How to Create the Perfect Scandinavian Interior Lighting Design
The style of Scandinavian interior design is arguably one of the most popular interior design styles that have swept the world in recent years. The popularity of the Scandinavian design evolution has been adopted all around the globe in homewares, furniture, and lighting designs especially making a huge impact in Australia.
Australians adore the Scandinavian style due to its distinct look, which has a strong focus on simplicity, minimalism, and functionality. Scandinavian homes are usually distinguished by minimal ornamentation, practical interiors, with flawless craftsmanship and understated elegance.
SO HOW DID THE SCANDINAVIAN STYLE COME ABOUT?
This style originated in the 1950s as part of a modern movement in five Nordic countries – Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark – that prioritized function and affordability over luxury and extravagance. Highlighted by the use of neutral colors, natural materials, and lean and clean lines, this design aesthetics was largely a response to the Nordic region’s short days and long winters, which called for bright, light, and practical interiors.
Fast forward to today, Scandinavian design has become a firm favorite among minimalists for inspiring a clutter-free lifestyle, and is particularly trendy around the start of every year when New Year resolutions to declutter are still fresh.
So how can we create that beautiful Scandinavian interior design for our own homes? Here is our take on how you can infuse your space with Scandinavian design with the clever use of lighting.
LIGHTING IS KEY
Lighting is known as the life source of any Scandinavian interior design. With only seven daylight hours to spare in Winter months, Scandinavians spend a lot of time indoors during the long, dark winter nights. Lighting is therefore incorporated into many aspects of Scandinavian interior design. The first important point is to allow natural lighting into the interior as much as possible.
Ways to Maximise Natural Lighting for Scandinavian Interior Design
Here are some tips on how Scandinavian interiors can maximize lightness in a room:
- Neutral color palette
The foundation of contemporary Scandinavian design is based on neutral colors, with a white, sometimes cream, base. Serene, muted neutrals, such as pale blue or cool grey are also unique to Scandinavian minimalism, making rooms look very bright and spacious. This clear background will also allow for a maximum visual impact when it comes to additional design elements. If you have a knack for colorful things, you may consider incorporating it in the small details throughout the house. This includes pendants, vases, rugs, table and floor lamps, and wall art which can be used to spice up a room.
- Furniture and homewares with clean lines
Modern Scandinavian furniture and homeware design embraces symmetry and clarity. Clean lines, organic shapes, and tall legs will create a feeling of spaciousness and airiness.
- Walls and Flooring
White is the basic foundation color for Scandinavian interior walls and flooring. Choosing a light color will help reflect natural light and create an optical illusion of space, especially important for rooms with low ceilings. Truly Scandinavian interiors will often feature white or light wood flooring. Interestingly, the carpet never really took off in Nordic countries. The reason is that natural wood floors will expand the space and invite more light while maintaining a feeling of airiness and cleanliness.
