Scandinavian interior design is everywhere these days, you only have to browse the IKEA catalogue. The overall aim of the Scandi aesthetic is to create a crisp, clean, calming and inviting space that still manages to be interesting. Knowing the goal is one thing, but how does this translate into your home?
Table of Contents
1. Go for High-Quality
The Scandinavian design focuses on brilliant craftsmanship, which is why it’s recommended to buy high-quality materials and pieces, which are multifunctional. Everything from light fixtures to functional items to furniture needs to have a modern feel while holding onto simplicity.
Quality even needs to be seen in the flooring, which is typically wooden panels in Scandi rooms. In particular, long and wide solid wood is used, like those installed by this ‘Dinesen Flooring Approved Contractor’.
2. A Space Clear of Clutter
Scandi design is all about highlighting open, light and bright spaces that give enough room to breathe in. For example, by using white space and clean lines to achieve a sense of calm. The first step to bringing this vision to life is decluttering without being too minimalistic. Instead, you’re aiming for the middle mark between cluttered and clinical; the Swedish term for just right is “lagom”. To do this, you want to use colours and patterns sparingly, like throw pillows, rugs, and paintings.
3. Neutral Palettes with Colour Pops
A large part of Scandi interior design is getting the colour palette right, which draws from nature including wood, stone, and earth. Choosing a neutral backdrop for the walls and floors allows you to add bursts of colour through well-placed paintings and furniture. This doesn’t mean that large blocks of colour are banned from the room. However, if you are choosing to use colour this way, consider shades of green, blue, and brown (tan).
4. Nature Belongs Inside
Historically, natural resources in Scandinavia were limited, which is why they have an enormous appreciation for nature today. By following Scandi design principles, you can bring this appreciation of nature into your home by including natural light, house plants, natural materials, and bright wood. Additionally, strive to incorporate sustainability into your home, which starts with eco-friendly materials.
5. Using Contrast
Contrast is used in countless different interior design styles, and Scandinavian is no different. This doesn’t have to mean choosing colours at opposite ends of the spectrum. Instead, it can relate to textures, sizes, and shapes. For example, if you have an old piece of furniture, you can contrast it with something new. When you use contrasts, you’re one step closer to creating the relaxing atmosphere you’re aiming for.
6. Welcome Hygge
If you’re new to Scandi interior design, you’ll often mistake the simplistic style for minimalistic, which is a completely different ball game. To fully embody the Scandi look, you’ll need to invite hygge into your home, which is the Danish word for cosy togetherness. This idea comes from combating the harsh dark winters of Scandinavia by including warm elements. Therefore, when you’re putting the finishing touches on your room, think of warmth by including soft blankets, candles, and slippers. Additionally, if you have a fireplace in the room, you can use this as the main attraction in the room.
Take Away
If you’re trying to create a space where you can escape and find your zen, then Scandinavian interior design is the right direction. Everything to do with Scandi design screams simplicity and nature, with dashes of warmth and popping colour thrown in. As well as this, to truly honour the Scandinavian way of life, you’ll need to make sure your project is sustainable, as they value natural resources highly.
Alex is fascinated with “understanding” people. It’s actually what drives everything he does. He believes in a thoughtful exploration of how you shape your thoughts, experience of the world.