What Is Scandinavian Design?
Relaxed. Simple. Functional.
Scandinavian design is the coziest, most inviting spin-off of modern style. Scandi countries Denmark, Sweden, and Norway have long, dark winters, so creating a dreamy escape is key to making it through those chilly months. To banish winter blues for good, check out a few of our Scandinavian design ideas.
Scandinavian Colors + Materials
The Scandi home looks light and unfussy due to a neutral palette. Start with white walls or white-painted brick, then layer with pale shades of pink, blue, and yellow. For furniture and fixtures, Scandinavians love to use natural elements. Light-colored hardwood floors like birch, oak, and pine are soft and welcoming. Copper and brass light fixtures and furniture are favorites.
After a long day at work, there's nothing like kicking back in a calm, clean space with a glass of vino. When choosing materials to outfit your Scandi-inspired home, look for soft, comforting textures. Stow chunky knit blankets in your living room, toss a faux fur pillow on your bed, and roll out a cozy area rug. Simple.
Scandinavian furniture features modern and mid-century modern furniture silhouettes in blonde wood tones. Look for gentle lines, tapered legs, and soft curves. In warmer months, take those hygge vibes outside with an outdoor sofa, white cushions, and a blonde wood table. Just add rosé.
With Scandinavian decor, less is more. Opt for decor and wall art featuring graphic, geometric patterns in black and white or muted colors. Look for sustainable accents like a wood shelf or ceramic vase. Keep window treatments to a minimum to let in all that natural light. And add a plant or two to your space! Scandi decor is neither masculine nor feminine, so it’s easy to stick with this theme throughout your home.
Scandinavian-inspired living rooms are smartly designed to look uncluttered, effortless, and inviting. Choose light-colored seating with tapered legs and curved backs. Arrange the chairs and sofas around a soft area rug to center the space. Add texture with cozy, chunky blankets and store any extra throw blankets in a woven basket. Complete the room by hanging graphic art prints.
Keep the neutral tones that you’ve added into your Scandi living room going throughout your bedroom with a white or light-colored comforter, soft sheets, and throw blankets. Scandinavian design tackles winter blues by infusing a space with great lighting. Choose sheer window treatments to let in natural light. If you don’t have big windows in your bedroom, consider adding a big arched copper lamp. Amp up the hygge vibes by clustering candles together for another layer of warmth and light.
To bring Scandianvian design into your kitchen (or, let’s be real, tiny kitchenette), clear off your countertops. Add a floating shelf, bar cart, or moving island to your kitchen if you need help tucking things away. You want the space to be as clutter-free as possible. (Bonus: This will actually make your kitchen feel bigger!) Keep the nature vibe going with wooden utensils and cutting boards, a big wooden bowl for fresh fruit, and neutral-hued kitchen towels. Peel-and-stick tiles in herringbone or another geometric pattern are an easy addition, especially if you rent your apartment or want flexibility without the commitment.
Scandi homes often feature a great, open-concept kitchen and dining area. Keep the areas open for easy movement between the two. Consider adding copper pendant lighting over your dining table or countertop bar. Choose a light-colored wood or white table for your dining room. Keep the space comfortable and easy.
After a long day at work, it’s important to create a calm space to retreat to. Scandinavian decor is designed to make you say, “Friday night in? Heck, yes.”
