Scandinavian Interior Design Ideas for Your Home

Scandinavian design is timeless because it is simple, beautiful, finely crafted, and made with natural materials that appeal on a fundamentally human level.”— Mette Aamodt, Architect

The world has fallen in love with the Scandinavian interior design style and you can see elements of this aesthetic in almost every modern home. So, what is the secret to its enduring appeal?

Scandinavian Design first emerged in the 1930s in the chilly northern nations of Sweden, Norway and Denmark. Belonging to the school of modernism, Scandinavian design is functional and simple, and is characterised by a thoughtful blend of unfussy minimalism with cosy touches. This look and aims to improve our quality of life by creating spaces that are free from unnecessary clutter and that connect us to the natural world.

The Scandinavian Colour Palette

Scandinavian interiors are dominated by pale colour palettes which are ideal for reflecting sunlight. Monochromatic colour schemes are popular and are usually dominated by white, but in recent years grey has overtaken due to the versatility of its endless shades. While choosing your colour palette, it’s important to break up the neutral tones with pops of colour so as to avoid coming off as overly cold and clinical. Accent the space with colourful, quirky home accessories to inject some vibrancy. Neutral wall colours are usually paired with light-coloured wooden floors that add warmth and provide an additional surface from which natural light can bounce off.

Scandinavian Lighting Design

With only six to seven daylight hours to enjoy during the winter months, daylight is a precious commodity in Scandinavia and spaces are designed in such a way as to maximise natural light. This is achieved through plenty of windows, neutral colour palettes, and the use of lightweight furniture. For night time, create a soft, ambient lighting scheme that facilitates a sense of cosiness, or hygge (more about this later). To do this, install a dimmer for any ceiling lights and place lamps in each corner of the room.

Less is More

Scandinavian interior design is famed for its lack of clutter. Unnecessary bric-a-brac is nowhere to be found as every object must earn its keep. This applies to furniture design too, as Scandinavian interiors typically favour simple pieces that are beautiful but not ornate. One trick is to opt for items with tapered legs - these visually occupy less space as they allow the light to flow beneath them. Another pro-tip is to furnish your home with multi-functional pieces (e.g. storage ottomans, or desks that double up as vanity tables) so that you can save space.

Bringing the Outdoors In

Scandinavian style celebrates the natural world and as such interiors typically feature a wide range of natural elements such as stone, wicker and wool. Wood in particular plays a major role in Scandi design. Never covered up with stains or paint, the untreated light timbers that are so characteristic of the Scandi look make a deliberate statement about the homeowner’s appreciation for nature’s untouched beauty.

Houseplants also play a big role in Scandi home décor. In a minimalist space, extra greenery really helps to add colour and interest. What’s more, studies have found that plants increase humidity and purify the air – benefits that are particularly useful in the chilly wintertime. Some of the most popular choices for houseplants include succulents, the Chinese money plant, and the rubber plant.

Hygge: The Art of Cosiness

“Hygge is about an atmosphere and an experience, rather than about things. It is about being with the people we love. A feeling of home. A feeling that we are safe, that we are shielded from the world and allow ourselves to let our guard down.” — Meik Wiking, The Little Book of Hygge

Denmark frequently tops world happiness polls, and many Danes maintain that hygge (pronounced ‘hue-gah’) is the reason why. Dubbed “the art of creating intimacy”, hygge was invented by the Danish in the 18th century and is now a central part of their culture. Hygge spaces are all about finding pleasure in the small things and are designed in such a way as to encourage you to find joy with all five senses. Focus first on creating a peaceful, serene space (whatever that means to you) and then adorn with cosy touches such as aromatic candles, ambient lighting, soft textures, and a roaring fire. Amp up the cosy factor with items that boast rich textures and exude a sense of warmth, such as plush velvet sofas, cuddle chairs you can sink into and silky-soft sheepskin rugs.

Essential Accessory: The Sheepskin Rug

Finding the right balance between minimalism and cosiness can be one of the most challenging aspects of Scandinavian home design. Fortunately, there are a few quick hacks you can try to instantly inject some much-needed warmth into a space. One of our favourites is the sheepskin or faux-fur rug. These are a handy option for introducing natural textures into a room in a way that doesn’t undercut the overall sparseness of the look. The sheepskin is a versatile piece and can be draped elegantly over a sofa or chair, arranged neatly on a bed, thrown on a wooden dining bench for comfort or placed on the ground as a rug.