When snow begins to fall, we naturally look for a warm and comfortable place to call our own. When it comes to cold climates, Scandinavians are widely regarded as true experts in creating cosy interiors. What makes the nordic style so popular? We’ll dive right into what this interior design philosophy is based on. Let’s learn how to style your house in a truly timeless way.
What defines Scandinavian interior design today
Scandinavian style emerged at the turn of the 19th and 20th century in Denmark, Finland and Sweden. This design school stems out of long and heavy winters with only a limited amount of daylight. The core principles are based around functionality of the interior so that it remains practical for everyday use.
This style features clean lines, natural materials, muted colours and emphasis on comfort and human-centered living. The approach started to gain popularity in the 1950s and became one of the most popular interior design approaches.
Colour palettes that create calm and light filled interiors
Scandi style usually uses soft whites, warm greys, muted beiges as the color base for all of the interior. Try using some subtle accents of other colours to really make them pop, but not overwhelm the palette. Various écru shades brighten the room, especially if it doesn’t get a lot of daylight.
Additionally, these colour choices lift up the mood and affect the spatial perception in living areas making them look pleasant. Try to use multiple different shades to really build up the colour palette and ensure that the place will not feel cold or flat.
Furniture choices that balance comfort and simplicity
Furniture is here to serve you and your guests, not the other way around. Scandinavian style is all about practicality and everyday use. Keep the proportions of the pieces of furniture in check making sure that no one piece dominates the place. It’s great to have some statement items yet this style is really about simplicity and balance.
Make sure that every sofa and armchair is useful and comfortable. Same with tables and storage – they are all great, but only if they don’t overwhelm the space. A room should feel airy and comfy to really convey the nordic approach.
Textures and materials that add warmth to minimalist spaces
Textures should add another layer to the interior. Be it plain or corduroy, mix and match the upholstery to add some sensory diversity. Additionally, natural materials like wood and stone will work well, but only if they are processed and not used too often. Rugs and wall decorations could really help the room to not feel sterile.
It’s all about layering different textures and blending colours to add some expression. A Scandinavian room can be both minimalist and welcoming, but only if it’s neither overdone nor too clean. It should feel like a “living” room, not a hospital ward.
Lighting ideas inspired by Scandinavian homes
The farther north we head, the less light we’ll be getting. Harsh winters can substantially decrease the amount of sunlight we get and improper styling can really depress the interior. Keeping the colours bright helps in getting as much of the sun as possible. Additionally, don’t forget to layer various light sources. Have multiple sources of light coming from different places and different heights.
If you plan to use overhead light then make sure to keep it subtle by choosing a frame which disperses it at least slightly. Make sure that light hue works for the effect that you want to achieve. We usually prefer warmer hues in order to add some depth and colour to the interior. Always check the parameters when buying a lightbulb – both hue and lumens can differ greatly between models. Furthermore, you can opt for a smart light solution which will enable you to change the lighting colour and find a perfect shade.
How to adapt Scandinavian interiors to real life living
We don’t aim to live in museums of design. Our home is where we live, drink, play, dance, laugh, sleep and much more. Don’t focus too much on supposedly “perfect” interiors cleaned right before taking pictures. Every family needs a lot of storage for children’s toys, sports, hobby gear and a ton of clothes we own. Make sure to integrate those in a discreet and smart way. It’s great to use a sofa with a built-in cache or a stylised full wall wardrobe.
If you have or plan to have kids, it’s very important to keep the centre of the room open. It works great if you host a lot of parties as well. Furniture layout can really open up or close the room. Think about the placement of the particular elements and be open to new arrangement ideas.
Common mistakes to avoid in Scandinavian inspired interiors
As someone who lives where the winters can get really harsh (-20°C at the moment of writing), I know first hand how hard this season can hit. The hardest part is the lack of light which can be quite depressing. I find my joy in occasional drops of brighter colours, like an orange desk lamp which really works well in creating a moody atmosphere.
When styling Scandinavian, try to not over-optimize the interior for minimalism. This can create an effect of a liminal space, not one arranged for humans to live in. Use multiple colours which will have some degree of contrast between them to keep things interesting. Don’t obsess over design in favour of comfort. Nothing beats a comfy Scandi sofa after a hard day’s work.
Scandinavian interiors as a timeless choice for modern homes
Nordic style is today as relevant as ever, mainly as it works in many different climates. The human-first approach to design really wins the hearts of people as it enables a cozy and stylish living. Due to its popularity, it’s easy to find matching furniture and decorate it well according to your taste. Scandinavian style proves itself as quite adaptable, comfortable and timeless. After all, we are all humans and we deserve to live in a hygge space designed for actual humans to live in.
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