The Scandinavian aesthetic has slowly gained popularity in the world of fashion and now interiors too. Characterised by natural textures, light, and a measured approach to decorating, Scandinavian minimalism is as functional as it is beautiful. The trend’s popularity can, in part, be attributed to how easy it is to achieve.
While a few pieces and accessories shout ‘Scandi minimalism’, it’s also a trend that asks you to look at your home first, taking items away if needed, before adding new ones in. Below, we dive into the trend and give you a few ideas on how you can incorporate some Scandinavian styling in your home.
Functionality over showiness
A home designed with a Scandi minimalist style in mind will always be functional, not simply beautiful - it’s a space that’s meant for living. Scandi design emphasizes craftsmanship, clean lines, light, and a relationship with the space. What this means is that furniture and accessories are chosen for their form and function, carefully, with consideration for how they’ll work in a room.
- Take a look at the room you’re styling and think about the space - where is the light coming from? What’s the best way to arrange furniture to capture the day’s shifting light?
- When picking furniture, consider how it’ll be used as well as how it looks. For example, If you have a lot of items that need to be hidden but you also want to access them quickly, then you need a storage solution with easy to use doors.
Light-filled airy spaces
Light is a vital feature of minimalist Scandinavian interior design. If your home doesn’t have big windows to let natural light in, don’t worry - you can still achieve the look with some styling tricks. The goal is to make your living space feel open, airy, and uncluttered, while also creating a cozy atmosphere you’ll want to relax in.
- The walls of smaller and darker spaces should be painted in pale shades. Choose warm, not cool, hues when shopping for paint to make the rooms feel snug.
- Spaces that are already large and airy don’t need much - keep windows unobstructed during the day. Opt for sheer curtains to diffuse light.
- Light colours in the home reflect natural light better, even if you don’t get a lot of it.
- It’s not all about natural light. Scandinavian styling favours multiple light sources in a room over one overhead light. Choose side lamps with shades or frosted glass, so the light appears diffused. Opt for warm light bulbs over cool.
- Candles are a great way to add warm light to your home in the evening too.
Light, neutral colours + nordic dark hues
Scandinavian furniture often takes inspiration from nature, showcasing wood’s natural grain and colours, organic lines and textures. This also means that a minimalist Scandi room is never just white - bringing together different natural shades and adding soft contrast are all part of the look. Elements of darker hues are borrowed from Nordic design, providing depth and interest to a space.
- For large pieces of furniture, choose light shades but avoid ‘all white everything’ as it can look too clinical.
- Don’t be afraid to mix and match different grain of wood, and even colours. As long as the tones match (warm, cool, or neutral) the room will look homely and natural.
- Use dark accents. Details like table legs, lamps, cushions, or smaller pieces of furniture in dark colours work well as focal points, adding interest to an otherwise neutral space.
Wall art as a focal point
Art is where you can get more experimental and inject your own personality into the trend. To make art and prints work with Scandinavian styling, choose big, confident pieces that’ll work as the centrepoint of the room. Gallery walls are another popular feature, with graphic prints hung in multiples.
- Invest in beautiful art and prints. Be confident and pick one or two large pieces to add to your home, without crowding the walls too much.
- You can choose darker and brighter prints than the rest of your home’s colour palette. Keep it bold and opt for more modern, contemporary-style art over traditional.
- Gallery walls can work really well with this trend. Graphic prints, neutral shades, and beautiful frames are all easy to incorporate with the Scandi minimalist look.
Tactile fabrics and wooden accents
Scandinavian interior design pays a lot of attention to making a space feel like a home through texture and natural elements. Doing so stops rooms from looking sterile and flat, instead adding dimension and effortlessness. Look for high-quality furniture made of natural materials where possible. Remember that not everything has to match and it’s even better to have a few pieces work as design accents. Fabrics matter - pick contrasting textures while keeping the palette in one colour family to create depth and dimension.
- If you have a wooden floor, consider adding a Scandinavian rug (in a neutral shade, of course!) as it will make the space feel more homely. Shaggy textures and berber-style patterns are often paired with this trend.
- It’s not all about wooden furniture. Accessories are another great way to add that organic element to your home - think bowls, trays, plant pots, and frames.
- Look for throws, cushions, even wall hangings made of beautiful fabrics to accessorise your home with. Combine different textures and shades when shopping for accessories.
Bring a timeless style to your home
Achieving a Scandi minimalist look at home is easier and more affordable than it first appears. A lot of the trend is about decluttering and working with your space to create a beautiful, livable home. Start by looking at the items you already own, how they’re working for you, and then add a few elements to refresh the space. Or you can opt for a full makeover if you feel that this trend is the right one for you. You’ll find all the Scandinavian furniture, accessories, and styling ideas at your local centre.
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