Australians and the Scandinavian Aesthetic

Australia’s love affair with Danish design and the Scandi living aesthetic is undoubtedly nothing new. Dating all the way back to the 1950’s it’s a long standing relationship that endures to this day. Even our treasured landmark, the Sydney Opera House, owes its creation to Danish Architect, Jørn Oberg Utzon. With clean lines, light open spaces and focus on timber, it’s no wonder this interior style remains a top choice. ‘Scandi’ is consistently one of Australia’s top Google searched design styles. Clearly there are few other interior schemes that merge as seamlessly with the Australian lifestyle as this one.

Although Scandinavian design is loved worldwide, it has been fully embraced in Australia. Despite some often extreme climate differences, it just fits. We enjoy relaxed indoor and outdoor living, we value open spaces and natural materials. Our evolving architecture reflects the same ideals. Key factors in both building and furniture design are simplicity and functionality. This becomes increasingly important in cities where spaces are getting smaller. The Scandi design aesthetic is not just suited to more modern homes, however, it has much broader application. The classic Queenslander, for example, was adapted specifically to suit the prevailing climate and environment. Open plan living, abundant natural light and ventilation, use of natural timber and merging of indoor/outdoor areas being dominant features. Not surprising that the Scandi style complements it so perfectly.

Danish design and designers have long been at the forefront of innovative and stylish furniture design. Revered names such as Hans Wegner, Arne Jacobsen and Finn Juhl inspiring many others and recognised worldwide. Their designs remain as relevant and popular as ever and their influence has been far reaching. Core concepts of simplicity in form, function and materials endure because they make sense. Incorporating great Danish furniture into your Australian home can elevate the simple, functional environment into something truly stylish. Dane Craft Modern Furniture understands this and seeks to provide well considered furniture designs that beautifully complement our Australian lifestyle. Our carefully curated range of furniture and lighting makes it easy to achieve that effortless Scandi vibe.

Looking to maximise the style potential of your home but don’t know where to start, think dining room. Whether a separate, formal room or part of an open living space, this is an easy place to begin. Incorporating Nordic flair with key pieces such as dining chairs naturally sets the tone for the remainder of your space. Many of the iconic pieces that kickstarted the global impact of Scandi and Danish design were in fact dining chairs. 

The Fitzroy Dining Chair is Dane Craft’s modern adaptation of the classic Danish shaker chair.  It features the hallmark clean lines and incorporates organic interest with the use of a woven seat and backrest. 

The Peterson Dining Chair is another perfect example of classic Danish furniture through a modern lens. This design features a simple open solid ash frame and moulded plywood seat and backrest. The slight curving in the seat and back provides subtle style depth to an otherwise uncomplicated chair.

The structural features of these chairs, light tones and raw materials encapsulate the best of Scandinavian design.  Placed around a dining table they will create a light and airy feeling reminiscent of a Nordic home. In essence, these designs are great options to subtly spruce up your dining room in keeping with the Scandi aesthetic.

If it is more than a simple refresh project, go all in with a beautiful dining table. At Dane Craft we showcase some stunning solid timber tables in a range of size and finish options. True to Scandi design principles the simple form allows the natural timber to really shine. Constructed from either Reclaimed Elm, Black Stained Elm or Solid Walnut each is of course unique in terms of grain and tones. 

Add some edge to a Scandi scheme with the Viggo Solid Walnut top and black steel frame. For the more classic Nordic feel choose a Svea Reclaimed Elm top on white steel base and fresh white chairs.

Changing things up can be as easy as just adding an occasional piece rather than an entire room. The practicality element of successful Scandinavian design means choosing pieces that can be easily moved around or are multi functional. 

Take the humble Granada Timber Bench. This can serve as a hallway bench, seating at a dining table, end of bed seat or even a tv stand. The cute, retro inspired Sigge Side Table doubles up as a stylish bedside table. The Otto Timber Stool can be a stool, a side table, even a glass of wine holder next to the bath! 

The surge in more flexible work from home arrangements means many of us need a dedicated home office space. Again this doesn’t have to be an entire room, you may only have a spare corner. Fortunately compact modern technology allows for the use of smaller, sleek furniture that is far less obtrusive. Try pairing the Haakon Study Desk with the Forest Chair for a touch of Scandi sophistication while you work. The built in desk storage keeps clutter at bay but the slim dimensions and crafted finish mean it won’t look out of place in a living room. The natural ash timber of the desk and chair frame are offset beautifully by the rich emerald green. Also available in black velvet.

Office storage can also be more minimalist and uncomplicated. The Christina Console provides versatile open storage with an aesthetically pleasing design. Two solid ash timber shelves are wrapped in a gently curved metal frame, available in 3 colour options. Another Scandi inspired multi functional design, it can also be used in a hallway or as an entertainment unit.

Considered workplace design aims to strengthen employee relations, morale and therefore productivity whilst actively blending form and function. The workplace environment is now a vital element in attracting and keeping staff. The post pandemic shake up means that companies and employees have had to take stock and focus on positive change. 

At Dane Craft Modern Furniture our range of Scandinavian inspired office furniture is perfect for enhancing workplace culture through design. Our pieces blend seamlessly with organic and people focused design. Our friendly team are available to contact Wednesday through Sunday and are ready to help you select the perfect combination of furniture for your workplace. Call us on 1300 707 018 or visit our showroom at 325 Gympie Road Kedron to view our range in person. Follow our Instagram page for office furniture inspiration sure to create a truly inspired workplace.