What Is Scandinavian Minimalism?

Table Of Content

• Make the most of light
• Scandinavian Materials and Textures
• How To Create A Color Scheme For A Home – A Simple PRO Guide
• Collcoll hides stairs and seats in pixellated wooden structure at Pricefx office
• Team dark walls with blonde wood
• Layer Different Wood Tones
• How to make an easy Scandi-style coffee table

But in the design world, Scandinavian style folds in the Nordic countries of Finland and Iceland, who’ve all contributed to the Scandinavian cannon. There's a common misconception that when it comes to Scandi interiors, colour is to be avoided. Crafted from 100 per cent sheepskin for the utmost quality, this rug is perfect for sinking your toes into. We've gathered 10 inspiring Scandi living rooms to get your creative juices flowing, plus, our favourite homeware finds for getting the look just right.

Make the most of light

Hedeby says Scandinavians follow the basic principle that less is more. "The decluttered style is easy to live with, and the materials age beautifully with a natural patina. It's sustainable and long-lasting," she says. "With a beautiful base with natural warmth, you don't need a lot of things to get an inviting feeling at home." "Sheep's wool is typically used for upholstery fabrics and pelts," Hadland explains. "Colors tend to be natural and undyed. Since chemical dyes were expensive and less frequently used, grays, blacks, beiges, browns, and whites became the prominent colors." Scandinavian decor is ideal for those who prefer minimalism, clutter-free living, and furniture that is both practical and stylish.

Scandinavian Materials and Textures

The style is characterized by clean lines, neutral colors, and a focus on light. Cozy textiles are a key component of Scandinavian design, adding warmth and texture to any room. Look for natural materials like wool, cotton, and linen, and choose colors that complement your existing color palette. Layering different textures, like a chunky knit blanket and a woven rug, can create a cozy and inviting space. Scandinavian interior design is a minimalistic style using a blend of textures and soft hues to make sleek, modern décor feel warm and inviting.

How To Create A Color Scheme For A Home – A Simple PRO Guide

Visit some local artisans or stop by your nearest flea market and see what they have to offer. A few handmade objects can be the perfect way to add personality to your space. Prints may not abound in Scandinavian design, but that doesn’t mean they’re off the menu entirely. As long as you don’t overdo it, these cheeky touches will complement your sleek aesthetic.

Add Small Bursts of Color

Pale grey hues were used for the living room, which has a soft Bollo chair designed by Andreas Engesvik for Foglia and a modular sofa in a neutral grey tone. Based in New York, Artem Kropovinsky boasts extensive global design experience spanning a decade. With a commitment to sustainability and authenticity, Artem, alongside his dedicated team, undertakes projects both in the US and internationally, earning recognition through prestigious design awards. Artem is the founder of Arsight, an esteemed global design firm known for its expertise in residential and commercial interior design. The traveling exhibition called ‘Design in Scandinavia’ brought the look to wide notice. Below, we take a look at the origins of the style that’s so loved today, its elements, and how to introduce it into interiors.

Collcoll hides stairs and seats in pixellated wooden structure at Pricefx office

To be genuinely Scandinavian in your approach to interior design, prioritize functional items, like Alvar Aaltos Stackable Stools for Artek. "They perfectly combine the simplistic design, form, and function," Hedeby says. This could be the simplest or the most difficult step to creating Scandinavian design–inspired interiors, depending on how inclined you are toward sentimentality. Naturally, having less clutter around is an important step to creating a living space devoted to thoughtful simplicity.

Scandinavian homes are known to have fireplaces in the corner of a room—not centered on a wall. Smaller accent chairs float closer to the fireplace while sofas generally anchor the middle of the room, leaving walking space behind it. Sarah once again worked alongside a local artisan to produce the orb-like sconces that brighten up the space. “I often take formal inspiration from the home's location and reinterpret that within the space,” explains Sarah, who used the home’s coastal locale as the jumping off point. She handcrafted a number of small ceramic prototypes for the client to review before agreeing on the current iteration.

Layer Different Wood Tones

For instance, in this light-and-bright living room, a neutral base is brought to life with rugs and throws in blue and purple hues, while the various artwork provides a sharp burst of color. Hygge is a characteristic of Danish culture that has translated into Scandinavian interior design. It involves creating a warm, comfortable atmosphere in your living spaces.

It emphasizes clean lines, utility, and simple furnishings that are functional, beautiful, and cozy. Like transitional style, the hallmarks of Scandinavian design ease into interiors like a wooden spoon through milk. Think of an airy, open space with white walls, clean lines, and minimal clutter.

Bringing natural materials into the home helps you to continue to feel connected with nature – even once indoors. For a living room, for example, a comfortable sofa and chair, simple floor lamp, a mirror or artwork, a few large carefully placed houseplants, a woven rug, and accent cushions works well. Remember to only make space for items and furnishings that you truly love.

And you’ll naturally end up with the curated aesthetic that makes Scandinavian design so special. “There isn’t a lot of extra stuff, but what is there is warm, inviting, and comfortable,” Davis says of classic Scandinavian design. And Mary Beth Christopher agrees, noting that a lack of plants is one of the biggest mistakes she sees people make when designing Scandinavian interiors.

Before & After: A Scandi Reno Modernizes this Maryland Home - LivingEtc

Before & After: A Scandi Reno Modernizes this Maryland Home .

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If you like color and pattern, add a few accent color ideas, rather than going overboard or creating color-coordinated room. For example, pair a patterned cushion or rug with a grey sofa or footstool, or decorate just one feature wall with intricate, hand-painted wallpaper or art. If you want to create a calming, gender-neutral room for your little ones, Scandinavian nursery decor will do the trick. The elegant simplicity of a Scandi nursery not only creates a child-friendly space, but it also makes tidying up pain-free. Social media has played an important role in the rise of Scandinavian design’s popularity.

This post is part of a Design Style Guide Series, where I teach you all about different design styles and how you can be inspired by them, and choose any of them to define your personal and brand style. “Scandinavian design pulls from both modern and midcentury design, so don't feel pressure to commit to just one design style,” Cukerbaum says. “These warm tones also play nicely with more saturated colors,” Christopher says. As a bonus, your white walls will make your space feel even more open and light-filled.