Scandinavian interior design is a popular home design style that you've probably seen in minimalist blogs, an Ikea catalog, or your friend's living room. It is crisp, clean, inviting, calming, and interesting all at the same time.

But, what is Scandi design exactly? How do you implement it in your own space?

It's a difficult style to replicate when you don't know what it is exactly that's making it work.

Scandinavian design emerged as a movement in the early 20th century, blending old and new styles from Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, and Finland. Scandinavian interior design gained a following in Canada and the US in the 1950s.

If you look more closely, you'd see where Scandi design fuses with mid-century modern design --both of which were greatly influenced by industrialization and the modernist sensibilities of Germany's Bauhaus movement. 

The style was, and still is, simple and minimal, functional and friendly, craftsman yet budget-friendly. Scandinavian home design is largely centered around simple, yet impactful, ways of improving daily life --adding design to the ordinary while making it affordable.

So, we're rounded up key Scandinavian design principles to help you understand the meaning behind the aesthetic, and provide you useful Scandinavian design tips, so you, too, can enjoy this lovely, practical, and soothing interior design style.  No worries, Scandinavian ancestry isn't required.

#1 Minimize

Scandinavian design emphasizes light, bright, and open spaces with plenty of room to move and breathe. Visual elements, such as, white space and clean lines evoke a sense of calm and strength. And so, CLUTTERED is one thing that a Scandinavian room is NOT.

Most people's first step is to naturally declutter. Rather than going for a stark and ultra-minimalist look, however, we recommend aiming for lagom, a Swedish concept that translates to "just right" or "in between." We want neither too much nor too little.

It is similar to Japanese organizer Marie Kondo's idea of "just-right click point." It is personal that only you will decide once you start decluttering.

TIP: To implement lagom, sparsely use pattern and color (for instance, in rugs and accents), and try to balance any excess in the room with opposite qualities. Then, to fine-tune your personal definition of lagom, add or remove items until you feel satisfied. Just remember: shop and add objects to your rooms with mindfulness.

Scandinavian décor on a budget is really easy to achieve!

#2 Choose Quality

If you don't already have them, invest in high-quality, functional, or multi-purpose pieces —in keeping with the Scandinavian tradition of artisanship. Scandinavian furniture, light fixtures, and other practical items should be modern and eye-catching, but remain simple and not overly ornate.

TIP: This does not mean completely foregoing style. In fact, when ordinary items are made well with high-quality materials, they can become decorative elements themselves. Look for style in the ordinary.  Storage-as-décor pieces, such as shelves and organizers, garment and shoe racks, and other storage-included items can function as helpers in your home and serve as stunning design components.

#3 Think Neutral (with some bursts of color)

As for colors, mimic nature's palette—think earth, wood, and stone, with pops of livelier color. A neutral color scheme is simple yet sophisticated, and lighter versions of wall color, as well as light wood, indeed give lightness.

This type of backdrop allows furniture to serve as accents —adding interest and contrast.

TIP: When it comes to larger blocks of accent color, yes! color is allowed, go for warm tan, green plants, grayish blues, neutral (unsaturated) versions of color,  graphic and botanical prints, and monochromatic color stories. For smaller accents, bold and bright colors are welcome infusions of joy. See the work of the famous Finnish design house Marimekko for a sense of the livelier accent hues.

Get more inspiration from images at Black & White Scandinavian Interiors That Explore The Dark Side and 12 Beautiful Scandinavian Interior Design Concepts.

#4 Bring Nature Inside

Because, historically, natural resources were scarce in Scandinavian countries, Scandinavians have a unique and hard-earned respect for nature. To get the most out of what nature had to offer, they had to learn to work with it, to appreciate and understand it. This appreciation for nature can be seen in how Scandinavians spend their time outdoors as well as how they design and decorate their interior spaces.

TIP: As a Scandinavian design principle, you can honor nature by using natural elements, such as house plants, light and bright wood, nature-inspired sculptural pieces, and natural upholstery and textiles (like jute, burlap, linen, sheepskin, wool, mohair, etc.). Allow in light and views from outside. Put plants and natural objects in vignettes. And, use eco-friendly and sustainable materials in your home whenever you can.

#5 Add some Hygge

Critics of Scandinavian design very often confuse it with minimalism, which many people regard as harsh and cold—perhaps the last thing you'd want in a northern climate. Some people prefer a lean, minimal, almost monastic version of Scandinavian style.

More often than not, however, the coolness of white and potentially unwelcoming clean lines are softened by warmer colors and textures, PLUS hygge --one other important piece of the puzzle.  

Hygge is a Danish word that translates roughly as "cozy togetherness." And, because Scandinavian design is influenced by the dark and bitter Nordic winters, staying warm and cozy is absolutely vital.

TIP: To elevate hygge, add items that remind you of comfort and warmth, such as soft blankets, candles, and slippers. If you have one, make your fireplace a focal point and a gathering place. Give your space personal touches that make you happy.

Hygge is very much about feeling at ease and relaxed, so don't be afraid to keep covers rumpled, well-loved items in clear view, and throw blankets unfolded. And, when designing your rooms, try to create sanctuaries of comfort, such as cozy chairs for reading and drinking tea.

#6 Use Contrast

Scandinavian room design, like most interior design styles, is based on the design principle of contrast. And, while many people associate contrast with colors at opposite ends of the color wheel, contrast can actually apply to a wide range of design elements (in this case, consider: texture, size, shape, mood).

TIP: Other than colors, you can contrast old pieces and new pieces, light and dark neutrals, straight and wavy, abstract and natural, hard and soft, neutral and flashes of color, utility and coziness. To enhance the look, find ways to contrast your defining pieces like light fixtures, walls, wall art, and furniture.

For more ideas on how to implement Scandi design in every room of your house, read 5 Ideas for Black and White Decor – Get a Chic Scandi Look That's Always on Trend.

Black and white is a trend for 2022 and likely to transcend many seasons ahead. The contrasting combo is loved by both bold maximalists and chich minimalists, and it's here to stay. Consider trying out the Scandi look for yourself? Jarvis Interiors’ design consultants can help you whether you want to dive right in or simply test the waters.

Visit What Is Scandinavian Design? to explore and better understand Scandinavian interior design elements, colors, and furniture.

If you wish to incorporate metal pieces to give your Scandi interiors a personal touch, check out our article Smart Ideas for Metallic Décor & Metal Pieces. We look forward to seeing your Scandi-inspired home makeover!

 

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Scandinavian Interior Design: 6 Tips to Bring Scandi Style to Your Home