Scandinavian Minimal Design on a Budget
“Scandinavian design is characterized by a minimal, clean approach that seeks to combine functionality with beauty. Its focus is on simple lines and light spaces, devoid of clutter”, so says the Scandinavia Standard. Norway, Sweden, Denmark, to name a few countries, is where minimalism was born and what Steve Jobs made popular in the West. It is also very expensive to buy authentic pieces but for the likes of Ikea. But before you do that, try making over an old Mid-Century Modern pieces from the thrift store.
What To Look For
Old American MCM furniture are the perfect pieces to makeover into Scandinavian Design. MCM is: “simple, functional wooden pieces made from teak and curved designs”, according to The Spruce. “Unlike frillier pieces or those filled with ornate detailing, mid-century modern furniture is much more straightforward in nature. “The need and desire for functional, simplistic furniture and decor in our homes was a rebellion against the ornate traditions from decades before, and a way for families to embrace a more modern, organic way of living,” designer Eleanor Trepte comments. Popularity of minimalism has grown since the pandemic. History is repeating.
How to Flip It For Today’s Style
Taking an old beat up MCM dresser for today’s light and airy style trend involves using some creative planning. Makeovers are not 100% paint jobs. The best makeovers save some wood element if at all possible, even if it’s just the legs. That is why the one in the above picture especially caught my eye at Goodwill. The backing disintegrated and the edges were chipped to heck, but there still remained great quality wood drawers.
The body is painted true crisp white with chalk paint, (my personal DIY recipe). The drawers are sanded down to raw wood then bleached using standard Clorox concentrate. It took only one application of white wood stain, ordinary MinWax from Home Depot, to reduce some contrast and lighten adequately.
I would say now that I’ve finished this project, the bleach was optional. It took some orange/red tones out which was helpful to avoid a pinky cast to it, maybe, but it didn’t lighten the color of the wood as much as I thought it wood (LOL). It actually turned out to look to be on the grayscale. I didn’t predict that either.
A true Scandinavian piece might run into the high hundreds or so, depending on size. An IKEA piece might be saving some money but then you have to assemble it and it’s brand new. An MCM thrift store makeover is perfect for today’s re-use lifestyle and the dollar spend is under $100!!
Where to Buy
$295
If you live in the lower portion down state Michigan area, find this inside Vintage Venue, 174 N. Maple Street, Mason MI. Open 7 days a week 11-6 but longer on Thursdays until 8pm and until 5pm Sundays.
