Tips & Tricks for Creating a Charming Scandinavian Interior
It seems like every year there's a new design style that takes over Australian homes and reigns supreme. Over the years, we've seen many interior design genres fighting for attention, from rustic farmhouse to Victorian to eclectic bohemian. But none has managed to capture such a wide audience of fans like Scandinavian style. That's not to say that other designs aren't beautiful. It's just that people can't get enough of the Scandi influence. And it's not due to the popularity of IKEA.
What sets apart Scandinavian from the rest of interior styles, is that it requires less to achieve more. As such, Scandinavian is one of those styles that is easy to implement by anyone. Being minimalist, it can be done on a budget and doesn't require a lot of time and effort. It also puts greater focus on functionality, making the home more efficient. But the focus on simplicity and functionality doesn't mean that Scandinavian spaces have to be cold and boring. On the contrary, by making sure you get the rest of the aspects of the style right, you can create a home that shines with warmth and makes you feel good.
Select a Soothing Colour Palette
To replicate the relaxing appeal of Scandinavian spaces, you need to select a colour palette that has a soothing effect. And the best way to do so is to go with neutral colours, most notable bright whites with pops of black, charcoal grey, brown, navy and tan. But that's not to say that the interior should be completely devoid of livelier hues. Although the bulky furniture pieces and larger elements should be neutral and monochromatic, feel free to use lighter and funkier colours such as pastels as accent pieces. This combination of colours goes easy on the eyes and makes the space appear larger and more open.
Add a Mid Century Touch for a Charming Retro Vibe
Scandinavian style shares many elements with mid-century modern - both movements have originated at the same time and were commonly blended together. So, if you want to introduce pieces that pop out and bring interest to a Scandinavian inspired space, you cannot go wrong by picking ones with a mid-century design.
With that being said, shopping for mid century tables whether it's a coffee table, dining table, desk or side table is some of the best ways to make the retro influences of Scandinavian style stand out. Mid century tables with tapered legs are some of the funkiest pieces of furniture you can introduce to warm up a sharp and minimalist Scandinavian interior that would otherwise look too sterile. These pieces have that certain vintage vibe that inspires warm feelings of nostalgia.
And since fashion is heavily influenced by the '60s and '70s, why shouldn't the same go for furniture too? The minimalist and modern backdrop of Scandinavian style is perfect for adding a few retro touches without them looking out of place. As opposed to Scandinavian furniture that is only made using hardwoods, mid century tables and other pieces also incorporate other materials, such as plastic, metal and glass. The blend of materials makes mid-century furniture easier to maintain and more durable.
Keep Things Organized with the Help of a Variety of Storage Solutions
It's not easy to achieve the cleanliness and simplicity of Scandinavian style. You might get your colour palette and furniture right, and still not succeed in creating the recognizable Scandinavian atmosphere. Not only do you need to remove all the clutter and items you don't use, but you also need to always store your belongings in a neat and organized way. And the best way to do so is to give every item its own place in the form of a variety of storage solutions.
The traditional storage solutions such as sideboards, bookcases, wardrobes, closets and cabinets come to mind. But often, this isn't enough. Instead of trying to squeeze in an extra cabinet, try to consider other furniture pieces that can double as storage. For instance, sofas with hidden drawers, ottomans with an internal compartment, mid-century tables with drawers and shelves, dining tables with drawers and similar furniture constructed to serve a double purpose.
Make Nature Your Biggest Inspiration
Scandinavians have a deep appreciation of nature and spend as much time outdoors as possible. Since the long winters do not allow them to enjoy as much of nature as they normally want to, they try to bring as many natural elements as possible. This can be reflected in their choice of flooring. Wide wooden floors that are uncovered and in lighter wooden tones are often the choice in Scandi interiors.
And of course, the best way to bring an outdoor charm – plants! Fresh and green houseplants stand out beautifully against the white and crisp clean background, giving more colour to the neutral space. Nature is also often depicted in Scandinavian-style wall art. In line with the outdoor theme, stone ornaments are a common choice for decoration.
Bring in Lots of Light!
The bright and airy colour palette means that Scandinavian spaces can benefit from large amounts of light. With that being said, try to keep windows bare and free from heavy window treatments that prevent light from getting in. In fact, Scandinavian spaces look best with no window treatments, with the exception of sheer, soft curtains.
However, if your home doesn't get enough natural light, feel free to supplement with light fixtures. LEDs are the best choice for lighting as they replicate natural light as close as possible, thus helping to create a more relaxing atmosphere. As for the fixtures, you can use a variety of them, from chandeliers to desk lamps, floor lamps, lanterns, wall fixtures and more. As long as they have a minimalist, geometric appeal.
