Decorate with the simplicity and refinement of the Scandinavian style

Decorate with the simplicity and refinement of the Scandinavian style
Robert Rivera

If decoration by itself inspires versatility, the different types of combinations tend to please even more all tastes. In search of elements that evoke the personality of each one and even to escape the conventional, many people opt for a specific theme to decorate their home. It is in this context that is inserted an unusual style, but that is gaining more and more followersWith a clean, minimalist look and a contemporary touch, the Scandinavian style is no longer a trend, but is here to stay.

The style emerged in the 20th century in northern Europe, in a region known as Scandinavia, composed of Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland. Inspired by Nordic references, the characteristics of regional handicrafts and the surrounding landscape, it is strongly influenced by the local climate, which has many hours of darkness and long winters.large environments, with furniture with simple and sober lines in minimalist style; the natural luminosity intensified through large windows; the use of light and pale colors, especially white, accentuating the luminosity; the simplicity of the objects and decoration items, with a more stripped and natural air; and a rustic touch through wood, which brings coziness to the environment.The mixture between traditional and modern brings a lot of personality", reveals Alana Sparemberger, interior designer at Feeling.

How to apply the Scandinavian style in the environments

To create an atmosphere inspired by the Scandinavian style of decorating, start with a neutral base, abusing colors such as white, gray and beige, combining them with slightly aged elements.Functional furniture, light wood pieces, compact items, and free space for circulation simply cannot be missing in Scandinavian decorations," teaches the expert.

Another characteristic very present in this type of decoration is the natural lighting, with large windows and light curtains, or the artificial lights, always prioritizing the white and powerful ones. Here it is worth taking care of the composition so as not to create shadows and darken the environment. Passing on that feeling that you have just moved in is also part of the Scandinavian style. Therefore, it is valid to leave light bulbsCheck out how to apply the decoration in each environment:

Rooms

In the living rooms, bet on white or very light floors. In fact, one of the most used elements in the Scandinavian style is the wooden floor painted white. "It's not a rule. A light wood with smooth finish can also fulfill the function well", adds the interior designer. To match, opt for sofas in gray, beige or white, leaving the highlight to the pillows and blankets, and a rug,Complete the decoration with light rustic wood furniture and loose objects in the room.

Photo: Reproduction / Natalie Fuglestveit

Photo: Reproduction / Jensen C. Vasil

Photo: Reproduction / Baden Baden

Photo: Reproduction / Ellen Ripa

Photo: Reproduction / Jan Skacelik

Photo: Reproduction / Avenue Lifestyle

Photo: Reproduction / Gaile Guevara

Photo: Reproduction / Terrat Elms

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Rooms

In bedrooms, use light-colored bedding, prioritizing warmth, simplicity and natural comfort. Don't worry so much about tidying up. The idea is to leave them untidy or, if you like organization, with the sheets slightly out of place.The decoration is complemented by white walls and large windows to guarantee luminosity.

Photo: Reproduction / Natalie Fuglestveit

Photo: Reproduction / Jensen C. Vasil

Photo: Reproduction / Baden Baden

Photo: Reproduction / Ellen Ripa

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Photo: Reproduction / Avenue Lifestyle

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Babies' and Children's Rooms

For babies' and children's rooms, once again the light and neutral colors come with everything to paint the walls and furniture. The furniture, however, can also be in shades of natural wood.By the way, the most important thing is to create a cozy, well-lit, and airy environment," says the professional.

Photo: Reproduction / Natalie Fuglestveit

Photo: Reproduction / Jensen C. Vasil

Photo: Reproduction / Baden Baden

Photo: Reproduction / Ellen Ripa

Photo: Reproduction / Jan Skacelik

Photo: Reproduction / Avenue Lifestyle

Photo: Reproduction / Gaile Guevara

Photo: Reproduction / Terrat Elms

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Photo: Reproduction / Elayne Barre

Photo: Reproduction / Jasmine McClelland

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Kitchens

In the kitchens, simplicity is more than ever the key word. This can already be seen in the cabinets, usually made of white wood, with little or no touch of color.more stripped down and casual air, characteristic of this style," adds Alana.

Photo: Reproduction / Natalie Fuglestveit

See_also: Crocheted bedroom rug: How to decorate your space with this piece

Photo: Reproduction / Jensen C. Vasil

Photo: Reproduction / Baden Baden

Photo: Reproduction / Ellen Ripa

Photo: Reproduction / Jan Skacelik

Photo: Reproduction / Avenue Lifestyle

Photo: Reproduction / Gaile Guevara

Photo: Reproduction / Terrat Elms

Photo: Reproduction / Alex Maguire

Photo: Reproduction / Model Projects

Photo: Reproduction / Honka

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Photo: Reproduction / Avenue Lifestyle

Photo: Reproduction / Elayne Barre

Photo: Reproduction / Jasmine McClelland

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6 typical Scandinavian style items

The decorative proposal of the Scandinavian style is composed of rustic and natural elements, such as plants and wood; everything always in light colors, simple shapes, and without an excess of details, to value simplicity, the word that dictates the rules followed by the style. Another point is the mixture of vintage and classic furniture with contemporary objects, promoting the meeting of traditional and modern.Follow the list of typical decoration items:

  • Wood: Present in furniture, in coverings, and objects scattered throughout the house, wood brings elements of the Nordic landscape into the home, creating a cozy feeling around the neutral composition. It can appear varnished or white with pine, acre, beech, or oak.
  • Natural fabrics: Used to break the "coldness" of an environment where white predominates on the walls, floor, and furniture, wool, linen, cotton, and fur appear mainly as blankets on the sofa, armchairs, or chairs.
  • Wild plants: In the form of flowers, branches, or foliage, plants are a must-have element to give that air of renewal to the environment and energy with the touch of nature. Herbs, small trees such as oaks and olive trees, arrangements, or dried leaves are the most common types.
  • Luminaires: luminosity is part of the concept that governs the Scandinavian style. it can be widely explored in all environments, including in strong colors or with the wires exposed for a modern touch.
  • Frames The most common way is to place them on the floor, but if you are a fan of the good old nail, you can create compositions mixing black and white frames.
  • Ceramics and glass: to create a light and at the same time pleasant decoration, invest in ceramics and glass in neutral colors, following the Nordic tones based on white, gray and beige.

These materials, which make reference to landscapes rich in lakes, forests, rivers, and mountains, allied to natural lighting, are the main characters of the style, the ones that make all the difference when it comes to decorating with Nordic inspirations as a guide. Remember to explore the use of various light fixtures in the absence of large windows, already taking advantage of this to create that cozy atmosphere.

Discover the predominant colors in the Scandinavian style

Inspired by the cold landscapes of the Nordic region, white is the color palette of Scandinavian decoration, accompanied by other neutral tones, typical of the style, such as gray, beige, off-white, nude, and natural wood tones.

To break the sobriety caused by excessive white, incorporate more vivid and vibrant elements, with colors that create a contrast. It's worth investing in brown, red, yellow, shades of blue and green, as well as pastel tones, always welcome. Another tip to break with the monotony of the environment is to invest in colorful pictures, photographs, books, plants or accessories.The composition brings life, warmth, and comfort.

To decorate the sofa, use patterned cushions or blankets in a color of your choice. Combine simplicity and personality, modern and traditional, always remembering to incorporate your style, your way, and your way of living into the details to complement the decor.

Learn how to create the "well-lit" effect of the Scandinavian style

Besides the predominant color, luminosity plays a protagonist role in Scandinavian decoration. After all, another trademark of this style is the lighting design. In the absence of large windows and natural lighting, there is always a way to create the characteristic light effect of Nordic decoration.The ideal is to invest in diffuse lighting with white light bulbs with good intensity. Use fixtures that generate an even illumination throughout the room, such as plafons, for example. Avoid fixtures with a closed focus, as they produce many shadows and dramatic environments, running away from the Scandinavian style", teaches the designer.

Alana also highlights the importance of white walls, which rebound the light, helping to maintain a well-lit environment. And if your house has large windows, make the most of the natural light. Avoid curtains or opt for models with light and fluid fabrics so as not to block the passage of light. Bet on glass to gain amplitude and increase light reflection.

14 tips to enhance Scandinavian decoration

Now that you know the main characteristics of the Scandinavian style, you can adopt it completely or, if you prefer, you can just create that Nordic atmosphere through the composition of some typical elements of the decoration.Prioritize abundant natural lighting and create a casual, uncluttered atmosphere with some out-of-place or loose items around the house," adds the specialist. Check out some more items:

  1. No excesses : keep the decoration simple, with free spaces, clean and without too much information. Ornaments, knick-knacks, or any other decorative object, should be used in moderation.
  2. Defined shapes : choose furniture with a straight line design, without too many curves, and follow the same logic for construction details, such as stairs, for example.
  3. Focal Points : break the sober tone with vibrant colors in furniture or in details that will enhance the decoration, such as pillows, pictures, blankets.
  4. Lighting : use and abuse floor, wall, or ceiling fixtures with minimalist design and a touch of modernity.
  5. Featured Windows : as natural lighting plays a prominent role in this type of decoration, keep the windows clear, without adornments.
  6. Light flooring : regardless of the floor, although wood is the most commonly used type of flooring, give preference to light colors.
  7. Industry on the rise Incorporate rustic and industrial touches to compose the environment: leave exposed wires, exposed pipes, pictures leaning against the wall.
  8. Black and white : the good old P&B combination always has a place in any style and couldn't be left out of Scandinavian decor. Add natural lighting and wood tones to give balance.
  9. Copper details : metal is also part of Scandinavian decoration, especially in the form of copper globe fixtures to enhance the look of the kitchen.
  10. Shades of Blue : although white is the official color, blue also has great appeal in this style, as it stands out against the P&B combination and wood tones.
  11. Cacti on display : the cacti, small or large, emerge as strong candidates to break up the white, giving life to the monochromatic environment.
  12. Figures and graphs : charts or calendars with numbers and graphs go well on white walls, inspired by Nordic airs.
  13. Lathes in decoration Wooden slats harmonize with neutral colors and can create that cozy feeling in the room.
  14. Fireplaces If you have space in your living room or bedroom, why not have a fireplace? Besides being cozy, it reflects the Nordic climate.

This list brings some more tips for you to incorporate the Scandinavian style in your decoration, whatever the environment, even if only in details, what matters is to find the elements that best match your personality.

Get inspired by ideas that follow Scandinavian decoration

If you have a cleaner lifestyle, appreciate natural light and like more basic colors, Scandinavian decoration can transform any room in your home into a light, pleasant and cozy place to enjoy with your family or friends. The gallery brings a mix of ideas based on the Scandinavian style of decorating for various environments: kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, living rooms, homeCheck out the most beautiful images to stimulate your creativity!

Photo: Reproduction / Natalie Fuglestveit

Photo: Reproduction / Jensen C. Vasil

Photo: Reproduction / Baden Baden

Photo: Reproduction / Ellen Ripa

Photo: Reproduction / Jan Skacelik

Photo: Reproduction / Avenue Lifestyle

Photo: Reproduction / Gaile Guevara

Photo: Reproduction / Terrat Elms

Photo: Reproduction / Alex Maguire

Photo: Reproduction / Model Projects

Photo: Reproduction / Honka

Photo: Reproduction / Cornish

Photo: Reproduction / Avenue Lifestyle

Photo: Reproduction / Elayne Barre

Photo: Reproduction / Jasmine McClelland

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Photo: Reproduction / Reed Design Group

Photo: Reproduction / Lloyd Architects

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Photo: Reproduction / Avenue Lifestyle

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Photo: Reproduction / Kelly Donovan

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Photo: Reproduction / Callwey

Photo: Reproduction / Comfy Dwelling

Photo: Reproduction / Corben Architects

Photo: Reproduction / Comfy Dwelling

Photo: Reproduction / Blackstone Edge

Photo: Reproduction / Mim Design

Photo: Reproduction / Blakes London

Photo: Reproduction / Sola Kitchens

Photo: Reproduction / Moen

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If the idea is to get to know the Nordic style a little better or to find inspiration to start incorporating it in your daily life, remember to add touches of your personality to the environment. This way, even if you follow the precepts of the style - white, luminosity, simplicity, natural materials - your decoration will be unique, based on your tastes and your way of living.combine white and wood in your decor.




Robert Rivera
Robert Rivera
Robert Rivera is a seasoned interior designer and home decor expert with over a decade of experience in the industry. Born and raised in California, he has always had a passion for design and art, which eventually led him to pursue a degree in interior design from a prestigious design school. With a keen eye for color, texture, and proportion, Robert effortlessly blends different styles and aesthetics to create unique and beautiful living spaces. He is highly knowledgeable in the latest design trends and techniques, and is constantly experimenting with new ideas and concepts to bring life to his clients' homes. As the author of a popular blog on home decor and design, Robert shares his expertise and insights with a large audience of design enthusiasts. His writing is engaging, informative, and easy to follow, making his blog an invaluable resource for anyone looking to spruce up their living space. Whether you're seeking advice on color schemes, furniture arrangement, or DIY home projects, Robert has the tips and tricks you need to create a stylish, welcoming home.