No one does interiors quite like the Nordics! With bright surroundings, a lot of sunlight, simple furniture, and a whole lot of coziness, Scandinavian interiors speak to the heart. The Scandinavian design is basically an interior style based on the Danish philosophy of ‘hygge’. Now whilst this is a word that you have probably seen floating around, but let us explain what exactly it is. Essentially, ‘Hygge’ is a quality of comfort, togetherness, and wellbeing. It is a word that greatly defines the Danish culture. The Scandinavians believe that everyone should be able to experience ‘hygge’ and there really is no better place to experience it than home. Regardless of social status, everyone should be able to create cozy, beautiful, and functional homes.
If you are looking to master the Scandinavian design in your own home, then look no further. In this article, we are going to help you understand the various elements of Scandinavian interior design so that you can recreate this style in your home.
But first of all, what feelings should Scandinavian Interior Design evoke?
Take a look at any image of a Scandinavian interior and you are bound to immediately sense a lot of COZINESS, a great focus on WELLBEING, WARMTH, SIMPLICITY, and a touch of NATURE indoors. Scandinavian interiors have skyrocketed in popularity and it is easy to see why. It is affordable, tidy, and clean, yet comfortable, warm, and inviting.
Maximise NATURAL Lighting
Nordic homes are famous for having large, unobstructed, and clean windows. This is because sunlight is rare in Nordic Countries. With almost zero sun coming in during the winter, it is easy to see why Scandinavian design is all about natural light.
Create WARMTH
Since Nordic weather conditions are harsh for most part of the year, people spend a lot of time indoors. Consequently, creating a warm home environment is very important. When we say warm in this context, we are referring to ‘physical’ warmth as well as the ‘cozy’ kind of warmth that a space can feel.
To keep warm during the harsh winters, Scandinavian homes usually have corner fireplaces. The seating in the room is then arranged around the fireplace to keep everyone cozy and physically warm.
Now psychological warmth is an environment that can be easily created. Warm lights, candles, and lots of throws and pillows, are all things you can add to spread more warmth in a space. Since Nordic homes are famous for layering various textiles to achieve that ‘hygge’, you can recreate the same by layering rugs, adding sheepskins, and lots of natural textiles.
Wooden SIMPLICITY
Historially, the Nodics designed and made furnishings from the limited raw material that was available to them. These historical origins have remained and can be seen through the simplicity and functionality of modern Scandinavian furniture. Warm wood tones are commonly used, but wood is never stained or painted. Instead, the natural grain always shows through. In fact, various warm wood tones are used to add an additional level of coziness or ‘hygge’ to the room.
If you are looking to incorporate the Scandinavian design into a space, make sure you choose natural wooden furniture pieces that speak simplicity and functionality. Simple and practical furniture is widely available and will help you nail the Scandinavian design in your home.
NATURE Indoor
Respecting nature is a large part of Nordic interiors. This is why wood is left untreated and using natural stone is very common. Scandinavian designers have always taken inspiration from their natural surroundings. When designing furniture, they prefer to use materials that are available to them. The idea of respecting nature explains why Scandinavian design relies on the natural colours of materials.
To bring some nature into your home, consider adding sheepskins (they are COZY and NATURAL!), lots of plants, and always try to use natural textiles. Woven baskets are a great storage option, and untreated wooden furniture is classic Scandinavian.
Muted Colours
Scandinavian walls are almost always white. White is an elegant colour that seamlessly blends in with the natural materials used indoors. It also keeps the home looking bright and airy, and it reflects the natural light which is so important in a Nordic home.
To complement the white walls and natural wood, your furnishings and textiles can be added in soft muted tones such as white, off white, sage green, or taupe. Sticking to soft colours will help you achieve Scandinavian design colours in your home.
A Touch of Old
Nordic furniture is the opposite of fussy. Pieces are simple, functional, and always cozy. An item can be added because it inspires happiness or nostalgia, adding to the general ‘hygge’ of a space. This is why it is common to add a few classic or vintage pieces to a home to evoke a sense of ‘whimsical’ and layering. Mid-century furniture pairs very well with the Nordic style, and so do certain industrial pieces.
If you wanted to try and add a bit of vintage to your Nordic home, try placing Mid-Century armchairs around a fireplace. Another option would be to place a large industrial pendant from a ceiling. Simple additions like these can help you add a beautiful mix of periods to your Scandinavian home.
A Bit of Colour
If you would like to add a pop of colour to your Scandinavian home, consider incorporating colourful art. Displaying your art in a gallery style will help you achieve that sharp burst of colour you desire, whilst staying true to the spirit of Scandinavian design.
We hope that these Scandinavian design tips have inspired you to add some ‘hygge’ to your home! If this is a style that makes your heart sing, then remember to always choose natural, simply, and a lot of cozy! If you need a starting point, you cannot go wrong with white walls, natural wood, and plenty of plants. Once these three elements are firmly in place, take your Scandinavian design onwards and upwards.
