How to arrange Scandinavian interiors? Make sure you haven't forgotten anything!
The fact that everyone loves modern Scandinavian interiors is almost as obvious as which elements should be included in these interiors. It is obvious that they should be bright and cosy. It is known that they should include wooden elements, that they should be functional, natural and simple. But what does that really mean? What colours, doors, sofas and accessories "make" Scandinavian interiors? If you plan to arrange a house or apartment in this style, check out our inspirations and find out if you have not forgotten anything!
It's bright
Scandinavian interiors generally have bright snow-white or off-white walls. Thanks to them, a modern living room, bedroom, kitchen and other rooms in the house seem much larger. There is more light and 'air' in them. White is the base, but the accompanying colours are also very important. The palette of Scandinavian colours consists mainly of earth colours, shades of grey and the colours of the Nordic sky, which changes from light to very dark, depending on the time of day and year. This specific shade of blue and navy blue is very deep, muted and covered with a pinch of grey. Choose grey curtains, a grey or navy blue sofa, a grey bedspread, blankets and pillows in dusty blue or earth tones. If you want to keep the interior design in a Scandinavian style as minimalist as possible, stick to the grey colour palette and add some stone, marble and wood furniture and accessories.
The wood is the basis of the Scandinavian style
Another colour, or a material that should not be missing in modern Scandinavian home interiors, is wood, whose warm colour and natural character will soften and warm up a living room or bedroom without spoiling their minimalist character, functionality and simplicity. Wooden doors, chairs with wooden legs, a coffee table, wooden cutting boards placed on the kitchen countertop or a wooden floor - light oak parquet or boards painted white. Those elements will ensure a natural harmony, which is the basis of a Scandinavian style and a cosy atmosphere.
What other decor inspirations should you consider? An element that will reliably and practically immediately change the interior temperature to an exceptionally Scandinavian one is, for example, a wooden sliding barn door. Stylish sliding doors made of light wood with visible grain or painted white or grey are an element that will change any room into an extraordinary interior. It is also a practical accessory that will allow you to save some space in a small apartment. What's more, thanks to the sliding doors based on an atmospheric steel rail, we get the opportunity to create an open-closed space division, allowing even more brightening of our modern Scandinavian-style house interiors.
Simple and functional
Scandinavians value comfort, which in their interiors often goes hand in hand with minimalist design and home décor. Thanks to this approach to furnishing, their apartments are always elegant and functional. How to find the balance and harmony between comfort, which we associate with soft armchairs, and minimalism, which brings the raw simplicity and a bit of the Nordic coldness? Choose sofas and armchairs with geometric, minimalist shapes, a modern coffee table in the living room, simple cabinets with light fronts or a solid wood table with modern chairs. If you are looking for inspiration for Scandinavian interior design, check what furniture and lamps are offered in branded shops such as Menu, Normann Copenhagen or Vita Copenhagen and combine them with a soft rug or a simple picture or a poster framed in a minimalistic frame.
Sophisticated accessories
Pay attention to accessories, gadgets, decorations and ornaments. Moderation is required when designing in the Scandinavian style. It is worth investing in a beautiful vase or a pair of elegant, carefully made, decorative items. If you value high quality and are in the mood for a designer wood decoration, think about designs by Danish designer Kay Bojesen that could be a good inspiration for you. His wooden monkeys, elephants and rhinoceros have been decorating Scandinavian interiors for years. They are perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens or bathrooms. One animal designed by this world-famous Dane set on a table next to the couch will make your interior look like an apartment from a Copenhagen townhouse.
Hygge means cosy - warm blanket, candles and cinnamon rolls...
Hygge is a word that has become very popular not only on the Internet, mainly Instagram, but also in books, newspapers and media around the world, spreading the secret of the Scandinavian style and model of happiness that is unsurpassed in many countries. How is hygge reflected in the design of modern Scandinavian interiors and how to achieve the 'cosiness' of the house, warmth and mood that characterize 'scandi decor'? Hygge is a warm blanket - preferably the woollen one, made of merino wool, with a thick, beautiful weave. These are pillows in bright colours or the colours of the Nordic sky. These are ubiquitous candles, which, put together in an interestingly arranged group, will successfully compensate for the lack of a fireplace in the living room (if you are a fan of candles, be sure to look for those with a wooden, long wick - their sound resembling wood shooting in the fireplace relaxes better than the best massage!).
If you care about the Scandinavian interior style and its cosiness, think about arranging your place for reading books or drinking tea (yes, reading and drinking tea is very hygge!). If you cannot afford a dedicated bench in the window, padded with a custom-made pillow, all you need is a comfortable armchair, a warm blanket, a floor lamp with soft light and a beautiful tea mug.
Hygge also means a pantry full of homemade preserves, stored in jars and containers decorated with hand-made labels, wooden elements of kitchen equipment (kitchen tools, cutting boards, etc.) and the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls... Buns you will eat while sitting in a cosy, designer armchair, admiring your work - a timeless, harmonious and beautiful Scandinavian interior. The above inspirations will certainly help you in creating a Nordic atmosphere and modern Scandinavian decor at home.
Scandinavian-style living room - what you should know?
When arranging modern Scandinavian interiors, remember that the living room is a place where all elements of Nordic home decor are cumulated. What determines the nature of this style? It is a synergy of functional furniture, soft fabrics of the armchairs, sofas and couches, a raw fireplace and bright, subdued colours.
The must-have element is a wooden finish. Choose tables, chests of drawers, shelves made of this material, also sliding doors that separate the living room from, for example, the dining room or kitchen - these are just some of the inspirations for the living room arrangement. You should complete the room decor with floor lamps with lampshades, modern graphics and accessories such as vases, curtains, pillows and fluffy carpets.
Design of a Scandinavian modern kitchen - subdued or contrasting colours
Nordic style kitchens characterize predominance of white, pastel, beige and general harmony of colours. Walls, cabinet fronts, accessories and household appliances are in bright, balanced colours. As a result, the Scandinavian interior seems optically larger. Modern, Norwegian or Swedish kitchen rooms also have strong accents that provide a contrast to the bright entourage. If you are looking for inspiration, the wall-mounted interior wooden sliding doors separating the kitchen from the dining room or living room, in black matte, deep ocean or green khaki, will be perfect for this role.
Cosy bedroom in Scandinavian style
The living room and kitchen are not the only rooms that can be arranged in a Scandinavian style. The bedroom decor may also refer to this style. Pay attention to the bed, as it is the focal point of this interior. The best option will be a bed with wooden construction, but a metal frame may also be a good choice. What about other furnishings in this room?
Remember that the Nordic style is about natural materials, simple, geometric forms, functionality and minimalism. When looking for inspiration to arrange this room, think about a light wood bedside table, a jute rug, modern graphics on the wall and, for example, sliding doors on the wall.
If you want to have a Scandinavian house, the interior of a bedroom referring to this style should be simple and cosy. For this reason, there should be light wood furniture in bright colours, designer lamps and candlesticks, decorative pillows and bedspreads. The primary colours are white, delicate beige and light grey. It is also worth taking care of the convenience of storing bedding, for which, for example, woven bamboo baskets will be perfect.
Children's room in Scandinavian style
How about a modern Scandinavian style in your child's room? If you are looking for inspiration, start your arrangement by choosing bright colours for the walls. They can be various shades of grey, pastel beige or classic white. In a space with subdued colours, it is easier to calm down, focus and rest. Instead of paint, you can choose wallpaper with a motif of plants, animals or geometric patterns.
When it comes to furniture - it is best to choose the one that will "grow" with the child, so furniture with solutions that allow for their modification in the future. Choose light, warm wooden beds, desks, wardrobes and bookcases. As in the case of decorating other parts of the house, including the living room, your child's space should include expressive (turquoise, blue, green, mint, etc.) accessories. Combined with subdued white and grey, those items will enliven a modern children's room.
Scandinavian interior? It's easy!
Now you have everything to create a cosy yet modern, Scandinavian interior: white sliding doors, light walls, wooden fittings, functional sofas with blue cushions, a few sophisticated accessories and a warm blanket. Use our inspirations for home decor and have a lovely apartment!