The Swedish style is included in a large group of ethnic orientations. It is not as popular as prudish English, laconic Mediterranean (Greek) or romantic Italian. The Swedish style is closely connected with the Scandinavian style. Sometimes both of these concepts are even considered as one. In fact, the style is one of the Scandinavian varieties, since Sweden is a part of the same historical and cultural region for a couple with Denmark and Norway, to which Iceland is also sometimes counted. In this part of Europe, where the harsh northern beauty surrounds the cities, at the level of the mentality, local people with special trepidation regard nature and everything natural. This love is reflected in the interiors. To understand how highly the Swedes appreciate the surrounding nature, it is enough to give an illustrative example. If a tree grows at the place where the construction of a private house is planned, then if possible it will not be cut down, having cleared the site, but "surrounded" with a veranda, making it a part of the situation. The Swedish style in the interior became one of the founders of the eco direction. Let's talk about its characteristics and a special role in design.
Swedes appreciate the stable situation in the society, a good salary, but they do not boast of their achievements and do not furnish houses and apartments with luxury items, which by default should "throw dust in your eyes." Therefore, the Swedish style can safely be called a direct antagonist of the Baroque, Rococo, Empire style, that is, those directions in whose pomposity were buried by France, Germany and Italy. He formed on the splinters of classicism, having absorbed the bold ideas of Impressionism, Romanticism and sentimentalism. On top of the concept of direction slightly spiced up with national traditions. As usual, innovative ideas were picked up not only by designers, but also by poets, artists, sculptors. Among the most famous masters of the "new genre" is the industrial designer Sixten Sasson, the artist Karl Larsson, the architect Gunnar Asplund. Their work became exemplary for the nascent Swedish style.
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Swedish style is closely connected with the notion of "hugge", which is increasingly savoring modern magazines of interior fashion. Although the word is taken from Norwegian and Danish, the state of the "Three Crowns" also has a direct relationship to it. The neighboring countries have similar cultures, so the concepts of coziness and comfort in them are not much different.
Features, characteristics and characteristics of the style
The concept of Swedish style can be expressed in one phrase "moderation in everything." The following features are typical for the direction:
- Light (mostly white) walls and pastel colors in the interior.
- Wooden furniture made of light wood.
- Natural details in the interior (branches, stumps, moss), which are typical for the modern version of the Swedish style.
- The abundance of light, both artificial and natural.
- Laconic decor, which, as a rule, is represented by massive floor vases, rugs and small cushions decorating the surfaces of upholstered furniture.
- Lack of tight curtains and curtains. Windows simply close the blinds or hang light curtains of translucent fabrics. By the way, the apertures themselves are wide, more similar to the French panoramic.
Before planning the design of the room, it is worthwhile to focus on the climatic conditions in which the Swedes live. They largely influenced their national character (restrained, severe, alien to familiarity) and the interiors of houses. The weather here also does not favor warmth, as it is in the vast majority of Russia. Winter is long and severe. Landscapes are mostly monotonous, the sun is rarely seen, and even then mostly in the summer. Therefore, the furnishing of the premises is arranged in such a way as to allow the maximum amount of scarce light to enter the house.
Materials and methods of finishing
In finishing, mostly natural materials are used. The walls are covered with a light white or milky shade. Also they can be plastered or wallpapered. The combined finish is also welcomed. For example, three walls are covered with plaster, and the fourth is covered with textured wallpaper with a "marble" pattern. Since the surface is accented, it is permissible to use bright colors: cherry, green, blue. The ceiling is also plastered or trimmed with a stretch liner with a glossy sheen. It will play the role of an additional reflective surface, refracting light. In the living room, bedroom, nursery and hallway the floor is covered with a laminate or a parquet board made of light wood. In the kitchen and bathroom use ceramic tiles. In the last tile trim and walls. In the modern variation of the Swedish style, it is allowed to introduce light colors into the interior of the brickwork. Such a design solution, as a rule, is aimed at zoning large or combined rooms. In the bedroom and living room, long boards are used, for which the deck laying is ideal. If the apartment is under a roof, then the ceiling is decorated with plaster and gray or brown beams, which alternate with the windows. This colorful decoration is somewhat like the style of a chalet.
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Swedes are "closed" to strangers. They show their character only in the circle of close people. Therefore, the interiors of their homes are designed primarily for comfort for the owners, and in the second place is the convenience for the guests. The Swedish house is really an impregnable fortress, in which only the elite are allowed.
Color Solutions
The basis of the color scheme will be white. Complement it with light shades of brown, in which painted wooden surfaces. By the way, it is recommended to use larch, as its color is ideal for Swedish interiors. The ceiling is traditionally white. The walls are painted either in tone, or choose a couple of shades from pastel. A gray or light brown floor is covered with accent mats. Bright colors in the interiors are present, but in extremely few quantities. Accents are chosen from two to three tones. Typically, it's blue, blue, lilac, green, purple, turquoise, minty and in rare cases pink, coral. Bright spots are evenly distributed between the decor and the furnishings.
Lighting
On lighting in Swedish interiors do not save. For the bedroom, a ceiling chandelier and wall sconces, floor / table lamps, are placed on both sides of the bed. In the living room, lighting fixtures must be equipped with every corner. For these purposes, again choose a sconce, lamps with original shades, candles, flashlights. In addition, point light sources are used, which are placed around the perimeter of the room on the ceiling and on top of the furniture. The accent wall can be illuminated with light bulbs. In the kitchen, which is combined with the dining room, instead of the central chandelier, hang a group of lamps over the dining area. A shortage of light above the work surfaces will be filled by light bulbs built into the lower shelves. In the bathroom, as in the hallway, mirrors are necessarily decorated with twin sconces. For the rest of the lighting is the ceiling chandelier of a simple configuration.
Selection of furniture and the rules of the arrangement
In the living room have a large sofa with a light upholstery. In front of him on the rug place a coffee table made of wood. In this room usually install a small fireplace, which will add warmth and comfort to the atmosphere. There is also a small reading corner with shelves for books. In the Swedish living rooms in the corners are usually put chairs or ottomans, which can accommodate the home while relaxing. Thus, everyone will gather in one room, but they will not interfere with each other's business.
The bedroom has a spacious bed of light wood. In a set with it are attached two tables, symmetrically located on the sides. At the fence put a small couch, and if there is enough space, it is replaced with a canapé, a goat, a recipe or an ottoman. Any of them will allow you to rest or prikornut for a book in the bedroom in the afternoon, without bothering to analyze the bed. Complement the interior with a dressing table, chest of drawers or a dressing table, painted in white. If the size of the bedroom allows, then here they put a modern wardrobe with a mirror facade. The kitchen uses a standard furniture set consisting of a dining group (table and chairs) and a kitchen set. The latter is selected from simple models, where the bottom is represented by curbstones with doors, and the top - by an open storage system. In the hallway, too, minimal furniture and decor: a cabinet, a canape, a mirror on the wall and a hanger under the outer clothing. Everything is done in light colors. In the bathroom, preference is given to "angular" plumbing with chrome elements. Shower, by the way, the bath is rarely replaced. Only one white pedestal and a pair of open shelves for towels are enough from the furniture. Upholstery soft furniture is mostly monophonic. It is allowed to use textiles with a discreet vegetable pattern.
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In the bedroom and living room, the use of light wicker furniture (usually armchairs) is welcomed. They gently emphasize the "airiness" of the interior and fit into the color composition with light brown notes.
Elements of decor and accessories
Swedish decor is responsible for comfort in the room, as furniture and decoration are chosen according to the principles of restraint. Dilute the interior can only be through jewelry and stylish things. They do not force the whole room, accents are evenly distributed across its area, so that no corner is left "forgotten". The floors are decorated with carpets: bright, monophonic, patterned, with a long nap or in the form of animal skins. On the walls hang one or two paintings with picturesque landscapes or decorate in groups of family photos. On the countertops put vases of unusual shapes, beautiful bottles, plates with unobtrusive painting. On the shelves are placed books alternately with candlesticks, photos on supplies, for hours. The floor is decorated with lamps or massive vases. We should not forget about the "green strokes" in the form of houseplants. Armchairs, sofas, beds are covered with warm blankets and decorated with groups of pillows of bright colors in tone of the secondary color scheme. The use of knitted details is welcomed. The windows are traditionally fixed with blinds. In the bedroom, where the textile curtains give a special comfort, use thin curtains of organza.
Conclusion
The "Swedish footprint" in interior design is not limited to furniture and decor from Ikea. Although, if you ask the question about the associations that this country causes, every second will come to this conglomerate. The Swedish style was formed quite a long time, but only the last 10-20 years began to appear outside the homeland. The reason for this popularity was the popularization of minimalism. Laconic, simple, but well-adjusted interiors, in which harmony exists between the material and the spiritual, began to be valued very highly. Then the world designers turned their attention to a line of styles that were grouped under the general name "Scandinavian".