The Scandinavian style, characterised by its laid back and minimalist form, is currently experiencing its latest revival. With interior design giants such as Houzz and Elle Decor revisiting its classic silhouette's and muted, tranquil colour schemes it's easy to see why so many are opting to adopt this modern style.
The movement embraces a cool and spacious style, often characterised by the use of white walls and minimalist furniture to give the illusion of space and light, whilst relying on layers of graphic print, texture and pops of colour to accessories. Framed art works, canvases and sculptural pieces add personality to these spaces whilst providing a visual juxtaposition to the muted tones of the Scandinavian style.
Artist's such as Hsiao-Yu-Tung and Jo Beattie embrace this simplified, quirky style in their minimalist illustrations, which provide both character and beauty. Whilst Hsiao-Yu-Tung's breathtakingly detailed illustrations focus on urban spaces and architecture, Jo Beattie's pieces feature delicate sketches of figures, often using soft touches of colour. These smaller framed art works make a beautiful addition in any Scandinavian styled space, especially when displayed in series' or groups.
Click here to see more work by Hsiao-Yu-Tung
Click here to see more work by Jo Beattie
Artist Matthew Howe also embraces a simplistic style in his sketches of figures, often anonymous individuals he has captured in free-hand. The raw and basic use of line emulates the Scandinavian style of minimalism, whilst adding subtle detail to your interior space. Matthew's framed pieces can be purchased individually and as part of a series, creating a perfectly symmetrical and visually satisfying display.
Click here to see more work by Matthew Howe
A great way to add texture and pattern to a space is to display work that experiments with both line and shape. Artist Thomas Davis uses pen to create distinct and bold lines across his work, overlapping heavy strips of colour over more delicate and precise lines to give a sense of both balance and symmetry. Thomas' unusual paintings with their bold use of geometry and shape, create a statement against any white or muted background.
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Pattern can also be added with the use of layered imagery. For example artist Tina Selby's work which creates a sense of three dimension through overlaying pieces of mountboard, which are cut into delicate, vein-like shapes. The use of varying colour with each layer gives the illusion of depth as well as giving each piece it's own individual, style. Tina's patterns are hand drawn before being transferred onto a computer and laser cut onto mount board, making her work both precise yet wild, engaging with the clean and crisp silhouettes found in the Scandinavian style.
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Click here to see more Art Works inspired by the Scandinavian Style.
Scandinavian Artists to Collect
Ulrika I K Andersson
Maria Kjartans
