The Scandinavian interior design style is one of the most popular styles in the world, and has only grown larger in recent years.
Characterised by is simplicity, functionality and minimalism, it can easily create a clean, calm atmosphere in any space.
Despite the minimalist elements of this style, there are a range of different ways you can add a personal touch to your space, making your home truly yours. This post will explore some key tips for using the Scandinavian style effectively:
Use a Neutral Colour Palette
One of the staple elements of this style is the neutral colour palette that connects the entire space. These colours include whites, beiges, browns, greys and blacks as the primary colours in your design. With some careful planning, these colours will flow together pefectly, leading to the calmest of spaces.
Using lighter colours for the prominent sectors in your space such as the walls, with darker colours used for decor and furniture, will assist in creating the calm space that's intended. If you feel it's necessary, you would add some small bright pops of colour as well through decor.
For more tips on using neutral colours in your space, check out this POST!
Focus on Functionality
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To upfold the calm, minimalist escense, aesthetic functionality is at forefront of Scandinavian designs. No space should be wasted in room in regards to the furniture and decor, thefore opting for pieces that are comfortable, durable and clean-lined will go a long way.
Finding ways to optimise storage with your space through the furniture and decor will also emphasise the Scandi feel of your space, as the less clutter is obviously better for the style's effectiveness. Simple and uncluttered is the way to go!
Incorporate Natural Materials
Closely relating to the neutral colour palette, the Scandinavian interior style often incorporates natural materials such as wood, stone and leather. These materials maintain the minimalism, whilst adding warmth and texture to your space.
You have the opportunity to add these materials in almost every piece of decor or furniture, but don't overfill the room with too many different materials as it can get a little crowded. Natural fabrics tend to come in soft, neutral colours, so these products can be used as much as you want!
Let in Natural Light
When it comes to the lighting, this style puts an emphasis on natural light like no other (it's no surprise because of their long winters). The main ways you can let all this light in is through light-coloured curtains or blinds and avoiding heavy window treatments.
Natural light will complement all the colours and materials that you use for your space, as the light will amplify the neutrality of them. Another way to bounce light throughout the space in through carefully placed mirrors, which also create the illusion of size.
For more tips on choosing the best mirror for your space, check out this POST!
Add Textures and Patterns
Whilst the Scandinavian design style focuses on minimalism, that doesn't mean your space has to be boring. Whilst keeping on trend with the colours and textures you've already used, adding visual interest through decor such as pillows, blankets, rugs, artwork and even accent walls can add that little extra to your room.
What's important with this element is to carefully choose which few pieces of decor/furniture would work best with some extra texture, and not fill your space with too many different accents.
Personalise Your Space
It's always important to remember to make your space yours, whatever the design style is. Luckily with the Scandinavian style, you have a few different options on how you can do it.
Adding your own touch through artwork, family photos or unique decor pieces that hold sentimental value to you. If the pieces you want to include don't match too well with the rest of the space's tone, try a wooden frame if it's going on the wall, or dedicate a space for the piece if it's going on the side.
Keep it Cozy
Whilst keeping a bright, airy ambience, there are a few things you can add to your space to make it more of a cozy, inviting space. Some of the best ways you can do this is through pieces like blankets, plush rugs and comfortable seats.
Using the darker colours mentioned earlier such dark browns can create an extra sense of coziness, as they naturally give off more warmth. However, if you want to use lighter colours, the materials will no doubt give off the feel you're looking for.
Mix and Match Textures
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If you're looking to add some more visual interest whilst keeping on theme, mixing and matching the potential texture for you to use will be perfect for that. More depth and dimension will naturally come with doing this.
When it comes to watch textures to use, smooth leather paired with a sheepkin piece or even rough, woven textures will add that little extra interest compared to a hard mimimalist space.
Including a colour feature wall can also help break up the room a little, creating a focal point in what might be a pretty plain-walled space.
Use Greenery
Yet another super effective way you can add greenery to your space is through the use of greenery. It's the most neutral colour that's best for accents in a space, especially when the rest of the room shares these neutral colours.
Spacing the use of bolder greens out is important with maintaining the bright, airy feel the Scandinavian design gives you. When it comes to softer greens, you have more freedom in how much you use them as they don't impact the rest of the colour palette as much.
Emphasise Symmetry
Symmetry is another key element in the Scandinavian interior design style. One of the best ways to create a cohesive, calming space, it's a perfect way to amplify the rest of your decor.
Try balancing out your balance by carefully placing your furniture and decor as if they're a pair on either side of the space where you can, using the pieces that feel closest to each other as pairs. Including a strong centrepiece like a bespoke coffee table can help to emphasise the symmetry.
Opt for Minimal Window Treatments
Going back to the use of natural light in your space, it's one of the most important factors when it comes to the execution of the design style. The main way most spaces will let it in is through the windows.
Opting for minimal treatments for you windows, such as sheer curtains, simple blinds or even no treatments at all will both help the natural light into your space whilst complementing the rest of your space.
Embrace Minimalism
Finally, when it comes to the overall layout and design of your space, minimalism should be at the heart of your design. Focusing on keeping your space simple and uncluttered with allow you to fully embrace the Scandi vibe.
Avoiding too many decorative pieces that don't serve any purpose, whilst focusing on pieces that are just as stylish and serve one or more purposes at the same time.
Overall, when carefully planned out, designing a space with the Scandinavian interior style can provide you with a calm, cozy, inviting space that you'll never want to leave.