The secrets of Nordic decoration

It’s a fact: Nordic decoration has conquered the world. The phenomenon is not new; we already know that the Mid-Century style, although popularized by the United States, has its roots in Scandinavian countries.

So, the origin of what we know today as Nordic decoration is to be found in the early twentieth century, in Modernism. This artistic and architectural movement, in its countless expressions (De Stijl, Functionalism, Bauhaus…) was characterized by the rejection of historical forms and the creation of new ones, based on the rational analysis of human needs.

The Bauhaus was, precisely, one of the major influences of Modernism in design and architecture. This school of applied arts, founded in Germany by architect Walter Gropius in 1919 -and directed by him and later by the influential Hannes Meyer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe- avoided ornamentation, favoring simple geometric forms and functionality.

Also, like other modernisms, the Bauhaus sought to pair good design with industrial production, but took the approach a step further, taking the machine as a metaphor for a broader aesthetic expression. This idea finds its logical outcome in architect Le Corbusier’s famous phrase: “A house is a machine for living.”

This is how the first global ‘assault’ of Nordic decoration on the world was configured: with the Mid Century furniture design that we all recognize today, marked, like Modernism, by utility, lack of ornamentation and clean, simple lines. And that apparent ‘simplicity’, always elegant, continues to be one of the secrets of Nordic decoration’s success today. And that apparent ‘simplicity’, always elegant, continues to be one of the secrets of the success of Nordic decoration today. Do you want to know the rest? Read on!

Cozy Minimalism, one of the secrets of the best Nordic decoration

That idea of ‘functionality’ that we mentioned before is translated in the houses that follow the precepts of Nordic decoration by an aesthetic that dispenses with everything unnecessary and focuses on the human experience. After all, it was Mies van der Rohe, director of the Bauhaus school, who said “Less is more”.

However, the minimalism of Nordic decoration is not cold, but quite the opposite: it is warm and cozy thanks to its profusion of tasteful textures, which are incorporated through fabrics such as the very fashionable bouclé wool. Velvet also stands out, a great favorite under the rigor of the Scandinavian climate.

You can incorporate it at home with pieces like the Marlene chair, made of solid wood and with seat and back upholstered in velvety textile to achieve this atmosphere of subtle and informal warmth.

In addition, this kind minimalism facilitates a simpler and happier life by urging us to get rid of what is not necessary, making us focus on what is really important. This feature of Nordic décor is conducive to greater sustainability, and it also has another unexpected advantage, as it translates into less stuff to clean… and more time to enjoy!

Natural and bare materials such as wood rule in Nordic decoration.

The nurtured Scandinavian forests, those in which we imagine all the fairy tales, are the reason why Nordic decoration is characterized by an extensive use of wood in its pieces. Although this can be presented with different finishes, it is in its bare and Eco-Friendly appearance that it shines the most late

In this way, Nordic decoration likes to show the pattern of the tree rings that hosted its furniture, bringing the magic of nature to the interiors in the most organic way possible. An example? The Anaís dining table, with a frame made of acacia wood and a four-centimeter-thick Delhi mango wood top.

Vegetable fibers are another example of this taste for natural Nordic decoration. This is demonstrated by the inclusion in Scandinavian style environments of screens such as Breton Maxi, made of natural rattan, which offers a filtered and intimate light, perfect to make the long winter days more cheerful and bearable.

The handcrafted touch needed to achieve a Nordic decoration

Walking through cities like Oslo, Stockholm or Copenhagen is a real temptation for design lovers for one simple reason: they all have plenty of Nordic decoration stores where handmade objects are the most important. From the largest sofa to the smallest cup, everything is likely to be created by master craftsmen thanks to a society that reveres the charisma and value of its pieces.

By incorporating them at home, Nordic decoration allows us to express a unique personality, as no two elements are alike. In addition, this discipline, which manages to incorporate art in our daily lives through its functionality, allows us to provide spaces with an intangible I don’t know what, but it is easily noticed; something like a ‘soul’.

You’ll see this by incorporating pieces like the Ganges wooden sideboard, handcrafted from old wood and recycled wood, into your home. As a result, it has the attractive marks and irregularities typical of the wear and tear caused by the passage of time, which gives it an exceptional charisma.

The classics never fail when it comes to Nordic decoration.

Considering their rich history in terms of furniture – and the love that the inhabitants of these cold countries profess for their most iconic pieces – it will come as no surprise that there is no Nordic home without at least one Scandinavian design classic. 

These pieces are infallible in any style, but when it comes to Nordic decoration, it could be said that they are a must. Of course, it is not necessary to have inherited a Paimio chair from the Finnish genius Alvar Aalto, or a Panton chair from the infinite creativity of the designer of the same name; it is also possible to get pieces inspired by the greatest to honor their legacy. 

One example? The solid ash wood Elbow chair, created from an original design by the enormous Hans J. Wegner – you’ll remember him for also being behind the immortal Wishbone chair!

An extra touch of hygge, the perfect seasoning for a Nordic interior decoration.

The hygge concept is perhaps the biggest Scandinavian export of recent times. It refers to a state of mind that could be defined as cozy, intimate, pleasant, convivial and conducive to feelings of well-being and contentment. 

To achieve this, you have to dress the house accordingly, giving rise to a Nordic decoration that contributes to comfort, calm, and is pleasant when receiving family and guests with whom to share good moments. Candles, comfortable rugs, pile blankets, indirect light lamps, nice mugs in which to enjoy a hot drink, plants, flowers, cushions … These will be your great allies to create a real feeling of hygge at home!

Well-being and reverence for good design, the secrets of Nordic decoration

Achieving a comfortable and friendly space that brings out warm feelings in inhabitants and guests is one of the keys that has made Nordic decoration to be embraced by people from all over the world. This, combined with an authentic passion for the best design -that which is a mix between aesthetics and utility- is the magic formula when it comes to creating an authentic Scandinavian interior. Are you ready to give it a try?