Scandinavians definitely know how to design their homes for unparalleled coziness and style. You’ve probably seen Scandinavian rooms in magazines or on Pinterest, or have seen that type of design in the Instagram photos of a friend of yours, and wished in your heart that your home looked the same.
It is possible and you don’t need an interior designer to do it. All it takes is a trip to Ikea and some knowledge, which we will be sharing with you in this article.
Why is Scandinavian Design Important
Scandinavian design began as a movement in the first half of the 20th century and quickly gained popularity in the US. It is a mixture of traditional Scandinavian styles and some modern design tendencies.
Such an interior design has the property to calm and relax us, help us concentrate and declutter our minds, and take the stress away. The benefits for ourselves are not the only reason why Scandi design went viral.
It favors functionality over form and is made with responsibility towards the environment. Sustainability is a keyword when we’re talking about that type of interior design.
Now here is how to incorporate it into your own home.
1. Aim for Minimalism
Minimalism is nowadays synonymous with interior design. The key thing about it is that it lets you feel the air inside the room and creates a sense of openness.
To achieve that, aim for clean lines and choose the elements of your interior with a “less is more” attitude.
Before getting new furniture, start with decluttering your home and getting rid of furniture that close-up the space without being very functional. Be mindful of each new piece of furniture or accessory you choose.
2. Neutral Color Palette
The color palette should be there without making a big impression. Avoid vivid colors, or if you really want to have a specific color in your home, incorporate it by adding some accents to an otherwise neutral color palette.
In Scandinavian countries most of the year it’s pretty dark outside, so the color palettes inside their homes favor whites and generally bright muted tones. This adds to the minimalism in the design and contributes to an atmosphere of serenity.
3. Embrace Graphic Patterns
Minimalism does not necessarily mean that you can’t have any decoration at home. Patterned elements are a way to create some variety and bring life to your home.
Choose some decorative cushions, curtains, tapestry, and other interior elements with bold graphic patterns. Just remember to pick more neutral colors and muted tones to keep it minimalist.
4. Incorporate Natural Elements
Scandinavian design is an invitation to nature. It favors many forms of natural elements, such as wooden furniture, natural decorative elements, nature-inspired patterns, as well as natural upholstery materials like linen, wool and mohair.
The reason why Scandinavians love nature so much is the fact, that they have had reasons to realize how important natural preservation is. The resources there are scarce and they have really had to be responsible if they wanted to get something from nature.
5. Choose Sustainability
Scandinavian responsibility for nature translates into their fondness for sustainability. Whenever you have the option, choose materials for your home that are eco-friendly.
To take it to the next level, start making some small eco-friendly decisions in your daily life to gradually switch to a greener lifestyle. Look for some tips from Scandinavian designers for making your house more energy-efficient and choose tools and utilities from a high energy-efficiency class, which is typical also for Scandinavian manufacturers.
6. Prefer Function Over Form
Look for furniture with multiple purposes and an original functional design. There is not much space in Scandinavian homes, so they have to be smart about the way they make furniture. For example, you can choose a bed with in-built storage space, or a living room table that also provides a place for storage.
Remember to look for simple furniture with clean lines and no unnecessary decorations and ornaments.
7. Add Hygge
Hygge is a very Scandinavian term that describes an atmosphere of coziness, comfort, and togetherness, in contrast with the gloomy weather outside in Scandinavian countries. It’s a Danish word that has already gone viral, together with Scandi interior design.
Increase the coziness in your home that makes it really feel like home by adding some blankets and soft rugs and lighting some candles.
Although some people prefer a cleaner version of this type of interior design, which is more rigid and monastic, other people find it too cold. That’s when you add Hygge to enjoy a softer version of the minimalist design.
8. Get Some Plants
Scandinavian design loves nature in many ways, so now is the time to fill your home with greener. Put larger plants in the corners
My name is Scarlett Mitchell and i am an author and editor in the home topic website – FemCasa.com.
I’m just an enthusiast who wants to share her visions, ideas and advices, when it comes to decorating every part of your home until it becomes the perfect relaxing place for you and your family.