Trends
What is Scandinavian design?
Minimalist styles are on trend. A really affordable and adaptable trend you can jump onto is Scandinavian Design, also known as Scandi. A Scandi design consists of white walls, wooden floors, minimalist décor and modern furniture. Let me show you how you could make it work in your home.
27th October 2023
What defines Scandinavian design?
Having originated from Nordic influences, Scandinavian design takes influences from three European countries (Norway, Sweden and Denmark) but also incorporates Finland, Iceland and Greenland.
Scandinavian design is all about bringing nature inside by using natural materials like wood and stone as décor elements that add texture and warmth to modern interiors.
Defined by its clean lines and simple shapes, this minimalist style is also often described as timeless or effortless because it doesn’t get caught up in over-designing every detail; instead, it relies on the perfect placement of furniture within each room so that even without any colour accents or accessories, the space feels inviting.
Because Scandinavian designs lend towards simplicity – in terms of both formality (the lack thereof) as well as materiality – it’s easy to dress up the look with more ornate furnishings (such as crystal chandeliers) if you’re looking for something more maximalist than what would typically be expected from this aesthetic; however, these extra details shouldn’t overtake your living space!
Why is Scandinavian design so popular?
Scandinavian design is a style of interior design that originated in Northern Europe.
The minimalist aesthetic of Scandinavian design has become internationally popular for its simplistic and functional designs.
Scandinavian interior designers use natural materials such as wood, stone, leather and glass to create modern spaces that are clean and bright – a sought-after aesthetic.
What are the characteristics of Scandinavian design?
Scandinavian design is often characterised by a cosiness that comes from the use of natural materials, soft, muted colours/patterns and furniture that is low to the ground.
All of these combined give off a warm, welcoming and comfortable feel.
Scandinavian design also thrives on flexible, open-plan living that accommodates several uses, such as a dining table that can double-up as a work station or a spare guest room that can also be used as an office.
Clean lines, simple shapes and minimalism are key components of Scandinavian design.
When implementing this style, being minimalist in your approach and focusing on function over form will ensure you’re ticking all the boxes.
This creates a sense of elegance that goes beyond the style of the piece itself – it’s about creating a space that is stylish without being fussy or overly decorated.
In designing your room, I suggest starting off with the main two elements that give the room the ‘Scandi’ vibe.
These are the wooden floors and white walls.
Having a light floor and white walls, helps to brighten up the room, which in turn can make it appear more spacious.
To accessorise the room, you want to forgo the rugs and the clutter – the key to a true Scandi room is minimalism, and every piece has its purpose.
Try matching the wooden tones of your flooring with your furniture choices such as your dining table or coffee table, or go slightly darker for some added contrast.
Opt for striking black framed photographs, and plenty of greenery to add a dash of colour to the room.
Scandi designs thrive in bright, airy spaces so if your room has a great natural light source, you are in luck!
As this design era was heavily influenced by the notoriously long, dark Nordic winters, it’s important this style of design creates a more inviting space for people who spend a lot of time indoors.
Scandinavian designers also pay attention to how sunlight affects a room’s appearance: they use mirrors and reflective surfaces to bounce light around and make the space seem larger than it actually is.
As a result of these elements, Scandinavian interior spaces tend to feel airy yet cosy at the same time.
Meaning you can appreciate all the warmth and light as you enter no matter the season.
What colours are used in Scandinavian design?
Typically, Scandinavian design is known and loved for it’s implementation of a neutral colour palette, this includes white, grey, icy blues and creams.
Pale-coloured walls and flooring are typically favoured in Nordic design as they create a blank backdrop that is clutter-free and creates a more streamlined way of living.
You’ll often see monochrome accents utilised in smaller furniture items and accessories, such as light fixtures and bar stools.
These are used in Scandinavian design as they beautifully offset the freshness of a neutral colour scheme.
What is a Scandinavian sofa?
Scandinavian-inspired furniture, such as a sofa, should be typically low to the ground, have a minimalistic design and be neutral in upholstery choice.
Commonly a Scandinavian sofa will have hairpin legs as they’re a slender, simplistic style that’s not too bulky and allows you to see under the sofa which helps to elongate the space around it.
Our Hackney 2 Seater sofa has a Scandinavian feel and would be a great contender if you’re hoping to adapt this style in your living room.
With an emphasis on quality over quantity, Scandinavian design can be easily distinguished by its straightforward functional approach to modern-day living.
Understandably it continues to appeal to many people and I'm sure you’ll love it too.
Good luck putting together your Scandi-inspired dream home.
.png)
Never miss another sale! Sign up to our emails today
