18 Ways to Introduce Nordic Design Principles Into Your Home
Scandinavian decor ideas are well-liked for multiple reasons: they feature simplified and neat spaces, along with a successful blend of style and usefulness that produces appealing yet practical interiors. Ultimately, the enduring appeal of these rooms lies in their clean lines, airy atmosphere, and use of organic materials.
Homeowners, in today’s busy modern lives, are increasingly conscious when selecting furniture, striving to achieve a harmonious blend of streamlined minimalism and opulent comfort for their home decor.
Although minimalism may be fashionable, there is a form of clean design that will never become outdated – Scandinavian interior design. It is challenging to maintain a sense of coziness while exercising restraint in decorating choices. This style is highly favored because it appeals to our inclination for tidiness and our longing for warm and inviting living spaces. If you want to achieve the renowned Nordic look, pay attention to these aesthetically pleasing layered areas.
What Is Scandinavian Design?
Scandinavian interior design uses a combination of textures and soft hues to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for sleek and modern décor. The style focuses on clean lines, practicality, and straightforward furnishings that are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing and comfortable.
Play With Natural Light
Scandinavian interior design is renowned for its minimalistic color schemes, inviting ornaments, and impressive contemporary furnishings. Designs frequently incorporate the utilization of natural light, which is highly valued in Nordic countries.
Add Contrast
Scandinavian interior design is characterized by its high contrasts, which are evident in this all-white dining room. The use of stark black sculptural furniture contributes to the creation of a dramatic and impactful statement. Additionally, the modern furniture creates a striking contrast with the ornate architectural details commonly found in historic buildings in northern Europe.
Add Subtle Interest And Detailing
The structure and architecture of this Scandinavian living room ceiling are highlighted by the lines and crosses, which also provide a lively contrast to the peaceful space underneath.
When dealing with old houses, it is advantageous to explore the original structure of the house, but it is crucial to take into account the condition of the ceilings if you choose to uncover them. This is especially beneficial if you are contemplating wood ceiling concepts.
Go For A White-One-White Scheme
White bedrooms ideas are a timeless choice for a true Scandinavian scheme, as they evoke purity and cleanliness as well as confidence and sophistication.
White room ideas are popular due to their versatility. Decorating with white provides a wide range of options, as there are numerous shades available, such as warm white and cool white. Regardless of your interior style, whether it is contemporary or country, a white-on-white scheme will always appear stylish and elegant in a Scandinavian bedroom.
Choose Mod Furniture
Even in modern spaces that have recently been constructed, it is still important to include mod furniture. Blonde-wood accents and rich cognac leather tones add warmth to tulip tables and swan chairs. Additionally, the inclusion of sculptural branches enhances the organic feel of the space.
Choose Muted Colors
In this New York City apartment, Tali Roth, an interior designer, has adopted her own interpretation of Scandinavian style. Resting on a mirrored cube is a Flos table lamp, reminiscent of George Nelson’s designs. The color scheme consists of subdued shades of taupe, ivory, and sage. Minimalist decorative elements include black-and-white photography, olive branches, and a small brass bowl.
Put The Focus On Furniture
Scandinavian design primarily aims to enhance everyday life, so furniture is not solely focused on aesthetic grace but also on practicality and durability, ensuring it has a purpose and can endure over time.
To ensure harmony in each room, carefully select a few essential furniture items that are both visually appealing and highly functional, accompanied by carefully chosen accessories, fittings, or soft furnishings.
To create a Scandinavian sunroom, it is suitable to incorporate a cozy sofa and chair, a basic floor lamp, a couple of strategically positioned large houseplants, a woven rug, and accent cushions. Ensure that you only allocate space for items and furniture that genuinely bring you joy.
Incorporate Colorful Art in Multiples
When it comes to Scandinavian interiors, colorful art is rarely seen. However, on the rare occasions when it is present, it tends to be in the form of graphic multiples, such as this collection of botanical prints. In dining rooms, the furniture is typically kept minimalistic, featuring midcentury chairs and a floating storage buffet. Simple brass candleholders frequently accompany candles, as they are a characteristic of the hygge style.
What Is Hygge?
Hygge, which has been transferred into Scandinavian interior design, is a feature of Danish culture and entails the establishment of a cozy and comfortable environment in your living spaces.
Think Cozy
When it comes to hygge, the Danes aim to integrate this philosophy into every aspect of their décor, ensuring it is as warm and pleasant as possible. Within this limited area, the bed is not made and is placed directly against the window, occupying the entire space. Additionally, curtains are used to divide the sleeping area, contributing to the overall cosiness.
Go For A Monochrome Color Palette
Scandinavian design is characterized by simplicity and minimalism, and when it comes to color, Scandinavian kitchens focus on light hues. This choice is driven by a practical reason: considering ideas for a white kitchen or wood kitchen cabinets with paler finishes. The Scandinavian countries experience darkness during the winter, so using light colors and materials helps to reflect the limited amount of light available.
Choosing a black and white decorating scheme requires bravery, as it necessitates meticulous editing and a keen sense of design. This particular Scandinavian interior can seem visually uninteresting if texture and subtle tonal variation aren’t incorporated. Nonetheless, when assembled with care, it can be an excellent method to infuse your space with drama and style.
Mix Textures
Despite the simple, clean-lined furniture and muted gray tones of this living room, it could easily appear cold and unwelcoming. However, it feels inviting with the addition of striking photography and a cozy mix of textures, such as the sheepskin throw and kilim rug.
Corner Your Fireplace
Scandinavian homes are recognized for their fireplaces positioned in the corner of a room, rather than being centered on a wall. Consequently, seating arrangements are often planned accordingly. Smaller accent chairs are positioned near the fireplace, while sofas typically occupy the central area of the room, allowing for an open space behind them to walk through.
Use Warm Wood
The reason warm wood tones and sepia hues are popular in Scandinavian interior design is that they create a sunny and bright atmosphere in a room without resorting to excessively vibrant colors.
A combination of off-whites, sepias, and wood tones complement each other effectively and result in a warm and peaceful environment.
Layer Bedding
A typical practice seen in Sweden and Denmark is the skillful arrangement of bedding to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. This involves combining linen sheets, wool blankets, and a few decorative pillows in soft, muted colors. In Scandinavian bedrooms, it is also common to use distinctive lighting, such as ceiling fixtures and bedside lamps, to add a touch of modernity.
Add Small Bursts of Color
When color is utilized in Scandinavian interiors, it is typically done so in small bursts or with vibrant shades, resembling a gallery-style approach. For instance, in this illuminated and airy living room, a neutral foundation is invigorated by blue and purple-hued rugs and throws, while the diverse artwork introduces a striking pop of color.
Mix Décor Styles
Scandinavian interiors, which have a leaning towards modern styles, commonly incorporate a combination of different periods and styles to create a cozy and layered atmosphere. In this understated dining room, above a set of apothecary jars, there are oil paintings with ornate gilded frames. Additionally, an oversized industrial pendant is suspended above the striking black dining table.
Keep Appliances Hidden Away
Scandinavian interior design emphasizes functionality, thus it is essential to take into consideration bespoke, built-in cabinets, smart storage solutions for the laundry room, and slimline seating in order to optimize every available space.
Another potential solution is the use of concealed shelves or cabinets that can be pulled out when needed, without taking up any additional space in the living or cooking areas. By implementing this, not only will you achieve a peaceful and organized atmosphere, but it will also result in less hassle, allowing you to relax and unwind more easily.
Decorate With Natural Materials
Enhancing a Scandinavian scheme can be achieved by incorporating materials commonly found outdoors, such as wood, wicker, rattan, and stone, into your home’s interior décor.
To infuse your home with a natural touch, incorporate natural materials like wood, seashells, tree bark, flowers, and feathers into your decorations. By stimulating your senses, you can recreate the calming and liberating ambiance experienced in nature within your living space.
Natural materials may be beneficial for our health, as suggested by biophilic design principles that aim to reconnect us with the natural world through their use.
