Scandinavian design has been dominating the world of interior design for more than a decade by now. This is not something new, but this trend has become so common that people are taking it for granted without really knowing what it is. So, how can you choose the best of the Scandinavian style? By obviously adopting a decoration that follows the trends and avoids clichés at the same time. To find it out, you just have to read further… Follow our tips and let us inspire you.
1. Choose a neutral colour base
The predominant colour In Scandinavian interior design is white. Whether on the floor or on the walls, it is a fact that white brings light and plays the role of a showpiece. Study your home at different times of the day, in order to choose the appropriate white for your walls. If the natural lighting is not so good, choose a slightly warm white. In some Scandinavian flats you can find white even on the floor. If you’re tempted, forget the cold and dirty white tiles and opt for a bleached parquet floor instead, which looks much better, although it’s also a bit dirty…
And if this colour is your passion, add white (a vase, a plaid, cushions) as a breath of fresh air or as a bright spot in the décor.
2. Prefer natural materials
On the right: © Alvhem – alvhem.com – @alvhem
A wooden table, an old fawn leather armchair collected from a second-hand shop, cushions and a blanket made of virgin wool, a beautiful wicker basket… There are thousands ways of choosing natural materials, keeping in mind the importance of textures. By mixing smooth, shiny, curly or satin, you can give character to your home decor.
3. Adopt some designer items
On the right: © Historiska Hem – historiskahem.se – @historiskahem
Over the decades, the major Scandinavian designers have been able to create comfortable furniture and particularly aesthetic objects which combine simple lines with noble materials. You can buy a beautiful light fixture without spending a fortune. You can even buy a beautiful light fitting, mix different chairs around the table, including one or two from a designer, or even buy a beautiful and stylish vase.
However, if this still sounds out of your ideal budget, you can simply play with contrasts. The old and the contemporary, the expensive and the cheap… This will give your interior a more personal touch and make it truly interesting and surprising.
4. Go for vintage
The Scandinavian style has a fondness for old things and an eye for reusing items. Take advantage of flea markets, garage sales and online second-hand shops for some great finds. As well as giving a second life to furniture and objects that already have a story behind them, you’ll also be giving your home a unique look. Tables, armchairs, chairs and ceramics are on the rise, so it’s time to invest!
5. Take care of the lighting
On the right: © Historiska Hem – historiskahem.se – @historiskahem
Maybe because the sky is not always blue in Scandinavia and the days are extremely short in winter, Scandinavians pay a lot of attention to lights and lighting in general. Rather than one light source per room, use small lamps throughout the house. Moreover, choose warm-toned bulbs to prevent a neon effect. Consider also using candles, which add some magic to the house.
6. Keep an eye on storage
On the right: © Historiska Hem – historiskahem.se – @historiskahem
In order to be beautiful, a house must show its best side. Based on the principle that everything visible should be also attractive, Scandinavians have become experts in the art of tidying up and hiding the clutter that doesn’t deserve to be displayed. Therefore, make use of boxes, crates, baskets and adopt wall storage. This way, you will be able to organise your clutter and exploit even the tiniest space available.
7. Bring art into your house
In the middle: © Alvhem – alvhem.com – @alvhem
Even without talking about authentic masterpieces, it is possible to treat yourself to beautiful reproductions of the artworks you love. They can also be combined with paintings collected at second-hand stores or with beautiful framed photos. Or they can even be exhibited together with collections and travel souvenirs, taking care to arrange them in the right way and to match the colour of your home decor. Walls, as well as shelves and bookshelves, are spaces where you can express yourself freely. So take the opportunity to let your tastes and imagination run wild!
8. Do not forget flowers and green plants
On the right: © Historiska Hem – historiskahem.se – @historiskahem
Nature is omnipresent in Scandinavian interiors. This is what makes them so wonderfully vibrant. Get yourself few beautiful green plants and look after them on a long-term. If you are not particularly fond of gardening, consider the apps that provide day-to-day advice for each type of houseplant. Finally, treat yourself to a bouquet of fresh flowers every now and then: it is the best way to keep your home in balance with the seasons!
The basic concepts have been outlined, but beware: unlike what people often think, not all Nordic interiors look the same. According to the Scandinavians, home decoration offers the possibility to express one’s sensibility, fantasy and creativity to create a unique and very personal environment.
Remember also that beyond decoration, the Scandinavian style is a true state of living where comfort, light and a certain degree of simplicity are always given priority.
