What is Scandinavian Interior Design?

It is by no coincidence that this style is one of the most popular trends in the world today! The Scandinavian style draws from the lifestyle and influence of some of the happiest places on our earth (that s according to this World Happiness Report)

With clean, sleek, contemporary elements that focus mainly on functionality and comfort what’s not to love?

Join us today as we show you how to embrace Scandinavian Interior design in your home.

The Main Elements of Scandinavian Interior Design

Whether you’re looking to give your home a fresh, new look or simply want to embrace a more simplistic way of living, Scandinavian interior design is definitely worth considering. This style is known for its clean lines, neutral colors, and focus on functionality, making it the perfect choice for busy families. Plus, who doesn’t love snuggling up in a cozy Scandi-style home?

Here Are 5 Ways You Can Instantly Infuse Some Scandi Flair Into Your Space:

Keep it simple – focus on clean lines and minimalism.

Taking minimalism to heart can be a great way to simplify your life. Embrace the mantra of less is more when it comes to the shapes and lines around you.

De-clutter, create clean lines and think minimalistic. Stripping away unnecessary items or design elements can make it easier to focus on the essential pieces.

Let minimalism work its magic by creating a sense of harmony and balance in every space you occupy.

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Let in the light – maximize natural light with large windows

Light plays a major role in contributing to our overall comfort and well-being. Light helps to naturally set our body’s biological clock, making us feel more alert during the day and sleepy at night.

It also plays into our ability to feel comfortable and relaxed by providing an ambient glow for times when overhead lighting is too harsh or we are winding down for the night. Natural light from the sun is by far the best source of illumination, so maximizing it with large windows can go a long way for your home ambiance.

On nice days, let in as much natural light as possible, bolstering your mood and filling you with energy – admire nature from wherever you’re situated.

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Use Neutral Colors

White, black, and gray are popular choices.

Neutral colors such as white, black, and gray can be great choices for a variety of spaces. Neutral shades serve as the perfect backdrop for more vibrant hues that you may add to the mix down the road.

Using Monochromatic for Effect

Alternatively, instead of adding color, you could opt to make a chic statement by styling a monochromatic look with all three neutral shades. Neutral shades also project an air of sophistication and elegance which makes them well-suited for use in formal settings or special occasions.

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How to add Bright Accents of Color

Scandinavian interior design is not about the absence of color. Quite the opposite! The neutral tones create the perfect backdrop for a pop of vibrancy around your home.

No matter which route you take with this versatile color palette, it’s sure to bring your style vision to life!

Nature Influenced Art Work

Wall art is often where you find color pops and natural vistas in Scandinavian interior design. Anything that brings the outside in and invites the viewer to feel connected to the space and themselves is ideal. Black and white photography can do this beautifully.

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Add Wood Accents

Create a warm and cozy feel with wood furniture and floors.

The wood of furniture, floors, and decor accents adds a rustic charm to any living space. Whether you choose wood furniture pieces or wood floors and paneling, wood can bring comfort, warmth, and design interest to your home.

You can mix different wood types such as light maple and dark walnut with wood grains running in different directions and patterns to bring even more personality into the room. The wood details you choose can truly transform an interior into a cozy place where everyone will want to relax.

Incorporate Plants

Bring the outdoors inside with fresh plants.

Plants are not only a great way to bring a little bit of outdoors inside, but they also help purify the air and improve your home’s aesthetic. Plus house plants can even provide therapeutic benefits: through the calming effects of observation and caring for them, plants may reduce stress levels and promote relaxation.

Choose plants that bring life to your space, be it big plants with large leaves or small yet eye-catching plants like succulents. Not only do plants make you feel better, but when incorporated into your interior design real plants help liven up a room in a way that no furniture ever can.

So why not decorate your home with plants? It’s an easy and affordable solution!

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Choose Comfortable Furniture

Sofas and chairs should be soft and inviting.

When it comes to furniture, comfortable should be your number one priority. From sofas and chairs, your focus should be on pieces that feature cushioned textures that are inviting and comfortable.

Soft fabrics like velvet and chenille will offer you the coziness you’re looking for in seating. Upholstered fabrics can have a plush or firm feel depending on what type of cushioning is used inside, but either way they provide comfortable depth to a room.

Be sure to take your time while choosing furniture, after all comfort is key if you want to make sure you’re comfortable with your interior design choices.

What are Similar Scandinavian Interior Design Styles?

If you’re looking for something similar to this cozy interior design, here are a few other design styles that may be of interest:

• Country Style – featuring rustic furniture, floral patterns, and warm colors.

• Industrial Design – emphasizing unfinished surfaces, natural materials, and exposed structure.

• Bohemian Design – focused on free-spirited and eclectic decor with bright colors and cozy textures.

• Mid-Century Modern – a combination of modernist designs from the mid-20th century with neutral color palettes and mid-century furniture.

• Contemporary design – characterized by its sleek lines, neutral colors, minimalistic decor and modern furniture.

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Year-Round Elements of Scandinavian Decorating:

Scandinavian Decor isn’t just about furniture or well-chosen accent pieces. Scandinavian Interior Design is about so much more. Think about how you can add Scandinavian style to your Christmas decor – we have woven straw decorations influenced by the nordic countries’ yuletide traditions.

Add Scandinavian Style charm to your Fall Decor by bringing the outside in. Decorate with waxed colourful leaves, pine cones, and evergreen foliage etc.

Starting From a Neutral Color Base

When it comes to Scandinavian Decor, starting with a neutral color base will bring the right amount of coziness and warmth. Think about adding warm whites, gray tones or beige colors as your base.

From there you can add splashes of bold colors like blues, greens, and yellows. Don’t forget to mix in textures and materials like wood, wicker, fur, and metal for a truly cozy Scandinavian interior design style.

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Adding Natural Elements

The core of Scandinavian Design is to bring the outdoors inside. To do so, you’ll want to think about how you can open up your space with natural light. Place mirrors near windows to reflect more light into the room and add sheer white curtains to filter the light.

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Open Living Plan

Open floor plans are key for Scandinavian Interior Design. If possible, try to open up your living space with the use of natural light and clean lines.

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Scandinavian Living Room Design

Most scandinavian interiors reflect a lifestyle with family, friends, simplicity and comfort as their focus. The living room, dining room and kitchen are designed around these principles. For example: a pale pink sofa, a coffee table, an accent chair, side table and a mid-century modern sideboard would create the base for a comfortable living room and a relaxing atmosphere.

Add pops of color with cozy textiles, a sheepskin throw, throw pillows, plants, light fixtures, artwork, and rugs. Make sure to keep the open-living-space feeling.

Many Scandinavian interiors have a focal point that invites you into the space, perhaps a mantelpiece, wood burner or large artwork.

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Scandinavian Dining Room Design

A dining room with a modern table and chairs, natural wood accents, white walls, and curtains. Add in elements of nature by bringing the outdoors in with plants and wicker decorations.

Add some pops of color with dining chairs and table linens to keep the room cheerful and inviting. Scandinavian design is all about communal spaces and this is an important one.

Scandinavian Bedrooms

When you think about Scandinavian bedrooms, think simple and cozy. Stick to neutral colors with texture for warmth. A comfortable mattress, plenty of blankets, and inviting pillows are essential for a perfect Scandi bedroom.

Scandinavian Kitchen Design

For the kitchen, bring in plenty of natural light and airy materials like pale wood, wood beams, white countertops and stainless steel appliances.

Scandinavian Bathroom Design

The perfect way to add a touch of Scandinavia to your bathroom is by making it a very welcoming place. Lots of fluffy towels, house plants, and thoughtfully chosen accessories will ensure this is a bathroom you want to spend time in.

Cleverly use storage to hide away garish liquids and creams. Sticking with a neutral color palette and white, light wood accents makes this space inviting and relaxing. Create even more atmosphere with scented candles and warm lighting.

Incorporate natural materials into your Scandinavian decorating style by adding stone or tiled flooring. Mirrors will reflect light around the space and give a spa-like feel.

Scandinavian Wallpaper

Choosing the right wallpaper for your Scandinavian home is important. To bring in color and texture to a neutral base, pick a wallpaper that has natural elements like wood or stone, or abstract prints with muted tones.

You can also go for wallpapers with bright colors that complement the neutral base such as pale pink, soft blues, and greens.

How Do I Choose Scandinavian Furniture?

Scandinavian interior design is heavily dependent on the choice of furniture. You’ll want to focus on pieces that feature modern lines, minimalistic design and natural materials like wood or metal.

Scandinavian furniture pieces need not be expensive – look for simple yet effective furniture like a dining table, sofa and bookcase.

Add Some Hygge Style:

Traditional Scandinavian interior design combines functionality with comfort. It is important that any hard lines are softened with warm textures, cozy lighting and family spaces. Read here for more ideas about embracing hygge style in your home.

Conclusion

Now that you know a little bit more about the Scandinavian interior design style, what do you think?

If you love the clean lines and simplicity of this Scandinavian style, be sure to check out these blogs for more inspiration: Hygge Style and Japandi Style.