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From the crisp lines of a wooden dining table to the graceful form of a leather armchair, Scandinavian design is beloved for its effortless blend of coziness and simplicity. While the art of furniture making has a rich historical tradition in the Nordic countries, the Scandinavian aesthetic gained particular traction in the 20th century. Design movements like Danish Modern garnered acclaim from around the world for their striking silhouettes and exquisite craftsmanship.
In the present day, Scandinavian style remains iconic as ever. It continues to influence and inspire designers and design aficionados 鈥� many of whom blend the Nordic look with other aesthetics to create something unique and eclectic. Indeed, Copenhagen, which opened in 1970 with a strong emphasis on Danish Modern furniture, has expanded its inventory over the years to include furnishings from other countries, like Italy, Germany, Canada, and more. Today, our showrooms offer an attractive mix of contemporary Scandinavian-inspired furniture from a variety of regions.
Below, we offer a quick overview of the Scandinavian design philosophy before diving into three popular aesthetics that have roots in Nordic style 鈥� as well as examples of each one you can find at Copenhagen.
Though Danish, Norwegian, Swedish, Finnish, and Icelandic styles each have their own distinct flavor, there are also unifying qualities that one can see across the spectrum of Scandinavian design, listed below.
Due to its simplicity, timelessness, and neutral palette, Scandinavian style can be easily mixed with other design styles. We鈥檒l explore three such aesthetics below 鈥� Scandifornian, Japandi, and Scandi Rustic.
A fusion of Scandinavian and Californian, this aesthetic has a refreshing, sunny, laid-back vibe with a coastal flavor. It鈥檚 perfect for summer but can also shine year-round if you crave an interior with an airy, easy-going feel.
The Scandifornian color palette prominently features white and light neutrals like beige and sand. Often, this will take the form of walls painted white or off-white, and furnishings in blond wood. Shades of blue and green are common accent colors, forming a connection to nature and the ocean.
In addition to wood, you鈥檒l find many light, breathable materials and natural fibers as part of the Scandifornian aesthetic, like linen, cotton, rattan, and jute. Depending on your preference, you can amplify the coastal ambiance by bringing in beachy motifs like shells, waves, or stripes 鈥� or experiment with more bohemian patterns and textures. Don鈥檛 forget cozy touches like throw pillows and rugs to facilitate relaxation.
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This aesthetic blends Japanese and Scandinavian sensibilities into a distinctive style that is tranquil, organic, pared-back, and elegant. The Danish concept of hygge (coziness and contentment) meets the Japanese idea of wabi-sabi (finding beauty in imperfection). Though Japandi has enjoyed popularity in recent years, it has a history that goes back further than you might think. In the 1850s, Scandinavian artists and designers and were inspired by Japanese style. They found much overlap between Japanese design philosophy and their own, such as the emphasis on simplicity, craftsmanship, and connection to the natural world.
In Japandi, you鈥檒l see a neutral color palette with more prominent use of darker, earthier tones compared to traditional Scandinavian. Dark wood is commonly used, echoed by shades of brown and sage green and tempered by lighter off-white and beige. Other natural materials like bamboo, stone, paper, and linen add to the calm, organic atmosphere. Decor can include teapots, vases, simple flower arrangements, paper screens, or Japanese art prints.
Because Japanese and Japandi interior design emphasize minimalism and uncluttered spaces, you may want to consider tidying up or organizing your home for greater peace of mind. Also consider how you may embrace wabi-sabi 鈥� especially with well-loved pieces you鈥檝e had for a long time, whose imperfections add to their beauty and charm.
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This aesthetic radiates coziness and warmth while featuring rugged accents that bring the outdoors in. A Scandi Rustic style is great for curling up and settling in during colder seasons, but its spare, natural look can be adapted for any month of the year.
Like the other styles we鈥檝e covered, neutral colors are the anchor for Scandi Rustic, but accent colors can be warmer, such as saddle brown, burnt orange, or brick red. Architecturally, you may see exposed brick, stone, or beams that create a feeling of rural charm, while furnishings and accessories often feature leather, wool, wood with live edges, and other organic textures.
Try incorporating vintage or handcrafted items to add character to your space and heighten the rustic vibes. Additionally, don鈥檛 forget to add layers of softness with throw pillows, blankets, and rugs that form an inviting counterpoint to rougher-hewn pieces. Decor like quilts, candles, wood carvings, and arrangements of twigs or pinecones can add a home-like touch.
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We anticipate that Scandinavian design will continue to endure and influence design of the future, blending with other movements to create stunning aesthetics that bring joy and comfort. You too can take home the beauty of Scandinavian design and blend it with your own style to create a look unique to you. Browse Copenhagen鈥檚 collection of Nordic-inspired furnishings online or at your closest showroom.