Insight:
- The Scandinavian style, a celebrated Nordic style house trend, is defined by its minimalist and refined aesthetic.
- It remains a popular choice in interior design today.
Scandinavian style originated in Northern Europe in the 1940s. It is characterized by neutral color palettes, with white as the dominant color, and the use of natural materials such as wood and stone. Learn more about this style and how to create a Scandinavian style house.
What defines the Scandinavian style?
Scandinavian design is a design movement characterized by its minimalist yet distinctive style. Originating from Nordic countries such as Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Iceland, it flourished in the mid-20th century, post-World War II, as these nations sought to rebuild and recover. The style’s evolution was influenced by various factors, including nature, the mindset of the people, and limited resources.
Historically, the style emerged in the 1940s but gained widespread recognition in the 1950s. Prior to that, around 1914, it was known as democratic design. Over time, it became increasingly popular and was introduced into design programs in the United States and Canada. Numerous exhibitions helped popularize it further, and by the 21st century, Scandinavian design had become one of the world’s premier design styles.
The influence of nature and simplicity
The development of this Nordic architecture was greatly influenced by the region’s natural characteristics. Geographically, Scandinavia is surrounded by the Baltic Sea, the North Sea, the Norwegian Sea of the Atlantic Ocean, and the Barents Sea of the Arctic Ocean.
The climate here is generally harsh and cold year-round. In some places, sunlight is scarce during winter. These harsh conditions compelled people to create the coziest and most comfortable living spaces possible. The climate has become a key inspiration for the development of Scandinavian architecture.
Key characteristics of Scandinavian home design
The hallmark of this style is a balanced combination of three elements: beauty, minimalism, and functionality. Originating from countries renowned as the happiest in the world, their lives are often very simple and focused on practicality, avoiding clutter, and concentrating on the house’s functionality.
Therefore, the first characteristic of this style is minimalism in design. Their space is very simple, focusing only on essential items. The space of a house in this style is often spacious and airy, with few furnishings and decorations in the room. Minimalism is also evident from the interior to the decorative lines in the house.
Due to the natural characteristics of the Arctic region, with long cold periods throughout the year, Scandinavian-style houses are often designed to capture as much light as possible. Therefore, natural light is always maximized and allowed to enter the house as much as possible.
Additionally, another characteristic of this style is the use of materials and color schemes. Natural materials such as wood and stone, and neutral tones are the main colors, combined with contrasting elements to create highlights for the space. Scandinavian furniture is also often simple and highly functional.
The role of hygge in Scandinavian interiors
Hygge is more than just a word; it’s a lifestyle, a feeling cherished by the Nordic people. When it comes to Scandinavian interior design, hygge is the soul and the element that creates warmth, comfort, and happiness in living spaces.
Hygge is not a specific design style but a feeling you can create in any space. Hygge decor will help you create a cozy space for your home, a feeling of closeness to nature, and comfort for those who live there. The elements that make up Hygge can be mentioned as warm light, natural colors, natural materials, and other decorations.
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Essential elements of a Scandinavian style house
To create a Scandinavian house decor, consider incorporating these essential elements:
- Color palette: Neutral tones are the hallmark of Scandinavian design. White, inspired by the snowy landscapes of Northern Europe, is the quintessential color. Other soft, muted hues like gray and earthy tones are often used to complement the overall aesthetic and add subtle accents. Overall, the color palette of this style is similar to the nearby styles such as bohemian and rustic, which are the popular colors in interior design.
- Furnishings: Located in the coldest part of the Northern Hemisphere, Scandinavian homes traditionally feature elements designed to keep warm, such as thick rugs, sheepskin throws, and cozy fireplaces. These items not only provide warmth but also add texture and depth to the space.
- Lighting: Natural light is a prized commodity in Scandinavian interior design. To maximize the sense of space and brightness, Scandinavian homes often have large windows that allow ample sunlight to flood in. White curtains and blinds further enhance the light and airy feel.
- Materials: Wood and stone are the foundation of Scandinavian design, connecting the interior to the natural world. Hardwood floors, sturdy wooden furniture, and natural stone countertops are common features. These materials bring a sense of warmth, authenticity, and durability to space.
How to decorate a Scandinavian style house
When decorating your home in the Scandinavian style, you should unify the overall color palette for the entire house to create harmony. Choose suitable colors to make your home as beautiful as possible.
Living Room: Simple, cozy, and functional
For your Scandinavian style living room, you can achieve a simple yet cozy and comfortable interior design. While this style leans towards minimalism, you can occasionally add a touch of uniqueness with a few distinctive decorative items. Here are some suggestions for decorating your living room:
- Sofa: Opt for a sofa with a simple design and upholstery in light-colored fabric or neutral-toned leather.
- Coffee table: Choose a low-legged table with a wooden or glass top for a perfect finish.
- Lighting: Utilize floor lamps, pendant lights, or table lamps with simple designs and soft lighting.
- Greenery: Place a few small potted plants in the room to create a fresh and airy atmosphere.
- Wall art: Select paintings with simple colors, natural or abstract themes.
- Throw pillows: Use throw pillows in various colors and patterns to add a focal point to the space.
Depending on the size of your living room, you can choose Scandinavian style furniture of different sizes to suit the space. This style also emphasizes flexibility, so you can customize it to feel most comfortable.
Kitchen: Clean lines and natural materials
To help you create a perfect modern Scandinavian house design ideas for kitchen, consider these suggestions:
- Cabinets: Opt for natural white and wood interiors or engineered wood cabinets with natural wood grain to create a warm ambiance. White and natural wood tones are popular choices.
- Dining Table: Choose a table made of engineered stone, wood, or laminate, which are common options. White or light gray colors will brighten up the space.
- Walls: Paint the walls white or light gray to provide a backdrop for your furnishings.
- Tile: White subway tiles or light gray tiles are popular choices.
- Flooring: Natural wood, ceramic tiles, or wood-look vinyl in light or neutral tones would be suitable options.
- Kitchenware: Stainless steel, glass, and ceramic items are perfect for a Scandinavian-style home.
Bedroom: Creating a tranquil retreat
Design a Scandinavian style bedroom? The following suggestions will help you enhance and decorate your bedroom .
- Bed: A bed made of natural wood or engineered wood with a natural wood grain will give your room a focal point and a stronger Scandinavian feel. Another suggestion is to use a simple headboard, perhaps a wooden panel or fabric-covered one.
- Bedding: Choose bedding made of cotton or linen, in neutral colors or with simple patterns.
- Wardrobe: Opt for a wardrobe with a simple design, not too ornate, in white or a natural wood color. Hidden handles or simple handles would be the best choice.
- Flooring: Natural wood, wool rugs, or wood-look vinyl flooring will make your bedroom feel warmer and cozier.
- Wall art: Choose paintings with simple colors, nature themes, or abstract designs.
- Lamps: Nightlights with soft, adjustable light or simple, sleek ceiling lights would be a good option.
- Pillows and blankets: Use pillows in various colors and patterns to create a focal point, and a wool or cotton blanket will keep you warm.
Bathroom: Spa-like simplicity and functionality
For a Scandinavian house decor bathroom, consider incorporating a few pops of color to create a focal point. Some suggestions to enhance your decor include:
- Wall tiles: Opt for ceramic, porcelain, or mosaic tiles in shades of white, gray, beige, or soft pastels. To add a bit of interest, choose striped tiles or those with simple patterns.
- Flooring: Ceramic, porcelain tiles, or light-colored wooden floors are suitable choices.
- Sink: A simple, streamlined design in ceramic, stone, or glass would complement the style.
- Bathroom accessories: Wooden or metal shelves for personal items, paired with round or rectangular mirrors, are a perfect match.
- Greenery: Adding small plants to your bathroom can bring a touch of nature and create a more inviting atmosphere.
Transform your home with these Scandinavian decor tips
To optimize your Scandinavian style house plans and ensure it remains a delightful living space, beyond the initial investment, ongoing maintenance is crucial. Let’s explore some tips to elevate your home to new heights of comfort.
Keeping clutter to a minimum
The minimalist design nature of Scandinavian style makes it easier for homeowners to clean and maintain their homes. However, there are a few principles you might want to consider keeping your home tidy and sophisticated:
- Less is more: Regularly review your belongings and discard items you no longer use. Keep only the essentials that are truly valuable and useful. Each item should have a designated place for easy retrieval and organization.
- Utilize multifunctional furniture: Multifunctional furniture can save you a significant amount of living space. For example, use sofas with storage compartments for blankets, pillows, or newspapers. Coffee tables with drawers and beds with built-in storage are also excellent choices.
- Maximize storage space: Open shelves allow you to display your favorite items and easily access them when needed. Use storage baskets for small items like office supplies or children’s toys.
- Choose simple decorations: Select only the most necessary and meaningful decorations. Prioritize items with simple lines and avoid overly ornate pieces.
- Regular cleaning: Regularly clean surfaces and vacuum to remove dust and keep your space clean.
Incorporating natural elements year-round
As mentioned above, natural elements play a crucial role in Scandinavian-style homes. Here are some tips to help you nurture a little slice of nature within your own living space.
- Indoor plants: Use a variety of indoor plants to add life and color to your home. Consider low-maintenance options like snake plants, succulents, or peace lilies.
- Herb garden: Create a small herb garden on your windowsill to add fresh flavor to your cooking and enjoy the greenery.
- Preserved flowers and greenery: Use preserved flowers and greenery for year-round color and texture without the need for maintenance.
- Connecting indoor and outdoor spaces: You can connect indoor and outdoor spaces by making large glass doors between the balcony and the house, or between the yard and the house so that the two spaces can be linked together.
- Use natural materials: combine and create accents with wood and stone, linen, wool, and cotton in your home to add a natural element.
Conclusion
The above information will help you create your own Scandinavian style home. Remember, warmth, closeness to nature, minimalism, and sophistication are the key characteristics of this style. And don’t forget to explore a wide range of stylish furniture on the SourceVietnam platform.
FAQ about Scandinavian style house
What is the best color palette for a Scandinavian style house?
Scandinavian design is known for its simplicity, minimalism, and use of natural light. The color palette often leans towards neutral tones like white, black, gray, and beige. However, there’s plenty of room for pops of color.
How can I add warmth to my Scandinavian-inspired home?
The key to adding warmth to your Scandinavian-inspired home is to create a space that feels inviting and comfortable. Experiment with different elements like natural materials, warm colors, cozy textiles, and soft lighting to find what works best for you. Remember, personalization is key in Scandinavian design.
Can the Scandinavian style be combined with other design styles?
The key to successful combination is to maintain a sense of balance and cohesion. Use common elements like natural materials, neutral colors, and ample natural light to bridge the gap between styles. Additionally, consider the overall mood and atmosphere you want to create in your space.
Where can I buy affordable Scandinavian home decor and furniture?
You can purchase Scandinavian style house interior at specialized stores like IKEA, Muuto, Ferm Living, Marimekko, known for their simple and functional design using natural materials, or online platforms like SourceVietnam. Additionally, second-hand markets are also worth considering.
