Category: Interior

Building Material – Stone ! Testing of Stones !

When stones are proposed to be used in very big and costly structures, some of very important properties need to be tested strictly in accordance with the procedures laid down by the authorized institutions like Indian standards (BIS) .

Selection of Samples :

The sample shall be selected from the quarried stone or taken from the natural rock & shall be of adequate size to permit the separation of the requisite number of test pieces.

Following tests performed to find suitability of a stone for its use in any engineer works :

1) COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH TEST :

Samples : Cubes of 5cm side or cylinders of 5 diameter and of same height. The top and bottom surfaces shall be made as possible by polishing.

Procedure : The tests shall be carried out on dry as well on as on saturated sample.

For saturating, the samples of proper dimensions shall be immersed in water at 20c -30c for 72 hours and then tested after removing all moisture by rubbing with dry cloth.

For dry samples, samples of proper shape and size shall be placed in an oven at 105c for 24 hours and then cooled in a desiccators (and not in open air ) to room temperature.

Loading :  Each sample shall be loaded individually by placing it over the loading plate of a UTM (Universal testing machine). The load will be increased very gradually, at a rate of 140kg/cm2 per minute or as prescribed in the code. This process (of loading) is continued till the sample bricks, i.e. when first crack appears in it and the sample stops taking any further load.

Calculations : Compressive strength, co, shall be calculated by using relationship:

                                                         Co = p/a

  p = load at failure point ; a = cross sectional area of the sample

The result of each sample is expressed in kg/cm2. Six sampls should be tested from each type of rock and the average value is taken as compressive strength.

2) TRANSVERSE STRENGTH TEST :

Sample : A bar of 20 cm length, 5 cm thickness, and 5 cm width which must be properly dried and smoothened by polishing.

Procedure : Five to six such samples are prepared from the representative rock specimens and tested individually. The sample is placed on two horizontal supports given at the ends leaving a clear distance of 15 cm between the two supports. It is then loaded transversely and the load is applied gradually.

Calculations : The load “w” at which the sample starts breaking is noted and used to calculate modulus of rupture of the stone using following relationship:

                                                                   R = 3wl/bd2

w = load at failure; l = length of the sample ; be = width of the sample and d = thickness of the sample.

3) WATER ABSORPTION : (refs. Is – 1125- 1974)

Sample : Take about 1 kg samples from representative stones that have been crushed and made to pass through is 20 mm sieve

Procedure : The selected and weighed sample is placed in distilled water in a glass vessel at room temperature (20 degree C-30 degree C ) for a period of 24 hours.

The sample is then taken out, piece-by-piece, surface dried with a damp cloth and the air-dried by spreading over a damp cloth for ten minutes. The sample is then weighed, ;let this weight be W1

The sample is then dried in an oven at 105 degree C at 105 degree C +10 degree C for at least 24 hours and then cooled by placing in a desiccators. It is weighed again let this weight be w2.

Calculations : Water absorption, or absorption value is calculated by the relationship:

                                                                               (W1-W2)/ W2 x 100

4) WEATHERING RESISTANCE (is ref.1125-1974) :

This test determines the resistance of stones to deterioration due to exposure to cold humid temperatures favourable for formation of ice and salt crystals within their pores.

Samples : Cubes of 5 cm sides or cylinders of 5 cm diameter prepared from representative rocks and given a fine polish at the ends are used as test samples.p

Procedure :

(i) Take three samples, previously dried in an oven at 105 degree c + 5 degree c for 24 hours and cooled to room temperature in a desiccators. The sides of the samples are smooth finished. The so dried samples shall be weighed. Let their dry weight be W1.

(ii) Each test samples shall be freely suspended in water for 24 hours at 20 degree c-30 degree c and then weighed in that condition. Let this weight be W2.

(iii) The test sample shall be taken out of water and surface dried and weighed in air; let this weight be W3.

(iv) Each sample is placed separately in a dish made of porcelain or glass containing a solution of 2 gm powdered gypsum in 25 ml of water .

(v) These three dishes so prepared with the test samples are placed in a ventilated oven at 105 degree c+ 2 degree c for 5 hours (or till the evaporation of water of solution).

(vi) The dishes containing the samples are now removed from the ovens. They are allowed to cool naturally to room temperature. This process completes one cycle of treatment prescribed under the test.

(vii) Each sample is placed in a fresh dish in a new solution of 2 gm of gypsum in 25 ml of water and the same process of placing in ventilated oven is repeated.

Thirty such cycles are repeated on all the three samples.

(viii) Each sample is first cleaned by a stiff brush to remove superfluously sticking gypsum and then immersed in clean water for 24 hours.

(ix) Each sample is taken out from water, surface dried and weighed fourth time and fifth time.

Fourth time in air (W4)

And fifth time (W5) in a suspended state in water

Calculations: as a result of 30 cycles of drying in presence of gypsum solutions, each sample is likely to undergo some changes in its absorption and in its volume. The greater the changes, the lower is their resistance to weathering or, in other words, higher is the weathering of stones.

The absorption values are given as described :

Original Absorption (A1) = ( W3 -W1 ) / W1 x 100

Final Absorption ( A2) = ( W4 – W1) / W1 x 100

The volumes of the test specimens :

Original Volume V1 = (W3 – W2) / D

After 24 hours immersion

Final Volume after 30 cycles ( V2) = (W4 – W5) / D

(d = density of water at the time of recording)

5) DURABILITY OF STONE :

This is almost like test 4 except that in this Case the solution used is that of sodium sulphate  decahydrate.

Samples : Take 3 cubes of 5 cm sides or cylinders of 5cm dia. From the representative rocks. These shall be dried by placing in an oven for 24 hours at 110 degree c + 10 degree c.

Test procedure :

  • The dried test specimens are first weighed in dry condition. Let this weight be w1.
  • They are then suspended in a saturated solution of sodium sulphate decahydrate  at room temperature for duration of 18 hours.
  • They are then taken out of the solution, air dried for half an hour and then dried in an oven at 105c+5c for 4 hours.
  • The samples are then cooled to room temperature. This completes one cycle of the test.
  • The above process (ii-v) is repeated on the samples as selected at (i) for 30 cycles.
  • After thirty cycles, each sample is thoroughly washed to remove any sticking sodium sulphate . it is then weighed finally let this weight be W2.

This may be in any case less than W1 the lose in weight calculated in percentage terms as follows is a qualitative measure of durability of the stone.

Calculation :

(W1 – W2 ) / W1 x 100

Greater the loss in weight, poorer is durability.

Building Material – Stone ! Characteristics of Stone – Part 3

1.) Appearance :

The Stone which are to used for face work should be decent appearance. These should be capable of preserving their colour uniformly for a long time.

The Stone should have a uniform & pleasing colour & free from cavities,cracks,flaws & patches of loose & soft materials.

2.) Strength :

Stone has sufficient crushing strength to withstand the load of superstructure.Generally n’t less than 1000 kg/cm2.

3.) Hardness ,Toughness & Resistance to abrasion :

Stone are used for staircase , pavements, road metal or railway ballast should be sufficient hard,tough & resistance to abrasion.

4. ) Durability :

It is durable enough to resist the effect of weathering agencies. They should have fine grained , compact & crystalline structure.

5.) Texture :

Stone has suchg texture are strong & durable.

6.) Work ability :

Stones to be used for ornamental carving and architectural work , should be easily & economically dressed.

7. ) Seasoning :

Stone is used for interior work also so it should be proper seasoned because the presence of moisture makes stone soft & liable to an early decay when used in structural work.

8.) Porosity :

Stone should have less porosity. It should not absorb water more than 5% of its own weight when kept immersed for 24 hours.

9.) Resistance to Fire :

Stone should be able to resist high temperature. Its mineral constituents should have equal coefficient of expansion.

10.) Specify Gravity :

Stone to be used on heavy engineering works,docks,gravity,dam etc. should have high specify gravity.

11.) Resistance to Electricity :

Stone should be Non -absorbent like marble & slate so that they can offer good resistance to electricity.

Building Material – Stone ! Classification of Stone/ Rock

Stone/Rocks are classified in the following three ways :

1) Geological Classification

2) Physical Classification

3) Chemical Classification

A) Geological Classification : Based of formation of Rocks & further classified three types :

i) Igneous Rock

ii) Sedimentary Rocks

iii) Metamorphic Rocks

i) Igneous Rocks :

The rocks formed directly by solidification of molten material , either on surface or the surface of earth called Igneous Rocks.

Ex : Granite, Basalt, Trap & Delorite.

Formation of Igneous Rocks :

At a certain depth , the temperature of material with in the earth’s crust become so high that the existing material may acquire a molten state is called Magma.

When the molten material out from earth called Lava. When the molten condition change due to temperature, pressure & chemical composition ) surrounding the magma, it changes into a solid state in the form of simple solid masses known as Igneous Rocks.

These rockes divided further three classes :

  1. Plutonic Rocks
  2. Hypabyssal Rocks
  3. Volcanic Rocks
  1. Plutonic Rocks : formed due to cooling of magma at a considerable depth from earth surface. The cooling is slow & the rock posses coarsely grained crystalline structure. Ex Granite.
  2. Hypabyssal Rocks : these rocks are formed due to cooling of magma at a relatively shallow depth (2-3 KM) from the earth surface. The cooling is quick & possess finely grained crystalline structure. Ex. Delorite
  3. Volcanic Rocks : Formed due to pouring of magma at a earth surface. The cooling is very rapid. Hence these rocks are extremely fine grains in structure.

They frequently contain some quantity of glass which is a non crystalline material. Ex. Basalt.

ii) Sedimentary Rocks / Stratified & Aqueous Rock  :

these formed by consolidation/break of particles of the pre- existing rocks, under the effect of weather agencies (ice,water, air, sun heat , gases etc) are called sedimentary rocks.

These are most widespread rocks found covering a great part of earth.

Ex. : Gravel, sandstone, lime stone, lignite etc.

Formation :

  1. Disintegration of pre-existing rocks under the effect of weather agencies.
  2. Transported by these natural agencies to river beds , lake basin, seas & ocean or in suspension to other place.
  3. Setting down the suspended particles or precipitation of the soluble constituents.
  4. Compaction and consolidation of the deposited sediments either due to pressure or chemical action like silica, lime ,iron etc.

Sedimentary following four types of deposit occurs :

A) Residual Deposits

B) Sedimentary Deposits

C) Chemical Deposits

D) Organic Deposits

Residual Deposit : Some portion of product of weathering remain at the site of origin known as Residual Deposits.

Sedimentary Deposits : The soluble products of weathering are carried away in suspension and when such products are deposited, they give rise to the sedimentary deposits.

Chemical Deposits : Some material carried away in solution may be deposited by some phsio – chemical processes such as evaporation , precipitation etc.

Organic Deposits : Some portion of the product of the weathering gets deposited through the agency or organisms.

iii) Metamorphic Rocks :

The rocks formed from the pre- existing rocks with in the earth crust, under the influence of variation in temperature or pressure are called Metamorphic Rocks.

Ex : Marble  , Slate & Gneiss etc.

Formation :

The pre- existing rocks within the earth crust don’t change their state so long as their temperature& pressure remain unchanged known as Metamorphic rocks.

  1. Marble : Lime Stone
  2. Slate : Shale
  3. Quartzite : Sand Stone
  4. Gnesis : Granite

Following four types metamorphic occur with various combinations of heat , uniform pressure & directly pressure :

A.) Thermal Metamorphism – The heat is the pre-dominant factor.

B.) Cataclastic Metamorphism – At the surface of earth, the temperature are low & metamorphism is brought about by directed pressure only.

C.) Dynamo – Thermal Metamorphism – There is a rise in temperature with increase in depth. The heat in combination with stress, bring about the changes in rock.

D.) Plutonic Metamorphism : The stress is effective only upto a certain depth. This is due to the fact that rocks become plastic in nature at certain depths. The metamorphic changes at great depths are therefore brought about by uniform pressure & heat.

2) Physical Classification : Based on physical properties.

Further classified into three types :

  1. Un-Stratified Rocks :The rocks which don’t show distinct signs of layers and cannot be easily splited up into the layers are called Unstratified rocks. The structure may be crystalline granular ex : Granite, Basalt & traps etc
  2. Stratified Rocks : The rocks which show distinct signs of layers and can be easily splited up into layers are called Un-Stratified Rocks. Ex : Sand Stone , Lime Stone etc
  3. Foliated Rocks : The rocks which can be splited- up into thin sheets or in a definite direction known as as foliated rocks.

Ex : Slate , Schist etc.

3.) Chemical Classification :

Further classified into three types :

1.) Siliceous Rocks : The rocks having silica (SiCO2) or sand as their major constituent are called Siliceous Rocks.

These rocks are hard & durable. They aren’t easily affected by the weather agencies. Ex: Granite , Sandstone , Quartzite etc.

2.) Argillaceous Rocks : The rocks having Alumina (Al2O3) or clay as their major constituent are known as argillaceous rocks. These rocks may be dense and compact or may be soft like mud stone etc.

3. ) Calcareous Rock : These rocks having calcium carbonate (CaCo3) or lime as their major constituent are called calcareous rocks. The durability of these rocks will depend upon the constituents present in the surrounding atmosphere. Ex : Lime Stone, Marble & Kankar etc.

Building Material – Good Brick Requirement / Qualities : Part 6

  1. It should have proper proportions of sand, silt and clay.
  2. It should have uniform shape , size & colour.
  3. Brick Should be hard enough so that it is not scratched by fingernail.
  4. A sharp metallic sound indicates good burning.
  5. It must be homogeneous.
  6. It should have sufficient plasticity so that bricks can be properly and conveniently moulded with sharp and well defined edges.
  7. It must be free from lumps of lime or nodules of kankar.
  8. It must be free from pebbles, grits and lumps of earth.
  9. It must free from alkaline salts, kallar  or reh etc.
  10. It must not contain vegetable and organic matter.

Building Material – Bricks & Composition of a Good Brick Earth : Part 5

A good brick earth can easily be moulded  and dried without cracking and warping.

A good brick earth should have the following composition:

  1. Alumina or clay 20 to 30 percent by weight.
  2. Silica or sand 35 to 50 percent by weight
  3. Silt 20 to 35 percent weight.
  4. Remaining ingredients which include : Lime (cao) , Oxide of iron ,Manganese oxide , Manganese , Sodium potash etc.                  1 to 2 percent by weight

Alumina :

It is the principal constituent of every kind of brick earth. A good brick earth should contain about 20 percent to 30 percent of alumina.

It imparts plasticity to the brick earth, which is essential for proper moulding of bricks alumina or clay in brick earth shrinks and cracks on drying. It also warps and becomes very hard on burning unless mixed with sand.

Silica :

A good brick earth should contain about 50 percent to 60 percent of silica. Sand alone is in fusible but it fuses in the presence of lime and oxides of iron at kiln temperature.

Sand or silica in brick earth prevents the shrinkage, cracking and warping of bricks. It also makes the bricks durable. Excess of silica makes the bricks brittle and weak.

Lime :

A small quantity of lime not exceeding 5 percent is desirable in good brick earth.

It helps to bind the particles  of brick earth together. It also reduces shrinkage of bricks.

Oxide of Iron :

A small quantity of oxide of iron to the extent of about 5 to 6 percent is desirable in good brick earth and binds the particles of clay together.

It also provides the required red colour to the bricks on burning but excess of oxide of iron makes the bricks dark blue.

Magnesia :

Small quantities of magnesia in bricks of yellowish colour and reduce shrinkage. But excess of magnesia leads to the decay of bricks.

Manganese :

The presence of manganese in small quantity in brick earth makes the bricks darker or even black.

Building Material : Fire Brick Classification – Part 5

Classification of Fire Bricks : Following three Types :

Silica fire bricks / Acidic Bricks :

These are acidic in character 95 % Silica & their raw material is pure quartz (sio2); or sandstone of high silica content. The moulded units are burnt to around 1500c. Manufacture from Sand Stones, Quartzite etc.

Uses : Lining of furnaces to resist the action of acidic slags.

Magnesite Fire Bricks / Basic Refractories :

They are classed among the basic refractories. Principal raw material is magnesium oxide for which the rock dolomite is a major source.

Bauxite Fire Bricks :

These also form a very important class of basic refractories. They are made from the rock bauxite. (al2o32h2o) which may be mixed with some clay (fire clay type).

Uses :

Blast Furnace, Copper Furnaces etc.

Chromite Fire Bricks :

Neutral class of Refractories. Raw material used for these bricks is a mineral called CHROMITE.

This mineral is a double oxide of chromium and iron in its composition for making refractories some alumina and silica are also added to make a typically neutral material chromite fire bricks are capable of resisting both the acidic and basic environments in a furnace. These find extensive applications in the steel making furnaces.

Building Material – Refractory Brick / Fire Bricks & Its Types, Uses & Properties – Part 4

Fire bricks / Refractory Bricks :

The Clay which can resist high temperature without melting or becoming soft is knows as Fire Clay & the bricks manufactured from refractory clay are called Refractory Bricks.

Composition of a Good Fire Bricks :

In these clay, silica (65-75 percent) , alumina (25-35 percent) & Iron Oxide 2 to 3% are the main constituents. They are free from impurities like oxides of calcium, magnesium and iron. (all these oxides, when present, lower the melting point of the clays and make them useless as refractory material). The maximum permissible upper limit for all of such impurities is 5 percent.

The fire clay bricks are manufactured in a manner similar to the common building bricks. The selected clay is crushed to the fine powder and moulded  in to the brick units. These are then dried and burnt in continuous kilns at very high temperatures (1600-1900C). they are cooled gradually before taking out from the kiln.

Types of Fire Bricks :

Divided into three types on the basis of temperature they can withstand in the furnaces:

  • High duty fire clays – 1482-1648C
  • Medium duty fire clays – 1315 – 1481C
  • Low duty fire clays – 870 – 1314C

Properties :

  1. The fire clay bricks have high resistance to spalling ( breaking under heat ), high bearing capacity and low coefficient of thermal expansion.
  2. These can withstand high compressive stress upto 1500 to 2000 kg/cm2.
  3. Their water absorption capacity varies from 4 to 10 %
  4. The weight about 2400 kg/m3.
  5. They are usually yellowish or yellowish white in colour.

Uses :

Brick pizza oven

Fireclay bricks are commonly used as lining material in steel making furnaces, Klin, fire places,boilers , chimney,fuel,glass making furnaces and in reverberatory furnaces.

Availability :

Raniganj , Rajmahal (Bihar) , Jabalpur & Manglore in India.

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Scandinavian Style : 5 Design Element

Scandinavian interiors are a balance of functionality and aesthetics.

Scandinavian style is characterized by three key components – functionality, simplicity and beauty.

5 Design Element :

1 ) LIGHT :

Lighting is used is very important in a Scandinavian interior design. Lighting is considered a life source and the Scandinavian decor should have different forms of lighting to provide adequate illumination in the entire space.

Natural lighting is used to make a space feel bigger and brighter. The spaces are designed with large windows that let in an ample amount of natural light.

In Scandinavian countries, a large portion of the year is dark. That why Nordic people have adapted in a beautiful way by putting a focus on natural light. 

Scandinavian homes often feature large windows to make the room feel bright and open.Windows free from obstructions and white curtains. Allowing the light from outside. A place where no artificial lighting is needed throughout the day.

Table and floor lamps are also regularly used to set the mood. More commonly, minimalist light fixtures are used.

Accessories can also help bring brightness to the room, such as use of large mirrors to reflect natural light.

2) FORM & FUNCTION – Straight Lines :

One of the basic concepts of a good Scandinavian style interior is a focus on the workability of the layout or plan. This functionality makes this style a very pragmatic yet visually desirable.

The design style puts a huge emphasis on efficient use of space, making maximum use of any awkward spots. It works well with small spaces due to the inherent simplicity of Nordic style, with white as a predominant colour and an avoidance of unnecessary accessories.

It’s common to see multi-leveled wall shelving in a Scandinavian living room. These storage spaces are innovative and space-savvy and add visual interest to the space.

Scandinavian design, clean lines should be evident. Tables, chairs, sofas, and the rest of the Scandinavian decor should have a modern touch with smooth and rounded edges.

All the basic elements of this style – furniture, windows, and product designs – are carried out in clean cut, straight forward lines.

3) COLOUR PALETTE – Neutral Color :

The colour palette is typically very light and simple. Neutrals – with bright white being the star – dominate the Scandinavian design. Preference for sober colors doesn’t, however, mean that Scandinavian design is devoid of vibrancy and vitality.

Scandinavian design often boasts a neutral-heavy color palette. Because winters are long and dark in Northern Europe, Nordic design utilizes whites, greys, and tans to make a space feel uniform and bright. Often, accents of blue and other bold colors are incorporated loosely throughout.

These calm colors make rooms appear bright and spacious even on a dreary day, an important interior decorating tip for recreating the original Nordic ambiance.

There’s a particular color palette that’s associated with the Scandinavian decor and this includes the hues of grays, whites, browns, and blacks.

White is also a great blank slate to introduce any colour combination, from soft pastels to black accents. Cool whites work well in south-facing rooms since they receive the best of the warm, summer daylight. Warmer whites, on the other hand, work well to warm up north-facing rooms, since they receive lower levels of cooler, natural light.

Greys can also be used to create a beautiful, serene interior. When deciding on warm or cool shades of this neutral, look to the same rules for white – cool for south-facing rooms and warm for north-facing rooms.

4) TEXTURE & MATERIALS :

Mixing textures and materials, such as unfinished wood pieces, fur rugs, and soft linens, brings nature into the home, adding that restful vibe that the decor is so famous for.

Scandinavians believe in celebrating nature even when inside their homes. That’s why natural wood is a predominant feature of Scandinavian interiors characteristics. Wood is the preferred choice not only for the Nordic furniture but also of flooring.

A Scandinavian design makes use of wooden elements not only in the flooring but also in the furniture and fixtures. Thus, a Scandinavian house usually has wooden coffee tables and chairs for its furniture.

The Scandinavians are well known for their use of wood throughout their homes, largely due to an appreciation for readily available natural materials, but also for the way in which it adds warmth to the space. Wooden flooring is a staple in Nordic interiors. The wood is often light in colour and used in all rooms.

Pine, beech, and ash are by far the favorites of the Scandinavian architect. Stains and varnishes have generally kept the light in order to maintain a feeling of airiness.

Scandinavian design principles promote eco-friendly homes with organic, sustainable building materials for flooring, walls, siding and roofing.

The recent trend in the Scandinavian style of decorating combines the use of metallic finishes and wooden elements. For instance, copper sconces and brass pendants are installed in a wooden ceiling to add glimmer and shine to the entire space.

5) FRESH FLOWERS AND GREENERY :

Scandinavian interior design in order to have a living element of color and beauty. Plants, flowers, and other botanicals are used to brighten up spaces and breathe life into a room. These living elements offer a pop of color and add to the natural, minimalist essence of of Scandinavian design.

In the Scandinavian region, streets are often lined with sidewalk florists selling fresh flowers and tulips in every color.

Scandinavian design channels the outdoors through bright, natural lighting and lush greenery, so your backyard is the ideal space to embrace the style. Patios both big and small can adopt Scandinavian characteristics to transform the space into a minimalist haven.

For smaller patio spaces, look for an intimate wooden table and chair set. Add potted succulents or other low-maintenance greenery atop your table for a modest Scandinavian display.

Scandinavian Interior Style ! Design Principles ! Element !

“Less is more,” wrote the poet Robert Browning in the 19th century.

Scandinavian interiors, there’s always a strong relationship between design elements and nature.

Design Principles of Scandinavian Interior :

The key principle of the Scandinavian interior is function without sacrificing aesthetics & Simplicity. A one-word definition of Scandinavian decor would be minimalism.

Simply Scandinavian is a book by Sara Norrman which celebrates unpretentious and simplicity with understated elegance in interior design.

The main purpose of Scandinavian design is to improve daily life. To accomplish that, designers focused on interior design style with furniture, lighting, textiles, accessories, and everyday utilitarian items like dishes, silverware, cooking utensils and linens.

Scandinavian rooms are typically light, airy and bright, with modern furnishings mixed with pretty antiques and vintage pieces. It’s often seen in the stark contrast between abstract and natural shapes, as well as hard and soft surfaces and materials. Natural materials like stone, wood, leather and hemp are completes the style of cool, calm and uncluttered living spaces.

Element of Scandinavian Interior :

  1. FORM & FUNCTION – Straight lines
  2. LIGHT
  3. COLOUR PALETTE – Neutral Color
  4. TEXTURE & MATERIALS
  5. FLOORING
  6. FRESH FLOWERS AND GREENERY
  7. CLUTTER-FREE INTERIORS
  8. FURNITURE
  9. SIMPLE DECORATIVE ACCENTS
  10. LIMIT WINDOW TREATMENTS
  11. SPACE

Scandinavian Interior Style ! Philosophy ! Scandinavian Origin & Development ! Scandinavian Characteristics of the Style – Part 1

The Philosophy :

The Scandinavian interior design philosophy is minimalism, simplicity, and functionality. The minimalist philosophy emphasized clean lines and simple designs that were inspired by nature and climate to create the Nordic design.

Although the Scandinavian design has been around since the 1950s, it still remains a popular trend in interior design today.

Scandinavian design characterized by a focus on functionalism and simplicity. It also includes the use of natural materials, such as leather, wood, and hemp. Furthermore, a Scandinavian interior design is often influenced by a connection to nature, which combines natural shapes, abstraction, and the use of natural elements.  

Origin and Development :

The minimalist style of Scandinavian design emerged during the 1930s within the five Nordic countries of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. The term “Scandinavian design” originated from a design show with the same name that traveled through the United States and Canada between 1954 and 1957. It promoted simplistic ways of living and showcased various works by Nordic designers.

Exhibitions showcasing Scandinavian design during the 1950s played an important role in the influence of these design principles in Europe and North America.

Within the golden age of Scandinavian design from the 1930s to the 1970s, there were a number of prominent furniture designers that had a huge impact on design philosophy and style.

Founders of Scandinavian philosophy and style, their influence on modern design is still evident today in areas like San Francisco and San Mateo . The brilliant Scandinavian designers who rewrote history with their innovative designs include Alvar Aalto; Poul Henningsen ; Arne Jacobsen; Borge Mogensen; Verner Panton; Hans J. Wegner; and Maija Isola.

This thinking reflected the growth of social democracy in Sweden and other Scandinavian countries over the same (post war) period, in addition to the availability of mass-produced low-cost materials and mechanisation of production. Scandinavian design made full use of pressed wood, plastics, anodized or enamelled aluminium and pressed steel.

The signature elements that came to define the Nordic style—minimalist white walls, wood floors, and modern furniture.

Wood plays a significant role in Scandinavian style. It is used for floors, walls, furniture, lighting and accessories. But also natural fabrics create a feel-good atmosphere with their light shades in the Skandi style.

Scandinavian design continues to be a leading source of inspiration for interior design.

Below, explore the signature characteristics of the movement and uncover quintessential Scandinavian designs — whether it be Hans Wegner‘s Wishbone Chair or Poul Henningsen’s iconic pendant lighting.

Key characteristics of the style :

The mid-century life in the region was primarily responsible for shaping Scandinavian design. Long, harsh winters with very few hours of daylight kept people indoors for many months and shaped the Nordic look. Besides, most people lived in small houses, an explanation for the Scandinavian minimalist style . Therefore,  it was imperative to make homes feel cozy yet airy, with every object in it reflecting as much ambient light as possible, the main features of the modern Scandinavian style.

The Scandinavian style is characterized by the seasons in the north, where the days in winter are very short. This results in the need to create warmth and comfort in this wintry environment.

The Scandinavian style originates from Nordic roots and expresses a soft, muted interior palate. This style is most characterized by an elegant and sophisticated look. The overall impression is modern yet minimal. The Scandinavian style shies away from the richness and intricacies of traditional styles and focuses more on the contemporary elements. An ideal Scandinavian interior stems from a focus on functionality, pragmatism and clean, minimal aesthetic. It strives to be as straightforward and as clutter free as possible.

The 1990’s saw a huge rise in popularity of SCANDINAVIAN DESIGN, when designers began creating bold, unique statement pieces as individual units of design.

Scandinavian interiors are a balance of functionality and aesthetics.

Scandinavian style is characterized by three key components – functionality, simplicity and beauty.

Although simple in design, clean lines are often incorporated with understated elegance and warm functionality, which creates a very homely feel.”

The environment in the Nordic countries was largely responsible for the design that evolved. Winters were long, meaning there was little daylight, and people often had very small houses, causing the need for bright and airy, yet cosy, homes.

Scandinavian interior design uses a blend of textures, contrasts, and soft hues to make sleek, modern furniture feel warm and inviting. It’s no small feat to be able to exercise restraint in your décor choices while still managing to make a space feel cozy.

Scandinavian interior design is known for its minimalist color palettes, cozy accents, and striking modern furniture. Designs often play with natural light—which is a hot commodity in Nordic countries.

Its relative simplicity makes the Scandinavian style a design darling of the contemporary world. Below, we will be observing several elements that make up the Scandinavian style.

Not everything has to match, and many homes mix vintage and traditional elements with the notorious simple and clean lines that we all know and love.

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