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Guest Picks: 20 Scandinavian Finds
Sleek lines, warm woods and effortless style exemplify this Nordic style
For as long as I can remember, I've admired Scandinavian furniture and design. Perhaps my heritage and frequent trips to Copenhagen are to credit with this affection, or perhaps it's the sheer simplicity and beauty with which Scandinavians approach their everyday life that is so appealing. Their aesthetic seems effortless, their style innate. With their affinity for natural materials and loyalty to largely light color palettes with a few dramatic punches, it's no wonder the design community has long taken notice.
It's no exaggeration that Scandinavian homes inspire within me a sense of peace and calm, with a juxtaposing lightness and warmth that permeates the room. The simple beauty that is inherent in form and function is not lost 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 same feeling for me. — Kelly Serra from The Kitchen Designer
It's no exaggeration that Scandinavian homes inspire within me a sense of peace and calm, with a juxtaposing lightness and warmth that permeates the room. The simple beauty that is inherent in form and function is not lost 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 same feeling for me. — Kelly Serra from The Kitchen Designer
by Kelly Donovan
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Anne Black is one of Denmark’s most influential contemporary ceramic designers. On one of the first trips I made to Denmark as a design-appreciating adult, I remember only having enough money to buy a grouping of three of her small circular vases. Next time I go back I'm most definitely picking up one (or more!) of the larger ones. I just love the oblong shape of the opening and delicacy of the patterns. These are spectacular either standing solo or in a larger grouping, holding flowers or left empty.
by Kelly Donovan
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This bathroom vanity exemplifies Scandinavian design with its clean lines and natural wood appearance. The beauty lies in its simplicity; it is confident with a striking lack of embellishment. Accessorized here with a dramatic Kohler sink, the piece can take on a variety of personalities simply by changing out the sink and faucet.
by Kelly Donovan
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I am in a current love affair with sideboards. Perhaps it's because I see the endless decorating potential in their great expanse of counter top, or perhaps because I fondly remember the seemingly mile-long sideboard in my Danish cousin's enviable apartment. Either way, a piece like this could be used in so many rooms of the home, and for so many purposes. I can't get enough of walnut, and love the simplicity of this.
by Kelly Donovan
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This classic Bruno Mathsson design from 1942 pops up in countless Scandinavian homes. The light colors and organic wavy lines allow for a light and airy presence in the room.
by Kelly Donovan
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What Scandinavian roundup would be complete without mention of the iconic Marimekko? Here's a gorgeous fabric sold by Wisconsin's Century House and inspired by Wisconsin's own landscape. One yard of almost any Marimekko fabric is pricey, but it has a substantial width and would make gorgeous pillow covers or other home accessories.
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I just love all three designs on these adorable little mugs. Dramatically graphic yet with a nod to nature's own simplistic designs, these are sure to bring a smile to your face during your morning coffee.
by Kelly Donovan
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Here is a great and stylish option for a child-friendly coffee table. Jens Risom’s original 1941 collection for Knoll incorporates a natural aesthetic of understated Scandinavian design.
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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 a few of these hung at varying heights in a cluster over my corner desk.
by Kelly Donovan
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This simple step ladder is an example of what Scandinavians do so well: elevate a seemingly mundane item to a true thing of beauty. The belief that the functional should also be beautiful is what powers their eye for design and incessant and effortless pursuit of style. The red lacquer step ladder would be perfect tucked along an empty wall or in a little nook of a kitchen. I know it would quickly become my most used kitchen tool!
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Ferm Living is one of my favorite Scandinavian companies, and this darling tea towel surely does not disappoint. With its folksy design and whimsical motif it would look equally great folded over your oven handle or hanging on your kitchen wall.
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I want one of these in every room of my house! The possibilities are endless for what to fill this adorable shelving unit with, and I even like it just as shown here with a few "rooms" left vacant.
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The simplicity and pure function of this side table is genius and beautiful. The gentle concave sloping of the tray is a nice offset to the starkly straight lines of the legs, and the size is super versatile too.
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I've seen this candle holder in many of my Danish relatives' apartments and might just need to pick up one of my own. Candles are such a large part of the Scandinavian lifestyle, in large part due to their long, dark winters. Again, the natural wood and seamless marriage of sleek curves and straight lines make this piece so noticeably Scandinavian.
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What's not to love about this striking table? It definitely makes a statement with its sleek white top paired with simple dark wood legs. I'd call it contemporary farmhouse — one of my favorite styles.
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This bowl is so gorgeous just left empty like this, I can't imagine how amazing it would look piled high with a bright yellow pile of lemons or ruby red apples. Use it for display purposes or put it to use as your nightly salad bowl. But whatever you do, keep it in plain sight to enjoy every day!
by Kelly Donovan
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I couldn't resist adding this cute little monkey to my Scandinavian ideabook. My daughter, having just been the lucky recipient of a Kay Bojesen monkey from my mother's recent trip to Denmark, has to keep him hidden so I don't steal this cute little guy for myself. Not just for kids, this all natural wood specimen would look great stacked atop a pile of books or perilously hanging from a shelf in your living room. I never fail to smile when I pass him by.
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Another genius Scandinavian design in which the functional becomes beautiful. I remember growing up with a napkin holder very similar to this, though never realized either its practicality or beauty until I was older and could appreciate good design and form. Perhaps not as fun as the Kay Bojesen monkey, but I was thrilled with this gift from my mother upon her recent return from her trip to Denmark, where most of our family is from.
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| How cozy does this luscious gray sheepskin look? Drape it over a chair for some added warmth and cushion or lay it on the floor as a comfy rug. Either way, you'll get a myriad of uses out of it and a lifetime of enjoyment. |
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by Kelly Donovan
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| These beautiful candle holders or vases are joined by magnets on either side. Connect them in a circle or line them up — either way you'll have a conversation piece and a wonderfully dramatic accessory. As seen in previous products in this ideabook, it seems to be this synergistic pairing of sexy curves and sharp, straight lines that make Scandinavian design so attention grabbing and unique. |
by Kelly Donovan
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This beautiful rug is hand-woven in Sweden by a family-run company. Simplistic in its design, the natural colors are so versatile and would complement a large variety of aesthetics.
Next: More Scandinavian-inspired design
Next: More Scandinavian-inspired design
Ideabook published on Oct. 4, 2011.
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