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.
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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 update your decor and 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.
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.
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.
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?
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These are some really great ideas, especially playing around with textures in the home! Thanks for sharing Lisa X
Texture is so much fun – we have masses of throws and furry cushions at home, so good to snuggle up with! x
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
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 🙂
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
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
I love the fact that minimalist approaches like this are gaining such attention in today’s society!
It’s great, isn’t it? Such an elegant look, and zero clutter!
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
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
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
Thank you – yes, Scandi style isn’t for everyone, I know, although neutral walls would be a great backdrop for artwork!
I always love texture in my house, it makes a home feel so much better!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
It does, doesn’t it? Nothing beats snuggly throws and cushions 🙂
Love the post. Hygge way of life.
Thank you – yay for cosy living 🙂
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
Oh lighting makes ALL the difference, I completely agree, your plans sound great!
You put a name to my style – and i thank you for that. What you described is my house in words! Thank you!
Oh wow, that’s wonderful – I’m very envious of your house now!
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
Thank you, Via, lighting does make a huge difference, doesn’t it? And clutter… always a clear up work in progress, haha x
I have to say at first I didn’t like the scandi design but now I love it! So sleek, thanks for sharing x
I know what you mean – I do love it but it’s hard to keep everything, clean haha! x
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!
Clutter is the bane of my life – I have a husband and daughter who are both utterly averse to getting rid of anything!
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
Same! You are welcome Lisa xxx
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
Oh I do too, this is aspirational rather than reality, haha. Thank you, Fiona, I know exactly what you mean! xx
I like Scandinavian style and these tips for home decorations are great. Thank you so much for sharing.
http://www.exclusivebeautydiary.com
You’re very welcome, I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Such beautiful interiors! Very inspiring ideas 🙂
Thank you very much, I’m so pleased you enjoyed it!
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.
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!