The Scandinavian interior design is characterized by minimalism, simplicity, and functionality. The Scandinavian look has been around since the mid 20th century and it still remains a popular trend in interior design today. I will share with you 6 tips on how to design a space with a Scandinavian look. If you want to create a Scandinavian design for your space this article is perfect for you.
First, it’s important to know what defines the Scandinavian look? The long winters and few hours of sunlight in the nordic countries inspired Scandinavian designers to create bright, open spaces, functional and practical environments. Scandinavian interior design is influenced by a connection to nature which combines natural shapes, abstraction, and the use of natural elements to achieve warm spaces. We personally love this style because it’s fresh, simple and clean without sacrificing beauty.
1. Scandinavian Look Color Palette
This style was born in the Nordic countries and because the winters are long and dark, Scandinavian interiors are typically painted in light colors to help keep spaces bright. The favorite color that reflects the lightest possible is White! Other colors are also used, such as light gray with hints of blush pink or soft pastel. The color combination will depend on the personality of the homeowners: Those who love the minimalist Scandinavian look usually opt for a monochrome palette to achieve a clean look.
For people that prefer a touch of color into the space Pastel tones feature in modern Scandi-style homes, with colors like blush pink, baby blue, mint green and soft greys used sparingly to add color and warmth. To create a contrast in the space, You can add darker and natural colors in furnishings and layered textiles to add to the overall design.
2. Lighting
Natural light is amplified by any means necessary. The windows of the Scandinavian living room are generously proportioned Light curtains made of natural fabric are ideal Mirrors are an important element of the Scandinavian look, they are placed in a clever way to visually expand the space and reflect any available ambient light. In the conception of the Nordic style, electric fixtures are also designed with simple lines and forms, creating light without adding visual clutter. You can use pendant lights for the kitchen island or above the dining table or a floor or table lamp with a simple and uncluttered design.
3. Furniture
Scandinavian furniture design is with clean lines organic shapes, and tall legs. This will create a feeling of spaciousness and airiness. The Scandinavian look uses a sleek, modern furniture style which is very simple in aesthetic The Scandinavian furniture style is characterized by the seasons in the north, This results in the need to create warmth and comfort pieces, light wooden pieces without unnecessary details are a must-have. Maybe you can recognize some famous pieces usually used inside this kind of interior design style such as the famous plastic chair by Charles Eames, the diamond chair by Harry Bertoia, the tulip table and chair, the Wishbone chair by Wegner, the egg and ball chair, the famous Stool of Alvar Aalto and other famous furniture of the early 20th century.
4. Nature
Ardent lovers of the outdoors, Scandinavians believe in celebrating nature even when inside their homes. To help brighten up spaces and to bring in some life, plants are found in plenty of Scandinavian homes Add natural elements to your Scandinavian look in order to have a living element of color and beauty in your interior. Consider decorating your Scandinavian home with indoor plants and fresh flowers. To get a complete Scandi look search plant pots with the same characteristic of the space: with clean lines and minimalist appearance.
5. Natural Materials
Because of the cold climate of the nordic, it’s not surprising that part of the decor comes in the form of warming textiles like sheep’s skins, wool, and soft cotton. Not only do they provide a feeling of warmth and coziness, but they also add another layer of texture to space. Scandinavian homes usually have wooden coffee tables and chairs. However, the recent trend in the Scandinavian look of decorating combines the use of metallic finishes and wooden elements. The Scandinavian look makes use of wooden elements not only on the flooring but also in the furniture and fixtures. Warm woods are often used on walls, ceilings, cabinetry, and furniture.
6. Decor Elements
Decor accents in Scandinavian look are simple in style. As mentioned, Scandinavian interior design is all about simplicity. Therefore, when it comes to decorating always choose those decor accents that have simple designs. To add texture and a subtle color decorate your sofa and chairs with throws and pillows that have simple geometric prints. Decorate the walls in a simple and uncluttered way with Scandinavian-style paintings use a lot of candles with unique candleholders’ pieces.
Following what we saw until now, let’s build a Scandinavian space together: To achieve the Scandi space we need: A neutral color palette, white is the perfect one as a backdrop. We need to bring a warm feel to space, Light Wood flooring is the favorite one. We need to allow the most natural lighting possible inside our space If it’s necessary a mirror can be used to reflect more light, But for the nighttime, we need lighting fixtures, we need to pick some pieces with a clean and minimalistic design.
Our furniture should be clean, we can pick a sofa in a gray tone, our coffee table can be in a wooden finish, maybe some famous pieces of the Scandinavian designers, some pillows or blankets. Since we are nature lovers, we need to select our indoor plants, maybe one? Or maybe two? but always in a minimalist vase or made with natural material. We need to select some minimalist artwork in a simple frame, maybe some candle holders too.
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