Let's put the rise of Scandinavian design in context:
Until 1945, the beauty of our interiors was intended for the wealthiest populations. The decoration was a luxury that not everyone could afford. Decor loaded, armored wallet !! There was nothing functional about the decorative object. Its only function was to support the importance of man. At the start of the 20th century, Europe is in bad shape and art begins to reject the old world. It will not take more than two wars for the population to feel the need for simplicity and functionality in their everyday objects. Of course we are talking about decoration there. It is certainly not an analysis of the post-war basic needs of weakened and battered populations. If only the population had only to worry about this ... But these wars are very important in the emergence of Scandinavian design in the rest of the world.
After this period, Europe seems to discover the Scandinavian countries. Several conferences, signing of treaties and political meetings between friends will take place in the countries of Björk and Ikea (among others). There, the object is not a stooge. Quite the contrary. Its primary function is to serve. If in addition it can be beautiful, all the better, but "form must obey function".
So why does the Scandinavian design make you want to snuggle up near the fire and only leave your home when the fridge is empty? Because the Nordic countries are long winter months in the cold and dark. They are long stretches of mountains and forests. These are inhospitable environmental conditions that make you feel very small and very humble. This humility inspires optimization where waste has no place. Let us not forget either, that a large part of the areas is populated by ancestral populations. And if we add to this late industrialization, we understand better why the object remains artisanal and functional.
So why does the Scandinavian design make you want to snuggle up near the fire and only leave your home when the fridge is empty? Because the Nordic countries are long winter months in the cold and dark. They are long stretches of mountains and forests. These are inhospitable environmental conditions that make you feel very small and very humble.
This humility inspires optimization where waste has no place. Let us not forget either, that a large part of the areas is populated by ancestral populations. And if we add to this late industrialization, we understand better why the object remains artisanal and functional.
The tolerance inspired by nature has made Scandinavian societies open societies, where equality is the key word. The weather is harsh, but the social climate is mild (yes, a little easy). "Design is seen there as a way to improve the daily life of everyone, and not just a privileged elite." Hence simple, minimalist designs inspired by nature, in which everyone can find themselves.
So yes, under these conditions, it makes sense to want warmth, a welcoming home, inner well-being, without adding anything more.
And it's easy to draw a parallel with our society, here and everywhere else in Europe and around the world. Just like the plant trend, we have a need for simplicity, for authenticity. Daily life is complicated and when we return home, we want to find the calm and serenity we all need. Scandinavian or not, the decoration of our homes reflects our states of mind, and the main thing is to feel good there.
But you still have to go shopping!