Scandinavian interior design shares plenty of similarities with other minimalistic styles, so what exactly sets it apart? Emerging in the early 20th century, this style was largely influenced by the Nordic region’s harsh winter climates. Originally driven by their demand for functionality, it has slowly evolved into one of the most popular interior design styles.
Renowned for its blend of simplicity, functionality, and connection with nature, Scandinavian design is ideal for creating bright and welcoming spaces. Clean and simple lines, light neutral palettes, and wooden textures are just some telltale elements. It follows their guiding principle of establishing harmony with the environment!
1. Embracing ‘Hygge‘
For starters, it’s a good idea to understand the principles behind Scandinavian interior design. After all, it is synonymous with Scandinavian culture.
Ever heard of the concept of hygge? You’ve probably experienced it without even knowing!
Pronounced “hoo-guh”, it is defined as a feeling of cosy togetherness and contentment with life’s simple pleasures. The idea is that even the smallest things have a measurable impact on our emotions, and this shapes the Scandinavians’ approach to interior design. But it’s more than just a design concept, it’s a lifestyle.
As a respite from Singapore’s hustle and bustle, it might be the perfect time to find solace with hygge. Fill your flat with things that make you feel comfortable and warm. Dedicate a cosy reading nook in your living room or place scented candles on your bedside table. Essentially, it can be anything simple so long as it brings you joy.
With hygge, simplicity is key. Remember, this lifestyle is about comfort and contentment, so always keep the amount of clutter to a minimum. Simplify your decor by donating or recycling old furniture. At the same time, make it a habit to regularly tidy up your home by setting aside a small amount of time weekly.
2. Wood is Good
Wooden materials and textures are a Scandinavian interior design staple. Their deep connection with nature is heavily featured in their interior design from the flooring, to the furniture and walls, blending the home with the natural environment. Their clever use of wood adds warmth and vitality to any space so why not bring them into your home?
Start with your choice of flooring. Hardwood flooring is one of, if not the most popular choice in Scandinavian interior designs. Made from a single piece of wood, this classic material is durable and exudes plenty of warmth and natural charm. While hardwood is a great choice for living rooms and bedrooms, it may not be an ideal option for kitchen floorings due to its poor water resistance. Check out our article on kitchen design for useful flooring tips and more!
Scandinavian Master Bedroom With Hardwood Flooring
Wood floorings have various tones, patterns, and finishes so be sure to check the actual samples to see which one suits your preferences! If you’re going for a contemporary look, you may want to consider darker wooden tones. We suggest looking at different flooring patterns like herringbone or parquet patterns to add an interesting touch of flair to your Scandinavian home.
The next step is to create the wood-on-wood look with authentic Scandinavian furniture. They are usually made of lighter toned wood with minimal spots and blemishes like birch, pine and maple. See a common theme? Think simplicity. Choose wooden furniture with clean lines (but not necessary sharp corners) and simple profiles to decorate your Scandinavian home. If you’re worried about having too much brown hues from the wood, earth-toned furniture works just fine as well. Just keep in mind not to have overly complex or ornate features.
There’s no shortage of wood in a Scandinavian home. It can be applied to your storage, window blinds, and kitchen countertops. They make for interesting accents which is a nice segue to the next point.
3. Minimalist Accents Of Nature
While decor is traditionally kept minimal in Scandinavian interiors, decorative accents are what creates the focal points/centrepieces of your rooms. Organic decor, textiles, and wooden accents add hints of texture and colour contrasts to an otherwise simple look! Be careful not to go overboard to stay true to the minimalistic principle.
Nature is a large element of Scandinavian interior design, so time to add some plants indoors if you haven’t already! Houseplants are versatile decor pieces that add a touch of greenery to any backdrop, creating subtle and lively contrasts for your home. Place them on the dining table, bedside table, or even the bathroom sink to freshen up the space.
Embrace the hygge principle and add in elements that evoke warmth and comfort. Layering natural textiles around can soften up your living spaces and add textures. Accessorise your sofa and beds with woollen or cotton throw blankets, and place a rug or two on the floor. While these fabrics tend to be naturally coloured, don’t be afraid of experimenting with colours and geometric prints to add a touch of modernity. In fact, symmetrical patterns and botanical designs are signature characteristics of Scandinavian textiles.
4. Let There Be Light
The Scandis frequently experience polar nights (when nights last over 24 hours). This influenced another essential element in Scandinavian interior design which is natural lighting. Their houses are designed to allow natural light in with large windows, reflective surfaces and light colour palettes (more to follow).
In a typical Scandinavian living room, you’ll find oversized windows that allow a generous amount of sunlight in. While the size of HDB windows are more or less fixed, make sure they are as bare as possible to invite more natural light. Add mirrors opposite or adjacent your windows to achieve a greater result.
By maximising the amount of sunlight, a bright and spacious interior is easily achieved! Ditch your curtains and grilles and leave your windows unobstructed. If privacy is a concern, you can opt for light and airy curtains or installing blinds.
If natural light is not enough due to the position of your flat, artificial lighting can step in. The same principles apply when it comes to Scandinavian interior design for its lighting – they’re simple and functional. Whether it’s a wall light or a desk lamp, every lighting fixture has a simple design that focuses more on its purpose.
It might be easy to get distracted with the amount of lighting options available but always keep the room and the lighting purpose in mind. Use a wall light by your bed to help you finish a book, and use pendant lights in your living room to elevate the ambiance. Your interior designer will be of much help in laying out your options here.
In keeping with the hygge lifestyle, always go with warmer tones that mimic candlelight over bright and harsh ones to create cosy spaces. Placing mirrors to catch the light and reflect it around the room. They’re an ingenious way of maximising light while making the room appear larger too!
5. Nordic Neutrals
Google images of Scandinavian interior design and you’ll notice a consistent colour scheme. Inspired by their sandy beaches and hilly mountains, soft neutral shades of white, beige, and grey are a common element in Scandinavian interiors. These colours, inspired by Hygge, mimic natural themes that invoke clean, vibrant and calming spaces.
Shades of white are a predominant colour in this palette as they are great at bringing out wooden finishes and adding warmth for that timeless white-and-wood interior. Plus, lighter shades have the ability to make spaces appear larger, a nifty trick for us Singaporeans in HDBs & Condos.
Muted pastel colours like pale blue or dusty pink are great choices for bold pieces if you want to add splashes of colour here and there. Playing around with plants in a different shaded pot, a statement armchair, or patterned cushions add texture and personality in your home.
We hope you enjoyed this article! At Reno Loft, we’re committed to creating functional and gorgeous living spaces that reflect every of our client’s unique personalities and preferences. Customer satisfaction is our utmost priority. Don’t just hear from us, check out our homeowner reviews!
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