Over the previous years, the topic on how we shop sustainably has risen amongst many buyers who were wanting to take actionable steps to respect the environment where possible. A leaf could be taken, well and truly, out of the Nordic countries book because this way of living is a core part of their DNA and its visible in the design principle of Scandinavian design.
It’s ok to not be entirely clued-up on shopping sustainably; it’s a relatively new concept for many of us. Thankfully, it’s becoming much more accessible as brands look to change the way they do things with a conscious eye on the environmental impact of how they do things. Now, you may be asking: What does eco-design and eco-friendly actually mean? What should you look out for when choosing sustainable decor and interiors for your home? All reasonable questions and ones we hope to answer in this blog.
Much of eco-design is to do with using natural and recycled materials; an ethical production; created locally, shop locally; innovation and craftsmanship, traceability of materials and production; and durability. Although the list may sound daunting, particularly if you’re just learning about it, it’s all about taking small steps and being mindful about where the things you buy come from. It needn’t be an all-or-nothing approach.
Today, it’s possible to find hundreds of brands that offer beautiful sustainable products that brighten up a home. Whatever your style, there’s something everyone. Different flavours of the world have their own take on interior and decor which becomes much easier to get a taste at when buying sustainably.
A region that does it perfectly well and makes perfect additions for a home is Scandinavia where the environmental influences have made up much of what Scandinavian design is today. Get ready to indulge in unbelievable craftsmanship and impeccable design, that are as good for the planet as they are for our eyes.
Started in 1976 in Denmark, Skagerak is a family-owned company that focus on finding the best quality materials to create sustainable items of furniture that are true examples of the Scandinavian heritage Skagerak was born out of. Predominately known for their indoor and outdoor furniture, the designers have focused on creating long-lasting and functional pieces that look effortless inside any home. For those that are curious, the name Skagerak refers to their Northern location and to the strait that connects Denmark’s to its Nordic neighbour.
A conscious and ethical brand that combines high-end furniture and lighting with methods that support local craft, designers, and the environment. It’s no coincidence that Mater means ‘mother’ in Latin – a daily reminder of how practical design can help to tackle the challenges ‘mother earth’ faces. Every Mater pieces have an endearing minimalist aesthetic to them, combining materials such as wood, leather, and natural fibres to create simple and organic shapes.
Famously known for the iconic Unikko floral prints, Marimekko adds a playful, bright aesthetic to Scandinavian design. Marimekko is made up of a community of designs and artists who create thoughtfully designed clothing, accessories, ceramics, textiles, and more. Since their beginnings in 1951, the brand’s commitment to ‘not contributing to disposable fashion’ has been front and centre of their creations, a commitment that stands true today even 70 years on.
Where sculptural objects define functional items of furniture, New Works has a unique approach to interiors and look to ‘honest materiality’ in everything they do. The deeper palette, natural materials, sculptural forms, and smooth finishes, make their collection a stunning balance between Scandinavian and Contemporary design. The Tense Pendant Lamp hanging over the Florence dining table is nothing short of a work of art.
Founded in 2011 in Copenhagen, We Do Wood have woven the core principles of Scandinavian living in minimal, yet beautiful creations made of recycled and eco-friendly materials such as bamboo. We particularly love the dark slimline bookcase case and nomad chair, inspired by Roorkhee Chair by Kaare Klint and Arne Norell. We Do Wood have a modern take on Scandinavian design, making each piece easy to assemble to suit any home.
One of our favourites finds that bring endless amounts of joy. Aarikka makes gorgeous household items, accessories, and textiles out of raw materials such as maple, birch, and pine that add texture and warmth into a home. Their playful designs resemble that of the renowned Finnish craftsmanship; crisp lines, round shapes, and wood. While the majority of their jewellery is handmade in the Finnish homes of the employees, the homeware items are assembled in Finnish work centres that support employment.
Cosiness at it’s finest, Lapuan Kankurit is made up of weavers who are the fourth generation in the family. Yarn and crafting beautiful textiles is a skill that comes naturally to the Kankurit family, as natural as the wool and linen they use for blankets, towels, bedding, and more. In the 1930s, Esko’s grandfather acquired the first industrial weaving looms and the production began. Back then, textiles could be passed on to the next generation and still today they strive for theirs to do the same.
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