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Lindsey Lanquist is a design expert, covering the latest home trends and design tips. He has 6 years of media experience. In addition to being a former editor at StyleCaster and staff writer at Self, her work has appeared in Cosmopolitan, Byrdie, Verywell, SheKnows, Nylon, and more.
Scandinavian-inspired Design
Sacha Strebe is a former magazine editor and has been writing about home and interiors for eight years. He is currently the editor of the magazine Creation & Cultivation.
Scandinavian Interior Design: Everything You Need To Know About This Winter Friendly And Nature Inspired Style
Striking the right balance between comfort and style is a challenge in any home. But it’s a task Scandinavia knows how to handle. Scandinavia—a region known for its long, sunny days—has mastered the art of spending time indoors, and has the chic interior to prove it. Scandinavian words, such as the Danish “hygge” and the Swedish “mys” (both meaning “coziness”), have entered our modern vocabulary. And when they don’t have a direct explanation, they immediately conjure up images of a simple, impossible situation in front of them.
“Scandinavian design is simple and deliberate,” says Jennifer Davis, founder and CEO of Davis Interiors. “Everything has a purpose, and in general, it’s a good look.” Expect to see neutral colors, natural materials, and lots of goodies.
“The next time you see an interior that lifts your soul and warms your heart, you’ll know you’ve found the hallmarks of Nordic design at its best,” says Emily Yeates, owner and CEO at Urban Revival. “Scandinavian design is pleasing to the eye and warms the heart while maintaining an unadulterated simplicity that feels welcoming and secure.”
Because the Scandinavian style is simple and thoughtful, it’s not as easy as it seems, and there are tons of ways to get creative with your design—even if you’re not ready for a long, dark time.
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Scandinavia is known for long periods of dark sunshine, so Scandinavians tend to do their best to get natural light. “When I think of Scandinavian design, I think of small, unassuming and remote spaces,” says Sara Cukerbaum, CEO at SLIC Design.
So open the heavy windows, and let in all the light you can. Consider using light accents—like a solid white palette and beautiful tile—to increase the amount of natural light that streams through your windows.
It may contain lots of fluffy pillows and soft blankets, Scandinavian design tends to be minimalistic. Yeates says: “Scandinavian design focuses on creating a simple and uncluttered environment. “In this age of excess space, it’s a breath of fresh air to focus on practical, practical, and social issues,” he said.
Scandinavian design prioritizes comfort, using calm palettes that are easy on the eye. “Instead of bright and colorful designs, you’ll see a lot of cluttered surfaces mixed with white walls and cool floors,” says Cukerbaum.
Scandinavian Inspired Living Room
Jade Joyner, founder and designer at Metal + Petal, agrees: “To make your space more Nordic, I suggest you pay attention to colors and materials. Focus on neutrality and board, instead. ”
Scandinavian design may be minimal, but it’s not all neat and finished. “Add interest by choosing interesting and organic patterns that can be found in nature,” says Yeates. “Don’t avoid lines where you predict there will be straight edges or sharp lines,” he said.
If you stumble upon a curved coffee table you love, don’t just throw it away—make it a focal point in your space.
The secret to achieving that desired Scandinavian image may be right under your feet. “Right now the white floor is the Scandinavian trend,” says Cukerbaum. “It’s an easy way to infuse your home with a clean and comfortable feel,” she said.
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Of course, you may not be in the mood to properly decorate your floors. But even if you’re going for solid dark wood, you can always brighten it up with a light colored rug.
A floor full of soap (and accessories) is a Scandinavian tradition. And the soapy finish tends to leave the wood looking soft, smooth, and oh-so-natural. While the soap can’t be a long finish around, you can beat the odds by choosing a lighter wood type, like white wood, and stick to a more solid finish.
Scandinavian interiors rarely have furniture or decor to fill the space. Instead, they prioritize performance. “In Scandinavian design, everything has a purpose,” says Davis. This means filling the room with the things you need—and leaving empty space where nothing is needed.
Among the best, you’ll find stainless steel, plastic, and concrete. But in Scandinavian design, you’ll find earthy options—like deep wool and rustic woods—there.
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Mary Beth Christopher, CEO at MBC Interiors, says, “Scandinavian design emphasizes the use of natural materials. “Think: wood and grass, and cloth made of wool, silk, cotton, and wool.”
Looking for ways to add style to your Scandinavian space? Add a small lamp. Because while the Scandinavians may be known for their minimalist style, they’re also known for playing with modern designs. “Adding some lights also works,” says Davis.
Look for decorative lamps, geometric table lamps, and colorful lamps, and place them anywhere that can use a little light.
Scandinavian interiors tend to be very minimalistic in terms of color and decor. But because they’re so focused on character, it’s anything but boring.
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Cukberaum says: “Change the style of the situation. Combine your gorgeous sheepskin with your weathered wood – and throw in some woven jute for good measure.
In some design styles, a white wall symbolizes an unfinished business – an undecorated space. But if performance is your priority, bad timing is welcome and necessary. So do like the Scandinavians and learn to embrace the white wall.
Give up everything you love and own? Invest in your savings. “Adding in a built-in cabinet and hiding all the clutter is an easy way to bring this minimalist style to your space,” says Cukerbaum.
Don’t forget to sprinkle it in for a nice finish. Small things—like beautiful candles and plush pillows—may not be at the top of your shopping list, but they’re things that will make your space feel warm and inviting.
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“When you have a clean base, you don’t need to add much,” says Davis. “A few plants, a plush rug, a nice throw, some pretty candles—anything to make a space feel cozy and calm.”
Windows aren’t just a great way to let in some light—they can also connect you to the outside world, and put the magic on the screen. “I try to capitalize on opportunities to bring them out,” Joyner says. “I’m really thinking about the use of space and how to take the views of the outside and make them feel the same and the same inside.”
Welcome “The key is to make the space look good,” says Niki Brantmark, founder of My Scandinavian Home. So leave your blankets, and receive a little salt in your sheets. “Unflattering, polished, stoned fabrics in earthy colors are a must-have right now,” adds Brantmark.
Despite the emphasis on neutral ground, there is room for color in Scandinavian design. “In recent years, there has been an increase in accent walls in dark blue, green, green, and even black,” says Brantmark. “This works wonders in a nice, cocoon-like environment,” he said. And if you don’t want to commit to a new coat, don’t despair – you can get a similar look by hanging dark clouds over your wall.
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One easy way to add color to your space, without compromising your beautiful Scandinavian palette? Sprinkle in some plants. “Scandinavians often draw on their natural surroundings for inspiration, so plants and flowers are popular,” says Brantmark.
Is one of the biggest mistakes he sees people make when designing Scandinavian interiors. “Adding in beautiful succulents not only adds color, but also gives life to the space,” says Christopher.
Scandinavian designers claim that some of the most iconic designs of the last century. “Invest in quality Scandinavian furniture and build your space,” says Joyner. Admire the beautiful designs of Jens Risom or Hans Wegner, or see the designs created by many Scandinavian designers. (Brantmark says Little, HAY, and Traditional are some of his favorites.)
A small interior can come across as cold and barren, but the Scandinavian space manages to feel cozy and comfortable. How? They remain focused on everyday life.
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“Scandinavian style is simple, but not necessarily minimalist,” says Yeates. “Instead, Scandinavian design focuses more on the casual, casual lifestyle,” he said.
Again, this means prioritizing function over form. So don’t wipe your cutting board when it gets a few spots. Instead, put it out there – clothes and all.
Wood is an important element in all Scandinavian interiors. (Actually, literally every woman we talked to
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