How to Use The Scandinavian Approach to Home Décor

Scandinavians and their approach to design has taken the world by storm. One of the biggest and most notable examples is Ikea. Ikea furniture is now everywhere in our homes, either in the form of décor pieces, in our kitchen designs, or as our furniture pieces. Ikea’s design is Scandinavian through and through, but you shouldn’t shop exclusively at Ikea to help bring in the Scandi-style into your own home. Instead, use this guide to help you understand what the key characteristics are and how to achieve them in your own property.

What Is Scandi-Style?

Scandi-style is a fresh, modern design approach that brings forward the best of the past and the best of modern minimalism into one design focus. For those that want to feel comforted and cosy but also don’t want clutter, it’s the perfect approach.

· Light and Bright Colours

Scandinavian design is all about creating a bright and airy space. A soft or antique white is the primary colour in most Scandinavian homes, but other light colours like pastels and muted shades are also used, so don’t be afraid to add pops of yellow, pink or green. These lighter colours help to reflect light, making the room feel more spacious.

·Natural Materials

The Scandinavian design style is known for its use of natural materials. Wood is a popular choice for furniture, flooring, and wall finishes. Other natural materials like stone, leather, and wool are also used to add warmth and texture to the space. A great way to kickstart your design overhaul is by looking at the flooring. Natural hardwood can be used throughout the home, but avoid it in wet areas like the kitchen or bathroom. If you want to continue the look of wood in your kitchen, you can use wood-effect ceramic tiles; otherwise, look for natural materials like marble or limestone. These tiles add warmth and depth to the space. Visit the website here to see just how many natural stone options are out there.

·Clean Lines

Clean, simple lines characterise the Scandinavian design. Furniture and decor pieces are often minimalistic, with little to no ornamentation. This creates a streamlined and uncluttered look. Keep in mind that this streamlined look is paired with those warm, natural materials. This puts the grain of the wood, or the veins of marble, at the centre of the style.

·Functionality

Scandinavian design places a strong emphasis on functionality. Furniture pieces are often designed with multiple uses in mind, and storage solutions are built into the design of the space. This makes Scandinavian design ideal for small spaces. To mimic it, you’ll need to keep an eye out for multi-purpose furniture, and you may need to add custom storage to achieve that minimal look while keeping all the items you need at home.

·Hygge

Hygge, essentially, means cosy or comfortable. Hygge is more than just a design principle; it’s a great place to focus when starting your interior design journey. It’s also considered to be an essential element of Scandinavian design, as it emphasizes creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Hygge is typically achieved through soft furnishings and lighting. Soft blankets, plush rugs, and comfortable seating are all used to create a sense of comfort and cosiness. Candles, low lights, and other lighting designs that bring the eye low and warm up the space are also key characteristics of hygge and Scandinavian design.

·Minimalism

Scandinavian design is very minimal, meaning you wouldn’t typically see clutter or anything that isn’t intentional out in the space. This doesn’t mean that you can’t have items, but once again, that hidden storage is going to be your best friend. Install large built-in and seamless-looking cupboards to keep all those essential items you need in the home out of sight. Then, with that taken care of, you can decorate your space intentionally to curate a beautifully comfortable home.

How to Get Started with Scandinavian Design in Your Own Home

As with any design project, it’s important to start with clear-cut ideas. Source great, beautiful Scandinavian-style homes that you want to copy, and consider how you can add those design elements to your own home. If you aren’t in one of their style apartments or properties, for example, it won’t be a one-to-one conversion. This doesn’t mean you cannot honour the space with your own approach; it just means you’ll need to be a bit more creative in how you recreate hygge in your own home.

If you’re in a new build, for example, change out the floors to a warmer or even reclaimed wood with natural grain, and then add textured limestone tiles in the kitchen to brighten the space with a warm design. You also shouldn’t be afraid to look to the past, either. Add vintage mid-century pieces for that classic look that draws the eye.