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Master the spartan, nature-inspired aesthetic of Scandinavian interior design with advice from seasoned experts.
Scandinavian interior designis an aesthetic rooted in simplicity.
Credit: Sara Medina Lind
It features subtle textures, a soft color palette, and sparse styling.
For Sigurd Hadland, founder ofFJRN Scandinavianin Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA, Scandi environments are also at one with nature.
“Natural materials are the driving force,” he affirms.
Credit: Kristofer Johnsson for Nordiska kök
“The awareness of nature has driven design toward natural materials and an organic, integrated style.”
Her best advice: Keep color tones and textures aligned.
Scandinavian Interior Design Principles
1.
Credit: Carl Hansen
Use Natural Materials
Scandinavians find great inspiration in the outdoors.
“We honor it with theuse of nature’s materials,” Hedeby says.
This includes wood and stone that patina beautifully with age.
Look for textures with natural warmth, she suggests.
The designer and stylist’s favorite wall color is a shade of greige10341from Norwegian paint companyJotun Lady.
Painting with added minerals can provide a natural lime paint texture, too.
If you’re building or renovating, honor the beauty of raw materials.
Choose “a divineDinesen floorand keep the rest pure and simple.”
For a stateside paint color match, try a light gray-beige like Farrow & Ball’sDrop Clothor Benjamin Moore’sRevere Pewter.
Credit: Erik Lefvander
Hedeby recommends Carl Hansen’sWishbone Chairby Hans J. Wegner and theJ39 Chairby Borge Mogensen.
“They give an instant Nordic minimalist and Scandinavian feel to an interior,” she says.
Accessorize Intentionally
When it comes to accessorizing, do so minimally and with great care.
Credit: Kristofer Johnsson for Nordiska kök
“They perfectly combine the simplistic design, form, and function,” Hedeby says.
Layer Natural Textures
A Scandinavian space isn’t complete without hygge, a wordmeaning warmth and comfort.
These comforting textures work well for sofas and chairs, too.
“Sheep’s wool is typically used for upholstery fabrics and pelts,” Hadland explains.
“Colors tend to be natural and undyed.
Keep It Simple
Hedeby says Scandinavians follow the basic principle that less is more.
“The decluttered style is easy to live with, and the materials age beautifully with a natural patina.
It’s sustainable and long-lasting,” she says.
Nordic spaces lack excessive ornamentation, so start editing!
According to Hadland, the Nordic style is “clean and clear, avoiding clutter or disorganization.”
But unlike homes in the United States, Hadland says Scandinavians rarely rely on canned ceiling lights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely.
verify every item in your kitchen serves a purposeideally more than one.
Look for clever storage options for dishes, glassware, and kitchen tools.
Seek outScandinavian-inspired lightingand inject energy into the space withbright whites,warm neutrals, andlight-colored cabinets.
The aesthetic combines Scandinavian and Japanese interior principles into one meditative approach that showcases simplicity and craftsmanship.
The style honors both origin cultures and effortlessly melds minimalism with cozy comfort.
Other design styles that blend beautifully with Scandinavian interior design includemidcentury modern,modern, andbohemian design.
When choosing art for a Scandinavian design-inspired space, let your heart be your guide.
The beauty of Scandinavian interior design is in its flexibility.
Bright colors, animal prints, and dramatic shapes will stand out and sparkle against otherwise understated decor.
