Laid-back sophistication: 5 tips to Scandifying your home

Laid-back sophistication: 5 tips to Scandifying your home

Why Scandinavian design is a perfect fit to Australian homes

The popularity of Scandinavian design in Australia has a history that extends over several decades. Why did this island on the opposite side of the world fall in love with the Nordic style in the first place? And what has made the love story last? Letโ€™s take a look at the elements that make Scandi design work so well in Aussie homes!

Modern Scandinavian Kitchen by OYOY Living Design

Scandinavian design first rose to global prominence in the 1950s. Like most foreign influences, it entered Australia through a British filter. While trends have come and gone, the Northern flair has remained relevant all through the years.ย 

The reason behind the long-lasting appeal may lie deeper than the eye can see. Both the Scandinavian and Australian culture are closely related to the great outdoors sharing a great appreciation for forms, colors and materials derived from the natural environment. Having an almost polar opposite but equally harsh climate has also taught both cultures to respect functionality.ย 

Laid-back sophistication

The quintessential Australian style is best described as effortless and unpretentious. The very same attributes can be applied to the Scandinavian design philosophy. Itโ€™s all about simplicity. Even with the most high-end of products - be it clothing or furniture - the glamour in them is always subtle, something uncomplicated and laid-back. Clean lines, refined tones, high quality craftsmanship and natural materials.

We Do Wood Coat Frame, Shoe Rack, Foursquare Shelf & Loop Desk

โ€œThe main thing -- is to create furniture that is honest in both its actual function and its visual expression. Good furniture must quite simply stand there and invite you to use itโ€. We Do Wood

While classic good quality design does carry a different price tag to things in flatpacks, the investment will be returned in durability against the test of time. The magic of Scandinavian design is in its ability to always feel modern and timeless at the same time. Itโ€™s easy to see why the idea of building a wardrobe or decorating a home for once and not having to do it again appeals to so many; itโ€™s where sustainability meets the bang for the buck.ย 

5 tips to Scandifying your homeย 

1. The key to mastering the Scandinavian design concept is in the perfect balance between usability and styling. While minimalistic and functional, you want to have it comfortable and visually pleasing. Before adding any element to your room or wardrobe, the trick is to carefully consider if it will be adding true value - functional or aesthetic - to the ensemble.

Or as Design House Stockholm puts it: "Don't make something unless it is both necessary and useful; but if it is both necessary and useful, don't hesitate to make it beautiful."

Design House Stockholm Nordic Lights 4-arm candleholder, Step Stepladder, Exit Trolley

2. The classic Scandinavian colour palette is light and calm. This makes it easy to maintain cohesion between different spaces and brighten up the home. Adding pops of stronger colours isnโ€™t out of the question either. In fact, it may help you create a slightly more edgy and contemporary New Nordic look.

3. In the absolute core of the Scandinavian design are the clean lines. Think of classic chairs like Hans Wegnerโ€™s Wishbone, Arne Jacobsenโ€™s Egg or Eero Aarnioโ€™s Ball, for example. Strong and solid. Decorative elements and ornaments kept to a minimum.

4. Adding natural materials such as wool, cotton and linen to your selection of cushions, blankets, rugs and bedding will balance the overall impression and add a layer of cosiness. Matching the colour scheme with the rest of your home is the safest solution for that unfailing Scandi look.

5. Pair the relaxed color scheme with natural wood for a more homely feel. Go for light, cool tones. Pine, birch and oak are commonly used, ash and beech are popular, too. Combine different wood types to create the perfect look for your space.

Focus on light. To get in as much natural light as possible, keep your window curtains and blinds simple. Where the luxury of large windows, an open floor plan and added skylights is not available, a lot can be achieved by clever lighting design, too. Choosing internal lightning with warm tones will help replicate sunlight. To create a cosy, natural atmosphere, consider using indirect light from pendant lamps. Add mirrors where needed to reflect and direct the light in the space.

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