3 Unique Ways to Achieve a Sleek and Modern Scandi Look at Home
Reinvigorate your home with this subtle, minimalist design.
An interior style centered around purpose, Scandinavian design is an intentional and streamlined aesthetic. By embracing careful symmetry, clean lines and an uncluttered style, this conscious design allows for an inviting and functional space. Learn more about Scandinavian design and how you can achieve this modern look into your home below.
What Is Scandinavian Design?
Scandi design draws heavily from the Nordic cultures of Sweden, Denmark and Norway. An enduring branch of 20th-century functionalism, it emerged as a popular modern style in the 1950s. Its aesthetic philosophy, that of craftsmanship and practical simplicity, is largely shaped by the Scandinavian landscape. Due to the region’s long, harsh winters and short hours of sunlight, Scandi design promotes open-space planning and a warm palette.
It's an aspirational style that implements earthy elements and light to combat the stressors of everyday life. In this way, it deliberately combines a calming architectural flow with a thoughtful interior design inspired by nature. Scandi design’s long-lasting popularity can be traced to this timeless approach.
The Basics of Scandinavian Design
When incorporating Scandi design into a home, focus on a few key aspects:
Neutral palettes: This includes white walls, blonde wood tones and beige, tan, white or grey furniture upholstery.
Natural materials: This can be found in wood furniture, metal lighting, stone decor and upholstery crafted with cotton or linen.
Bright colours: Add balance to an otherwise neutral palette with abstract wall art, planters, decor or a geometric-patterned rug. Sage green and blue are most popularly used, as they complement the neutral palette.
Simple accent pieces: Grounded in minimalism, Scandi decor is purposeful. Plants, both real and artificial are used to bring a touch of nature inside.
Soft, cosy textiles: Inspired by the cold Scandinavian winters, chunky knits and plush rugs are the final touch to this modern style.
Scandi with a twist, this moody room takes the basic elements of the style – including the blonde wood and furniture with sleek, clean lines – and pairs it with dramatic colours to achieve a comfortable yet unexpected design.
While the darker colours enhance the glamour and luxury of the room, hints of luster – seen in the metal wall art frame, chair bases and light shades – help balance the overall aesthetic. The plush, neutral area rug complements the bold wall, chair and lighting fixture colours. The muted, earth-toned candles and plates blend well with the neutral table, green chairs and lighting.
Taking elements from the Japandi style, a hybrid design merging the aesthetic principles of Japanese design with Scandinavian hygge, this room balances the Scandi ethos of cosiness and the comfort of Zen Buddhist philosophy. It highlights simple silhouettes, natural materials and a contrasting colour palette to achieve a comfortable yet unexpected design.
Choose pieces that are both essential and functional. Furniture made from natural materials, such as wood, rattan, metal and marble, enriches the bright, ethereal ambience of the living space. Linen upholstery and wool throw blankets can transform any room into a calming and meditative retreat. Bring more harmony into your home with ceramic planters, foraged branches, botanical-inspired wall art and plants that deepen the connection to the natural environment outside. To finish the look, add colour or texture with geode decor, colourful vases, a sculpture-inspired framed wall mirror and a sputnik chandelier.
Lean into whimsical accents and colours for a playful iteration on Scandi design. This look mixes practicality and clean lines with unique statement pieces to set it apart from its more traditional approach.
Showcase the dark accent walls and neutral furniture with eye-catching textures, including the crystal chandelier, frosted table lamp, polished dining chairs and abstract wall art. The soft-brushed watercolour paintings complement the movement of the grain in the light-toned woods and the curved lines of the chairs. Sea-blue vases, copper bowls and glass complete the playful aesthetic with a spark. Choose a nature-inspired sculpture made from marble or stone to add something unexpected.
Tip: Looking to incorporate a sense of Scandi into your dining room? These 5 Steps Towards a Scandi Style Dining Room and tips on how to Bring Hygge Into Your Home With These Scandi Lighting Ideas should help.
