The Ultimate Guide to the Scandinavian Style
Born at the start of the century, Scandinavian or Nordic design is a modern style defined by its functionality and simplicity. It offers high durability and reliability in the home and also makes great use of natural material without compromising elegance and comfort.
At first glance, the Scandinavian style looks minimalist, but the possibilities are endless. A Scandinavian-style home is uncluttered, bright, clean, casual, and cool; everything from the color palette to texture and décor shows these traits.
Scandinavian Design History
In recent times the term Scandinavian style has become universally understood to mean clean and simple products inspired by nature and accessible to all, but it was not always like this.
The term emerged from an exhibition called Design in Scandinavia that traveled to Canada and the United States in the mid-1950s.
The work of various Nordic designers was displayed in the exhibition, which helped the movement gain international popularity and laid the initial groundwork for our understanding of the design style.
This was the foundation upon which all future Scandinavian designs would be based; it was ultimately characterized by simple minimalism by putting special focus on functionality. Think low contrast color schemes, textural accents, and well-thought-out shapes.
Hygge and Scandinavian Colors
A Scandinavian-style home provides a sense of warmth and comfort, along with the feeling of deep satisfaction. The term Hygge means “wellness” it’s widely used in Denmark to describe the feeling of togetherness and coziness.
Hygge is something that sets Scandinavian home interiors apart from other styles; it helps create a feeling of contentment, coziness, and warmth. Although the word comes from Denmark, many Nordic homes have a similar comforting ambiance without being overly ornate.
A Scandinavian style interior incorporates just the right amount of furniture and décor; the same is the case with color schemes – no more, no less. Usually, Scandinavian colors are neutral and calming, with palettes sticking to black, blue, white, and gray accents. The interior designed with this style also reflects the wintery landscape and skies of the Nordic areas.
Scandinavian Furniture
Scandinavian style furniture is known for its simplistic forms, clean lines, and functional design. Sofas and chairs often have thin, minimal legs. Fabrics used are white, gray, or neutral in color
The most common furniture found in a Scandinavian-style home includes egg chairs, spindle back chairs, wishbone chairs, panton chairs, light gray sofas, simple garment racks, and tulip tables.
Statement Lighting
Because decoration in a Scandinavian-style home is limited, functional elements also take on an ornamental aspect. Lighting is one such example. Lantern-like paper, linen, or wicker pendant lights are among the top choices.
Types of Scandinavian Style
Japandi style
Japandi interior style is the combination of Japanese rustic minimalism and Scandinavian functionality; it creates a feeling of art, simplicity, and nature. The fusion of both styles creates the perfect blend of form and function, focusing on bright spaces, light colors, and clean lines. Japandi style features marvelous craftsmanship with a focus on quality and handmade pieces.
Niksen style
In a Niksen style interior, everything is added considering the peace and mind of the body. Swaying or swinging has a meditative effect and calms the head and body, something that we can observe with babies in their cradle. Put up a Hollywood swing, hang a hammock, or place a rocking chair in front of the window and there you have your own Niksen space for sweet idleness.
Also, in Niksen style homes, bathrooms hold a special role. Make your bathroom an oasis, a place where you can rest and rejuvenate. The spa-style bathrooms with saunas are on a trend among Scandinavians, and nothing beats a soak in a steaming hot bath
Integrating Scandinavian Style into Your Home
We have put together a list of things that will help you make your home ultra-cozy, Scandinavian-style; read on to learn more.
Think Cozy
The hygge philosophy is incorporated in all aspects of a Scandinavian-style home to make it more cozy and comfortable. Decorate with some fluffy pillows and comforters. Create a warm area to unwind by snuggling up layers of blankets and cushions on the couch. You can also create a cozy nook like a window seat with natures’ view; Enjoy your me-time here, with a good book and a cup of hot chocolate!
Mix Textures
Use materials and patterns to add character and interest to this relatively minimalist scheme. Natural materials like leather, wool, and wood can introduce plenty of warmth to space. But stick to a tight color palette to prevent it from being too distracting.
Natural Lighting
Natural lighting is used to make a Scandinavian-style space feel brighter and bigger. White walls emphasize the light available, and minimal use of window treatments allows natural light to illuminate the room.
Greenery
Flowers, plants, and other botanicals are also used to breathe life in the Scandinavian spaces. These living elements offer a splash of color while adding to the natural, minimalist essence of a Scandinavian space.
Wood Accents
Wood is often added in a Scandinavian design through wood slats, flooring, and walls. Wood toys can also be incorporated in rooms as playful accents. Designers usually juxtapose the hard, dense material with sheepskin textiles to soften the space’s overall feel. To complement the bright and light aesthetic of a Scandinavian space, light woods such as ash, beech, and pine are mostly used.
Less is More Approach
Functionality and simplicity are the 2 largest principles of Scandinavian design. Neutral walls are usually left bare, and spaces are relatively sparse to emphasize the principle. Avoid ornate or excessive detailing, and implement storage wisely.
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