When it comes to interior design, the Scandinavian style has become increasingly popular in recent years, known for its clean lines, neutral colours, and minimalist approach, this style can be achieved with just a few key elements. In this article, we will discuss how to achieve a Scandinavian interior design style.
SCANDINAVIAN DECOR : BACKGROUND
Scandinavian style of interior design originates from the following Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.
Scandinavian design is characterised by the minimalism and functionality of it's furniture and home decor, made popular in the 1950's
Many iconic pieces of furniture were created from this era and are still used today in design, take for example the Danish furnish designer Kaare Klint or the Finnish architect Aino Aalto who has created items of furniture that would fit effortlessly into a modern interior today.
SCANDINAVIAN INTERIOR KEY ELEMENTS:
Look for furniture that ticks the following boxes; functional, simplistic and minimal.
Use neutral colours, natural materials, and clean lines.
Make use of Hygge, a concept that's all about slowing down and making your home cosier.
Include elements such as rugs or sheepskin throws tossed over the back of a dining chair to create texture and cosiness to your design.
Other key furniture designs include light grey sofas, wishbone chairs, Panthella lamp, chunky knit throws and the classic S-shaped chair.
DECLUTTER
The first step in achieving a Scandinavian interior design style is to focus on simplicity, this means decluttering your space and getting rid of anything that is unnecessary.
The Scandinavian style is all about creating a serene and calming environment, so it's important to keep your space free from clutter and distractions.
SCANDINAVIAN INTERIOR COLOUR SCHEME
Next, you'll want to focus on neutral colours, Scandinavian interiors are known for their neutral colour palette of whites, greys, and beiges, these colours create a sense of lightness and openness that is essential to the Scandinavian style.
You can add pops of colour with accessories like pillows, blankets, or artwork, but for the most part, you'll want to stick to a neutral colour palette.
NATURAL MATERIALS
Another important aspect of Scandinavian interior design is the use of natural materials, wood is often used in Scandinavian interiors, as it adds warmth to the space.
You can incorporate wood through furniture, flooring, or even decor like wooden bowls or vases. Other natural materials like stone, wool, and leather can also be used to add texture and depth to your space.
SCANDINAVIAN FURNITURE DESIGN
In terms of furniture, Scandinavian interiors often feature clean lines and simple designs. Functionality is key in this style, so you'll want to choose pieces that are both stylish and practical. A comfortable sofa, a sturdy coffee table, and a few well-designed chairs are all you need to create a cosy and inviting living space.
NATURAL LIGHT
Finally, lighting is an important aspect of Scandinavian interior design, because of the limited light the Scandinavians experience at varying times of the year.
Natural light is preferred, so it's important to keep your windows unobstructed and let in as much light as possible, in addition, you can add lighting fixtures like pendant lights or floor lamps to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
POSTS RELATED TO SCANDINAVIAN INTERIORS:
SCANDINAVIAN LIVING ROOM IDEAS
Scandinavian living rooms are minimal in appearance, with the colour palette usually consisting of greys, whites and neutrals, accessorised with abstract art and cosy textiles.
To make this look successful in your home always add a textured or shaggy rug for maximum impact, bring in modern furniture pieces such as a coffee table or occasional chair to keep to looking chic.
SCANDINAVIAN KITCHEN DECOR IDEAS
The kitchen is where functionality has to be at it's best and often this is not the biggest area of your property, especially in the case of an apartment or flat.
Keep your cabinets neutral and appliances white or stainless steel, use light woods and painted wood furniture, painted in a light colour of course.
Introduce character to your design by selecting hand made decor items such as fruit bowls, plant pots and ceramics.
SCANDINAVIAN DINING ROOM IDEAS
Dining room furniture for a Scandinavian interior, not surprisingly, echos through the concepts that we have already learnt, furniture is minimal and functional, for example the dining room chair could be stackable making them easier to store when not in use.
Even if darker colours are used in ways of natural wood and furniture, the 'feeling' of the space should still give you a feeling of relaxed and cosy.
SCANDINAVIAN INTERIOR BEDROOM IDEAS
Creating a Scandinavian bedroom interior is a great opportunity to use linen bed-linen, linen has a subtle texture and feels soothing against your skin, add in a knitted throw to appeal to the cosy side of the Scandinavian decor style.
Bed frames are often wood or rattan, keep colours light and subdued and pair with selected home decor accessories, conscious not to over crowd the space.
SCANDINAVIAN BATHROOM IDEAS
Scandinavian bathrooms are often plain tiles with simple sanitary-ware, but design is added by incorporating seagrass storage baskets, waffle cotton towels and aestically pleasing toiletry dispensers.
SCANDINAVIAN HOME OFFICE IDEAS
Create a working space is that is fresh and airy, in the image below an oversized botanical stems sit on this Scandinavian home office set up with a white desk and minimal desk chair in natural wood and white.
The simple desk lamp paired with the rustic vessel is a perfect example of finding balance in Scandinavian design and using both new and vintage homeware.
In conclusion, achieving a Scandinavian interior design style is all about simplicity, neutral colours, natural materials, functional furniture, and good lighting, by incorporating these elements into your space, you can create a serene and calming environment that is both stylish and practical.
The use of natural materials, such as wood, leather, and wool, is also a key characteristic of this style. Overall, Scandinavian interior design is a timeless and practical style that prioritises comfort and functionality without sacrificing style.
