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6 Scandinavian style design tips for your home

6 easy Scandinavian style design tips for your home *

21st November 2019      Lisa      43 Comments

AD | Scandinavian style has swept the UK over recent years.  Many of us aspire to create cosy ‘hygge’ spaces and adopt the functional and minimalistic design style which oozes understated elegance.  The style of the Scandi home isn’t exactly new though.  It actually emerged in the 1930s, promoting beautiful designs that were both sustainable and high-quality.  But it wasn’t until the 1950s that it made its way over to the USA.  And nowadays, you’re likely to find many Scandinavian inspired homes around the UK too.

Contents

  • 1 What exactly is Scandinavian style?
  • 2 Adopt a neutral colour scheme
  • 3 Say hello to a clutter-free zone
  • 4 Let the light flood in
  • 5 Use decorative accents
  • 6 Play around with textures
  • 7 Introduce rustic touches
    • 7.1 Share this post:

What exactly is Scandinavian style?

Simplistic living that feels anything but bland, Scandinavian homes are based on a minimalist aesthetic with timeless pieces of furniture and multifunctional items.  Would you like to add a touch of chic minimalist living to your home too?  Check out these six design tips to get that enviable Scandinavian style…

Adopt a neutral colour scheme

A key element of Scandi home design is a soft, neutral colour palette.  This doesn’t necessarily mean having to stick to black and white though.  In fact, dusty pinks and greens are a very Scandi way to add a pop of colour.  Just be sure to keep your base colours simple – black, white, grey and light browns are ideal, and then introduce one or two accent colours.  Keep it soft, and keep it simple, especially in your bedroom.

6 Scandinavian style design tips for your home

Say hello to a clutter-free zone

When you browse through the hundreds of Scandinavian home inspired images on Pinterest and Instagram, you’ll probably notice they all have one thing in common.  No clutter!  The first step in giving your home a Scandinavian style upgrade is to spend some time clearing out your clutter.  Think functional, and think minimalist.  Stick to the less is more Marie Kondo mantra and you can’t go too far wrong.  Think about how you can efficiently store your belongings, and make good use of your space.  Consider adding shelves to display books, or using discreet storage boxes and stylish cabinets.

Let the light flood in

Scandinavians like to invite as much natural light in as possible, which is why you might find many windows are left bare of curtains or blinds.  Instead, sheer fabrics and light linens may be used to retain privacy.  In order to maximise the light in your home, you may wish to consider bespoke sliding doors to create the feel of a larger, brighter space.  Beloved of Channel Four’s George Clarke, sliding doors are a stylish statement, and offer a sleek upgrade to your home.

6 Scandinavian style design tips for your home
Scandinavian style sliding doors

Use decorative accents

Minimalist Scandinavian style doesn’t have to mean bland and boring though.  Scandinavians are masters at accessorising for the home in a way that’s understated yet impactful.  Candles are a must-have, especially when elegantly displayed in a beautiful holder that doubles up as a piece of art itself.  Equally, ceramic vases are a great addition, and don’t forget your greens!  Friluftsliv is another Scandi concept, all about our relationship with nature.  So plants and florals such as a bunch of eucalyptus in a vase, or a few cacti and ferns in your living space, are ways of bringing the outside in.  And using unwanted bowls, pans and coffee pots as planters, is a great way of sustainable upcycling too.

6 Scandinavian style design tips for your home

Play around with textures

Play around with textures to create that cosy hygge feel in the home.  Hygge is a Scandinavian term that is widely used to describe cosiness, comfortable surroundings and that fuzzy feeling of warmth.  In order to achieve ultimate hygge, textures are key.  Think furry throws, knit cushions and snuggly floor rugs.

Introduce rustic touches

Rustic woodwork is common in Scandi homes, adding a splash of colour to an all-white room.  Mid-century style, contemporary furniture is a great option, rather than furniture that almost looks antique.  A wooden chair can completely transform a corner of your room, and don’t forget a throw for that cosy, warm vibe.  Or if wood isn’t your thing, metal furniture works well too, as interior blogger, Anna explains in her post.

Are you a fan of Scandinavian style?  Do you like the clean, elegant, minimalist look too?  If so, what are your favourite ways to add some Nordic touches to your home?

* This is a sponsored post.

6 Scandinavian style design tips for your home

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Comments

  1. Kayleigh Zara says

    21st November 2019 at 5:10 pm

    These are some really great ideas, especially playing around with textures in the home! Thanks for sharing Lisa X

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      21st November 2019 at 7:45 pm

      Texture is so much fun – we have masses of throws and furry cushions at home, so good to snuggle up with! x

      Reply
  2. Corinne ❄️ (@WhatCorinneDid) says

    21st November 2019 at 5:27 pm

    I do love scandinavian design! so sleek and minimalist. light makes such a massive difference. I always go for neutral colors when it comes to the big pieces of furniture, and then add color here and there

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      21st November 2019 at 7:46 pm

      My only complaint it that it’s not that easy to keep clean, haha. But I love pops of accent colour on a neutral background, it’s such a clean look 🙂

      Reply
  3. glowsteady says

    21st November 2019 at 5:28 pm

    I like a lot of things about the Scandinavian style. love neutral colours and rustic touches but I find it a little too ’empty’ sometimes. I’m not a huge fan of the super minimal look x

    Sophie
    http://www.glowsteady.co.uk

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      21st November 2019 at 7:47 pm

      Yes, I do know what you mean, it can be a little too much sometimes – a few plants here and there do make a massive difference though! 🙂 X

      Reply
  4. 🖤💀Britt K💀🖤 (@AltSpeaking) says

    21st November 2019 at 5:42 pm

    I love the fact that minimalist approaches like this are gaining such attention in today’s society!

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      21st November 2019 at 7:47 pm

      It’s great, isn’t it? Such an elegant look, and zero clutter!

      Reply
  5. BeeBooksBeauty says

    21st November 2019 at 6:10 pm

    I love the pictures in this feature! I am not overly minimalist but I do like the Scandinavian style of woods, glass, light & outside in. I love my houseplants and displays of pinecones etc especially in Winter when I’m more indoors than outdoors. Great post x

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      21st November 2019 at 7:49 pm

      I have to confess Unsplash is a treasure trove of minimalist stock photos – I use them all the time for a couple of my clients too. And you’ve just reminded me, I need to replenish our pine cone stock in time for the festive season, haha! X

      Reply
  6. Tajinder Kaur says

    21st November 2019 at 6:10 pm

    Great post dear, love the design tips. I can appreciate Scandinavian style, however, personally I adore bold colours and art. It’s much too minimalist for me.

    Tx. // Tajinder Kaur

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      21st November 2019 at 7:49 pm

      Thank you – yes, Scandi style isn’t for everyone, I know, although neutral walls would be a great backdrop for artwork!

      Reply
  7. Amie.🌼 (@acurvyvegan) says

    21st November 2019 at 6:58 pm

    I always love texture in my house, it makes a home feel so much better!

    Love, Amie ❤

    The Curvaceous Vegan

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      21st November 2019 at 7:50 pm

      It does, doesn’t it? Nothing beats snuggly throws and cushions 🙂

      Reply
  8. mischievouswordsbymartaazra says

    21st November 2019 at 7:04 pm

    Love the post. Hygge way of life.

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      21st November 2019 at 7:51 pm

      Thank you – yay for cosy living 🙂

      Reply
  9. jmsauca says

    21st November 2019 at 8:07 pm

    My ideal home would be minimalistic and be extremely well-lit! I love the idea of using a neutral color scheme, I’m definitely going to do this when I get my own permanent place.
    Jazmin

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      21st November 2019 at 8:26 pm

      Oh lighting makes ALL the difference, I completely agree, your plans sound great!

      Reply
  10. Lisa Alioto says

    21st November 2019 at 10:55 pm

    You put a name to my style – and i thank you for that. What you described is my house in words! Thank you!

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      22nd November 2019 at 9:13 am

      Oh wow, that’s wonderful – I’m very envious of your house now!

      Reply
  11. Via Singh says

    22nd November 2019 at 2:10 am

    I love the minimalist style of home with neutral colors. You shared some great tips Lisa, especially about keeping your space clutter free and well lit. 🙂

    Via | http://glossnglitters.com

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      22nd November 2019 at 9:37 am

      Thank you, Via, lighting does make a huge difference, doesn’t it? And clutter… always a clear up work in progress, haha x

      Reply
  12. RealBadMommy says

    22nd November 2019 at 8:25 am

    I have to say at first I didn’t like the scandi design but now I love it! So sleek, thanks for sharing x

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      22nd November 2019 at 9:14 am

      I know what you mean – I do love it but it’s hard to keep everything, clean haha! x

      Reply
  13. Sarah says

    22nd November 2019 at 8:44 am

    I love the minimalist and elegant feel, I am working on clearing the clutter from our home it has become a bit too much recently!

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      22nd November 2019 at 9:16 am

      Clutter is the bane of my life – I have a husband and daughter who are both utterly averse to getting rid of anything!

      Reply
  14. Jenny in Neverland says

    22nd November 2019 at 10:51 am

    I absolutely adore Scandinavian home decor. If I had my own place, I’d definitely want to use this style as inspiration. As you know, I hate clutter too, so this design fits in well with me! xxx

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      22nd November 2019 at 2:48 pm

      It’s such a lovely aesthetic, isn’t it? Not terribly practical with muddy kids and pets, but still something to take inspiration from! xxx

      Reply
  15. ashleigh davis says

    22nd November 2019 at 3:16 pm

    Oh my gosh! you’ve given me so much to work with here! I am moving house very soon and I cannot wait to decorate it with this style! I love the minimalistic look so much! unfortunately, I’ve got a 6 month old baby which isn’t very pratical but hey ho! I can still dream.

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      22nd November 2019 at 4:07 pm

      Ohhhhh, how exciting! I would love to be able to start from scratch again, there are lots of things I’d do differently. You’re right about practicality and babies though, but when maybe when she’s older! X

      Reply
  16. 🍬 kenna 🍬 (@LifeOfLilyBlog) says

    25th November 2019 at 12:10 pm

    Love Scandi style! You should check out jenny mustard on youtube!

    I love to keep the base neutral colors and then accessorise with some color, it’s much easier to change anything you don’t like that way! Great tips!

    Kenna, Lifeoflilyblog.com xxx

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      25th November 2019 at 2:44 pm

      Oh, I haven’t heard of her, I’ll do that, thank you 🙂 And yes, I agree, colourful accessories on a neutral base make life much easier, especially with seasonal update! x

      Reply
  17. bournemouthgirl says

    25th November 2019 at 1:50 pm

    I like the idea of a minimalistic and decluttered spaces. It helps make spaces feel bigger and cleaner I think. They are great tips! I love the idea of different textures too! I like light colours, but I am also a lover of grey, white and black decor also!! Thank you for sharing Lisa xxx

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      25th November 2019 at 2:49 pm

      I would LOVE a completely decluttered home but I think that’s a pipe dream, sadly! I’ll just have to stick to light colours in the meantime – thank you for your lovely comment, Lauren xxx

      Reply
      • bournemouthgirl says

        26th November 2019 at 7:06 pm

        Same! You are welcome Lisa xxx

        Reply
  18. Fiona says

    25th November 2019 at 4:16 pm

    I love that bedroom! I really wish I could be strong enough to de clutter and be minimalist, unfortunately not at the moment! I like ‘things’ too much! Lovely article Lisa xx

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      26th November 2019 at 8:36 am

      Oh I do too, this is aspirational rather than reality, haha. Thank you, Fiona, I know exactly what you mean! xx

      Reply
  19. The Exclusive Beauty Diary says

    25th November 2019 at 6:14 pm

    I like Scandinavian style and these tips for home decorations are great. Thank you so much for sharing.

    http://www.exclusivebeautydiary.com

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      26th November 2019 at 8:37 am

      You’re very welcome, I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂

      Reply
  20. Jenni @ I on Image says

    27th November 2019 at 8:19 pm

    Such beautiful interiors! Very inspiring ideas 🙂

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      28th November 2019 at 9:25 am

      Thank you very much, I’m so pleased you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  21. Kim says

    16th December 2019 at 1:19 pm

    I love the minimalistic style of Scandinavian homes and if / when I own my home would definitely about some of those elements. A completely clutter-less home would be the dream.

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      16th December 2019 at 1:55 pm

      I do love the clean simplicity of the Scandinavian style and it’s one I aspire too but sadly can’t achieve with cats and a horse-mad daughter!

      Reply

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I'm Lisa, a Freelance Content Creator & Content Writer from Bath, helping brands and businesses connect with their ideal clients. I'm also a mum of one, cat concierge, gardener, gin, and tea lover, and Plantagenet enthusiast!

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