Interior design is key in our homes and extends far beyond looks alone. Color palette, lighting, and even decor are all key players that can affect how we feel and can be curated to create a space that benefits mental health and wellness. Learn more about Scandinavian Interior design: Achieving a relaxed Nordic aesthetic through art.
For those who wish to change the interior design of their home, a Nordic aesthetic can be ideal for a calm and relaxed space, and you don’t need to be located in Scandinavia to do so successfully. From the power of minimalism to traditional artwork (and even the incorporation of nature as art), there are various ways to create a home through thoughtful artistic curation.
Strength in simplicity
As with the general Scandinavian interior design style, minimalism and simplicity reign supreme for a Nordic approach. This concept extends from the artwork that hangs on the walls to the color palette of any given room. While art pieces featuring geometric shapes are a surefire way to accomplish a simplistic style that aligns with a Nordic aesthetic, focusing on the right color palette can be crucial. This includes focusing on lighter, neutral tones (whites, beiges, etc.), though this doesn’t mean that a pop of color is out of the equation. “Earthy” tones, for example, can bring warm colors into the mix, from deep browns to olive greens. Apart from the color used in paintings, however, there are other ways to introduce simple art that aligns with the Nordic aesthetic.
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When searching for unique artwork that reflects a Nordic aesthetic, Nordic metalwork is a great example that can contrast nicely with light tones. In addition to its rustic simplicity, Nordic metalwork can be incorporated in a number of ways. While a feature wall piece can make for a statement, there are subtle ways to feature metal artwork in the home, too, such as through small sculptures. While this can introduce character into the home, it’s important to remember that Scandinavian interior design must involve balance throughout the house. This is especially important when the goal is to reflect Scandinavian design concepts like hygge, which prioritizes comfort. The House Beautiful article by Kelly Allen and Kate McGregor touches on the Swedish word ‘lagom,’ which translates to “not too little, not too much.” To balance both comfort.
Traditional pieces for a timeless flair
Those who wish to incorporate a pop of color can find the perfect way to do so via the traditional folk art known as rose painting, also called rosemaling, which is often identifiable by its detailed floral designs. The Nordic Center of Duluth touches on the history of rosemaling, which goes back to the mid-1700s. According to the site, Norwegian artists who specialized in the art form were influenced by European styles, namely Baroque and Rococo. After learning the unique art of rosemaling, it’s noted that these artists traveled and brought their skills with them. Eventually, the designs found their way into homes and on furniture, cementing the art form into part of the country’s history.
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The Nordic Center of Duluth further explains that as these artists traveled (and as rural artists began to don their own brushes), the style of the original art flourished into unique interpretations. Thankfully, the art form survives today and can be found in shops for those who want to add a pop of traditional and distinctive color. The intricate designs often reflect a ‘flowy’ floral pattern, often with colors that range from blues and reds to yellow, white, or green. Whether it be a rose-painted vase or a piece of furniture (like a trunk or chest), there’s no question that the incorporation of rosemaling will bring a tasteful and timeless touch of traditional Norwegian art into the home.
Outdoor elements for a refreshed perspective
Another primary touchstone of Nordic interior design is the focus on nature, specifically incorporating natural elements like wood and earthy tones. While this can be easily brought into the home via minimalistic art pieces that combine earthy colors and geometric shapes, there is a way to get even more creative with it. Textured pieces that mirror those found in nature are a great way to do this — for example, a textured landscape piece that features mountains can be a great way to bring Norway’s natural scenery to the forefront of any space. These types of pieces can even be created right at home with basic art supplies (paint and a texture tool, for instance), which can help result in artwork that is truly tailored to the space.
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Those wishing to inject a timeless aesthetic that perfectly reflects nature can showcase their photography skills. Wildlife, landscape stills, and even a black and white photo of a leaf can all adhere to a Scandinavian-inspired interior design concept. Using personal photos can further bring a personal touch into the space, though it’s important to note that even frame choice can impact the room’s aesthetic. Custom photo mount solutions are key when the goal is to curate the photo even further to a specific interior design style. While a black acid-free mount can create high contrast between the image and the wall, a soft white mount can create a different, softer visual impact. While the right choice will vary based on personal preference and the room’s overall vibe, there’s no question that a professionally mounted photo can make a significant impact.
In addition to artwork that reflects nature and natural elements, incorporating plantlife as ‘art’ pieces can do plenty for an interior space, especially when the goal is to create a comfortable, simplistic, and ‘light-and-airy’ design. While large plants can be a statement themselves (much like a statue), other incorporations can include smaller plants in spaces like the kitchen or bathroom. Artistic elements, like an earthy-toned painted pot or macrame hanger, can further add to the design of a space. One Thursday, the article highlights several houseplants that mesh well with Scandinavian interior design, from rubber fig plants (Ficus elastica) to foliage-focused options like the famous and easy-to-care-for snake plant. Other options listed include the Monstera deliciosa or even the texture of the Boston fern. While there are some considerations regarding the plants you choose (how much light they need, and the best location for the plant to thrive in the home), there is certainly no shortage of options to choose from.
Several considerations must be made when achieving a Nordic aesthetic through art in the home. By keeping simplicity and natural elements at the forefront of the design, homeowners can successfully incorporate Nordic elements throughout the home, whether via houseplants or metalwork.
Scandinavian Interior Design: Achieving a Relaxed Nordic Aesthetic Through Art, written explicitly for Daily Scandinavian by Karoline Gore. Karoline is a freelance writer from Stoke on Trent in the UK who left the corporate grind when she started a family and has never looked back. She enjoys contributing to a range of online publications on the topics that are important to her.
Feature image (top) © europosters.no