3 minute read
NORDIC ACCENTS
Bring authentic Scandinavian accents to your home through decor and furnishing touches crafted regionally and abroad in traditional and contemporary designs. From decorations to unique interior design, Nordic flair can be added to today’s homes through shopping regionally, online, and through interior designers knowledgeable in Scandinavia’s current trends in furnishings and finishes.
Known for clean lines and simplicity, Scandinavian design makes a bold statement without ornate detail; the epic impact lies in its delicate approach to showcasing a natural look that reflects refinement through quality. Modern, sleek furniture is mixed with rustic pieces at times, or accented by pops of color, metals, wood, and stone.
These elegant candle holders, made in Sweden, are crafted from natural birch. Their sleek style harkens to Scandinavian design and its smooth features. They are available in two sizes (tall or short) and two finishes (black or natural). Available at Stabo Scandinavian Imports, Fargo.
Pappelina rugs are made at a weaving mill in Leksand, Dalarna, Sweden and crafted from plastic, making them ideal for indoor and outdoor use. Each rug made represents a piece of Swedish craftsmanship and the exceptional materials create a durable, contemporary, and colorful design. Their rugs, made in various sizes and shapes (runners, rectangular, mats, etc.), blend well with many styles of decor and are available in several designs and color palettes. Select styles available at Stabo Scandinavian
Imports, Fargo; (available online at pappelina.com)
Rosemaling is a traditional folk art of Norway and the unique beauty of different styles, which hail from various regions, accent homes with artistic flair. The artform is a complex one, resulting in intricate designs and typically in traditional Norwegian colors of dark reds, blues, golds, black, burnt orange, and greens. Rosemaling flourished in the 1700’s and 1800’s and was found throughout homes, including on ceilings, furniture, and décor. It was also common in churches. Smaller objects such as stools, jugs, ale bowls, trunks, and wall hangings were also popular and many of these are still sought after today. In Minnesota and North Dakota, pieces can be found at local artisan fairs, festivals, Scandinavian shops, and through individual artist studios.
Candles are wildly popular and the sizes, styles, scents, and types run the gamut. Heavy, cut crystal from Scandinavia is the focal point of votive holders that are not only high-quality, but that reflect light beautifully and easily blend into a home’s aesthetic year round. Shown here are the Snowball and Polar candle holders, available at Stabo Scandinavian Imports, Fargo.
Dala (Dalecarlian) horses are a signature folk art of Sweden. These carved, painted, wooden horse statues originated in the Swedish province of Dalarna (Dalecarlia). Originally, these were mainly considered toys for children, but today, the Dala horse is a widely known symbol of Sweden and common as a souvenir or decoration. There are many types of Dala horses and these vary based on the region where they are crafted. Additionally, Dala horses are found in several colors, however, the version that is bright red with details and a harness in white, green, yellow, and blue is the most common. Along with the home decor sizes of Dala horses, largescale outdoor versions can be seen around the world, with the largest being in Avesta, Sweden.
Dala horses are a signature folk art of Sweden.
The Minnesota cities of Scandia, Cloquet, and Mora also boast large outdoor statues, as does Minot, North Dakota, home of the Norsk Hostfest (festival).
Neutral palettes are often seen in Scandinavian home design. Wide, open concept rooms with an abundance of natural light, unique yet simple lighting, and bold lines create a clean and welcoming space. Modern touches of warmth are created through textiles, art, natural woods, and conscientious attention to details make Scandinavian designs popular in today’s homes and commercial spaces. L&H
