When winter settles in and temperatures plunge, embrace Nordic style! Hibernate in fur, faux fur, wool and sheepskin. Clarify your senses with glass and stone. Simplify your environment with modern shapes and uncluttered spaces. Then, when the polar vortex threatens, you can warm your thoughts with hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah”), a Nordic spirit of coziness and good-will that encompasses your home. The simple ambiance of the photo below captures the hygge feeling. Our fantastic modern chair, shown in arctic colors, is by CR Laine.
Hygge is a Danish word that conveys a feeling of warmth, comfort and togetherness. Simple pleasures like lighting candles, baking, or spending time at home with friends and family are hallmarks. On a freezing wintry day who doesn’t love to bake (or spend time in the kitchen with another baker) and let the oven warmth and yummy smells waft throughout the house? The baker’s shelf below is from Canadel as are the black counter stools. These are available in different finishes, too.
Did the current popularity of gray interiors stem partially from Nordic influences? As we Midwesterners know, winter drains the color out of our environment until it appears in only gray, white and the palest hues. You may want to cocoon in the arctic colors of ice blue, gray, snow, teal and pale amethyst. Combine and contrast them with the warmth of wood and polar bear white.
Scandinavian style, to many designers these days, simply means modern furniture, white walls and gray wood floors. But its influence this decade is much broader. Aspects of Nordic style have made their way into so many different looks. It sometimes seems as if the use of sheepskin and its faux cousin are becoming as prominent as the use of animal prints in decorating! The pillows, above, remind us of cozy winter sweaters.
Honed over the centuries, Nordic style developed with a primary focus on functionality, rather than frivolity, because of the severe winters and long nights. The European Bauhaus movement was influential, too, in clean crisp lines and stark black and white elements. Our modern bench below, from Universal, has a faux-Alpaca seat and bronzed metal base.
During these frigid days of winter in Chill-inois, think cozy – think Nordic style! Decorative accessories, and warm throws to cuddle in, reflect it. From Hooker Furniture, we love the Princess Cut End Table with its clean modern shape. Although the spirit of hygge is often achieved with candles, our Winter Wish lamp, below right, fits the look with a simple white silhouette and a metallic gray shade. The Tacoma sofa from Stickley is shown with it.
Have you become a Nordic style enthusiast? Let us know how you enjoy this style in your home by leaving a comment. Meanwhile stay warm. We will get through this polar vortex!
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