What is Scandinavian interior design style all about? The name ‘Scandinavian’ generally refers to countries like Norway, Sweden and Denmark. The word ‘Nordic’ includes five northern countries: Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, and Finland. Thus, Scandinavian home decor interior design style is highly influenced by these five countries also known as Nordic design style. Due to resemblances in these countries' climatic conditions and culture, we can find many similarities in their interior design styles, popularly known as Scandinavian interior design style, being winter-friendly, and nature-inspired.
Scandinavian interiors are mainly characterized by clear lines, decluttered designs, neutral tones, natural light, functional wooden accent furniture, and rich textiles to add warmth during harsh cold winters. Though the designs have evolved over time, the key elements remain the same, thus making them one of the most popular interior design styles the world over. They bring both form and function together naturally.
Going Down The Memory Lane
As we unveil the origin of Scandinavian interior designs, we learn that it dates back to the 20th century and remains a very popular one, due to its cozy vibes and sheer simplicity! Though we learned that it is highly influenced by Nordic countries like Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, and Norway, the Scandinavian style is now greatly adopted by several other countries. Its key elements have emerged due to the winters and extreme cold experienced by these Nordic countries, making the interiors warm and more inviting with their coziness. Three words that define Scandinavian design style are ‘simplicity, minimalism, and functionality’. Scandinavian design became popular in America with the exhibition held in the Brooklyn Museum under the name of ‘Design in Scandinavia’. Even during the 1950s and 70s Scandinavian design rose to fame after receiving the prestigious award - ‘The Lunning Prize’ given to talented Scandinavian designers.
Why Scandinavian Design Is So Popular?
The natural question that comes to mind is why the Scandinavian interior design style is so popular. What makes it so trendy and welcoming even in the modern era? The answers are very obvious! It’s versatile, extremely versatile in its approach! This means it can be effortlessly complemented with any age and decor. It is a beautiful blend of simplicity, clear lines as well as functionality.
The concept of clean lines, neutral tones, and natural light is universal and thus easily adopted by different world regions. At least, we will find traces or little elements that resonate with several households' Scandinavian interior design style. If someone is looking for a cozy space that is not only clutter-free but includes functional wooden elements, then this interior design style is best suited for him or her.
It is interesting to note that the Scandinavian design style has nuances that are similar to mid-century design. The major differentiator between the two design styles is the use of light hues in the Scandinavian style and deeper tones in the Mid-Century style of interior design.
So, let’s start by examining the key characteristics of Scandinavian interior design and understanding what makes it so popular.
Key Elements
1. Minimalism
Scandinavian interior design style is influenced by the concept of minimalism and simplicity. This is because it focuses on a clutter-free ambiance and clean lines, where only a minimum number of elements are used for interiors. Scandinavian interior design style follows the principle of ‘Less is More’ and believes in incorporating only the essential elements into the given space with grace and elegance. This makes one calm and serene amidst clean lines and home decor items carefully curated without loading ‘n’ number of elements into a given space, making it extremely welcoming and impressive.
2. Incorporating Neutral Tones
The Scandinavian interior design style believes in limiting its color palette to a few hues only. It mainly indulges in lighter neutral shades such as ivory white, off-white, beige, aqua blue, light greys, nude tones, and cream, keeping it highly monochromatic. It is devoid of vibrant tones and deeper shades, letting fresh air and light enter naturally. However, that doesn’t mean, the Scandinavian style of interior design is mundane, it is very playful with contrasting decor and functional elements, and being minimalist in its approach.
3. Natural Light
As light hues are the key elements of the Scandinavian interior design style, it is obvious that it focuses on natural light and fresh air. There is a profound reason behind keeping the interiors light and airy. As these countries face long, dark winters, good lighting is scarce in countries where sunlight appears only for a few hours, especially during winters. Thus, light hues keep the interiors bright and positive, curbing negative energies and gloominess. The Scandinavian interior design style works on enhancing the source of natural light to negate the ill effects of cold winters, thus maintaining a natural balance!
4. Functionality
‘Functionality’ is the core element of a Scandinavian home. Every element is placed serving some purpose, creating a focal point with quality craftsmanship. For instance, we can see decorative accent furniture kept near the warm fireplaces. The Scandinavian design involves a lot of thoughtfulness and practicality in its approach to creative gorgeous living spaces. It takes inspiration from its scenic natural beauty and emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and utility.
5. Use Of Natural Materials
Scandinavian design style incorporates the use of natural materials that are sturdy and of high quality and add depth to the decor. ‘Wood’ is the most common natural material used, when it comes to Scandinavian homes. Both vintage, as well as contemporary accent pieces, are welcome to enhance the visual appeal of the interiors. The look and feel of rustic wooden elements is what makes Scandinavian homes distinctive in their style. It could be in the form of wooden flooring, wooden beams on the ceiling, or anything substantially wooden texture, though bricks and stones are also found in Scandinavian homes.
Wooden flooring with light-colored bricks on the walls is a typical Scandinavian interior design style! Also, deep-colored accent furniture gives a sense of contrast in the middle of all neutral tones.
6. Welcoming Nature Indoors
The Scandinavian interior design style believes in bringing the outdoor beauty of mountains, rivers, woods, and lakes indoors with its unique style and design. As one can find panoramic natural beauty in these Scandinavian countries, the interior design style is also influenced by its sheer wonder bringing nature indoors with elements that add coziness, warmth, and serenity into one’s abode as well as life.
Just like wooden textures, even lush green plants are an integral aspect of the Scandinavian interior design style. Light-colored walls, wooden flooring, and a dash of green foliage are a picture-perfect scenario of a Scandinavian home. Both indoor and outdoor plants add an earthy touch to the interiors, showcasing the dreamy natural landscapes of Scandinavian countries. Artificial lighting sources are used in dark winters to nurture these wildflowers and plants at home.
7. Use Of Rich Textiles
Scandinavian interior design styles are defined by distinctive textiles to add depth and warmth to their homes. One can find the use of natural rich textiles such as natural wool, mohair throws, woven textures, sheepskin rugs, rattan, cane, linen cushions, area rugs, well-kitted blankets, throw pillows, and layered rugs. Such rich textiles help break the monotony of an all-white background, adding warmth and coziness in dark cold winters. Textiles add balance and harmony to Scandinavian homes, giving a cohesive and streamlined look to home interiors.
Scandinavian Decor Ideas For Your Home
Whichever part of the world you may be living in, if you wish to incorporate the
Scandinavian style of design into your abode, you can easily do so by following these pointers.
1. Neutral Colors For The Walls
Getting a fresh coat of paint for your walls is the first step to achieving a Scandinavian style of decor. Go for neutral tones like ivory white, off-cream, beige, or cream. For your kitchen cabinets and wardrobes too, opt for light greys, greens, pale blue, or simply all-white!
2. Natural Lighting
Natural lighting is the key to revamping your abode into a Scandinavian one! Always go for wide windows, painted in lighter hues to allow ample sunlight and fresh air to enter your sweet dwelling. Apart from natural sunlight, welcome home sustainable LED technology with pendant lights and wall lamps made in natural materials like wood, glass, fabric, or metal. Stay limited to the muted color palette and soft diffused lighting. The focus should be on clean lines and clutter-free lighting sources. Just like this ‘Mystne Ceiling Lamp’ found at Vaaree, showcasing a rustic mesh webbed shade with a touch of sophistication.
3. Wooden Flooring
To achieve a Scandinavian look for your abode, go for wooden flooring, at least for one of the rooms. This is because wooden flooring instantly gives the ‘feel’ of the sheer nature and alluring landscapes prevailing in Scandinavian countries. You can opt for laminated wooden flooring, which is not only an affordable option but also easy to maintain.
4. Sheer Light Curtains
Allow a lot of natural light to enter your abode. Go for sheer light curtains and large white window panes. Light curtains are not only easy to wash and maintain but also brighten up the rooms like none other. Browse through Vaaree and come across a wide range of light-coloured curtains for your Scandinavian interiors.
5. Add Lush Green Plants
A Scandinavian home is never without a dash of greenery. So, do incorporate lush green pots & planters and add galore and freshness into your sweet dwelling. You can go for popular indoor plants and planters found at Vaaree, adding a visual appeal, apart from offering us several inherent health benefits!
6. Wooden Accent Furniture
Add contrast and strike a balance in your all-white abode with dark wooden accent furniture. Yes, break the monotony of light-colored walls and cabinets by placing decorative rustic wooden furniture such as a coffee table, stools, side tables, ottomans, and other accent pieces to create a compatible look and feel in your personal space.
7. Rugs And Carpets
Roll out the area with rugs & carpets in your living room and bedrooms and see an instant transformation of your simple abode into an authentic Scandinavian look. Opt for deep colors that strike a contrast with your light interiors. Avoid wall-to-wall carpet, as it will rule out the look and feel of the wooden flooring. Rugs not only add an aesthetic appeal to your interiors but also come with several benefits. They prevent our floors from getting damaged and are great noise absorbents, keeping our homes warm and cozy.
8. Throw Pillows And Cushions
Throw pillows and cushions are important accent pieces in Scandinavian homes. Throw pillows and cushions elevate the exquisiteness of your furniture, creating a symphony of vibrant tints and shades. At Vaaree, you will come across an array of throws, cushions, and cushion covers, adding a dash of coziness and warmth just like those found in Scandinavian homes!
9. Showpieces
It is easy to add a touch of Scandinavian interior design style just by placing the right showpiece on your coffee table, side table, mantle, or bookshelf. If you are looking for elegant showpieces that will add a touch of sophistication to your Scandinavian home, visit us at Vaaree and find unique showpieces to grace your abode. Just like this Scandinavian U-Vase, that will instantly help you in achieving your dream Scandinavian abode!
10. Sustainable Storage Organizers
Storage organizers are a need in every household. Whether safe keeping your jewelry, books, keys, or miscellaneous items, multi-purpose organizers make us more efficient and keep chaos at bay. Welcome home sustainable storage organizers, made in fabric, bamboo, or jute, and enhance the Scandinavian look of your personal sanctuary.
11. Wall Posters
Treat the light-colored walls of your Scandinavian interiors with attractive graphic wall posters and artwork. Again, the rule is to go for a limited color palette such as gray, black, white, blue, and so on. Emphasize clean lines, uncluttered designs, and impressive patterns that will enhance the visual appeal of the walls for a modern Scandinavian interior design.
12. Brass Candleholders
Apart from rustic and sturdy showpieces and accent furniture, another means to adorn your Scandinavian interiors is by keeping elegant candleholders made in metal like brass or copper. What makes candles so popular in Scandinavian countries? Again, the answer lies in the cold and dark gloomy winters, which makes candles an indispensable aspect of their lives. Just like this ‘Round Whisp Tealight Candle Holder’ found at Vaaree, reflecting the rich decor style found in Scandinavian homes!
To Summarise
If you wish to revamp your abode into a Scandinavian interior design style, then incorporate the above elements. For all your home decor requirements, visit us at Vaaree and come across a plethora of home decor items ranging from bedding, cushion covers, throws, curtains, planters, rugs & carpets, and much more at very affordable prices. All our products are curated from top manufacturers from all over the country, just for you!
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