Scandinavian interiors are a balance of functionality and aesthetics.

Scandinavian style is characterized by three key components – functionality, simplicity and beauty.

5 Design Element :

1 ) LIGHT :

Lighting is used is very important in a Scandinavian interior design. Lighting is considered a life source and the Scandinavian decor should have different forms of lighting to provide adequate illumination in the entire space.

Natural lighting is used to make a space feel bigger and brighter. The spaces are designed with large windows that let in an ample amount of natural light.

In Scandinavian countries, a large portion of the year is dark. That why Nordic people have adapted in a beautiful way by putting a focus on natural light.

Scandinavian homes often feature large windows to make the room feel bright and open.Windows free from obstructions and white curtains. Allowing the light from outside. A place where no artificial lighting is needed throughout the day.

Table and floor lamps are also regularly used to set the mood. More commonly, minimalist light fixtures are used.

Accessories can also help bring brightness to the room, such as use of large mirrors to reflect natural light.

2) FORM & FUNCTION – Straight Lines :

One of the basic concepts of a good Scandinavian style interior is a focus on the workability of the layout or plan. This functionality makes this style a very pragmatic yet visually desirable.

The design style puts a huge emphasis on efficient use of space, making maximum use of any awkward spots. It works well with small spaces due to the inherent simplicity of Nordic style, with white as a predominant colour and an avoidance of unnecessary accessories.

It’s common to see multi-leveled wall shelving in a Scandinavian living room. These storage spaces are innovative and space-savvy and add visual interest to the space.

Scandinavian design, clean lines should be evident. Tables, chairs, sofas, and the rest of the Scandinavian decor should have a modern touch with smooth and rounded edges.

All the basic elements of this style – furniture, windows, and product designs – are carried out in clean cut, straight forward lines.

3) COLOUR PALETTE – Neutral Color :

The colour palette is typically very light and simple. Neutrals – with bright white being the star – dominate the Scandinavian design. Preference for sober colors doesn’t, however, mean that Scandinavian design is devoid of vibrancy and vitality.

Scandinavian design often boasts a neutral-heavy color palette. Because winters are long and dark in Northern Europe, Nordic design utilizes whites, greys, and tans to make a space feel uniform and bright. Often, accents of blue and other bold colors are incorporated loosely throughout.

These calm colors make rooms appear bright and spacious even on a dreary day, an important interior decorating tip for recreating the original Nordic ambiance.

There’s a particular color palette that’s associated with the Scandinavian decor and this includes the hues of grays, whites, browns, and blacks.

White is also a great blank slate to introduce any colour combination, from soft pastels to black accents. Cool whites work well in south-facing rooms since they receive the best of the warm, summer daylight. Warmer whites, on the other hand, work well to warm up north-facing rooms, since they receive lower levels of cooler, natural light.

Greys can also be used to create a beautiful, serene interior. When deciding on warm or cool shades of this neutral, look to the same rules for white – cool for south-facing rooms and warm for north-facing rooms.

4) TEXTURE & MATERIALS :

Mixing textures and materials, such as unfinished wood pieces, fur rugs, and soft linens, brings nature into the home, adding that restful vibe that the decor is so famous for.

Scandinavians believe in celebrating nature even when inside their homes. That’s why natural wood is a predominant feature of Scandinavian interiors characteristics. Wood is the preferred choice not only for the Nordic furniture but also of flooring.

A Scandinavian design makes use of wooden elements not only in the flooring but also in the furniture and fixtures. Thus, a Scandinavian house usually has wooden coffee tables and chairs for its furniture.

The Scandinavians are well known for their use of wood throughout their homes, largely due to an appreciation for readily available natural materials, but also for the way in which it adds warmth to the space. Wooden flooring is a staple in Nordic interiors. The wood is often light in colour and used in all rooms.

Pine, beech, and ash are by far the favorites of the Scandinavian architect. Stains and varnishes have generally kept the light in order to maintain a feeling of airiness.

Scandinavian design principles promote eco-friendly homes with organic, sustainable building materials for flooring, walls, siding and roofing.

The recent trend in the Scandinavian style of decorating combines the use of metallic finishes and wooden elements. For instance, copper sconces and brass pendants are installed in a wooden ceiling to add glimmer and shine to the entire space.

5) FRESH FLOWERS AND GREENERY :

Scandinavian interior design in order to have a living element of color and beauty. Plants, flowers, and other botanicals are used to brighten up spaces and breathe life into a room. These living elements offer a pop of color and add to the natural, minimalist essence of of Scandinavian design.

In the Scandinavian region, streets are often lined with sidewalk florists selling fresh flowers and tulips in every color.

Scandinavian design channels the outdoors through bright, natural lighting and lush greenery, so your backyard is the ideal space to embrace the style. Patios both big and small can adopt Scandinavian characteristics to transform the space into a minimalist haven.

For smaller patio spaces, look for an intimate wooden table and chair set. Add potted succulents or other low-maintenance greenery atop your table for a modest Scandinavian display.

The Philosophy :

The Scandinavian interior design philosophy is minimalism, simplicity, and functionality. The minimalist philosophy emphasized clean lines and simple designs that were inspired by nature and climate to create the Nordic design.

Although the Scandinavian design has been around since the 1950s, it still remains a popular trend in interior design today.

Scandinavian design characterized by a focus on functionalism and simplicity. It also includes the use of natural materials, such as leather, wood, and hemp. Furthermore, a Scandinavian interior design is often influenced by a connection to nature, which combines natural shapes, abstraction, and the use of natural elements.

Origin and Development :

The minimalist style of Scandinavian design emerged during the 1930s within the five Nordic countries of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. The term “Scandinavian design” originated from a design show with the same name that traveled through the United States and Canada between 1954 and 1957. It promoted simplistic ways of living and showcased various works by Nordic designers.

Exhibitions showcasing Scandinavian design during the 1950s played an important role in the influence of these design principles in Europe and North America.

Within the golden age of Scandinavian design from the 1930s to the 1970s, there were a number of prominent furniture designers that had a huge impact on design philosophy and style.

Founders of Scandinavian philosophy and style, their influence on modern design is still evident today in areas like San Francisco and San Mateo . The brilliant Scandinavian designers who rewrote history with their innovative designs include Alvar Aalto; Poul Henningsen ; Arne Jacobsen; Borge Mogensen; Verner Panton; Hans J. Wegner; and Maija Isola.

This thinking reflected the growth of social democracy in Sweden and other Scandinavian countries over the same (post war) period, in addition to the availability of mass-produced low-cost materials and mechanisation of production. Scandinavian design made full use of pressed wood, plastics, anodized or enamelled aluminium and pressed steel.

The signature elements that came to define the Nordic style—minimalist white walls, wood floors, and modern furniture.

Wood plays a significant role in Scandinavian style. It is used for floors, walls, furniture, lighting and accessories. But also natural fabrics create a feel-good atmosphere with their light shades in the Skandi style.

Scandinavian design continues to be a leading source of inspiration for interior design.

Below, explore the signature characteristics of the movement and uncover quintessential Scandinavian designs — whether it be Hans Wegner‘s Wishbone Chair or Poul Henningsen’s iconic pendant lighting.

Key characteristics of the style :

The mid-century life in the region was primarily responsible for shaping Scandinavian design. Long, harsh winters with very few hours of daylight kept people indoors for many months and shaped the Nordic look. Besides, most people lived in small houses, an explanation for the Scandinavian minimalist style . Therefore, it was imperative to make homes feel cozy yet airy, with every object in it reflecting as much ambient light as possible, the main features of the modern Scandinavian style.

The Scandinavian style is characterized by the seasons in the north, where the days in winter are very short. This results in the need to create warmth and comfort in this wintry environment.

The Scandinavian style originates from Nordic roots and expresses a soft, muted interior palate. This style is most characterized by an elegant and sophisticated look. The overall impression is modern yet minimal. The Scandinavian style shies away from the richness and intricacies of traditional styles and focuses more on the contemporary elements. An ideal Scandinavian interior stems from a focus on functionality, pragmatism and clean, minimal aesthetic. It strives to be as straightforward and as clutter free as possible.

The 1990’s saw a huge rise in popularity of SCANDINAVIAN DESIGN, when designers began creating bold, unique statement pieces as individual units of design.

Scandinavian interiors are a balance of functionality and aesthetics.

Scandinavian style is characterized by three key components – functionality, simplicity and beauty.

Although simple in design, clean lines are often incorporated with understated elegance and warm functionality, which creates a very homely feel.”

The environment in the Nordic countries was largely responsible for the design that evolved. Winters were long, meaning there was little daylight, and people often had very small houses, causing the need for bright and airy, yet cosy, homes.

Scandinavian interior design uses a blend of textures, contrasts, and soft hues to make sleek, modern furniture feel warm and inviting. It’s no small feat to be able to exercise restraint in your décor choices while still managing to make a space feel cozy.

Scandinavian interior design is known for its minimalist color palettes, cozy accents, and striking modern furniture. Designs often play with natural light—which is a hot commodity in Nordic countries.

Its relative simplicity makes the Scandinavian style a design darling of the contemporary world. Below, we will be observing several elements that make up the Scandinavian style.

Not everything has to match, and many homes mix vintage and traditional elements with the notorious simple and clean lines that we all know and love.