The use of well-established interior styles allows you to comprehensively approach the design of living space, keeping it in a solid design format. The Scandinavian direction of arranging apartments and private houses has its own characteristics, largely due to the climatic characteristics of the region. Despite the preservation of old traditions, this style is complemented by new features. Branches from the general concept include Scandinavian minimalism in the interior, focused on optimizing the design in terms of ergonomics and functionality.
Overview of Scandinavian minimalism
The foundation of the style was laid back in the XIX century. As the name implies, the direction originated in the northern countries - Denmark, Sweden, Norway, etc. In the middle of the 20th century, the concept underwent a transformation and received the second name - “Swedish modern”. He was characterized by sophistication and a specific highlight in the form of simplicity with the rejection of fanciful forms and unnecessary accents.
On this basis, a modern understanding of this style as oriented towards minimalism was quite logical. The frosty climate and lack of sunlight still dictate their housing rules. Therefore, in addition to aesthetic properties, modern Scandinavian minimalism in the interior also requires the inclusion of functional means aimed at creating coziness and comfort. The design features of the style are worth a separate discussion.
Special style features
Initially, the Scandinavian design of the houses implied a maximum approximation to nature - this concerned both the interior design with natural materials and the general architecture of buildings, which were usually made of wood. These inclinations gave rise to a feeling of lightness, simplicity and naturalness of style. The principal quality of such housing is a minimum of luxury.
The nature of the arrangement of the premises is due to practicality and comfort. It can be noted in a sense a kinship with other conservative styles, but there also remains a place for decorations that have their own specific shade in Scandinavian minimalism in the interior. Features of the decorative design are associated with the neutrality and unobtrusiveness of the elements. At the same time, decor and decorations not only fulfill the task of setting aesthetic shades, but can also have functional content.
In general, we can say that the style is close to the needs of a discerning person, while each of its details is necessarily of practical use. Thus, a balanced, functional and comfortable living space is organized.
Optimal materials to reflect style
As a rule, the most common material of this style is wood. As already noted, it is considered the basis for classic Scandinavian housing construction. Even today, centennial recipes for treating pine and spruce with special solutions with protective properties are applied that allow you to save at home for many years of operation.
Stone is also widely used. In addition to the construction of houses, it is used as the basis for furnace structures. Natural fabrics made from cotton, wool and linen are also used in the interior. Tiles are also made from natural clay raw materials without the inclusion of artificial and environmentally harmful components.
And yet, does Scandinavian minimalism allow the use of non-natural materials in the interior? Of course, it was the modern direction that softened this restriction for the sake of the same practicality and functionality. Can be used objects and decoration materials from metal alloys and plastics. However, environmental safety is still a requirement.
Characteristic color schemes
Regardless of the material or object, it is advisable to focus on neutral and calm tones in the choice of color. Win-win options are light blue, green and white. However, they do not have to be dull or faded. Pastel solutions are more suitable for bedrooms, textiles and ceilings. But in functional areas in the living room or in the kitchen for a change, it is quite possible to introduce light contrasting tones with blue, orange and red.
However, it is still worth giving up bright and colorful flowers - they will violate the general atmosphere of calm and naturalness. Scandinavian minimalism in the interior is inherently formed by natural components. Therefore, almost all natural shades are allowed - from brown or ebony to the rich green color of the vegetation. The natural origin of these objects compensates for the contrast created.
Interior design
It is recommended that you follow a traditional set of design tools. If it is possible to limit the conservation of the surface base, then it is worth using it. The same log house allows competent surface treatment to do without wall cladding. In other cases, a board, lining, parquet, plaster, patchwork and stretch fabrics on the ceiling can be used.
In the bathroom, you can use a tile of neutral light blue or white. As for wallpaper and paint, Scandinavian minimalism in the interior rarely involves these decisions. This is partly due to a deviation from the principles of naturalness, but artificiality of coatings also takes place. They are technological and universal in use, but the same finish with a board with natural patterns is more suited to the concept of style.
Furniture selection
Furniture items most clearly reflect the character of the Scandinavian style. Products should occupy a minimum of space and, if possible, have a natural color of the material. As a rule, the basis for furniture most often is wood, and glass, metal and textile can be used as individual elements in the color characteristic of Scandinavian minimalism in the interior. The photo below shows the design features of such items. The base is made of beech, pine and spruce, and suede, linen, cotton and genuine leather can be used for upholstery.
Lighting Approach
One of the main problems of regions with a cold climate and long winters is the lack of light. Therefore, artificial lighting plays a big role in home improvement. In this regard, the style requirements are very democratic, so different types of lamps are suitable for use. For example, you can use floor lamps, chandeliers, table and wall lamps, as well as candles.
However, when choosing specific forms and design designs, it is still worthwhile to rely on the general requirements for both materials and color. Do not forget that Scandinavian minimalism in the interior of the house eliminates cumbersomeness and involves the use of small forms. Designs are best chosen with thin, but functional and reliable cases. As for the lamps themselves, the style is more suitable for the emission of incandescent filaments, but modern demands again make many compromise and choose LED devices. Despite the artificiality of the luminous flux of such models, they are characterized by a high level of energy saving, which is a significant plus and corresponds to the spirit of style.
Window openings
The possibility of using natural light cannot be ruled out either. The windows should be large, so they will fill the house with sunlight. If in the Scandinavian countries this possibility is limited by harsh climate conditions, in Russia this factor is less noticeable, although, of course, it is not completely excluded in cold regions.
An important point is the technical design of the frame. As they said, Scandinavian minimalism in the interior of the apartment allows the use of plastics if necessary - and this is just that case of practical expediency. If there are strict requirements for maintaining heat in the house, then a modern double-glazed window will be a good choice for decorating large windows. If we are talking about a warm region, then it makes no sense to abandon the classic wooden frames.
Decor Elements
Scandinavian interiors involve the use of small, but distinctive details, which also carry a certain semantic load. Not only aesthetic value is important, but also a deeper value for the residents themselves. For example, it can be family items, home-made creations, photographs, etc. Of course, the interior in the Scandinavian style can not do without functional decorative elements. Minimalism even with a touch of asceticism fully allows the use of modest vases for flowers, mirrors with an original frame, candlesticks and fleecy rugs with harmonious patterns. Decorative accents can be quite placed with the help of dishes, if it is made of ceramic, natural clay or porcelain.
Who is it for?
This style suits lovers of home peace and comfort. This design also does not require large cash investments, which expands the circle of potential users. Of course, the general concept of style is rather close to country houses, which are surrounded by nature. But you can organize Scandinavian minimalism in the interior of a city apartment, if you follow the above-mentioned rules of interior design.
Conclusion
With all the attractiveness and positive features of home improvement, the Scandinavian style still limits designers in the use of certain stylistic decisions. Choosing this direction, you should abandon the excessive introduction of Hi-Tech elements.
New technologies and Scandinavian minimalism in interior design contradict each other, although in this conflict you can find a way out. For example, in the lines of modern manufacturers of household appliances and electronics there are a lot of stylized models of products oriented specifically to use in traditional interiors. Such a style can be expressed in the form of cases made of natural material, as well as in external coatings imitating natural patterns, etc.
In any case, if we are talking about modern housing, then such compromises are simply inevitable. The main thing is to maintain a balance, while remaining committed to the idea of Nordic minimalism, and not to forget about the comfort inherent in today.