How Scandinavian and Nordic design and lifestyle spread over the world and influenced our everyday life.

Image 1- Scandinavian interior design (Jen Samson Design, 2025)

Scandinavian (scandi) and Nordic design have taken the design world by storm over the last century. Although they are very similar, scandi design and nordic design do have their differences. Firstly, geographically, Scandinavia refers to Norway, Sweden and Denmark; whereas , Nordic countries include Scandinavia PLUS Finland, Iceland, the Faroe Island and Greenland (The Modern Dane. 2023). In addition, the two styles also slightly differ with their own respective design principles. For instance, Scandinavian design (see Image 1 above) follows a 'function meets beauty' , sleek and modern approach which includes clean lines, practical furniture, light wood tones and bright spaces which help to combat the long and dark nordic nights (Woodward, L., 2024). Nordic design (see Image 2, below), on the other hand, values simplicity and functionality and leans into a more rustic, cosy and inviting atmosphere, using handmade crafts, natural textures and a warm and personal feel to create a more traditional design (Woodward, L., 2024).

Image 2- Nordic interior design (Watts, J. 2020)

These design styles have played pivotal roles in the mid-century modern movement of the 1950s/60s and they helped to fuse modernist ideas with natural materials and soft shapes (Craft & Concept. 2024). Several ideas and concepts from Scandinavian and Nordic countries proved to be revolutionary for the design world and forever shaped how we live our daily lives. IKEA, a giant in furniture design and distribution, popularised the design philosophy of accessible, affordable and functional furniture; as well as, being one of the first mass distributors of flat-pack furniture which prioritises simplicity and efficiency (Craft & Concept. 2024). Nordic countries are known for their eco-conscious principles and prioritising a connection to nature; therefore, Scandinavian and Nordic design are more relevant today than ever before, with the growing concerns over climate change and global warming which influences our everyday life (Craft & Concept. 2024). These design styles have spread all over the world and have been used in parts of Europe and the Americas as a result of their revolutionary and innovative ideas and solutions to global issues. Furthermore, they have influenced our everyday life by forcing themselves into things we use a lot, such as flat-pack furniture and interior design to achieve a certain vibe.

In regards to the scandi and nordic lifestyle, there are several principles that we use daily without even knowing. The most famous concept being 'hygge', which stands for cosyness, togetherness and living in the moment by finding joy in the simple things (The Modern Dane. 2020). This principle has taken the world by storm and encouraged people to embrace minimalism and decorating to create comfort and relaxation (Craft & Concept. 2024). Another popular principle that is followed worldwide is 'lagom', which promotes having a healthy balance- both with work and life, and colours and textures in design (The Modern Dane. 2020). These two scandi and nordic lifestyle principles, amongst many others, have heavily influenced the way many people around the globe live their day-to-day lives. Linking these lifestyle principles with the design principles, scandi and nordic countries have seriously influenced our everyday life- from the design of our interiors, to having a healthy work-life balance and finding joy in the simple things.

References:

Craft & Concept. (2024, August 20). The Influence of Scandinavian Design on Global Architecture. https://craftandconcept.ch/post/the-influence-of-scandinavian-design-on-global-architecture/

Jen Samson Design. (2025). https://www.homedit.com/scandinavian-interior-design/

The Modern Dane. (2020, October 17). Nordic know-how: Hygge, Lagom and more Scandinavian concepts explained. https://uk.moderndane.com/blogs/the-modern-dane-blog/nordic-know-how-hygge-lagom-and-more-scandinavian-concepts-explained

The Modern Dane. (2023, July 6). What is the difference between scandinavian and nordic interior design? https://uk.moderndane.com/blogs/the-modern-dane-blog/what-is-the-difference-between-scandinavian-and-nordic-interior-design

Watts, J., (2020). https://www.realhomes.com/design/new-nordic-design-ideas

Woodward, L., (2024, November 20). What's the Difference Between Scandinavian and Nordic Style? The Little Green Doors. https://thelittlegreendoor.com/blogs/tlgd-blog/whats-the-difference-between-scandinavian-and-nordic-style?srsltid=AfmBOopkb6k0CNi-E5UFebRkT3qm_KgAAZ_toGfDrZm81GPvygnWuA5n