The enduring appeal of Scandinavian furniture
Its stylish simplicity is the key to its success, especially in Hong Kong where space is at a premium
You've got to hand it to the Scandinavians - they know design. It is sleek without being unreasonably minimalist, and stylish yet utilitarian. It was the Nordic nations that brushed away the cobwebs of 19th-century European opulence by making furniture that was simple, fun and accessible to all.
If you want to see how their interiors appeal to the masses, just visit any Ikea store on any weekend.
Australian David Beeman, who owns Vampt Vintage Design, a furniture store with three outlets in Sydney specialising in mid-20th century Scandinavian designs, believes the appeal lies in the craftsmanship. "The underlying factor is quality. There's nothing that compares," he says.
Beeman thinks Scandinavian pieces are timeless. "Designs that have been around for 50 years are still mind-blowing," he says.
The materials are precious, too. The Brazilian rosewood and teak favoured by Scandinavian furniture makers in the 1950s and 1960s are no longer commercially available.
These days, the region's furniture is made of beech, oak and walnut harvested from sustainably managed forests.