This second article in the series ‘Find Your Style‘ is all about showing you what you get when mixing Scandinavian aesthetic with popular design styles. But first, let’s define what it means to have a Nordic interior.
Typically, Scandinavian homes tend to be minimalistic. They are open and bright, refined yet comfortable and inviting. They usually are a balanced blend of old and new, and high and low designs coexist beautifully.
Simplicity being at the heart of the style, Scandinavian interiors often display restraint when it comes to decorative objects and they are usually uncluttered and curated. Even mundane objects will be beautiful, elevating the everyday.
Layers of textiles make the Nordic space inviting and comfortable (see: ‘hygge‘), and there is a careful balance (see: ‘lagom‘) between beauty and function. Winters are long and dark, so there is a great emphasis on lighting, both artificial and natural. Scandinavian interiors are also decorated with elements that bring the outside in. There is a strong focus on materiality, textures, clean lines and organic silhouettes, and natural materials.
The typical palette is understated, inspired by nature, and pale colors usually adorn walls to make the home look bright and airy.
But all of the above are general guidelines to achieve the style. Do you want dark-painted walls? Do you like cheerful splashes of colors? Do you tend to be a collector with lots of knickknacks you’d like to display? My goal with this article series is to show you that you CAN have a Scandinavian style even if you don’t exactly fit into the mold or tick all the boxes of a prescribed checklist.
As you’ll see below, you can take any style presented in part 1 of the ‘Find Your Style‘ series and give it a Nordic vibe – All you need is often a more restrained color palette (more on that in an upcoming article), clever layering, and a certain subtlety.
Scandinavian x Traditional
Keywords: Heritage, formality, symmetry, traditional shapes, intricate designs, curved legs, embellishments, antiques, walnut wood, cherry wood, floral patterns, plaid patterns, bronze, iron, earthy palette, warm, comforting.
Notes: A typical traditional interior is quite far from the Scandinavian style as we know it and what I usually share on this blog… After scouting the image gallery, the home above is what exemplifies the style with a Nordic twist. Crystal chandeliers would have taken things up a notch on the traditional style scale.
Two additional keywords that might help you identify a traditional style are “mature” and “formal” – A traditional style, no matter what your culture or country is, could be what you’d easily imagine your chic grandmother to live in, and not what you’d expect from a Millennial’s home.
See also:
- House & Garden for a more contemporary approach to traditional interiors;
- Swedish interior design Lars Bolander for his (slightly over the top) traditional homes;
- Svensk Tenn‘s products often found in more cheerful and colorful traditional homes throughout Scandinavia.
Scandinavian x Boho
Keywords: Comfortable look, carefree, free-spirited, playful, casual, lived-in, exotic/beachy vibe, plants, handmade items, wall hanging, vintage finds, travel souvenir, global vibe, mix-and-match, layered, collected, Berber or Persian rugs, floor pillows, beaded embellishments, wood, linen, jute, burlap, caning, rattan, bamboo, textures.
See also:
- Love warriors for beautiful prints for a boho-inspired home;
- Tine K Home to amp up that global vibe;
- Inspiration for a cute kid’s room;
- Anna Malmberg is for her the ultimate Scandi boho style.
Scandinavian x Farmhouse
Keywords: Rural lifestyle, rustic, inviting, comfortable, character, charm, traditional but without the formality, reclaimed wood, wrought iron, leather, butcher block countertops, apron front sinks, shiplap, utilitarian fixtures, antiques, flea market finds.
See also:
- Vartlillagrona, Anna Truelsen and Emily Slotte for beautiful, rustic farmhouse interiors;
- The blog My Scandinavian Homes – Nikki features lots of homes in this style.
Scandinavian x Glam
Keywords: Luxury, opulence, glamour, eye-catching, refinement, over-the-top, sparkly accessories, reflective surfaces, tactile surfaces, sequins, crystal, acrylic, glass, glittering metallics, rich textiles, leather, marble, unusual forms, exotic materials, bold wallpaper, statement pieces.
See also:
- Velvet upholstered Beetle chairs with brass legs, which to me represent very well a Scandi glam piece of furniture;
- The homes of fashion influencers Petra Tungården and Cecilie Ingdal.
Scandinavian x Industrial
Keywords: Open spaces, large metal windows, brick walls, exposed pipes, beams, air ducts, concrete, unfinished wood, steel, leather, utilitarian lighting, black metal, distressed metal, vintage furniture, modern elements, straight lines, boxy shapes, edgy.
See also:
- Vipp, probably the epitome of Scandinavian industrial style;
- Cool, industrial doorknobs, handles and pulls by Swedish company Buster & Punch;
- A gorgeous office space by Richard Lindvall (and how to get the look here).
Scandinavian x Coastal
Keywords: Light, airy, pared-back, casual, beachy atmosphere, pale wood, driftwood, white-washed wood, serene, sea-inspired palette, shiplap, coziness, shells, pebbles, stripe patterns, linen, wicker.
Scandinavian x Mid-Century modern
Keywords: Focus on function, simple and clean lines, purposeful details, warm wood, teak wood, minimalist silhouettes, geometrical shapes, natural fibers, emphasis on lighting, vintage pieces, uncluttered, mostly white with pewter grey, red, golden yellow, ochre, tangerine, and teal.
See also:
- Finn Juhl, Børge Mogensen, Poul Kjærholm, Hans Wegner, Verner Panton, and Arne Jacobsen, among others, are famous designers that shaped Scandinavian design and interiors. Their products, created in the mid 20th century, are still commonly seen in Nordic homes today and look as relevant/actual as ever;
- &tradition recently shared campaign shots that show beautiful, re-issued mid-century modern designs mixed with contemporary pieces;
- My top places to shop for vintage Scandinavian (and mid-century modern) design.
- Gubi, Louis Poulsen and Fritz Hansen are some of my favorite Danish companies selling mid-century design icons.
Scandinavian x Modern
Keywords: Function, simple lines, uncluttered, minimal, square shapes and forms, straight lines, earthy palette, monochromatic, an occasional splash of (especially primary) colors, no decorative elements, no fluff, generous materiality, metal, wood, leather, reflective surfaces, chrome, glass.
Notes: The Nordic touch comes from the occasional rounded shapes, which break the rigidity of the straight lines. You can also find minimal bouquets, branches, dried grass, and other elements to bring nature inside. The Scandinavian modern interiors are bright and sophisticated.
AND: Scandinavian style takes its roots from modernism! Read this interesting article explaining its emergence.
Scandinavian x Minimalist
Keywords: Clean lines, uncluttered, no fluff, less is more, quality over quantity, functional, negative space, simplicity, pared-down palette, monochromatic.
Notes: The Nordic touch comes from materiality and tactility, as well as timeless design. Scandinavians have a knack for making a minimal home look warm and inviting.
See also:
- Projects by Norm Architects exemplify warm, minimal and Scandinavian interiors;
- My simple and easy 10-day challenge to help you start decluttering your home;
- 12 quotes on the meaning of minimalism
Scandinavian x Contemporary
Keywords: Fluid and evolving, minimal, straight and curved lines, geometric patterns, natural materials, glass, stone, wood, sculptural pieces, contrasts (with colors) functionality, comfort, sophistication, open, fresh, clean, bright.
Notes: Confused a little between contemporary and modern? This might help:
Contemporary tends to pick up various elements from different styles, but they cannot be utilized in modern design. It is also refined, but more comfortable, and you’ll see more furnishings that were selected for their sculptural shapes. The palette is usually a telltale sign, too:
Modern = Earthy, natural, with muted shades
Contemporary = Black, white, grey, with saturated tones
Let’s circle back to the definition of Scandinavian interior design. As you’ve probably noticed by now, there are several similarities and overlapping elements between styles. But this below is what I think is the most important to highlight:
Just like the minimalist style, Scandinavian interiors follow the mantra ‘Less is more’, and quality rules over quantity.
Just like the mid-century modern style, the focus is also on craftsmanship, materials, function, clean lines, and purposeful details.
Just like the contemporary style, Scandinavian interiors are usually open, clean and bright. There is a strong emphasis on functionality here too, and comfort and refinement are important. Curves are also introduced to break the rigidity of straight lines, bringing softness and interest to the space, and making it more approachable.
Just like the boho style, Scandinavian furnish their homes mostly with what they love and hold dear, not necessarily following strict design rules about what works and what doesn’t. The result is a unique mix and match of old and new, and high and low designs. Restraint and curation is the main differentiator in this case.
Just like the modern style, a Scandinavian interior is… well, modern! Since it takes its roots in modernism, it is not possible to completely differentiate them. They are intricately related.
+ I see coastal, farmhouse and industrial as styles based on existing/desired location, as opposed to a philosophy like with a minimalist or modern style. It is easy to recreate the ‘cottage by the sea’ look at home even if you live in an NYC loft, and vice versa. And who said you can’t have a country chic interior if you live in an urban area? Styles like Japanese, Provence, Tuscan, etc. all fit in this category.
+ Traditional and boho are on the opposite end of the formality spectrum. All other styles fall in between these two.
I hope this helps you further understand what constitutes each style and how you can make it work with Scandinavian aesthetics.
Did you enjoy this article? Come and tell me in the community, and share which style you think you gravitate towards to the most. If you have any questions regarding this topic, do not hesitate to ask.
First photo: Erik Lefvander