Scandinavian decor is very fashionable these days and will always be. But to what does it owe this incredible success? Yes, it's THE TREND in vogue but afterwards… is it really worth it? The answer is very easy. We love it not just because it's "chic" but above all for its refinement, the absence of any superfluous complications, the comfort, the calm it exudes and above all for its ability to adapt to our needs. Today we are going to show you how to create a Scandinavian-inspired room using our 10 tips and several pretty photos that will make you fall in love.
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Simplicity and functionality – the hallmarks of the Scandinavian styleWho says Scandinavian, says simplicity, clean lines and uncluttered interior to the maximum. Because Scandinavian design relies on sober and light decorations that let the room breathe. The practical and minimalist furniture, the unimposing accessories, the neutrality of the colors, all these elements contribute to the creation of a real haven of peace where nothing is ever too much. And this, without detracting from the elegance of your home, or even less from its welcoming appearance. No, the Scandinavian bedroom remains as warm, as cocooning and charming. In the photo below, you will find a beautiful materialization of all that we have mentioned as the main characteristics of Scandinavian design.
A superb grey, white and black Scandinavian-inspired living room. A modern decorative scheme, with soothing tones
The use of natural materials
But what are the techniques used by the Nordics to create this feeling of comfort. First of all, there is of course the choice of materials, including wood in the first place. It is the star of Scandinavian decor so to speak. Natural and resolutely warm, wood is the first to create this “cosy” feeling, so characteristic of Nordic decoration. The material is ubiquitous and comes in many shapes and variations. However, parquet is arguably the most common way to introduce wood into a Nordic room. Be aware, however, that the Scandinavian style has a preference for light tones. So, we advise you to opt instead for beech, ash, pine. Otherwise, wood is also commonly used to dress the walls and even the ceiling and could also be introduced through furniture and decorative accessories.
A bedroom open to a living room dominated by wood. The design fireplace is an asset for this Scandinavian-inspired home
Soft fabrics for maximum comfort
Then, it is naturally, the choice of textiles which takes over to bring yet another touch of softness to the Scandinavian room. Your choice should stop on natural and soft materials, such as cotton, linen and wool, without forgetting of course animal skins. Playing the role of carpet or thrown on a Scandinavian chair, the latter are resolutely welcoming and will guarantee your well-being.
A bedroom with textiles that will guarantee you the well-being you dream of – a pastel Scandinavian inspiration
Special attention to natural light
The dark Nordic winters are the reason to give a very special place to natural light in the Scandinavian-inspired room. Often devoid of curtains, the windows in the Scandinavian house give free rein to the rays of the sun. Thus, during the day, they settle in any corner of the room. The result created is the impression of a spacious, airy space, the limits of which are quite vague. Moreover, it is also for this purpose that we prefer light, neutral colors that have the ability to reflect light.
Kitchen open to a living room - Scandinavian inspiration in white and gray to create a visual separation between the two spaces
The importance of proper lighting
And since natural light cannot be enjoyed at night, ensuring adequate artificial lighting is also of paramount importance. There do not hesitate to install several light sources especially if you spot the existence of dark corners in the room. A main source of lighting may not be sufficient, especially in the case of a kitchen open to the living room. For this reason, also opt for local lighting, primarily oriented towards activity areas and dark corners.
Several light sources in a white kitchen open to a welcoming Scandinavian living room
White and neutrals – the key tones of Scandinavian decor
When we talk about Scandinavian design, one of the first associations we make is the color white. Because really, it is the color of colors in Nordic interiors. We prefer it for the sake of purity but also to attract light into the room, as we have already mentioned. However, an all-white room might look austere and a bit too stripped down. For this reason, white is often seen combined with the range of beiges, grays, therefore non-colors in general. A gray and white floor, for example, will keep the feeling of tranquility, while playing very energetically with the two tones, often mixing them with bright accents.
A white and gray Scandinavian living room, with light parquet and graphic wall decoration
Room for true colors
However, if you want to add a little color, light pastels are the most suitable suggestion. We advise you to introduce them by small touches, because a total look will attenuate the Scandinavian effect. That's why, opt for a few pastel cushions on the sofa, a few colorful chairs in the dining room or a pastel pink bed cover and cushions in the bedroom. Always combine them with gray and white for an ultra cozy and chic look.
Scandinavian decor with touches of blue, mustard yellow and green in a gray and white living room
Practical and retro furniture
As for the furniture, it is designed with functionality, minimalism and space saving in mind and draws its inspiration from the 50s of the last century. The furniture is classic, with straight, regular lines, showing particular attention to detail and a touch of retro. The raw, natural aesthetic is also appreciated. This is why, next to the boutiques, a nice alternative to brand new Scandinavian furniture is antique furniture. Do not hesitate to go and search the flea markets and garage sales and why not the family attic. Sometimes it hides real treasures. Also think about recovery. There are plenty of objects you can recycle to turn them into a nice piece of furniture – pallets, drums, wooden crates, tires, etc. These are always great ideas if you are looking for a cheap Scandinavian decor solution.
A pallet coffee table – a superb example of recycled Scandinavian furniture
Simple decorative accents, introduced in small touches
As for accessories, we always opt for a rather refined and modest look. There is of course room for small decorations, but be careful not to overload the decor at the risk of smothering it. Proceed with small decorative accents and know that geometric patterns and graphic style wall decoration are quite common in this kind of interior. The wooden decoration is also very appropriate given the fact that the Scandinavian interior sets as its main objective to imitate the exterior and the state of nature in particular. Another very characteristic decorative accent are the plants. They will bring freshness and are thus able to break the monotony even in the most uniform decor.
A pink, gray and white Scandinavian bedroom model, refreshed by several plants used as decorative accents
Hygge – the new Scandinavian
Finally, let's not forget that alongside Scandinavian, there is also hygge. A Danish decorative phenomenon that is gaining momentum, it combines Scandinavian decorative elements with ultra cocoon accents to create a real cozy nest. To create such an interior, all you need to do is incorporate elements that make you feel comfortable. It could be candles, a fireplace, super soft textiles, small plants, some precious memories from your childhood.
A hygge Scandinavian living room – idea how to create a cocoon room
A white and wood Scandinavian bedroom with a brown bed that creates a nice contrast
Marriage of Scandinavian and industrial decor to create an original living room
Anthracite gray kitchen open to a dining room in white and pastel – Scandinavian design house
A little pink accent to soften the mood in this modern Scandinavian bedroom
An idea how to arrange a Scandinavian living room with rustic accents – protruding leather sofa and pretty exposed beams
Scandinavian bedroom idea under slope - decor in white and gray, embellished by pretty green plants
A superb suggestion how to adopt Scandinavian decor in the child's room
Blue and yellow accents in a very original Scandinavian bedroom design
Faded wall and floor in a retro Scandinavian bedroom with exotic suspensions
A feminine gray and white living room with chic Scandinavian furniture – vary the colors with the choice of fresh flowers
A gray, white and beige living room with Scandinavian wooden furniture – an example of classic Nordic decor
White and pastels are a wonderful suggestion for decorating the children's room in the Scandinavian home
Pastel blue goes well with the general neutrality of Scandinavian decor
Joyful accents in the Scandinavian living room introduced through the wall decoration… Why not!
An interesting Scandinavian piece of furniture – coffee table in wood and metal, minimalist style
A Scandinavian-inspired bedroom, hygge trend – comfort taken to the extreme
A stunning example of a Scandinavian-inspired dining room that introduced pastel green in small touches
Scandinavian furniture in an all-wood living room where a pretty pink sofa plays the role of focal point
A Scandinavian-inspired white living room with a contrasting blue sofa against the white background
A bedroom with Scandinavian furniture in the range of beiges and whites
A Scandinavian-inspired kitchen in wood and white and pastel tones
