Notable Scandinavian interior design trends emerged in the early 20th century. The long, cold and dark days that are characteristic of the region were having an effect on day-to-day life, health and well-being. The trends we now consider a staple of Scandi design came to fruition in an effort to brighten up homes for longer – adopting bright whites and an overall neutral colour palette was perfect for reflecting more light; ultimately enlarging the home and giving them a breathable, comfortable feel.
Scandi style widely embodies timeless neutrals and minimalism, with a focus on easy, breezy, beautiful designs.
With our guide, you can easily integrate that Scandi flair into your own home that will never go out of style, so here are a few key elements to draw your focus to.
Less is More
Simplicity, elegance, functionality and minimalism are the main characteristics of Scandi design; and part of what makes it so aesthetically pleasing is its lack of clutter. With this style, you will seldom find unnecessary junk out in the open.
Clutter can be visually confusing and can also make you feel stressed, so try to keep clean and sleek lines across window sills, countertops and tables. Giving your junk a home out of plain sight with practical storage solutions, will make it much easier to create a more relaxing environment.
Minimalism is also an integral part of capturing the essence of a Scandi home. Often, these homes are furnished intentionally with pieces that are simple, functional and calm. For your own space, try to meticulously optimise what furniture is really needed, where to place them and what you can possibly do without.
Keep it Au Naturel
It is common for people in Scandinavia to enjoy living in harmony with nature, so naturally, their stylistic decisions tend to reflect their eco lifestyle. This meant using raw materials such as wood, cotton, leather or stone.
By investing in quality pieces made from those raw materials, you can accentuate rustic, earthy elements to bring that organic feel and comfort to your home. Don’t be afraid to blend different textures such as a light wool chair and lived-in tan leather couch for your living area, but remember to follow the simple basics of stripped-back decorating.
Natural Bright Light
During Scandinavian summers, days are long and bathed in soft light. However, over winter months, they are cloaked in darkness. This unique sequence prompted homeowners to use light inventively.
Much like the UK, winter months are not generous with natural light, so one way of capturing as much as you can is by incorporating large windows, positioned for either morning or evening sun.
Opt for light and sheer curtains for your windows; and if you can, try to keep your spaces flowing into each other, to create open and inviting rooms.
You can also use light-toned natural woods to bounce light from your surfaces, and even go all in with white wooden floors to create a larger, brighter space.
Muted Colour Palettes
Understated colours like neutrals and other softer hues are perfect when going for a Scandi home.
When it comes to furnishings, light timber and golden leathers work well together; and for bedding and rugs, cream and ivory tones compliment each other.
Look for colours that bring you calmness and use that to inspire you. If you don’t want to go for white walls, give them some more depth and character with dreamy grey paint that has a slight golden undertone that is enough to warm up any room with its earthy look.
If you’d like to know the upcoming colour trends for a Scandi home, check out this link for this year’s timeless colour palette.
Bring the Outside, In
Scandi culture appreciates nature, so you can honour this by inviting a collection of greenery into your home. With their popular neutral palette, this pairs beautifully with a variety of houseplants.
Have a look at what’s around you and welcome different colours, shapes and sizes you think will accent your space well. Fill empty corners of your rooms with larger plants like a Bird of Paradise or Swiss Cheese plant and pot them in wicker plant pots or other natural-looking pots.
Punctuating surfaces with little succulents like the Jade plant is a great addition to have, and even some botanical decor is perfect to bring more life to the almost monochromatic designs.
If you have pets living with you, take a look at this list of pet-friendly house plants for a gorgeous and safe space.
With these concepts continuing to thrive with current trends and how attainable achieving this interior design is, it’s hard not to fall in love with the effortless simplicity of Scandi style.
