Scandinavian home design is one of the most popular styles that creates the perfect balance mixing old trends with new ones. This design is the ideal choice to give your rooms a modern twist and embrace some minimalist aspects without creating a ‘cold’ atmosphere, but enhancing the cosiness instead. The Scandi style was initially adopted in the mid 20th century. However, it still remains famous among interior design enthusiasts thanks to the perfect equilibrium it brings between functionality, simplicity and warmth. So, if you’re willing to start a renovation project, these are 7 tips to create a Scandinavian design in your home.
1. Declutter
One of the main principles of Scandinavian design is openness. So, to create enough space for the new improvements, you need to declutter your rooms. Still, the Scandi style doesn’t entirely relate to minimalism, so you shouldn’t leave your house empty. Consider eliminating the elements that might be too tacky and the outdated furniture pieces that don’t fit in this century. Too much cabinetry is unnecessary, and it uses plenty of space. The main point of this design is to make the room appear bigger and brighter, so uncluttering the space is the first step in adopting the Scandinavian design principles.
2. Choose neutral colours
Colours play a crucial role in the aesthetic of your house. The Scandinavian design focuses on neutral tones to imitate the colours of nature, so earthy tones like shades of brown, beige and grey are the perfect choices to consider. Moreover, unlike modern minimalism, the Scandi style also allows you to opt for pops of brighter colours to promote a sense of identity and avoid the stone-cold aesthetic that brings no joy. For instance, even if you opt for cool grey tones for the walls, if you add a splash of a brighter colour – sky blue or red oxide, for instance – you can bring to life a monochromatic room. You can contrast multiple shades of the same colour and play with cooler and warmer tones according to the vibe you’re seeking.
3. Embrace wood
Another essential principle of Nordic design is to prioritise quality over quantity; that’s why wood is commonly used in Scandinavian houses; besides creating a timeless look, it’s also one of the most durable and qualitative materials. Wood flooring, accents of wood on the ceiling and details like chairs and tables in this material can give a sense of comfort that stands the test of time. However, the durability of wood also depends on its maintenance, so you should protect your precious material with an oil product from Rubio Monocoat. This oil conserves the beauty of the material for the longest time. Also, this material can be expensive, so do some research to find the best tips for maintenance, how to prevent scratches, and protect it from water, heat, and other conditions. So, look on the market for the best wood furniture varnish that makes your investment totally worth it.
4. Focus on functionality
A fascinating aspect of the Scandi design is that, unlike the over-modernised trends, besides quality, it also prioritises functionality. It’s crucial to ensure that every piece of furniture you choose serves multiple purposes that go beyond the aesthetic. Even if you don’t have many objects and furniture pieces in your room, you need to make the most out of them. For example, consider an extendable sofa that also serves as a bed, plenty of hidden storage space to store your goods without ruining the aesthetic of the space, and a drop-leaf table that you can also use to dine when your friends come over.
5. Incorporate different textures
Texture is a key component of the Nordic interior design. You can layer multiple materials to promote a visually pleasing experience, like softer fabrics in contrast with rougher materials or hardwood in combination with an elegant material like sandstone. Also, if you opt for a rug in a chunky knit, you can choose a soft texture for the sofa and pillow, like velvet. Don’t be afraid to experiment with multiple textures, because if you work with the same colour palette for all the elements and choose to add a pop of colour in small areas, it’s impossible to ruin the aesthetic of your room and result in tackiness.
6. Opt for big windows
Natural light is a vital aspect of Scandi design, so to let the sun rays in, you should make the most of any big windows. To serve both aesthetic and functional purposes, consider some sliding windows that can provide you with a magnificent view every day, give you direct access to the garden, and increase the natural light flow. Otherwise, another option is casement windows that open outwards, allowing good ventilation and easy cleaning. Moreover, to brighten up your room even more, consider hanging curtains made from a light fabric such as linen or cotton scrim.
7. Bring nature indoors
Undoubtedly, plants can be the perfect final touch to bring more warmth indoors. Greenery is a pop colour that breathes life into your room and adds a dynamic contrast to the static elements of the house, but it also improves the air quality, ensuring freshness. The Scandinavian design comes from a region where winters are long and harsh, so plants are a way to keep a connection with nature despite freezing temperatures outside, and they’re also symbols of the Scandinavian culture that promotes the idea of living in harmony with the environment.
The bottom line
We hope this post helps you understand the core values of Scandinavian design, and you choose to embrace this timeless style for your home. Despite the multiple trends running online that suggest coldness and extreme minimalism, opting for the simplicity of the Nordic trend is the key to creating harmony in any room, promoting a sense of cosiness and living in connection with nature, allowing the light to brighten up your room and your life.