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Uzone.id — Scandinavian interior design, with its minimalist and elegant characteristics, is increasingly popular worldwide. This is mainly due to the use of a distinctive neutral color palette.
Scandinavian interior design is a style that prioritizes simplicity, functionality, and a connection to nature. Originating from Nordic countries like Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, this design philosophy emerged in the 1950s and was heavily influenced by the region’s climate, particularly the long winters and limited daylight.
Scandinavian design is well-suited for small, minimalist homes and can be applied to various spaces, including living rooms, workspaces, and bedrooms. Its emphasis on clean lines and a light, airy feel makes it a popular choice for creating cozy yet modern interiors.
An interior designer from House of Funk, Sandra Funk explained how a neutral color palette is suitable for use in various things. She also describes several functions of neutral colors that allow furniture to stand out more.
“A neutral palette is perfect for rejuvenation, recovery, and relaxation. A neutral palette acts as a beautiful backdrop for beautiful furniture, artwork, and accessories, allowing the standout pieces to shine. A neutral palette is all we need to have truly stunning architecture, as it just needs a little extra help,” stated Sandra.
The characteristics of Scandinavian interior design are:
- Use of white, neutrals, and natural wood
- Rarely use of bold contrasting colors
- Clean and fresh
- Using simple furniture that is functional, beautiful, and comfortable
- Using simple white walls, large mirrors, and comfortable textiles
- Using upholstered fabrics, glass furniture, clean lines and textures
- Using a color palette that is not far from natural elements
- Rarely use bold contrasting colors
In recent years, the color combinations used in Scandinavian design have changed. Soft colors are becoming increasingly popular, with soft pinks, greens, and yellows contrasting with greys and whites. The use of these pastel colors can be fresh and creative, creating a color palette that is not too heavy, and maintaining the calm and relaxation associated with the Scandinavian design philosophy.
However, darker colors such as navy, green, and even black are also included. This can show a very different and bold look. However, these colors are used to balance out the bright colors and keep the overall color palette nice and clean.
Karl Johan Bertilsson, Creative Director at NCS Color Academy (a company that offers color consulting services to manufacturers, architects, and designers worldwide) said, “The foundation of Scandinavian design, and our Nordic homes, will always be perfection and simplicity, because that’s what we need due to the lack of sunlight,” Karl said in her statement on the houzz.com website.
Using these neutral colors, not only creates a sense of space, but it also allows natural light to play a significant role in the ambiance of the room. Interior designers believe that using neutral colors can improve mental well-being, creating a comfortable and calming space.
The philosophy behind minimalist color schemes is rooted in the idea that less is more. By eliminating the excess and focusing on the essentials, the minimalist design aims to create a space that is calm, orderly, and visually appealing.
People are increasingly realizing the importance of creating spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also support a simpler and more conscious lifestyle. Through the right choice of colors and materials, Scandinavian minimalist design proves that beauty can be found in simplicity.
With its combination of a neutral palette and strong design philosophy, Scandinavian minimalism continues to influence interior design trends around the world, offering elegant solutions to increasingly complex modern living.
