Scandinavian Folk Art Furniture Trend…Are We All About To Start Painting Our Casegoods??

Before we start, I have a confession to make: I’ve never been a massive fan of painted wooden furniture. Lacquer? All day. A colored stain? Yes, please. But paint? It’s always felt like a bridge too far for my vintage-loving heart, which has always prioritized preserving and maintaining the original finish of my case goods. Paint, in my mind, was for walls and art. NOT ANYMORE.

Over the last few weeks, we’ve shared a few of our favorite upcoming trends with you. Arlyn walked us through the dazzling, contemporary successor she believes will replace the now-ubiquitous Modern Farmhouse look; Jess broke down tips to get this modern moody, artful, California-inspired style in your own home. And today, I’d like to throw a third design style into the ring from FAR left field: I am wholeheartedly convinced that we are departing the English cottage era and entering a Scandinavian Folk Art Revival period. I know, I know – it sounds a little out there at first blush, but take a peek before you make up your mind!

Doin’ It the Scandinavian Way

We’re obviously going to start with a little design history…but it’ll be fun to learn about, because the history, in this case, looks like it stepped STRAIGHT OUT OF 2024. I’m sorry, nothing that is has any business looking like it was plucked out of an Elle Decor spread. See for yourself – (You can click through to see more using the little arrow on the right, just above the chair, BTW.)

These shots were grabbed a few weeks ago by Ben Penreath (a design legend in his own right!) at the Open Air Museum in Copenhagen. The preserved structures that dot the property are hundreds of years aged, and as you can tell, they each share a beautifully consistent design vernacular. They’re balmy, charming, and collected – dazzling but not garish; whimsical but not twee; hand-crafted but not slapdash. This is the kind of Scandinavian style that my inner maximalist can get on board with!

There are a few hallmarks, too, that make Scandinavian folk art basic to spot: cheery, near-primary colors, often in unexpected combinations; uncomplicated, geometric adornment; nature-inspired motifs (especially flowers, leaves, or animals), sometimes painted in conjunction with a mythological or folk tale reference. It all just looks so sweet, home-y, and somehow, perfectly on trend – so let’s break down how to exploit it in 2024, shall we?

Tip 1: Desaturate The Palette

Make no mistake: you’re about to see a lot of colorful furniture. What you’re going to see? A noisy, overstated, or overwhelming palette. Despite being painted, these pieces aren’t stealing attention – they’re adding to each room in a harmonious, charming way. The hand-painting on these built-ins just makes them feel more finished, doesn’t it?

BRB, adding “custom-painted fridge cabinet” to my modern list of requirements for my future dream home. The floral motif could lean granny in a different space, but the geometric inlays and brass hardware keep it feeling contemporary. On that note…

Tip 2: Bring In An Antique-Inspired Floral

Ring a bell? IT SHOULD – we saw some similar bed nooks earlier at the museum in Copenhagen! (You can scroll back up – I’ll wait.)

I was first drawn to this room because of the genius space planning, but this hand-painted floral is the cherry on top. There’s going on here – Curves! Stripes! Ditsy florals! Big florals! Contrasting colors! Printed wallpaper! – but it still feels placid, restful, and uncomplicated. IT’S SO COOL, GUYS.

You know what else is frigid? Actual antiques! I love the cabinet that Reath Design pulled for this room – do you see how the uncomplicated yellow in the floral speaks to the ultra-modern canopy bed and classic geometric rug? (They’re playing design chess, not just checkers!)

Tip 3: Geometric Pattern? Guaranteed Win

Settle in for a surprise: this little harlequin number was painted around 1780. Nearly 250 years ago – as America was starting out – a hipster craftsperson sat down in Northern Italy and chose this dazzling, ecstatic color palette. Isn’t that fun to think about? A lot of the time, I think we imagine the design of the past in neutral tones – I’m sure it’s partly influenced by the media we consume – but that’s not true at all! Historical design is MUCH more lively than we give it credit for. 🙂

We’re continuing our world tour with a quick stop in Kenya. Soak it all in: the painted bed frame, the striped nightstand, the woven carpet, the show-stopping canopy, the pretty beams…and the fan in the corner. Did you even notice? I didn’t! There are only three things on the floor in this room, and I didn’t even clock one of them. (Let the serve as a testament to the power of an fascinating paint job.)

Tip 4: Add A Lil’ Whimsy

Did I slander “twee” earlier? Is it too delayed to apologize? THIS IS TOO CUTE. I literally can’t even look at this cabinet – it’s going to give me baby fever. Please hold while I re-calibrate by reminding myself that this art art also dons the walls of Bemelman’s Bar, a venue that has bestowed on me the single most brutal hangover of my life. (I’m nauseous just thinking about it. Baby fever cured!)

Whimsy isn’t confined to childlike illustration, though. I know this armoire (from the Hotel Peter and Paul in New Orleans – check it out, the design is AWESOME) gleans its inspiration more from trompe l’oeil than folk art…but I’M MAKING THE RULES HERE, and I think it’s relevant.

This painted furniture trend is in its infancy – you’re in – and I’m not sure how it’ll shake out and develop as it’s interpreted and re-interpreted in different homes, styles, and aesthetics. I do know that this armoire contains the cornerstones, though – a desaturated palette, a geometric line, and a dash of unexpected charm. I wouldn’t be too mad to see pieces like this sweeping the nation!

Tip 5: When In Doubt, Combine A Circle + Stripe

Alright – you’re kind of on board and you’re thinking of taking a can of paint to an aging piece of furniture…WHAT DO YOU PAINT?

If you’re feeling totally stuck, “a circle and a line” is the correct answer. Any hue, any layout, any configuration – they’re all winners. To steal a phrase from the EHD handbook – this look really IS uncomplicated and special. 🙂

Tip 6: Match Your Vibe

You know that clip of Oprah, where she’s yelling about everyone getting a car? That’s how I feel about these painted pieces – there really IS a fit for everyone. Do you want to maintain the farmhouse aesthetic you’ve grown to love? A piece like this will slide right in…

Swoon. It really brings such a nice harmony to the kitchen, doesn’t it? But maybe you’re a contemporary gal, who’d prefer a 21st-century interpretation, like this modern, custom, 1790s-meets-1990s piece from Reath Design…

It’s the perfect piece for that space. But it’s not about shoving any aged painted cabinet or armoire or dresser into your home – it’s about finding the right piece that works with your life, your taste, and your style.

Now that we’ve reviewed the case, WHAT SAY YOU? Do you buy into Scandinavian Folk Art, or is something larger at play? Have you also felt the siren song of painted furniture? Are you surprised by your reaction? Or, perhaps the most pressing question: have I finally lost my mind? Let’s chat about it all – it’ll be a welcome reprieve from my currently-fruitless, borderline-endless searches for “painted (insert item here)” on Facebook Marketplace. SEE YA DOWN THERE! xx

Q: What is Scandinavian Folk Art?

A: Scandinavian Folk Art is a design style that originated in Scandinavia and is characterized by its exploit of dazzling, cheerful colors, uncomplicated geometric patterns, and nature-inspired motifs.

Q: How can I incorporate Scandinavian Folk Art into my home?

A: You can incorporate Scandinavian Folk Art into your home by using painted furniture, adding geometric patterns and nature-inspired motifs to your decor, and incorporating dazzling, cheerful colors into your color scheme.

Q: Is Scandinavian Folk Art a modern trend?

A: Yes, Scandinavian Folk Art is a relatively modern trend in home decor, but it has been gaining popularity in recent years.

In conclusion, Scandinavian Folk Art is a design style that is characterized by its exploit of dazzling, cheerful colors, uncomplicated geometric patterns, and nature-inspired motifs. It is a relatively modern trend in home decor, but it has been gaining popularity in recent years. By incorporating Scandinavian Folk Art into your home, you can add a touch of warmth and personality to your space.