Decorating
So Your Style Is: Scandinavian
Characterised by simplicity, functionality and warmth, Scandinavian style mixes natural woods with pale neutrals and bright whites
What it is: Scandinavian style is characterised by simple lines and a clean aesthetic that looks to whites and timber for inspiration. It draws on the outdoors, opting for pared-back natural woods and neutral colours over synthetics and brash colours. Itβs heavily tied to its landscape β lakes, forests, mountains β and the climate. In a part of the world that can get bitterly cold and dark, cosy, light interiors are paramount.
Why it works: Think detox and purity β Scandinavian style has a replenishing and rejuvenating feel. Itβs centred on minimal and natural features, making it clean and simple, yet able to bring to mind those swathes of Nordic forest pines.
Youβll love it if: Youβre a less is more kind of person, you like your rooms light, bright and incredibly white, and you often dream of a snowcapped getaway.
Why it works: Think detox and purity β Scandinavian style has a replenishing and rejuvenating feel. Itβs centred on minimal and natural features, making it clean and simple, yet able to bring to mind those swathes of Nordic forest pines.
Youβll love it if: Youβre a less is more kind of person, you like your rooms light, bright and incredibly white, and you often dream of a snowcapped getaway.
Showcase wood
If thereβs one thing Scandi style is never without, itβs an element of raw wood. Much of the land area in Scandinavia is covered in forest, so using the natural materials that are in abundance is a practical design choice. It also adds a layer of warmth and character to a snowy white interior.
See how to use wood for a pared-back look
If thereβs one thing Scandi style is never without, itβs an element of raw wood. Much of the land area in Scandinavia is covered in forest, so using the natural materials that are in abundance is a practical design choice. It also adds a layer of warmth and character to a snowy white interior.
See how to use wood for a pared-back look
Work with windfall
Many Scandinavians will have a summer home, which may be in the middle of the forest, by a lake or somewhere rural. Itβs natural, then, that many decorations are inspired by nature. Bringing a sense of the forest into your house will give it an instant Scandinavian mood.
On your way home, wander off the beaten path and collect sculptural fallen timber. Bare branches can work as features in themselves, or, if theyβre sturdy enough, use them as rustic rails from which to hang utensils or accessories.
Many Scandinavians will have a summer home, which may be in the middle of the forest, by a lake or somewhere rural. Itβs natural, then, that many decorations are inspired by nature. Bringing a sense of the forest into your house will give it an instant Scandinavian mood.
On your way home, wander off the beaten path and collect sculptural fallen timber. Bare branches can work as features in themselves, or, if theyβre sturdy enough, use them as rustic rails from which to hang utensils or accessories.
Make it monochrome
Black and white are a classic Scandi combination. Keep it light and opt for all-over snowy white with dashes of black for the perfect Nordic vibe. One of the defining words for Scandinavian style is minimal. So strip your house back to its core and build from there. Keep sightlines clean and avoid bulky pieces of furniture. Muted colours and sparse arrangements are an unmistakable nod to the north.
Take a tour of the rest of this home in Copenhagen
Black and white are a classic Scandi combination. Keep it light and opt for all-over snowy white with dashes of black for the perfect Nordic vibe. One of the defining words for Scandinavian style is minimal. So strip your house back to its core and build from there. Keep sightlines clean and avoid bulky pieces of furniture. Muted colours and sparse arrangements are an unmistakable nod to the north.
Take a tour of the rest of this home in Copenhagen
Maximise light
Scandinavians donβt want to block out any of the precious daylight, which is why many homes will have sheer curtain treatments in a white or neutral shade. Recreate the look with a sheer panel of linen and team with curtains if you want to add extra warmth.
Scandinavians donβt want to block out any of the precious daylight, which is why many homes will have sheer curtain treatments in a white or neutral shade. Recreate the look with a sheer panel of linen and team with curtains if you want to add extra warmth.
Graphic prints
Scandinavian style may be minimal, but there will usually be a small element of pattern somewhere in a room scheme. Graphic prints and monochrome patterns by designers such as Marimekko are popular. The small patterned tray in this image is typical.
Scandinavian style may be minimal, but there will usually be a small element of pattern somewhere in a room scheme. Graphic prints and monochrome patterns by designers such as Marimekko are popular. The small patterned tray in this image is typical.
Add cosy layers
To protect themselves from the winter chill, Scandinavians have made an art out of decorating with natural materials. Step forward the sheepskin throw. A staple in any stylish Scandi home, it is as practical as it is stylish and adds a warm layer of cosiness to a chair or sofa. Good insulation, woollen blankets and wood-burning stoves are also Scandi essentials.
To protect themselves from the winter chill, Scandinavians have made an art out of decorating with natural materials. Step forward the sheepskin throw. A staple in any stylish Scandi home, it is as practical as it is stylish and adds a warm layer of cosiness to a chair or sofa. Good insulation, woollen blankets and wood-burning stoves are also Scandi essentials.
Embrace winter
Winter neednβt be something to be feared β the Scandinavians certainly donβt. Fill your home with candlelight to give it a dusting of magic whatever the weather and to give the frosty months that Scandinavian edge.
Winter neednβt be something to be feared β the Scandinavians certainly donβt. Fill your home with candlelight to give it a dusting of magic whatever the weather and to give the frosty months that Scandinavian edge.
Light a fire
Whether you have a real fire or decide to re-create one with a cluster of lanterns or candles, flames will add warmth and cheeriness to a crisp white room. Cluster candles in small groups and light at any opportunity to give your room the sense of warmth and cosiness so essential to Scandi style.
TELL USβ¦
What do you think of Scandinavian style? Have you incorporated it into your home? Weβd love to see a photo or two in the Comments below.
Whether you have a real fire or decide to re-create one with a cluster of lanterns or candles, flames will add warmth and cheeriness to a crisp white room. Cluster candles in small groups and light at any opportunity to give your room the sense of warmth and cosiness so essential to Scandi style.
TELL USβ¦
What do you think of Scandinavian style? Have you incorporated it into your home? Weβd love to see a photo or two in the Comments below.
In a bid to make the most of every last drop of light, Scandinavian interiors will maximise light sources and utilise light colours. A Scandinavian home owes a lot of its trademark style to whitewashed wood and light colours. Not only does a white backdrop maximise light, it also leaves you free to experiment with the furnishings, and be as bold or minimalist, colourful or neutral as you desire.
Check out ways to harness the power of white