In collaboration with Christian Plat- Expert for Design
Swedish design traditions have always been popular, but right now it seems as though the world can’t get enough of this simple yet striking design that originates from Nordic countries. This Scandinavian style has become so popular that it has even been credited its own name; New Nordic. So what is it that makes New Nordic globally recognisable and so sought after everywhere from Tokyo to New York? Read on to find out the secrets behind this Scandinavian industry and why you should invest now.
Practical beauty
Each piece of Scandinavian furniture is designed and chosen so carefully, so that each serves a specific purpose in the room. Scandinavian designers are taught to always look at an object’s function whilst creating beauty, rather than to simply decorate or to fill space. This is why Scandinavian design is recognised for its elegant simplicity and why each piece of furniture has a sense of grandeur in every room it stands; not only for its beauty, but also for its practicality. Despite many Scandinavians only having a small number of furnishings in each room, the colourful minimalism creates a warm, relaxed, welcoming feeling in the home. So, it’s time to follow suit and throw out the clutter and start collecting practical beauty.
Design with a difference
This beautiful simplicity is the reason why New Nordic stands out from other designs. When designing a piece, inspiration is often drawn from nature and the Scandinavian culture itself, from the use of locally sourced wood, to the natural shapes, features and colouring of the furniture. During the dark days of winter in Scandinavia, when the hours of daylight are at a minimum, the home becomes the family’s focal point. The importance the furniture holds in the home is the reason why Scandinavian designers are encouraged to create bright and functional rooms, making Scandinavian design so alluring, individual and refreshing compared with other designs around the world. Does your home feel too busy with furniture? This elegant minimalism and welcoming atmosphere can be mimicked so effortlessly in your home today with your first Scandinavian design investment.
Invest in an identity
When investing in Scandinavian design, you are not only investing in a beautiful piece of furniture, you are investing in a history, a people’s pride and a nation’s identity. Ellen Kay, a Swedish philosopher, feminist and critic is believed to be one of the founders of what is now considered to be Scandinavian design. In 1899, Kay wrote the book 'Skönhet För alla,' which translates as 'Beauty For All,' where she described that ‘to live in Sweden 1899 – and furthermore to be a woman – cannot have been easy.’ Her aim was to change society for the better, arguing that ‘fewer but better things and things that work well are beautiful.’ This idea is translated into Scandinavian design today and why so many people have fallen in love with their signature style.
Scandinavian design is not made to make noise in the room, but rather to possess a silent elegance that is recognised by everybody who enters the home. Over time, it is so easy to collect useless pieces of furniture and cram a room with as much jumble as it will fit, but it is time we all took a leaf out of the Scandinavian book. It is time to ditch the clutter and choose our furniture on its functional beauty. Whether you are looking to redecorate or think that your room could benefit from some practical elegance, head over to our auction page now where you can find a whole range of Scandinavian design and watch your home become transformed.