A Guide to Scandinavian Interior Design

Why is Scandinavian design so popular?

More people are enjoying Scandinavian designs than ever before for the way it makes their home shine but also how it brings functionality. With its focus being on craftsmanship, clean lines, and materials Scandinavian design remains as relevant in todays market as it did when it exploded on the scene back in the 20th century. It is created as a new way to maximise the light and bring in spaces that are free from any type of ornamentation or clutter.

What does Scandinavian design look like?

Scandinavian and Nordic design epitomises that mid century modern feel and is not only gorgeous to look at, but it’s also amazing to live in. Creating functional spaces with a soothing atmosphere is a key factor in Scandinavian design, ensuring it will never go out of fashion with a style that is perfect for relaxing with family or for entertaining company. When it comes to designing any liveable home, function should always come before form. Scandinavian design takes this concept and embraces it, creating a balance of form and function not often seen in interior design.

What are the key elements of Scandinavian style interiors?

Modern Scandinavian designs are known to focus on a few key elements; minimalism, optimism, function and natural materials. These elements combine in a modern home to form a distinctively Nordic interior and give a home that perfect Scandinavian feel.

Minimalist: Scandinavian design was credited with heading the minimalist movement as the two so seamlessly fit together with the products denoting a sleek simplicity offering very few adornments. Some may see a Scandinavian design and view it as ‘bare’ in appearance, but what the style lacks in furnishings or interiors can be made up for with accessories including art, rugs and pillows.

Optimism: Scandinavian design can be viewed as optimistic with its light, natural aesthetics. There is no fear of an oppressive, dark style dragging down the interiors because the Scandinavian style allows for the short days with its appeal lifting the overall mood of the rooms and increasing well being within the home.

Functional: Scandinavian design allows for pieces that perform multi-functional duties which are ideal for apartment dwellers or those who live in smaller spaces. Multi functionality is particularly common among many of the wooden furniture pieces that are true to the style.

Natural: A big draw for Scandinavian design is its organic, natural emphasis with many designers taking their inspiration straight from nature using materials including teak or animal hides. Nature plays a very big role in this design style. Most furniture is made of wood and is often unpainted, so as to bring forward the beauty of the grain. The painted pieces too are chosen so as to go with the colour palette. Plants are another important part of styling the room. The objective of Scandinavian design has always been to create a cozy and natural retreat, and indoor plants are the best way to do it. Adding plants not only creates the perfect balance to the light and airy environment, but also helps in achieving calm.

What are Scandinavian colours?

The Scandinavian style uses a mostly light canvas that brightens the spaces. The rooms are usually in muted and neutral shades of off white, gray, blue, etc. The whole space does not use a multitude of colour but instead focuses on three to four key colours. The furniture also follows this palette, with light wood and white being the most common furniture shades. Accent it by throwing in a cushion with a pop of bright yellow or so, and you’ve achieved Scandinavian colour zen.

Scandinavian houses use these lighter, muted colour palettes to create a feeling of cleanliness. Because the winters in this part of the world are often very long, the lighter colours help to brighten up the home. Keeping the colours light and neutral helps to create cohesion between each room. This can make your house feel more like one, large, united space, instead of multiple rooms under the same roof. Another major benefit of a lighter colour scheme is the relaxation you’ll feel. The human brain prefers patterns that it can easily identify, so having your whole house painted all in neutral colours will automatically make you feel calmer. Light, neutral colour schemes never go out of fashion, so if you do it right, you’ll never have to change it!

Is Scandinavian design minimalist?

While Scandinavian design is not about getting rid of all your belongings, it does require that the spaces are uncluttered and the designs minimal. The clean, sleek design aesthetic is achieved by using more practical furniture that can be multifunctional. This reduces the unnecessary clutter, and the clean profiles of the furniture make the room appear more visually appealing.

How can I achieve the Scandinavian style?

Scandinavian design style consists of designs that originated from the three countries of Scandinavia – Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. Over time, designs from other Northern European countries like Finland and Iceland have also fallen under that umbrella. The style is characterised by minimalistic and functional objects and spaces, with cues from taken from nature. The Scandinavian interior style slowly took over the world, emphasising practical designs that worked through the European harsh winters, making the home as comfortable as possible and bringing nature in. Though not everyone has to deal with long winters, the Scandinavian style brings about a sense of simplicity and calm, which has made it popular. When trying to achieve the Scandinavian look in your home, opt for raw, natural materials. Wooden floors paired with a sheepskin rug and a shaggy bean bag or stone set would be the perfect addition to any space looking for a Scandinavian feel.

Why is Scandinavian design so popular?

Part of the appeal lies in how aspirational this design style feels. The uncluttered nature and brightness evokes a sense of calm that so many people are missing from their daily lives. After leaving a stressful day at work, the idea of returning to a home free of bulky furniture and clutter feels particularly appealing. A place to relax and enjoy the simple things in life is at the heart of the modern Scandinavian home.