In Copenhagen, Bodil's apartment has that same sense of spare, clean lines and well chosen objects.
And the afternoon coffee is served in that same manner.
This kind of Scandinavian design has its roots in two traditions. One is the more recent movement, influenced by the Bauhaus school which emphasized function and practicality...the kind of objects that IKEA now mass markets on a global level. But the other has, I think, deeper roots in cultural values that emphasize modesty (not being ostentacious), quality (having few but very good objects), cleanliness (not having clutter) and democracy (everyone should have access to this kind of space, these kinds of objects).
This is reflected also in public space...no billboards are allowed on roads or highways (everyone should be able to enjoy a view), large, well designed buses travel rural and urban routes with on-time schedules, public schools utilize open space, light, good architecture, etc.
Not that this represents any kind of perfection in "how to live and organize society"...all countries have plenty of problems...but it is good to recognize the different decisions that societies and cultures make and the different values that they hold. Because these do represent choices that can be made and unmade.
Location:On the train to Prague
