New Nordic: The new, sustainable Scandinavian style
The Scandinavian style has been a popular trend in interior design for years. With its clean lines, light color palette, and focus on functionality, it has gained many followers worldwide. However, like many things, this style is also evolving. The "New Nordic" style is the next evolutionary step of classic Scandinavian design. It combines the familiar elements with an increased focus on sustainability and environmental awareness. In this article, we delve deep into the world of the New Nordic style and show you how to design your home with sustainable furniture and decorations in the Scandinavian look.
Sustainable furniture in New Nordic style
The New Nordic style places great emphasis on sustainability, which is particularly reflected in the choice of furniture. Furniture pieces in New Nordic design are often made from natural materials such as wood, rattan, or recycled fabrics. These materials are not only environmentally friendly but also give the furniture a warm and inviting appearance. A central element of the New Nordic style is the use of wood sourced from sustainable forestry. Care is taken to ensure that wood processing is environmentally friendly and that the furniture pieces are durable.
Another feature of sustainable furniture in the New Nordic style is its multifunctionality. Many pieces of furniture are designed to fulfill multiple functions, which not only saves space but also reduces resource consumption. An example of this is sofas that can be converted into beds or tables that can be extended to provide more space.
The color palette of furniture in the New Nordic style is also inspired by nature. Soft earth tones, muted colors, and natural textures dominate the scene. These colors create a calming atmosphere and can be easily combined with other elements of interior design.
Another aspect of sustainability is the longevity of the furniture. In the New Nordic style, great importance is placed on ensuring that furniture pieces are robust and timeless, so they can be used for many years. This reduces the need for frequent replacement and helps conserve resources.
In summary, sustainable furniture in the New Nordic style not only impresses with its appealing design but also with its environmentally friendly properties. They are an ideal choice for anyone who values sustainability and style.
Decorative elements in New Nordic style
Decoration plays a crucial role in the New Nordic style to create the desired atmosphere. A minimalist approach is taken, which does not overload the space but makes it appear harmonious and inviting.
A central element of decoration in the New Nordic style is plants. They not only bring color and life into the room but also improve the indoor climate. Particularly popular are easy-care plants like succulents or Monstera, which fit well into the minimalist design.
Textiles also play an important role. Cushions, blankets, and rugs made from natural materials like cotton, linen, or wool provide coziness and warmth. Often, muted colors and simple patterns are chosen that blend harmoniously into the overall picture.
Lighting is another important aspect of decoration in the New Nordic style. Soft, warm light creates a cozy atmosphere. Lamps made from natural materials like wood or paper are often used, which diffuse the light pleasantly.
Artworks and accessories in the New Nordic style are usually simple and understated. Black-and-white photographs, simple graphics, or handmade ceramics are popular decorative elements that give the room a personal touch without overloading it.
Another decorative element is natural materials like wood, stone, or ceramics. These materials bring a certain earthiness to the room and emphasize the sustainable character of the New Nordic style.
Overall, the decoration in the New Nordic style is characterized by its simplicity and naturalness. It creates a harmonious and inviting atmosphere that invites you to linger.
Living styles in New Nordic Design
The New Nordic style is not just a trend, but a lifestyle that is reflected in various living styles. These living styles combine the classic Scandinavian aesthetic with modern, sustainable elements, creating a unique living experience.
A popular living style in New Nordic design is the minimalist style. Here, unnecessary decoration is avoided to make the space appear clear and tidy. The furniture is functional and simple, often kept in neutral colors. This style focuses on quality rather than quantity and creates a calm, relaxed atmosphere.
Another living style is the so-called "Hygge" style, which emphasizes coziness and well-being. Soft textiles, warm colors, and gentle lighting are used to create a cozy atmosphere. The Hygge style invites you to sit back and enjoy the moment.
The "Lagom" style is also an important part of New Nordic design. This style stands for balance and moderation. It's about finding the right amount of furniture and decoration to create a harmonious overall picture. The Lagom style promotes conscious living and the avoidance of excess.
Another aspect of New Nordic design is the integration of nature into the living space. Large windows that let in plenty of daylight and the use of plants and natural materials create a connection to nature and promote a healthy living environment.
Overall, the living styles in New Nordic design offer a variety of ways to design your home individually and sustainably. They harmoniously combine functionality, aesthetics, and environmental awareness.
Frequently Asked Questions about the New Nordic Style
The New Nordic style is an evolution of classic Scandinavian design, characterized by its combination of minimalist aesthetics and a strong focus on sustainability. This style is distinguished by natural materials such as wood, rattan, and recycled fabrics, which are not only environmentally friendly but also durable. The color palette is inspired by nature and includes soft earth tones and muted colors that create a calming atmosphere.
Another feature of the New Nordic style is the multifunctionality of the furniture. Many pieces are designed to serve multiple purposes, reducing space requirements and minimizing resource consumption. The decoration in the New Nordic style is also minimalist, focusing on natural elements like plants, textiles made from cotton or linen, and soft lighting.
Overall, the New Nordic style is characterized by its simplicity, functionality, and environmental consciousness. It offers a harmonious and inviting living atmosphere that is both aesthetically pleasing and sustainable.
To furnish your home in the New Nordic style, you should focus on natural materials and a minimalist aesthetic. Start by selecting furniture made from sustainable materials like wood or rattan. Make sure the pieces are functional and durable. Multifunctional furniture that can serve multiple purposes is ideal for this style.
When choosing colors, you should be inspired by nature. Soft earth tones, muted colors, and natural textures create a calming atmosphere. These colors can easily be combined with other interior elements to ensure a harmonious overall look.
Decorative elements should be used sparingly. Opt for plants to bring color and life into the room, and choose textiles made from natural materials like cotton or linen. Soft lighting with lamps made of wood or paper creates a cozy atmosphere.
Artworks and accessories should be simple and understated. Black-and-white photographs, simple graphics, or handmade ceramics are popular decorative elements that give the room a personal touch without overwhelming it.
Overall, furnishing in the New Nordic style is about creating a harmonious and inviting atmosphere that is both aesthetically pleasing and sustainable.
Typical materials for the New Nordic style are those that are both sustainable and aesthetically pleasing. Wood is one of the central materials, often sourced from sustainable forestry. It is used in furniture, flooring, and even in decorative elements. The natural grain and warm appearance of wood contribute to the cozy atmosphere that the New Nordic style aims for.
Rattan and bamboo are also popular materials, often found in furniture and accessories. They are lightweight, durable, and add a natural touch to the space. Recycled fabrics and textiles made from cotton, linen, or wool are other important materials used in cushions, blankets, and rugs. They provide coziness and warmth while being environmentally friendly.
Stone and ceramics are additional materials frequently used in the New Nordic style. They bring a certain earthiness to the space and emphasize the sustainable character of the style. Overall, the materials in the New Nordic style are characterized by their naturalness and sustainability, making them an ideal choice for environmentally conscious interior styles.
The New Nordic style differs from classic Scandinavian design primarily through its enhanced focus on sustainability and environmental awareness. While classic Scandinavian design is already known for its minimalist aesthetics and functionality, the New Nordic style takes it a step further by emphasizing eco-friendly materials and production methods.
Another difference lies in the color palette. The New Nordic style increasingly uses natural colors and earth tones, creating a calming and harmonious atmosphere. These colors are often inspired by nature and can be easily combined with other elements of interior design.
The multifunctionality of furniture is also a feature that distinguishes the New Nordic style from classic Scandinavian design. Many pieces of furniture are designed to serve multiple functions, reducing space requirements and minimizing resource consumption.
Overall, the New Nordic style offers a modern interpretation of classic Scandinavian design that is both aesthetically pleasing and sustainable. It combines the well-known elements of the Scandinavian style with an increased focus on environmental awareness and sustainability.
Sustainability plays a central role in the New Nordic style and is one of the main features that distinguishes this style from other interior design styles. The New Nordic style places great emphasis on environmentally friendly materials and production methods that both protect the environment and produce durable and high-quality products.
An important aspect of sustainability in the New Nordic style is the choice of materials. Furniture and decorative elements are often made from natural and recycled materials sourced from sustainable sources. Wood from sustainable forestry, recycled fabrics, and textiles made from cotton or linen are typical materials used in the New Nordic style.
The longevity of the products is also an important factor. The New Nordic style focuses on furniture and decorative elements that are robust and timeless, allowing them to be used for many years. This reduces the need for frequent replacement and helps conserve resources.
Overall, the New Nordic style promotes an environmentally conscious lifestyle and offers a harmonious and inviting living atmosphere that is both aesthetically pleasing and sustainable.
In the New Nordic style, colors inspired by nature dominate. Soft earth tones, muted colors, and natural textures are characteristic of this style and contribute to creating a soothing and harmonious atmosphere. This color palette is not only aesthetically pleasing but also versatile, as it can be easily combined with other elements of interior design.
Typical colors in the New Nordic style include beige, sand, gray, and various shades of brown. These colors create a warm and inviting atmosphere and pair well with natural materials like wood or rattan. Soft greens, reminiscent of plants and nature, are also commonly found in the New Nordic style.
White and cream are also popular colors used in the New Nordic style to make spaces appear brighter and more open. These colors reflect light and help create an airy and relaxed atmosphere.
Overall, the color palette of the New Nordic style is characterized by its naturalness and simplicity, making it an ideal choice for environmentally conscious interior styles.
Plants are an essential component of the New Nordic style and help create a natural and inviting atmosphere. To integrate plants into the New Nordic style, you should opt for low-maintenance and aesthetically pleasing plants that fit well into the minimalist design.
Popular plants in the New Nordic style include succulents, Monstera, and various types of ferns. These plants are not only easy to care for but also bring color and life into the space. They improve the indoor climate and contribute to creating a harmonious atmosphere.
When placing the plants, make sure they stand out without overwhelming the space. Hanging plants or plants on shelves are a good way to utilize vertical space and create an interesting visual dynamic.
The choice of plant containers also plays a role. Opt for simple and natural materials like ceramic or terracotta, which harmoniously blend into the overall look. These materials emphasize the sustainable character of the New Nordic style and contribute to creating an inviting atmosphere.
Overall, plants in the New Nordic style help create a connection to nature and transform the home into a green oasis.
Lighting in the New Nordic style plays a crucial role in creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Soft, warm light is characteristic of this style and helps to create a comfortable environment.
Lamps made from natural materials such as wood, paper, or ceramic are typical of the New Nordic style. These materials diffuse the light pleasantly and emphasize the sustainable character of the style. Pendant lights, floor lamps, and table lamps in simple designs are popular choices that fit well into the minimalist overall look.
Candles and tealights are also commonly found in the New Nordic style. They create a warm and inviting atmosphere and are an easy way to bring coziness into the room.
When placing the lighting, make sure it illuminates the room evenly without being too harsh. Indirect lighting that gently reflects the light is ideal for creating a relaxed atmosphere.
Overall, lighting in the New Nordic style contributes to creating a harmonious and inviting living atmosphere that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
by James Ellis
James Ellis is a furniture designer, gardener and passionate advocate for sustainable living. His designs combine craftsmanship with a strong environmental awareness – especially in the outdoor space. For James, furniture isn’t disposable – it’s an investment in the future.In his articles, he shows you how to style your favourite pieces outdoors too – from a bench made of reclaimed wood to a modular planter that doubles as a seat. He offers practical tips on how to create a garden, balcony or terrace that’s comfortable, stylish and environmentally friendly. Durability and resource-conscious production matter deeply to him. His favourite items are robust, repairable and timeless.
Off-duty: James lives in an old cottage near Bristol, with a large garden, his own composting system and an outdoor kitchen made from recycled materials. It’s where he tests his ideas and materials before sharing them in his writing. He’s also involved in local initiatives for sustainable building.
Transparency note: James Ellis writes his articles with lots of love – and a little help from AI.