Design and Styling of a Modern Interior in Scandinavian Living Style
The Scandinavian style of living is experiencing a massive boom in Slovakia. Everywhere you turn, you hear about Scandinavian furniture. Let’s explore together why this trend has become so popular here and what defines Scandinavian design in interiors, whether it’s in the kitchen, bedroom, or living room.
In our article, you’ll learn everything about the Scandinavian style of living:
- The Scandinavian style of living in general
- Key features of Scandinavian furniture in interiors
- A living room designed in the Scandinavian style
- A typical kitchen in Scandinavian design
- Principles for designing a Scandinavian-style bedroom
The Scandinavian style of living in general
The Scandinavian style of living is currently very popular. Its popularity began to rise in the 1950s. Let’s explore its shared traits, which, when followed, will perfectly align your interior with this style.
Modernity, simplicity, calmness, minimalism, soft colors, wood, neatness, cleanliness, brightness, tranquility, functionality, practicality – these are the hallmarks of the Scandinavian style of living. Why are these features so important?
We’ve summarized the key characteristics of Scandinavian furniture in interiors into 10 practical points:
- Wall-to-wall carpets are not used in the Scandinavian style – Carpets have never been popular in this style. Instead, the goal is to highlight the original flooring, which is often wooden. If carpets are used, they are small rugs (simple patterns are welcome) placed on the floor or white sheepskin rugs.
Source: behance.net
- Functionality goes hand in hand with design – Furniture and accessories should not only fulfill an aesthetic purpose but also offer added functionality. Items should be both purposeful and practical.
- Use light colors – Scandinavian countries know well what it’s like to experience long nights and darkness, especially in winter when days are very short. To counteract the dimness, light colors are used extensively. Walls in Scandinavian-style interiors are often white, creating a soft, bright look without stark color contrasts. This ensures a room feels bright even with minimal natural light.
- Wood is the foundation of everything – Particularly raw wood, processed to emphasize its natural texture. In all aspects of the Scandinavian style, wood is a core material. Wooden floors, wall paneling, furniture parts, toys, and home accessories often feature prominently. Again, the principle of light colors applies, favoring lighter wood species and finishes. Coniferous woods like pine and fir are common, as are light hardwoods like beech and birch. At DUBLEZ, we are big fans of this style, and many of our products pair beautifully with Scandinavian-inspired interiors.
--> Decoration idea shown: Wooden Mandala - Circle, source: behance.net
- Simple interiors breathe thanks to clean lines – Rooms designed in this style feel clean, gentle, modern, and bright, with minimal detailing. Avoid overloading spaces with excessive decorations or intricate details, which can detract from their charm. Adding some wall decor is fine, but keep it minimal to preserve the room’s clean, airy feel.
Wooden decorations from DUBLEZ in Scandinavian style:
- Clutter is offset by ample space – While everyone has a bit of clutter on their desk or nightstand, a Scandinavian-style space mitigates this with its lack of excessive decorations and objects, maintaining a polished and cozy appearance overall.
- Minimalism – Following minimalism ensures a more open, clean, and serene space. The main idea is to avoid overcrowding rooms with too many objects and to have fewer items than in a traditionally furnished space.
Source: behance.net
- Natural light is essential for bright rooms – This feature is again influenced by the long nights of the Scandinavian peninsula. Large, bright windows are a common feature, allowing as much natural daylight as possible to enter.
Source: behance.net
- Plants = a design element and room enhancer – Many Scandinavian homes include potted plants, which add life to a space. The pots should be subtle and match the minimalist design. Opt for plants with large leaves, like Monstera Deliciosa, Philodendron, or Ficus.
--> Decoration idea shown: Wooden Tree of Life - Binah, source: behance.net
- Cozy textiles add warmth – Thick, warm blankets are perfect for chilly Scandinavian nights, making bedrooms feel inviting. Choose stylish throws and pillows to complement your decor. While creating a cozy bed, keep the rest of the room airy and uncluttered for balance.
- Wall art is a defining feature – Scandinavian interiors often feature modern art and minimalistic framed photos. The images are typically surrounded by large white margins and framed in simple black or white frames.
Source: pufikhomes.com
A Living Room Designed in the Scandinavian Style
Designers worldwide embrace Scandinavian style for living rooms. If this style has captured your interest, we’ve compiled six rules to help you design your own Scandinavian-inspired living room:
- Two color schemes to choose from – Keep the color palette simple with minimal mixing:
- Opt for classic light Scandinavian colors, such as white + light gray + a muted accent color (green, blue, yellow, etc.).
- For added contrast, paint one wall a darker gray to introduce some dynamic flair to the room.
Source: behance.net
- Pendant lights instead of chandeliers – Chandeliers are uncommon in Scandinavian interiors. Pendant lights, often hanging on long cords (depending on ceiling height), are a popular alternative, adding simplicity and evenly lighting the space.
Source: behance.net
- Tall white baseboards – These are characteristic of Scandinavian living rooms. Wooden baseboards painted white frame the room beautifully and are often twice as tall as standard ones used with laminate flooring.
- Don’t overdo the decorations – The living room is often a place where we display various decorations, gifts, or travel souvenirs. In Scandinavian style, keep decorations minimal to maintain a clean and spacious look. If you want to hang photos, choose a few rather than covering an entire wall. Simple wooden frames with white borders are ideal.
- Replace large wall units with bookshelves or small furniture pieces – Large wall units that dominate the room are avoided in Scandinavian interiors. Instead, opt for a corner bookshelf or a small sideboard with drawers to maintain an open, airy feel.
Source: behance.net
- Textures add trendiness and modernity – A small rug under the coffee table doesn’t have to be monochromatic; textured rugs with simple patterns can work well. This applies not only to rugs but also to throws and cushions on sofas.
Looking for inspiration for a Scandinavian living room? Check out our extensive gallery of Scandinavian-style living rooms:
A Typical Kitchen in Scandinavian Design
The kitchen is often considered the most practical room in Scandinavian homes. Great attention is paid to its design to ensure both visual appeal and functionality. With our tips and advice, creating a Scandinavian-style kitchen will be much easier for you.
- Color schemes are essential – Scandinavians love white but aren’t afraid to add a few pops of color. Choose a neutral or muted palette (white, dove gray, faded blue, sage green) and consider adding bright colors sparingly. Even black kitchen cabinets can work, but balance them with white walls and floors.
Source: behance.net
- Minimalism in the color palette – Focus on light colors to make the kitchen bright and practical, especially for cooking. Scandinavian countries, with their short, dim winter days, rely on light shades like white, pale blue, yellow, cream, or light green combined with gray.
- Functionality and practicality are key – Functionality is a hallmark of Scandinavian kitchens. While wood is a characteristic material, ensure any wooden countertops are durable and sturdy. Laminated boards with a veneer finish are a practical alternative, offering the same look as solid wood.
- Wood accents bring warmth – Incorporate natural wood to add a cozy, organic feel. This can include wooden floors, countertops, or cabinetry, with finishes that highlight the wood’s natural texture and light tone.
Source: behance.net
- Thoughtful storage solutions – A kitchen’s practicality lies in its storage. Maximize every inch while maintaining simplicity and clean lines. Use corner cabinets, higher upper shelves, or add more shelves inside existing cabinets to make the most of the space.
- Pendant lights over the dining table – Replace chandeliers with simple pendant lights above the dining area. These lights, often suspended lower, provide excellent illumination for the table.
Source: behance.net
Scandinavian-style kitchens are exceptionally popular. If you’re planning one, explore our collection of kitchens and dining rooms in this style. Inspiration is always welcome!
Principles for Designing a Scandinavian-Style Bedroom
A Scandinavian-style bedroom should be the coziest space in the home. To help you create a comfortable and modern bedroom in this style, we’ve summarized the key points you should follow:
- Soft, understated colors – As with Scandinavian interiors in general, stick to light colors in the bedroom. Limit the palette to two shades for simplicity. You can choose between two approaches, each with its own charm:
- Dark, deep tones for a touch of luxury – Consider painting one wall a dark color or adding dark bedding, such as pillows and throws, for contrast. This approach offers a bolder, more dramatic Scandinavian look.
--> Decoration idea shown: Engraved Wooden Art – Female Silhouettes, source: behance.net
- Light, white tones – Alternatively, opt for a palette of white tones combined with soft grays and wood elements for a subtle, harmonious look.
- Material choices matter – Scandinavian bedrooms are known for their crumpled linens, layered throws, and plenty of pillows. Wood elements, whether in the flooring, furniture, or decor, add warmth and coziness. The bed should feature soft hues, and a high-quality mattress is essential for comfort.
Source: behance.net
- Decorations combine aesthetics and function – In most cases, Scandinavian design emphasizes dual-purpose decor that is both beautiful and practical. Here are some ideal decoration ideas for the bedroom:
- Plants – Natural elements like potted plants are staples of Scandinavian interiors. Place them in simple pots or vases in the corners of the room. Plants not only enhance aesthetics but also improve air quality.
Decoration idea with plant motifs from DUBLEZ:
- Textile decor – Items like soft rugs, chunky knitted throws, plush cushions, and heavy curtains not only add warmth and coziness but also enhance the room’s visual appeal.
Source: behance.net
- Art – Scandinavian interiors often feature minimalist art. Black-and-white photographs with large white borders framed in simple wooden frames are common. Large pieces of artwork can even be casually placed on the floor or windowsills, which is a signature Scandinavian touch.
Source: nonagon.style
- Choosing the right furniture – Scandinavian-style furniture is minimalistic and simple, with clean shapes and light textures. Small wooden chests or dressers are preferred over large built-in wardrobes. If you choose a built-in wardrobe, maintain its simplicity or consider a walk-in closet for a clean, streamlined look.
Source: behance.net
For more inspiration, explore our gallery of Scandinavian-style bedrooms:
Products from DUBLEZ featured in this article:
Sources:
- https://www.contemporist.com/10-common-features-of-scandinavian-interior-design/
- https://www.contemporist.com/4-essentials-you-need-to-create-a-scandinavian-bedroom/
- https://nimvo.com/the-key-characteristics-of-a-scandinavian-kitchen/
- https://www.grundig.com/ktchnmag/blog/key-features-of-scandinavian-kitchen-style/
- https://donpedrobrooklyn.com/scandinavian-living-room/
- https://www.behance.net/
