Designing Interior Harmony
Nolan O'Connor
| 01-03-2024

· Art team
Interior design is the creation of indoor environments that meet functional needs and fulfill individuals' material and spiritual requirements based on the nature of the building's use, its surroundings, and relevant standards.
This spatial environment holds utilitarian value to fulfill specific functional requirements and reflects spiritual elements such as historical context, architectural styles, and environmental ambiance.
The explicit purpose of interior design is to "create indoor environments that satisfy the material and spiritual needs of individuals."
Modern aesthetics have become more diverse and personalized with the evolution of time. Similarly, interior design has gradually shifted towards diversity and individuality in the realm of personal spaces like homes.
Although various styles in home design have merged and complemented each other, the idea of "no style" being the best style has emerged. However, achieving this undoubtedly relies on designers' deep understanding of various home design styles. Otherwise, how can one discuss "no style"?
Initially proposed by the German architect Mies van der Rohe, the minimalist design philosophy entered the interior design field in the early 1990s. The hallmark of minimalist style is simplifying design elements, colors, lighting, and raw materials to the bare minimum while demanding high quality in texture and materials.
Minimalism strives for refined perfection, scrutinizing every detail, being simple yet not simplistic, and exuding artistic sophistication. When decorating, people often aspire to reflect a specific cultural taste while maintaining economic, practical, and comfortable aspects. Modern minimalism emphasizes the practicality of living spaces and embodies the delicacy and individuality of everyday societal life, aligning with contemporary lifestyle preferences.
It also meets the demand for stress reduction and environmental consciousness, placing higher demands on a designer's skill to evoke deeper nuances within simple decorations, such as cultural connotations and personal characteristics.
Modern individuals are confronted with the hustle and bustle of urban life, pollution, intense competition, busy work schedules, and stressful lives. Consequently, there's a growing desire for fresh, natural, and casually relaxing living environments. More and more urban dwellers are abandoning elaborate and luxurious decorations, striving for an honest and minimalist living space.
Nordic style refers to the artistic design style of countries near the Arctic Circle (Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland), encompassing interior and industrial product design.
The notable characteristics of the Nordic style include advocating the use of natural materials, simplicity in design without complex textures or patterns, simplicity that simplifies intricate shapes into primitive forms, and elegant use of colors. The furniture selection reflects simplicity and directness.
In recent years, minimalism has gained increasing popularity in China, and the Nordic style, with its simplicity, naturalness, and human-centric approach, has garnered more admirers.
Today, when we mention Nordic style, the imagery that comes to mind often revolves around predominantly white, transparent, and bright spaces. After someone labeled Nordic design as "emotionally cold and extremely minimal," numerous people formed a stereotypical impression of Nordic design.
However, reminding everyone that the term "Nordic style" doesn't exist abroad is essential. This style is merely a general reference in China for the artistic design style of Northern European countries, initially referred to as the Scandinavian style.
In pursuing interior design, whether embracing the refined simplicity of minimalism or being drawn to the natural allure of Nordic style, the essence lies in crafting spaces that resonate with both function and spirit. As trends evolve and preferences shift, what remains timeless is the art of creating environments that cocoon individuals in comfort while reflecting their unique essence.
Whether it's the clean lines of minimalism or the warmth of Nordic elements, the beauty of design is in its ability to adapt and evolve, offering spaces that echo the harmony of modern living.