Norwegian Interior Design

Norway's artistic endeavors are very fascinating. However, what interested me most was their interior design. There seem to be a couple of different styles they tend to use mostly, shabby-sheik country, or new/space age. Both have their certain appeal. However, with both of these contrasting styles they have the minimalist theme weaved throughout their few belongings.

Part of the reason for the minimalist custom is because when Norway was being settled - and in some circles even today - they couldn't afford to fill their homes with many imported goods. They needed to live with what they had with one or two imported French pieces. What resulted was a fascinating blend of stark country and gaudy France. The floors of the country houses would be unfinished wood planks, the walls would either be simple dull pastels or the Norwegians would use paint to decorate what little they could. Toward the center of the room, or in a prominent place, would be one or two pieces of expensive imported furniture: a bench, table or chair. This would be the room, simple, bare even. However, it would be home.

This tradition of keeping things to a minimum has stuck with the Norwegian people, even when they could afford more expensive furniture and more of it!

The new age style is all about minimalism, the bare necessities with a few keep sakes sprinkled here and there. The furniture is sleek, and although may not be made out of plastic, it at least looks like it is made out of a similar material.

Solid colors run rampant in the minimalist style. Unlike the country style, where patterns are one of the few things that give the room an appearance like it is full. Space age style isn't trying to combat the bare look, but embrace it.

If you are feeling like your home is filled with clutter and in need of a make-over. Get a book from the Library about Norwegian design. You may find that the bare necessities are actually more stylish than the clutter that adorns a normal American home.