Stylish and modern Scandinavian style can be achieved with these six easy Scandinavian design ideas. Zoe Clark, will take you step by step on how to complete a Scandinavian look for your home.
With the winter glum already surging over New England, it is the perfect moment to cozy up your home with a few snug Scandinavian design ideas. Northerners are well-known for their charming interior design. Their main decorative style relies heavily on the use of natural materials, preference for neutral and light tones, clean lines, subtle elegance and peerless combination of aesthetics and functionality.
Here are some of the principal Scandinavian design ideas in order to add a note of comfort and refinement to your own home.
Pull back the carpet
If you have wall-to-wall carpeting in your rooms, you will need to pull it up, if you want to achieve true Scandinavian decor. Despite the harsh climate, large rugs and carpets never really gained wide popularity in Scandinavian countries. Northerners still prefer their chic wooden floors. The hardwood floors are usually exposed and coated with a light varnish. The floor would be made from either pine or birch.
White wall paint for A Scandinavian Look
For a Scandinavian looking wall, opt for light, neutral or muted tones. Homeowners in Northern Europe are fond of luminous ambiances. This is because of the dreary climate and lack of bright sunlight and freezing temperatures in wintertime. Often using white, beige and light cream to amplify the visual benefits of natural light in their homes. Believe it or not, sometimes they even paint the floors white to maximize luminosity effects indoors!
Subtle Colors to Achieve a Scandinavian Ambiance
When it comes to choice of colors in furnishings and accessories, Scandinavians often use neutrals in their decor. To boost the use of natural light, white and light tones are used. This helps brighten the space during long winter months. Most Nordic homes feature brilliant white or light beige furniture. The neutral furniture pieces can be brightened up by a few vivid accessories. Usually items such as lamps, sofa covers or cushions are in navy blue, red or duck green. If you want to max out the Scandinavian look in your home, go after neutral, radiant tones rather than solids (you can use the latter sparingly as accents or minimal contrasts).
Natural materials are the Scandinavian style
As far as materials are concerned, people living in the northernmost part of Europe love to bring the outdoors in. Making the most of natural elements such as wood, stone, linen, wool and cotton. If you cannot invest in rustic furnishings or all-wood flooring, you can use various natural fabrics. These include cotton string and wool (which you can find in most yarn shops at an affordable price), Making cushions or stool covers, knitted blankets and a host of decorative tidbits. These will liven up your home with a touch of Scandinavian decor.
Fireplace Features that burn through white nights
A fireplace occupies an important place in the Scandinavian home this is because of its association with warmth and comfort.. Both highly valued assets in a chilly Nordic climate. If you have a mantelpiece in your living room, use it to your Scandinavian style advantage. Clear away the useless clutter around the fireplace, clean charred surfaces and add a few chic accessories.
Functionality and minimalism are the key to Scandinavian Decor
Scandinavian homeowners are not lovers of sheer aesthetics. They prefer minimalist decors and functional elements to lavish ornaments and items with little or no practical value. To create a Scandinavian decor, pare down your home décor and opt for accessories that are both useful and charming. Some great examples are; woolen throws, clean-lined chandeliers, large mirrors, authentic artwork and light-colored furnishings.
With a careful selection of colors, extensive use of natural materials and a handful of cozy accessories, your living area can easily get a stylish Scandinavian decor. It is time to brave cold weather and snowy evenings with a mug of mulled wine, gripping books and the stylish Nordic décor. Winter has come, after all.
For assistance with any style decor, contact All About Interiors for a private consultation.
A huge thank you to Zoe Clark for her wonderful insight into Scandinavian design.