For as long as I can recall, I’ve admired Scandinavian furniture and design. Perhaps my heritage and frequent excursions to Copenhagen are to credit for this particular affection, or maybe it is the absolute simplicity and beauty with which Scandinavians approach their everyday life that’s so attractive. Their aesthetic seems effortless, their style innate. With their affinity for natural substances and loyalty to largely light color palettes with a few dramatic punches, it is no wonder that the design community has long taken note.
It’s no exaggeration that Scandinavian houses inspire within me a sense of peace and calm, with a juxtaposing lightness and warmth that permeates the room. The simple beauty that’s inherent in function and form is not missing on Scandinavians, but rather they leverage it to elevate their most basic designs to works of art. Here are a few pieces of furniture and accessories that capture that exact same feeling for me. — Kelly Serra from The Kitchen Designer
Kelly Donovan
Anne Black Porcelain Hay Vase – $55
Anne Black is one of Denmark’s most powerful contemporary ceramic designers. On one of those first trips I made to Denmark as a design-appreciating grownup, I remember just having enough cash to buy a group of three of her small circular vases. Next time I return I’m most certainly picking up one (or more!) Of the bigger ones. I just adore the oblong shape of the opening and delicacy of those routines. These are magnificent either standing solo or within a larger group, holding flowers or left empty.
Kelly Donovan
Bornholm Bathroom Vanity
This bathroom vanity exemplifies Scandinavian design with its clean lines and natural wood look. The beauty lies in its simplicity; it is convinced with a striking absence of embellishment. Accessorized here with a dramatic Kohler sink, the bit can take on a variety of personalities by simply changing out the sink and faucet.
Kelly Donovan
Randers Sideboard – $995
I am in a current romance with sideboards. Perhaps it’s because I see that the endless decorating potential inside their great expanse of counter top, or maybe because I fondly recall the seemingly mile-long sideboard in my Danish cousin’s coveted apartment. In any event, a bit such as this may be used in a lot of rooms of the house, and for so many functions. I can not get enough of walnut, and adore the simplicity of this.
Kelly Donovan
Eva Lounge Chair
This classic Bruno Mathsson design from 1942 pops up in innumerable Nordic houses. The light colours and organic wavy lines permit for a light and airy presence within the room.
Kelly Donovan
Marimekko Madison, WI Fabric – $52
What Scandinavian roundup would be complete without mention of the iconic Marimekko? Here’s a gorgeous material sold by Wisconsin’s Century House and inspired by Wisconsin’s own landscape. 1 yard of any Marimekko fabric is expensive, but it has a substantial width and would make gorgeous pillow covers or other home accessories.
2Modern
Ferm Living Thermo Mugs – $30
I just adore all 3 designs on those cute little mugs. Dramatically graphic yet with a nod to nature’s own simplistic designs, these are sure to bring a smile to your face throughout your morning java.
Kelly Donovan
Risom Amoeba Shaped Coffee Table – $991
Here is a great and trendy alternative for a child-friendly java table. Jens Risom’s original 1941 collection for Knoll incorporates a natural aesthetic of understated Scandinavian design.
Design Within Reach
E27 Pendant – $79
I’ve always loved the look of simple Edison bulb pendants, and this one takes the common style to new heights. With its matte wiring and hub, this light just oozes effortless style. I’d love some of these hung at varying heights in a bunch within my corner desk.
Kelly Donovan
Karl Malmvall Stepladder – $295
This simple step ladder is a good illustration of exactly what Scandinavians do so nicely: Boost a seemingly mundane thing to a real thing of beauty. The belief that the practical should also be amazing is what forces their attention for design and incessant and simple pursuit of style. The crimson lacquer step ladder could be perfect tucked along a vacant wall or in a little nook of a kitchen. I am aware that it would quickly become my most used kitchen tool!
2Modern
Ferm Living Bird Leaves Tea Towel – $19
Ferm Living is just one of my favourite Scandinavian companies, which darling tea towel surely does not disappoint. Using its folksy design and whimsical motif it would look equally great folded over your toaster handle or hanging on your kitchen wall.
Kelly Donovan
The Dorm Shelf from Ferm Living by Trine Andersen – $101.06
I need one of them in each room of my home! The options are endless for what to fill this cute shelving unit with, and I even like it as shown with some “chambers” left vacant.
Kelly Donovan
Tablo Tray Table from Magnus Löfgren – $119.88
The simplicity and pure function of this side table is genius and beautiful. The gentle concave sloping of the tray is a nice offset into the starkly straight lines of the legs, and the size is super versatile also.
Kelly Donovan
Nordic Light Candleholder from Jonas Grundell – $69
I’ve noticed this candle holder in several of my Danish relatives’ flats and could just have to pick one up of my own. Candles are such a large part of the Scandinavian way of life, in large part due to their long, dark winters. Again, the pure wood and seamless union of sleek curves and straight lines make this bit so noticeably Scandinavian.
Scandinavian Grace
Asplund Vass Table – $2,860
What is not to adore about this striking table? It certainly makes a statement with its sleek white shirt paired with simple dark wood legs. I’d call it contemporary farmhouse — just one of my favourite styles.
FJORN Scandinavian
Bollard Glass Bowl w/Teak Tray – $100
This bowl is so gorgeous just left empty like this, I can not imagine how beautiful it would look piled high with a glowing yellow heap of lemons or ruby red apples. Use it for display functions or place it to use as your nightly salad bowl. But whatever you do, keep it in plain sight to enjoy every day!
Kelly Donovan
Kay Bojesen Monkey – $199
I could not resist adding this cute little fighter to my ideabook. My daughter, with only been the lucky recipient of a Kay Bojesen monkey from my mum’s recent visit to Denmark, has to keep him hidden so that I do not steal this cute little guy for myself. Not only for kids, this all natural wood specimen would look great stacked beneath a pile of books or dangling from a shelf in your living space. I don’t fail to smile when I pass him by.
FJORN Scandinavian
Pantry Napkin Dispenser
Another genius Scandinavian design in which the practical becomes amazing. I recall growing up with a napkin holder very much like this, though never attained either its practicality or beauty until I was older and may appreciate good design and form. Perhaps not as fun as the Kay Bojesen monkey, but I was thrilled with this present from my mother upon her current return from her visit to Denmark, where most of our family is from.
Kelly Donovan
Huset Gotland Sheepskin – $350
Cozy does this sheepskin that is grey that is luscious look? Drape it over a chair for a few extra warmth and cushion or put it on the floor as a comfy rug. In any event, you’re going to get a multitude of uses from it and a lifetime of enjoyment.
Kelly Donovan
Louise Campbell Fiducia Magnetic Vases / Candlestick Holder – $225
These beautiful candle holders or vases have been combined by magnets on either side. Join them in a circle or line them up — either way you will have a conversation piece and a superbly striking accessory.
As noticed in previous products within this ideabook, it appears to be this synergistic pairing of hot curves and sharp, straight lines that produce Scandinavian design attention grabbing and unique.
Kelly Donovan
Brita Sweden Helmi Runner – $200
This beautiful carpet is hand-woven in Sweden by a family-run company. Simplistic in its design, the natural colours are so flexible and would complement a large variety of aesthetics.
Next: More Scandinavian-inspired design