Ask the Experts: What is Scandinavian Design?
Add some hygge into your home.
Scandinavian design is the cosiest, most inviting spin-off of modern style. Scandi countries Denmark, Sweden and Norway endure long and dark winters, so creating a dreamy escape is key to making it through those chilly months. To banish winter blues for good, try incorporating a few of these Scandinavian design ideas into your home.
Scandinavian Colours & Materials
The Scandi home looks light and fuss free thanks to a neutral palette. Start with white walls or white-painted brick, then layer with pale shades of pink, blue and yellow. For furniture and fixtures, Scandinavians love to use natural elements. Light-coloured hardwood floors including birch, oak and pine are soft and welcoming. Copper and brass light fixtures and furniture are firm favourites.
After a long day, there's nothing like kicking back in a calm and clean space. When choosing materials to outfit your Scandi-inspired home, look for soft, comforting textures. Stow chunky knit blankets in your living room, toss a faux fur pillow on your bed and roll out a cosy area rug.
Scandinavian furniture features modern and mid-century modern furniture silhouettes in blonde wood tones. Look for gentle lines, tapered legs and soft curves. In warmer months, take those hygge vibes outside with an outdoor sofa, white cushions and a blonde wooden table.
With Scandinavian decor, less is more. Opt for decor and wall art featuring graphic, geometric patterns in black and white or muted colours. Look for sustainable accents like a wood shelf or ceramic vase. Keep window treatments to a minimum to let in all that natural light. And add a plant or two to your space. Scandi decor is neither masculine nor feminine, so it’s easy to stick with this theme throughout your home.
Scandinavian-inspired living rooms are smartly designed to look uncluttered, effortless and inviting. Choose light-coloured seating with tapered legs and curved backs. Arrange the chairs and sofas around a soft area rug to centre the space. Add texture with cosy, chunky blankets and store any extra throw blankets in a woven basket. Complete the room by hanging graphic art prints.
Keep the neutral tones that you’ve added into your Scandi living room going throughout your bedroom with a white or light-coloured comforter, soft sheets and throw blankets. Scandinavian design tackles winter blues by infusing a space with great lighting. Choose sheer window treatments to let in natural light. If you don’t have big windows in your bedroom, consider adding a big arched copper lamp. Amp up the hygge vibe by clustering candles together for another layer of warmth and light.
To bring Scandianvian design into your kitchen, clear off your worktops. Add a floating shelf, bar cart or moving island to your kitchen if you need help tucking things away. You want the space to be as clutter-free as possible (bonus - this will actually make your kitchen feel bigger). Keep the nature vibe going with wooden utensils and cutting boards, a big wooden bowl for fresh fruit and neutral-hued kitchen towels. Peel-and-stick tiles in herringbone or another geometric pattern are an easy addition, especially if you rent your apartment or want flexibility without the commitment.
Scandi homes often feature a great, open-concept kitchen and dining area. Keep the areas open for easy movement between the two. Consider adding copper pendant lighting over your dining table or countertop bar. Choose a light-coloured wood or white table for your dining room. Keep the space comfortable and easy.
Tip: Your journey into Scandi design doesn't have to end here! Check out these other articles:
- 3 Unique Ways to Achieve a Sleek and Modern Scandi Look at Home
- Bring Hygge Into Your Home With These Scandi Lighting Ideas
- 5 Steps Towards a Scandi Style Dining Room
For more on Scandinavian home ideas, look to our very own Hykkon. A carefully curated collection of home furnishings and eye-catching pieces that hint towards Scandi living.
