Myth no 1. It’s all white – everywhere
Yes, people in the Nordic countries do love their simple, all-white interiors. Maybe it’s because white always looks good and is an easy option; or perhaps because our Autumns and Winters are so dark that rooms painted in too sombre a hue would make you depressed for five months of the year.
Yes, people in the Nordic countries do love their simple, all-white interiors. Maybe it’s because white always looks good and is an easy option; or perhaps because our Autumns and Winters are so dark that rooms painted in too sombre a hue would make you depressed for five months of the year.
Wrong! But that doesn’t mean that we don’t love colour! In the last few years we’ve seen a veritable feast of shades take over from white and grey on the walls of our homes. The gorgeous pastel colours in the picture look like ice-cream flavours and would brighten up any home. More and more, people in the Nordic countries are realising the power of a really striking coloured wall, and plenty of stylists and designers have led the way and painted their houses a dark blue, pastel pink and verdant green, throwing caution to the wind.
READ MORE: The New Nordic Style Is All About Colour
READ MORE: The New Nordic Style Is All About Colour
Myth no 2. Minimalism rules
Pared-down, simple homes are still really popular and probably always will be in the Nordics: there’s something about simplicity and unadorned interiors that really appeals to Danes, Swedes, Finns, Icelanders and Norwegians. Like in the picture, we’re fond of combining black and white, perhaps in different patterns, as well as shades of grey. It looks great with wooden floors, another Nordic design staple, and adding green plants truly make monochrome interiors pop.
Pared-down, simple homes are still really popular and probably always will be in the Nordics: there’s something about simplicity and unadorned interiors that really appeals to Danes, Swedes, Finns, Icelanders and Norwegians. Like in the picture, we’re fond of combining black and white, perhaps in different patterns, as well as shades of grey. It looks great with wooden floors, another Nordic design staple, and adding green plants truly make monochrome interiors pop.
But! There’s also another side to Scandinavian design, one that delights in colours and patterns and has more in common with the Arts and Crafts movement than minimalist Nordic design. Svenskt Tenn, the classic Swedish company whose designs and products you can see here, is known for designer Josef Frank’s warm, vibrant patterns. The colourful designs are often seen in Nordic homes, where they soften up pared-back interiors. If you’re in London this spring, the Fashion and Textile Museum is showcasing Josef Frank’s works until the 7th of May.
Myth no 3. We adore wood and organic materials
At least three of the Nordic countries are covered in forests, which was of course an influential factor when it came to creating our furniture: traditionally, wood has been used for everything from dining tables to bookshelves. Now that there are other materials available, we continue using the organic stuff as a nod to our love of nature.
At least three of the Nordic countries are covered in forests, which was of course an influential factor when it came to creating our furniture: traditionally, wood has been used for everything from dining tables to bookshelves. Now that there are other materials available, we continue using the organic stuff as a nod to our love of nature.
However… There are a lot of creatives working in newer materials, too – like Danish stylist Anne Rimmer, whose interior design company Dims makes acrylic shelves, among other products. See all of her bright, colourful home – filled with dolls’ heads, flamingoes and patterns – here: Houzz Tour: In Denmark, Keeping Things Bright and Bold
Myth no 4. There are design icons in every home
We’re very, very proud of our designers, and many of them are global names. Poul Henningsen, Arne Jacobsen, Verner Panton, Josef Frank, Lisa Larson, Carl Malmsten, Alvar Aalto… the list could go on for a long time. And if you’re in a Nordic household and see a lamp or chair that you recognise, chances are it’s an original – we tend to prize design and innovative ideas and want to support the people who come up with them, rather than buy knock-offs.
We’re very, very proud of our designers, and many of them are global names. Poul Henningsen, Arne Jacobsen, Verner Panton, Josef Frank, Lisa Larson, Carl Malmsten, Alvar Aalto… the list could go on for a long time. And if you’re in a Nordic household and see a lamp or chair that you recognise, chances are it’s an original – we tend to prize design and innovative ideas and want to support the people who come up with them, rather than buy knock-offs.
Having said that, you’ll see a lot of original designs in Nordic homes that don’t cost as much as that PH lamp. We also pride ourselves at finding future classics early, and design democracy is at the heart of that well-known superstore brand’s business ethos – love it or loathe it. Emerging designers often look to our past designers for inspiration, but part of the charm with Nordic design is that it is constantly reinventing itself.
Myth no 5. We live close to nature
If you only know the Nordic countries from books or TV-series, you might think that we all live in picturesque countryside villages or a windswept archipelago. It’s true that there’s plenty of woodland and solitude, and the locals have a close relationship with the nature that surrounds them. The environment can be harsh and unforgiving but also stunningly beautiful, so naturally plays a big part in Nordic culture.
See more inspiring Swedish homes in our archive
If you only know the Nordic countries from books or TV-series, you might think that we all live in picturesque countryside villages or a windswept archipelago. It’s true that there’s plenty of woodland and solitude, and the locals have a close relationship with the nature that surrounds them. The environment can be harsh and unforgiving but also stunningly beautiful, so naturally plays a big part in Nordic culture.
See more inspiring Swedish homes in our archive
What you might not know is that 94.2% of Icelanders, 87.5% of Danes, 85.8% of Swedes, 84.2% of Finns and 80.5% of Norwegians live in cities, towns or conurbations, according to stats from the United Nations. (The figures are based on what the countries themselves count as urban areas, though, so we’re probably not talking Manhattan-like densities.) Our love of architecture is great wherever we live, as can be seen in this house designed by Elding Oscarson architects in Landskrona, southern Sweden.
Myth no 6. Hygge is something you can buy into
Since the Danish term hygge, which sort of means “cozy warmth”, exploded globally in 2016, there has been plenty of advice about how to achieve hygge in your daily life. Sadly, a lot of it focused on the attire and accessories you supposedly need to feel cozy – sheepskin slippers, tea, an open fire, and so on. Hygge became a catchphrase used by brands to get people to shop.
Since the Danish term hygge, which sort of means “cozy warmth”, exploded globally in 2016, there has been plenty of advice about how to achieve hygge in your daily life. Sadly, a lot of it focused on the attire and accessories you supposedly need to feel cozy – sheepskin slippers, tea, an open fire, and so on. Hygge became a catchphrase used by brands to get people to shop.
No way! To quote a Houzz article from 2015, in which we spoke of hygge: “Hygge is spending time with the ones you love, in a home that is filled with light and well-loved items that fill you with everyday joy when you use them. You can’t buy hygge, nor can you get someone to create it for you. It is the Nordic state of contentment that can be found only at home.” So step away from the check-out page on your computer before you buy more things for your home you don’t need, and aim to appreciate the everyday pleasures you find in it instead. Maybe that’s actually a Scandinavian cliché we don’t want to bust…
Color was very present even before today ! Only visit historical homes in heritage museums even in lonely villages and you will find all kinds of vivid colours!
And many people live in the cities, but the concept of city is quite different from London or Paris. It is more about cities immersed in nature, rather than trees and grass in the city.
I totally agree with Sarah. It's such a shame that editors take a style and turn it into a cliche. There is more in Scandi design!
Not the IKEA-lamp above the dining table a g a i n !