MATERIAL MATTERS

Scandinavian design owes its origins to the modernist movement that followed World War I. Seeking to make the most out of limited resources and traditional craftsmanship, designers like Hans Wegner, Erik Møller and Arne Jacobsen used teak, rosewood, birch and ash to create simple pieces that favoured function over form. Natural-stained wood such as birch, maple and pine and fabrics such as cotton and linen are still very much the mainstay of Scandi design today.. For furnishings, think tactile materials you can layer as the temperature fluctuates. For flooring, stick to pale hues, such as light oaks or a whitewash, and create warmth with rugs in different sizes, shapes and colours (it’s not unusual to see rugs in Scandinavian bathrooms). If hardwood flooring isn’t an option, consider a timber-look laminate or vinyl.

“Scandi is a timeless look that can complement minimalist, rustic, feminine, industrial, coastal and Zen styles” ~ Danni Tan, Design Edit

TIMBER: Woods from the paler end of the spectrum are the go-to, used in simple forms to highlight the beauty of the material. FABRIC: Light, loose-weave materials such as linen and cotton have a relaxed look that perfectly suits the Scandi vibe....

SOURCE: “Choose natural materials like wool, stone, leather and buy objects made with integrity, and to last,” says Elisabeth Carlsson.