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Scandinavian or minimalist? Not always! Get to know the true features of style straight from the north

Scandinavian or minimalist? Not always! Get to know the true features of style straight from the north

At first glance, Scandinavian style and minimalism may seem almost the same. These terms are often used interchangeably by people talking about simple, but warm and practical arrangements. It is assumed that they are synonyms and there is a lot of truth in this. Indeed, in the contemporary culture of design and clever arrangements, an almost ubiquitous image of an ideal, orderly interior has been created. These are almost always white walls, carefully selected plants in fashionable, bright pots. These also include neutral knitted blankets and other Scandinavian textiles, and above all, clean surfaces and undemanding spaces. Although the Scandinavian style and the minimalist style mix very well with each other (and, admittedly, they often interpenetrate), there are some noticeable differences. So what is minimalist interior design? What are the characteristics of Scandinavian minimalism? About this in the article.

What is minimalist interior design?

Minimalism, to put it simply, is a style in which we strive to create a simple space. Scandinavian design, in turn, is based on the history of practical, functional and relaxing home furnishing. It's pragmatic and leaves plenty of room for what you love. In this article, we will attempt to explain the key differences between Scandinavian design and minimalism. We want you to better understand your design motivations, which will also contribute to greater awareness and more interesting ideas at the interior design stage. By finding the differences and details, you will easily create an authentic, comfortable and elegant place to live.

Scandinavian style – what are its characteristics?

Scandinavian design began to appear in the 20th century. Today, invariably, scandi design puts functionality and simplicity first. A simple example would be fashionable living room lamps in a modern style, or a round mirror in a wooden frame, which may prove to be a perfect complement to the space. What makes the Scandinavian style a unique choice is the wide availability of products and the ease of creating a harmonizing arrangement on your own. Scandinavian values ​​such as craftsmanship and hygge balanced the industrial and forward-looking foundations of the style.  In the Scandi style, it is impossible not to notice clean lines, simple forms and bright colors. Similarly, when it comes to the industrial style, the furniture is very similar in terms of simplicity of workmanship and interesting form. In this respect, the style can definitely be called Scandinavian style with elements of minimalism.

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The word minimalism, in turn, is very eagerly used by artists who moved away from the old artistic traditions of subjectivity and self-expression, instead striving for an objective and analytical expression of reality. Minimalist interior design gained popularity in the 1980s and was particularly influenced by Japanese architecture and Zen philosophy. This style was definitely different from the values ​​of coziness and attachment to furniture or creating sentimental spaces.

Minimalist and Scandinavian decor

You are certainly curious about the basic differences between the Scandinavian style and the minimalist style. Well, in minimalism, empty walls and white space often take on symbolic meaning. One is open, free and unencumbered by ubiquitous gadgets, furniture or decorations that have no meaning or purpose. Space gives room for reflection, stimulates creativity and calms down. More utilitarian varieties of minimalism ask do you really need this furniture and accessories? The basic goal is to free yourself from material goods in life. Often, when talking about products that fit the canon of minimalist beauty, we can mention a table, wood, metal, or other elements made mainly of hard, raw materials.

In minimalism, accessories and what we do not need in life are often presented as a necessary evil. Of course, you can still afford interesting accessories and details, but they should be kept to a minimum and of the highest quality. Minimalism is ultimately related to a feeling of overconsumption that needs to be gotten rid of. For example, when looking for lighting that suits this style of arrangement, choose house doctor twice. This lamp with a cool and simple look is one of the best options when it comes to lighting. You can add other products from House Doctor to your collection, for example the House Doctor black Game wall lamp.

House doctor furniture is unique. They fit both the pure Scandinavian style based on coziness and comfort, as well as the minimalist style, which focuses more on limiting material goods, including furniture and accessories.

Source: hubsch-interiorsocietyoflifestyle.com

In turn, in Scandinavian design, space plays a more practical role and is far from empty and raw spaces. Space as the leitmotif of the design gives a sense of lightness that improves the mood and puts functionality first, which is the heart of Scandinavian interior design. That is why in the Scandinavian style we most often find light, neutral colors and a lot of light in virtually every room. Here you can find fashionable upholstered wooden chairs for the living room, elegant Scandinavian-style hanging lamps or accessories such as bloomingville flower pots and a comfortable Scandinavian sofa.

Scandinavian living space ultimately serves a practical function. It makes everyday life easier and creates a relaxing atmosphere to which you always want to come back. Products such as the bloomingville wall lamp or the house doctor basket make the space a truly unique and friendly place.

Scandinavian design is unique for various reasons. You could say it focuses on ordinary life that most people have at their fingertips. What connects the Scandinavian style with the minimalist style is its approachable appearance and simplicity, which has been captivating more and more people who are looking for great design inspirations for years.

Minimalist or Scandinavian style? Or maybe Scandinavian minimalism?

Since you already know the difference between the minimalist and Scandinavian style and you feel that both suit your tastes, there is nothing stopping you from opting for Scandinavian minimalism. An interior in this style will be simple, bright and spacious, and at the same time cozy. Simple, most necessary furniture made of natural materials will work best here. However, in order not to create an impression of austerity, you should diversify the decor with warm accessories that will add to the overall atmosphere and create a unique atmosphere in the interior. It's time to opt for Scandinavian minimalism.

 

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Where to buy similar furniture and accessories?

If you liked the above arrangement, we have selected the most popular furniture and accessories in this style. Check offers and compare prices directly on Ceneo:

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