Classical patterns in Scandinavian style

Earlier we introduced you to the three pattern concepts that we use to keep the patterns somehow harmonized. As the concepts change once a year to follow the most recent interior design trends, it is good to take a closer look at them one at a time. This, for you to understand the nature of contemporary Nordic/Scandinavian style and how the design briefs will be interpreted by the designers. This helps you to estimate the outcome when working with Nordic designers and/or adding classical patterns in Scandinavian style into your home textile collection.

This concept is called Nordic light, and the design brief has been as follows:

“The light and the lack of light in the north are the keys to this concept. The long summer days give the berries and other things that the forest has to offer, a unique taste and color. Summer nights wrap around you with the scents and sounds. On the other hand, the darkness of the polar night in the middle of the forest is darker than the dark. When your eyes get used to it you can walk in the starlight and maybe even catch some shooting stars or aurora borealis.”

As for the colors, 20 trendy colors were defined for this concept, so that each pattern would have three color versions. In the outcome, it was essential to highlight the nordic light.

A selection of classical patterns in Scandinavian style

The first pattern to fit the Nordic light concept is Noora Hattunen’s “Marja”. It got its inspiration while daydreaming at a guided tour at Olavinlinna castle, built in the 15th century.

Anna Kuukka’s “Virta”, “a stream” is a bold interpretation of the constant movement of water. This versatile two-directional watercolor print creates a great contrast for both single-color surfaces and graphic prints alike.

“Tiny” by Siri Huovila/Nonodd Design Studio is about spring songs of birds preparing for nesting.

Miira Zukale’s Korpi collection is inspired by Finnish forests and evergreen trees. Patterns are drawn by crayons and they have lively and handmade-looking surfaces. “Havunen” pattern is inspired by the view when you look up at the sky in the forest and see lush pine branches and stars behind it.

Ammi Lahtinen drew the original sketches of “Kesäilta” pattern for the annual Empty bowls charity event. For a few years in a row, she has hand-drawn decorated ceramic bowls for the Empty Bowls event held in Helsinki. Before drawing directly on the ceramic surface, Ammi often sketches out some ideas, and these nature-inspired elements, later on, turned into a full pattern.

The flowy pattern “Nurmi” by Ilana Vähätupa is expressing the sunlight on the grass and the wind moving the blades from side to side. It is one of the small simple details of nature.

Editor’s Picks are curated patterns designed by Finland-based textile and surface designers. The editor chooses a theme, makes a search in our digital pattern library, picks some of the best matches to the theme, and presents the patterns for you. These patterns are available for licensing in various product groups and markets. Get in touch for more information!