Why Scandinavian minimalism is perfect for compact Hong Kong living
With its clean lines and practical focus, Nordic design has conquered the world – including in Hong Kong, whose small apartments can really benefit from the simple aesthetic
Kivik. Hemnes. Ektorp. Even if you aren’t sure what these funny-sounding words mean, they’re probably familiar to you. That’s because they’re the names of sofas and bookshelves from Ikea.
But did you know that the Swedish company names many of its products after locations in Northern Europe as a nod to its Nordic heritage? And that the blue and yellow logo was inspired by the Swedish flag?
It’s easy to forget how much Scandinavian design has influenced the furniture market worldwide, from America to China. Thanks to modern mass retailers, including Ikea, clean lines and starkly simple silhouettes are so popular that they’ve become mainstream.
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But what is Scandinavian design? Why did it become one of the go-to design styles in the developed world? And are we doing it right?
Let’s start with the basics. The style emerged in the 1950s as part of a modern movement in Nordic design (i.e. Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland and Iceland) that prioritised function and affordability over preciousness and luxury. Marked by pale colours, natural materials and lean, leggy furniture, the aesthetic was largely a response to the region’s short days and long winters, which called for bright, practical interiors.
Swedish design has no place for clutter because clutter ruins the lines. It begs to be left alone so that air and light can circulate through it. It’s aspirational
These days, it’s a favourite among minimalists, who tout its influence on the mid-century modern movement and praise its lack of fuss. As such, the aesthetic seems particularly trendy at those times each year when people resolve to declutter.