Eight distinctive northern homes throughout history

There are a few Scandinavian design characteristics that these homes share. The key is the use of natural materials, and the way these homes connect with and frame the landscape. Bradbury also cites their relative modesty in terms of size and accuracy. “These are sophisticated designs but sit gently and lightly on the landscape,” he says.

According to Bradbury, during the post-war period, these Scandinavian modernist masters formulated the paradigm of “warm modernism” or “soft modernism.” These ideals offered an attractive, more expressive alternative to the International Style—the movement characterized by simplicity and functionality that dominated design and architecture from the 1920s to the 1970s.

When it comes to interiors, soft modernity is expressed through organic materials, textures, colours, wood-burning stoves and playful notes. “The pale, organic textures and colors of Scandinavian interiors and furniture had a huge influence around the world from mid-century modern onward,” he says.

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As for the influence outside Scandinavia, any house with large open-plan living spaces dedicated to different activities, lots of glass views framing weather and weather, indoor planting, building into the landscape, and wooden walls or ceilings, either intentionally or unintentionally gives a Nordic nod.