How To Get The Scandinavian Look + [FREE Cheatsheet]
If you believe that beauty is in simplicity and you’re looking for a fresh start, budget-stretching options and a little more warmth and cosiness in your home, then the Scandinavian style of design may be one for you to consider.
Scandinavian interior design is a minimal and clean design style that uses a blend of textures, contrasts, and soft hues to make sleek, modern furniture feel warm and cosy…. (or technically Hygge as the Norwegian’s and Danish like to say).
It’s no easy task to take a minimal design style make it feel warm and cosy, it takes a little knowledge and a lot of restraint to achieve a Scandinavian look. This week, we’re giving you the ultimate guide for everything you need to know to create Scandinavian Interior Design in your home.
And if you want to perfect the look, we’re got a FREE 9 page downloadable Scandinavian interior Design cheatsheet down below. Get inspired, know what to shop for and exactly where to shop… And it’s not all Ikea!
But first, how just do you get a little Nordic Hygge and the look we all love in your home? Read on to get 10 top tips…
In Scandinavian Interior Design Contrast Is King
Image Credit: A Nordic Moment
If there is one rule you that you live by in your new hygge home it’s this: Contrast is king! High contrast really is the hallmark of Scandinavian interior design. Whilst interiors are generally bright, light and airy, a subtle but key element is a use of strong contrast in small quantities.
In the beautiful swedish home of Helle C Rye in the image above and her swoonworthy scandi insta account @anordicmoment, constast is everywhere.
A new nordic style that appears to be emerging. A softer palette than the more common and traditional high contrast black/white that Scandinavian design is renowned for. But regardless of if you’re a purest, or a trend seeker, you’ll need to ensure that contrast is a part of your design. Without contrast, you scheme will be missing the pop needed to bring your nordic home to life and could end up a being a little too neutral and safe.
Talking Texture
Image Credit: A Nordic Moment
The King always needs a Queen and in Scandinavian design that would be texture.
All rooms need texture and something fluffy to touch to stop it feeling flat, but in Scandinavian design textiles are key to creating a warm welcoming home. Texture is what takes the minimal and makes it homely and inviting.
As with all thing Scandinvian, natural materials are high on list with textiles in wool, linen, jute and sheepskin
Let There Be Light
Image Credit: My Scandinavian Home
In a region with such huge differences in daylight hours (from round the clock darkness in January to round the cock daylight in June), Scandinavian countries have learnt a thing or two about how to maximise light in their homes. An abundance of big landscape windows + roof windows get as much of the suns rays inside as possible. You’ll also see lots of mirrors for brightening up all those dark corners and bouncing around that vitamin D.
At sunset, Hygge homes are transformed into a cosy and comforting oasis. To ensure you can perfectly set the mood and ambience in your home, make sure you have dimmable lighting and an abundance of candles to create the warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Just Floor It Baby
It’s time to wave bye bye to wall-to-wall carpet, for true Scandi feel the carpets need to go. As natural wooden tones play a key part in creating the look, it’s no surprise that natural wooden flooring is a anchoring element.
If the idea of all out wooden flooring has you feeling a little cold, think about adding in some softness and texture with rugs. Textured rugs are a firm nordic favourite but don’t be limited to just Moroccan Berber versions that have become popular, colourful Kilim rugs = Scandi perfection. If you’re looking for a twist, take a look at Nordic Knots or Viita Nordic. And for some affordable nordic style head to Dunelm or H&M
Paint It White
Image Credit: A Nordic Moment
All things light and beautiful! For an easy update and one that’s perfect for maximising light and space and the bright and airy look that Scandinavian interior design is synonymous for, paint it white. From the floors to the ceiling and everything in between, no look can carry this better! An idea that’s also great if your space is on the smaller side, bouncing around all that lovely light.
Multi-Function Maven
No region does form and space quite like the Scandinavian’s, and multi function is in their genes (Hej Ikea, you had to sneak in somewhere)
Multi tasking furniture not only saves you space, but also saves you money as you’ll have fewer pieces to invest in. Sofa beds, coffee tables with storage, dining tables that collapse, ladders that transform to seating. Think creatively with your functions and see how you can create a home that’s as practical as it is beautiful.
Going Green
Image Credit: My Scandinavian Home
You are never too far from nature in Scandinavia, which is why the natural environment plays such a huge role in homes. Bring the outside in and make sure you add house plants and greenery. They’re are great stress-busters and help to clean and detox the air.
For seasonal updates, go for a forage in the woods, along the beach, in your local park – and create vignettes with wildflowers, pinecones, and pebbles.
If you’re a lover of nordic design, but need a little helping hand get our Scandinavian cheatsheet. The cheatsheet gives you 9 pages of all the elements you need to perfect Scandinavian design in your home, from the floor right through to the ceiling and all the elements in between!
Enter your email address below to get your free copy right away.
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