separated from the park by a glass wall, through which a stunning view of centuries-old trees opens. Actually, here there are all the signs of a typical Scandinavian house - simplicity of forms, soft colors in harmony with northern nature, and huge windows with a view conducive to meditative contemplation.
Of course, the origins of Scandinavian architecture do not date back to the 30s. Traditional house in northern countries it was built of wood. At first it was a bare log house, then they began to sheathe it with boards. Houses clad in wood siding or clapboard and painted dark red with white frames and window casings are still built today. This “two-layer” wall construction provides excellent protection from precipitation and piercing wind.
When nowadays they talk about the Scandinavian style in architecture and interior decoration at home, they mean primarily Sweden and Finland. It is to these countries that we owe characteristic features modern interiors, where light wood is adjacent to glass, ceramics, metal, and the lines are clear and simple, but in this simplicity lies an attractive and discreet beauty. The Scandinavian style in architecture is not positioned as the result of high technology or artistic and decorative innovations. This is a very calm, devoid of unnecessary pathos, modest and comfortable, but at the same time extremely elegant option.
Scandinavian home
A modern Scandinavian residential building is a building built taking into account the terrain and surrounding landscape. When building a house, they try to disturb the land as little as possible and, if possible, preserve most of the vegetation. Of course, if what is being developed is not a plot of virgin forest, but a field overgrown with weeds, then they will not “stand on ceremony” with the flora. But if the natural landscape in the construction area has sufficient color, then they will try to preserve all its elements, be it granite boulders or lichens covering the ground, and they will approach the issue of new plantings very carefully and make sure that they blend organically into the natural environment. And Scandinavians will never lay out a lawn in place of the luxurious vegetation of a pine forest, as we like to do.
The house itself is different simple forms, minimal decor, but at the same time – exclusively high quality production of all parts of the building. And, of course, unique Scandinavian design. The height of a building rarely exceeds two floors. The colors are usually discreet - beige, brownish, lilac. Scandinavian builders try to preserve the natural texture of wood, which is only emphasized by a colorless coating or tinting. But individual parts are allowed to be brightly colored, for example, ridges and roof supports or gables. Although Norwegians, for example, prefer to paint their houses in bright colors in order to at least somehow resist the gloomy and gray northern winter. The neighbors decided not to be left behind, so brightly colored buildings have recently appeared more and more often in other Scandinavian countries.
Almost certainly, a Scandinavian house will have many panoramic windows through which it is so good to enjoy the surrounding landscape. But this does not in any way contribute to heat loss, since double-glazed windows provide sufficient thermal insulation. When constructing a building, preference is given to natural materials, primarily calibrated or laminated timber. No less popular are frame structures, especially when constructing inexpensive houses. All materials undergo the most stringent selection and strict environmental assessment, so they are absolutely safe for health. The roof is covered with tiles, metal - painted or “natural” (copper is especially popular), or various polymer materials. It can be either pitched or flat. It depends on the architecture of the house, but pitched is much more common. It is very difficult to remove snow from a flat roof, especially in the spring, but with a pitched roof this issue can literally be left to chance. Of course, residential buildings are built not only from wood and building materials made from it. There are many brick and reinforced concrete buildings. But Scandinavians still love wood most of all. Moreover, modern technologies treatments make it possible to give it previously unattainable qualities - durability and ease of use. Working for the public is alien to our northern neighbors, so the house is built and furnished in such a way that the owners find it pleasant and comfortable to live in. Strict Protestant traditions do not encourage provocative luxury, so Scandinavians simply will not understand people who thus show their superiority over others.
Interior Design
Typically Scandinavian interiors has several characteristic features. First of all, it is modest, dim and elegant beauty. The second feature is that they are painted with light paint or finished wood panels walls; Low-key wallpaper for painting is also often used.
In a Swedish or Finnish house it is extremely difficult to find hanging or suspended ceiling rich color or complex design. However, like any non-traditional ceiling in general. But if it is possible to build a pitched ceiling in the attic, they will definitely do it, because it will give the room individuality. In addition, the room will become more spacious, and the space will be used more efficiently. A floor made of light boards, coated with transparent varnish, can add lightness to the interior of even a small room.
When decorating a bathroom or kitchen, the Swedes and Danes show amazing originality. Both small details and the main finishing elements can bring life into the style of a room. For example, walls covered with waterproof wallpaper of a hot fiery color and a structure reminiscent of a thin sliver. Such an unusual shade for a bathroom should perfectly invigorate on a dark winter morning. And in the kitchen you can find many pleasant and funny little things.
The textiles used in the interior are distinguished by the harmony of colors and patterns. Subtle colors and calm combinations are preferred. The elegant cream-olive stripe on furniture covers, so beloved by the Scandinavians, goes well with the beige shade of natural wood from which the low and wide ones are made. coffee tables. Huge windows are usually slightly covered with light curtains. Heavy curtains are not popular here - after all, there is not enough light for most of the year, and during short summer I don’t want to hide from him at all.
Straight lines and rectangular shapes cabinet furniture made of wood and veneered chipboards are dictated by the basic concept of the Scandinavian style in interior design. A variety of walls, cabinets, shelves, cabinets, tables, hallways are very functional, have modular systems, and due to light colors they visually lighten the interior, filling it with a harmonious play of lines. Upholstered furniture has straight and simple symmetrical shapes. The upholstery is made from durable natural fabrics, leather and suede.
Typically, designers prefer to hide frame bases with upholstery, which gives upholstered furniture completeness of appearance and ensures a harmonious combination with cabinet furniture. The works of Scandinavian designers are distinguished, in addition to their careful attitude to national traditions, by their love for natural materials- and not only to the tree. Metal, leather, natural textiles (linen and wool), as well as ceramics are materials that Swedish, Finnish or Danish interiors cannot do without. Furniture and accessories created by designers from northern countries are not only environmentally friendly, but also a unique combination of aesthetics and functionality.
In objects home environment everything has been thought out to ensure maximum comfort - from strong fastening of parts, reliable transformation mechanisms that provide compact storage or new functionality of furniture, to beautiful and durable fittings. Moreover, interior items with the Scandinavian brand are almost universal and fit into most modern styles. They are practical, comfortable and do not go out of fashion for years precisely because they have optimal design and shape. Along with the creation of new models, enterprises again and again reproduce products loved by customers, only slightly updating them in the spirit of the times. Scandinavian architecture is surprisingly organic, seamless and in perfect harmony with the surrounding universe. Perhaps it is this leisurely and contemplative approach to life, which begins at home, that lies the secret of the centuries-old prosperity of the descendants of the Vikings.
Each nation has its own idea of the architecture of a residential building and the design of premises. This is due both to national traditions and to the natural characteristics of a particular region. Scandinavia, this region of harsh and beautiful nature in northern Europe, is no exception. And although each individual country can find its own characteristics that are common to all Scandinavian cultures, the principles of construction, organization of space and interior decoration of a building will unmistakably indicate its stylistic affiliation.
Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland are all Nordic countries that share a common architectural tradition. This is partly due to the fact that their historical development was similar - they did not experience the influence of the powerful Roman Empire, remaining pagan for a relatively long time. Actually, it was the pagan heritage that became one of the main themes of the beautiful architecture of northern modernism, the most interesting examples of which can be seen in Finland. In addition, the formation of the Scandinavian style in architecture and interior was facilitated by the general features of geography: a broken coastline, many fjords, a cold and harsh climate, a large number of mountains and lakes, and huge forests. It is the abundance of forests that determines the popularity of wood in Scandinavia - wooden architecture has been the main type of construction here since ancient times.
Traditional Scandinavian design is associated with simplicity, rationality and democracy. It is characterized by natural materials, laconic forms, environmental friendliness and quality. One of the characteristic decorative elements is the natural texture of wood, which can be preserved using a special processing technology.
What is the Scandinavian style in architecture? The best way to see this, or rather to feel it, is by visiting the world-famous library built by Alvar Aalto in the 30s of the last century in Vyborg. Simple and modest forms may seem rough and even unsightly to a person not interested in architecture - but at the same time every little detail has been thought out. This is especially felt inside the library. Upper diffused light, in which no shadows or glare will interfere with reading; heating pipes are hidden in the walls, thanks to which the room warms up evenly and is protected from drafts. And finally, a lecture hall with an undulating wooden ceiling for better acoustics. It is separated from the park by a glass wall, through which a stunning view of centuries-old trees opens. Actually, here there are all the signs of a typical Scandinavian house - simplicity of forms, soft colors in harmony with northern nature, and huge windows with a view conducive to meditative contemplation.
Of course, the origins of Scandinavian architecture do not date back to the 30s. The traditional house in the Nordic countries was built from wood. At first it was a bare log house, then they began to sheathe it with boards. Houses clad in wood siding or clapboard and painted dark red with white frames and window casings are still built today. This “two-layer” wall construction provides excellent protection from precipitation and piercing wind.
When nowadays people talk about the Scandinavian style in architecture and home decoration, they primarily mean Sweden and Finland. It is to these countries that we owe the characteristic features of modern interiors, where light wood is adjacent to glass, ceramics, metal, and the lines are clear and simple, but in this simplicity lies an attractive and discreet beauty. The Scandinavian style in architecture is not positioned as the result of high technology or artistic and decorative innovations. This is a very calm, devoid of unnecessary pathos, modest and comfortable, but at the same time extremely elegant option.
A modern Scandinavian residential building is a building built taking into account the terrain and surrounding landscape. When building a house, they try to disturb the land as little as possible and, if possible, preserve most of the vegetation. Of course, if what is being developed is not a plot of virgin forest, but a field overgrown with weeds, then they will not “stand on ceremony” with the flora. But if the natural landscape in the construction area has sufficient color, then they will try to preserve all its elements, be it granite boulders or lichens covering the ground, and they will approach the issue of new plantings very carefully and make sure that they blend organically into the natural environment. And Scandinavians will never lay out a lawn in place of the luxurious vegetation of a pine forest, as we like to do.
The house itself is distinguished by simple shapes, minimal decor, but at the same time – exceptionally high quality workmanship of all parts of the building. And, of course, unique Scandinavian design. The height of a building rarely exceeds two floors. The colors are usually discreet - beige, brownish, lilac. Scandinavian builders try to preserve the natural texture of wood, which is only emphasized by a colorless coating or tinting. But individual parts are allowed to be brightly colored, for example, ridges and roof supports or gables. Although Norwegians, for example, prefer to paint their houses in bright colors in order to at least somehow resist the gloomy and gray northern winter. The neighbors decided not to be left behind, so brightly colored buildings have recently appeared more and more often in other Scandinavian countries.
Almost certainly, a Scandinavian house will have many panoramic windows through which it is so good to enjoy the surrounding landscape. But this does not in any way contribute to heat loss, since double-glazed windows provide sufficient thermal insulation. When constructing a building, preference is given to natural materials, primarily calibrated or laminated veneer lumber. Frame structures are no less popular, especially when constructing inexpensive houses. All materials undergo the most stringent selection and strict environmental assessment, so they are absolutely safe for health. The roof is covered with tiles, metal - painted or “natural” (copper is especially popular), or various polymer materials. It can be either pitched or flat. It depends on the architecture of the house, but pitched is much more common. Removing snow from a flat roof is very difficult, especially in the spring, but with a pitched roof this issue can be left, literally, to chance.
Of course, residential buildings are built not only from wood and building materials made from it. There are many brick and reinforced concrete buildings. But Scandinavians still love wood most of all. Moreover, modern processing technologies make it possible to give it previously unattainable qualities - durability and ease of use.
Working for the public is alien to our northern neighbors, so the house is built and furnished in such a way that the owners find it pleasant and comfortable to live in. Strict Protestant traditions do not encourage provocative luxury, so Scandinavians simply will not understand people who thus show their superiority over others.
Typically Scandinavian interiors have several characteristic features. First of all, it is a modest, soft and elegant beauty. The second feature is walls painted with light paint or trimmed with wood panels; Low-key wallpaper for painting is also often used.
In a Swedish or Finnish house it is extremely difficult to find a suspended or suspended ceiling of rich color or complex design. However, like any non-traditional ceiling in general. But if it is possible to build a pitched ceiling in the attic, they will definitely do it, because it will give the room individuality. In addition, the room will become more spacious, and the space will be used more efficiently. A floor made of light boards, coated with transparent varnish, can add lightness to the interior of even a small room.
When decorating a bathroom or kitchen, the Swedes and Danes show amazing originality. Both small details and the main finishing elements can bring life into the style of a room. For example, walls covered with waterproof wallpaper of a hot fiery color and a structure reminiscent of a thin sliver. Such an unusual shade for a bathroom should perfectly invigorate on a dark winter morning. And in the kitchen you can find many pleasant and funny little things.
The textiles used in the interior are distinguished by the harmony of colors and patterns. Subtle colors and calm combinations are preferred. The elegant cream-olive stripe on furniture covers, so beloved by Scandinavians, goes well with the beige shade of natural wood from which low and wide coffee tables are made. Huge windows are usually slightly covered with light curtains. Heavy curtains are not popular here - after all, most of the year there is not enough light, and during the short summer you don’t want to hide from it at all.
Straight lines and rectangular shapes of cabinet furniture made of wood and veneered chipboards are dictated by the basic concept of the Scandinavian style in interior design.
A variety of walls, cabinets, shelves, cabinets, tables, hallways are very functional, have modular systems, and due to light colors they visually lighten the interior, filling it with a harmonious play of lines. Upholstered furniture has straight and simple symmetrical shapes. The upholstery is made from durable natural fabrics, leather and suede.
Typically, designers prefer to hide the frame bases with upholstery, which gives the upholstered furniture a complete appearance and ensures a harmonious combination with cabinet furniture.
The work of Scandinavian designers is distinguished, in addition to a careful attitude to national traditions, by a love for natural materials - and not only wood. Metal, leather, natural textiles (linen and wool), as well as ceramics are materials that Swedish, Finnish or Danish interiors cannot do without. Furniture and accessories created by designers from northern countries are not only environmentally friendly, but also a unique combination of aesthetics and functionality.
Everything in home furnishings has been thought out to ensure maximum comfort - from strong fastening of parts, reliable transformation mechanisms that provide compact storage or new functionality of furniture, to beautiful and durable fittings. Moreover, interior items with a Scandinavian brand are almost universal and fit into most modern styles. They are practical, comfortable and do not go out of fashion for years precisely because they have an optimal design and shape. Along with the creation of new models, enterprises again and again reproduce products loved by customers, only slightly updating them in the spirit of the times.
Scandinavian architecture is surprisingly organic, solid and in perfect harmony with the surrounding universe. Perhaps it is this leisurely and contemplative approach to life, which begins at home, that lies the secret of the centuries-old prosperity of the descendants of the Vikings.
Victor Beskrovny
"Landowner of the North-West"
No. 4(22), 2007
When people talk about a Scandinavian house, they mean the architecture of the Nordic countries - primarily Norway, Finland, Sweden and Denmark. Despite the fact that historically these countries developed differently - at a time when Sweden was thriving and preparing to conquer the surrounding lands, Denmark and Norway were in a rather deplorable state - their houses were built according to the same principle. This is where the concept of “Scandinavian house” came from.
Similarities in the aesthetic views of residents different countries explained very simply. The appearance of a Scandinavian house is predetermined by the nature of the northern region. The harsh climate, proximity to the sea and freezing wind obliged the Scandinavians to build strong houses that could protect their owners from external influences. The simplicity of the decoration of Scandinavian houses was dictated by the principles of religion. Among the Protestants, who make up the bulk of the northern nation, it is not customary to dismantle luxury and wealth.
Building a Scandinavian house
Houses in Northern Europe are built from calibrated logs or timber, the average area typical house limited to 200-300 sq. m. The most common construction technology is frame. Many modern houses in Norway they still build according to old traditions, the only innovation is that the logs are hewn on both sides. Besides wooden houses There are many stone and brick buildings in the Scandinavian countries. The shape of the house is usually compact with simple geometry, and the foundation is high and made of stone. The decor is limited to figured cornices, platbands, etc., contrasting in color. TO characteristic features Scandinavian housing also includes pitched roofs, balconies and panoramic windows to the floor
High foundations protect buildings from erosion groundwater, this design helps retain heat in the house. The foundation for a Scandinavian house is a kind of pedestal; it is deliberately not processed, painted or covered with anything. The high foundation provides a large space for the basement, which is often used as a workshop.
Against the backdrop of a bulky monumental foundation, the symmetrical frame of a Scandinavian house looks visually light. The entrance to the house is preceded by a high porch: in this way, clean Scandinavians strive to prevent dirt from penetrating inside. The Scandinavians paint the house itself different colors: for example, Swedes prefer reddish and brown shades, Norwegians are impressed by rich colors.
Gable roofs With minimum angle slopes are least blown by winds - therefore, in Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland there are the most of them. Flat roof often used to create a green lawn or decorative garden.
Suburban neighborhoods in Northern Europe are usually a series of one-story buildings, although more are also found. high buildings. The second floor, if provided for by the house design, is usually supplemented with a balcony. Such architectural detail bay windows are not held in high esteem by the Scandinavians: streamlined shapes do not fit well with the geometry of a Scandinavian house.
Scandinavians living in rural areas still follow a good tradition: combining outbuildings with a residential area. Moreover, the neighbors' villas are located almost closely.
Internal arrangement
In the layout of a Scandinavian house, the most important thing is functionality. The house of northerners is always not too big, rather even compact, but at the same time durable and cozy. It necessarily contains a living room with a fireplace or stove, which, as a rule, is adjacent to the dining room. The kitchen is adjacent to the dining room, and the bedrooms are located through the hallway.
This layout helps to minimize heating costs while creating a truly cozy space. Interior decoration predominantly in white. A minimum of decor and only functional furniture made of pine, birch, oak or spruce - only a discreet and practical interior.
Scandinavian houses are designed taking into account the terrain and become an organic extension of the surrounding space. And even if the house is not located in the most favorable location, for example, near highways, the Scandinavians will try to create the most comfortable environment inside, in which there is a sense of calm and tranquility.
