Trends in Scandinavian Design

For many of us, the new year is a time of resolution and positive self-change. Our home plays a crucial role in supporting our lives—we spend so much time there, so an interior refresh is vital in helping support the changes you’re making in other areas of your life.

Fortunately, you don’t need an art school degree to stay up-to-date with the latest interior design trends. Last year, the world’s finest interior design talent gathered for the annual 3daysofdesign and Formland conferences in Denmark and Stockholm Design Week in Sweden where they discussed the trends that will shape Scandinavia into next year and beyond. These are a few of our favorites.

Color

When we think of color in Scandinavian design, what comes to mind are neutral tones and white backdrops, perhaps with a pop of natural color. But lately, strong color is at the forefront, and white and gray walls are things of the past. Still, you’ll find designers favoring neutral wall colors, in mid to dark, such as reddish and deep chocolate browns, with some spaces venturing into deep blue. The key is to tie the other design elements with the wall color, opting for a monochromatic look rather than high-contrast, and pair strong wall color with a minimalist aesthetic.

Another popular color, spotted on everything from dishes to throw pillows, is a muted vanilla yellow (as compared with the strong mustard of previous years). And color pops in this style go beyond yellow. You’ll see blues, greens, pinks, purples, and more—all sharing an overall softness and warmth, like the colors of dried flowers.

Sustainability in The Spotlight

“Eco-conscious concepts” is the theme for 3daysofdesign 2021 and it was also a big hit at the 2020 event, with an emphasis on combining old and new. Danish electronics brand Bang & Olufsen launched an upcycling project, refurbishing their iconic 1970s turntables to make them as new. Designers at the Formland trade show also had an eye on the planet, showcasing carbon neutral products, recycled and upcycled items, and more sustainable materials and production processes. Prominent examples included vinyl and laminate flooring from Tarkett, rubber flooring and carpet tiles from Carbon Neutral Floors, and the beloved FALK chair made from recycled post consumer plastic. And in the smaller items, from sound system casings to vases made with recycled paper, designers are finding creative ways to avoid waste, and reimagine the kind of plastic-heavy construction we usually take for granted.

You, too, can buy second-hand or apply a fresh coat of paint to faded furnishings to avoid waste. If you still want to buy new, consider buying products made from recycled materials, or simply purchase products that last. Our Scandinavian duvet covers are made from sustainable flax linen, made to last for decades and suitable for every season—linen’s thermoregulating quality means it keeps you cool in the summer and cozy during even the coldest Scandinavian winters.

Sleep Sets the Mood

It seems that everyone’s woken up to the positive effects of a great night’s sleep—and the Scandinavian design world has taken note, making bedrooms a priority. This year, it’s time to supercharge your sleep by investing in better beds, linens and sleepwear and clearing your room of the clutter that interferes with rest. Simple light wood frames are in, as is linen. Our organic linen duvet covers are hypoallergenic, moisture wicking and thermoregulating, making them the clear choice for your best night’s sleep.

Big Design for Small Spaces

Functionality has always been a core tenet of Scandinavian design but the key word for 2021 is multifunctionality. We’re all spending more time at home, and things are getting crowded—try foldable stools that hang on the wall and modular furniture that you can tailor to your space.

The Rise of “Japandi”

Given Japan and Scandinavia’s similarities—a love for minimalism, functionality, and durability—it was only a matter of time before someone thought of combining the two. “Japandi” is big news for 2021. At Stockholm design week, Japanese and Scandinavian design blended beautifully, with paper lamps of all styles, Japanese style ceramics adorning furniture from Ariake, as well as wabi-sabi style incorporated into typically Scandinavian interiors, from irregularly arranged flowers and wild woody stems to pieces that celebrate the beauty of the broken and off-kilter.

You can bring Japandi style into your home by adding a pop of color with a woven rug and using sustainably sourced rattan and bamboo furniture. Don’t forget the Nordic hallmarks of cozy wool knits and a neutral color palette, although Japandi neutrals are warmer and richer than the usual Scandi whites and grays. The two also share a love of nature, so it’s worth learning the arts of bonsai and ikebana (Japanese flower arranging) to make the most of this trend. If you’re not the green-fingered type, however, add a nature-inspired print with one of our modern duvet covers.

Now that you’re familiar with the top Scandinavian design trends for 2021, it’s time to get decorating. Follow us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, or Twitter and share your results!