Scandinavian interior design is all about creating a simple, beautiful, and functional home. The style is based on the principles of Scandinavian design, which focus on minimalism, functionality, and simplicity. With its roots in Scandinavian countries, the style is both contemporary and classic and uses white, muted colors, and natural textures to create a sleek and sophisticated look.
One of the best things about Scandi interior design is that it’s easy to achieve. With a few key pieces and some simple design choices, you can transform any room in your home into a Scandinavian haven. So, get ready to be inspired and start decorating!
Scandinavian interior design History
While "Scandinavian" refers to the Nordic countries of Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, and Denmark, the style of design that originated in this region is called "Scandi." In the 1950s, there was a movement toward a simpler and more natural approach to design, which was also seen in architecture, furniture, and fabrics. The Scandi look is here to stay as more and more homeowners ditch dark, heavy furniture for simple Scandinavian designs. The look is a natural fit for the modern home, which often features hardwood floors, open spaces, neutral colors, open shelving, and lots of light.
Characteristics of Scandinavian interior design
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The style is logical, simple, and balanced. Sleek, timeless, minimalist, and affordable luxury—these are just some of the qualities that have typified Scandinavian design for more than a century and have made it such a sought-after aesthetic. It's characterized by a practical approach to design, which stems from the cultural values of simplicity and functionality. This Nordic design is a style of functionalist architecture, design, and art originating in the Nordic countries. It is meant to be a response to functionalism and modernism. The Scandinavian style is having a major moment in the interior world, with its cool and calm aesthetic igniting a frenzy of design inspiration. The style is also known for its focus on natural materials and neutral tones, with touches of greenery to bring life to spaces. A breezy, light and airy house is not only aesthetically pleasing but also psychologically uplifting.
"Less is more” is the central philosophy behind the Scandinavian design. Minimalist Scandinavian interior design is the epitome of simplicity. With its emphasis on simplicity and function, Scandinavian design is a refreshing alternative to the more elaborate styles of decorating that have become popular in recent years. While many people think of Scandi as being synonymous with minimalist style, it's more about the overall look and feel of the space than adhering to any specific rules or regulations.
Key Features of Scandi design
Scandinavian design is famous for its simple beauty. Some of its common features are -
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- Use light colors - Light colors give a room a calm and peaceful atmosphere, and also provide a blank canvas for other decorative elements such as artwork and furniture, allowing these items to take centerstage. The most common light colors used are white, beige, and light gray which are often combined with darker wood tones. Try to keep the shades pale and muted.
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- Use natural materials - Opt for natural fibers such as wool, cotton, or jute for textiles, and use wood, stone, and metal for furniture and accents. You can also incorporate natural elements like dried flowers, stones, or driftwood into your decor.
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- Functional and aesthetically pleasing - The goal is to create an interior design that can be both attractive and practical for day-to-day living. When selecting furniture and accents, it is important to choose pieces that will make your life easier. Look for things that provide both form and function.
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- Make use of negative space - Negative spaces are often overlooked, but they can be a great way to add a sense of balance and tranquility to a space. Scandi interior design is all about creating a harmonious and relaxing atmosphere. The best way to do that is by making sure there is enough ‘breathing space’ in your home. Be mindful of how you arrange your furniture and accessories.
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- Use bold colors sparingly - Scandi interior design is all about keeping the colors and patterns to a minimum. The use of bold colors is to be kept to a minimum, as they can easily create a feeling of being overwhelmed. However, if you do want to incorporate a few colorful accents, be sure to choose colors that are bold yet muted, such as blues and greens. Welcome the bold colors with tasteful artwork or textiles.
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- Create a cozy atmosphere - Start by incorporating plenty of soft furnishings such as throw pillows, rugs, blankets, and cushions. You can also add wall hangings, such as tapestries or woven rugs, to bring in a sense of warmth and comfort. Candles and lamps are also great additions to any room and will help set the mood.
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- Mix and match texture - Mix and match knitted throws, velvet cushions, and linen upholstery for an eclectic, yet cohesive look. The trick is to use different colors and patterns that still fit together so that the overall design looks balanced and natural.
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- Hang interesting artwork - Hang artwork that captures the essence of Scandinavian style. You can find prints that feature minimal lines, muted colors, and nature-inspired motifs. Abstract art also works well with this style.
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- Hardwood floors - Scandinavian design is known for its love of natural materials and forms, which is no more true than in its interiors. Keep in mind that the tone of the wood should be light and natural. Opt for light shades of brown or grey that will blend in with the walls and other elements of the interior.
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- Incorporate greenery - You don’t need to have an entire room full of plants to achieve a Scandi interior design look - just adding a few pieces of greenery here and there can make a big difference. Choose plants that fit with the style you’re going for. For example, opt for trailing plants like a string of pearls or spider plants if you’re going for a bohemian feel. On the other hand, succulents and cacti work great in minimalist spaces.
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- Use interesting light fixtures - Look for lighting fixtures that are both functional and stylish. The best way to achieve this is by selecting a combination of task lighting and mood lighting. Place task lighting, such as wall sconces, near where you’ll be working or lounging, and look for mood lighting, such as table lamps, to create a relaxing atmosphere. And remember, when it comes to lighting, the simpler the better.
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- Consider functionality - While aesthetics are important, you should also ensure that each element you choose is practical and fits into the room seamlessly. Consider the types of activities that take place in the room and the space available. Think about how the furniture can be used for both form and function.
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- Keep it simple - Scandi design is all about simplicity, so when creating a Scandi-inspired space, try to focus on the basics. Stick to neutral colors and focus on quality materials that will last a long time. Don't overcrowd the room with furniture or accessories.
Scandinavian Design for Every Room
The Scandinavian style is perfect for almost everyone, and more importantly, it adapts to almost any setting. From small homes to large apartments, it can be customized to fit any space without being overwhelming.
Living room Scandi designs
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Traditional Scandinavian design is not just about clean lines and simplicity - it’s about balance. The use of natural materials such as wood and stone sets them apart from other styles. You can find many different types of wood used throughout Scandinavian interiors—birch, oak, pine, and even linen. Other natural materials include leather, suede, wool, and cotton fabrics that lend themselves to a casual yet sophisticated look. Consider using a wooden coffee table with a hand-knitted cotton throw or a stone fireplace surrounded by a sheepskin rug.
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The Scandinavian-style home has a natural and organic look that reflects the beauty of the region's lakes, forests, and majestic mountains. The design is uncluttered and simple, reflecting the Nordic culture's love for nature and its environment. This type of design is perfect for those who love to spend time outdoors, with plenty of light from windows that open to balconies. As a result, window decoration or coverings should be kept to a minimum, and sheer fabrics should be used when wanted.
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This style is also noted for its use of neutrals, such as white walls painted with light gray paint or light gray walls painted with white paint (with accents in darker hues). Patterned fabrics (such as tapestries) can be used on chairs or curtains, adding interest without being too bold. The colors you can use in your living room can be whites and grays with pops of reds and blues in various shades—from basic whites to deep reds to soft creams to bright blues, there is something for everyone!
Bedroom Scandi designs
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As the nights draw in, it's time to cocoon yourself in a cozy bedroom. Layer organic textures, such as a soft wool and plush sheepskin throw and a wool rug, to create a warm and welcoming space to escape from the daily grind. Layer lots of texture, starting with rugs and throws made of natural materials to soften hardwood floors. Choose bold colors and prints for wall art, but remember that accessories like cushions, lighting, and curtains are where you can really inject personality.
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When it comes to storage solutions, Scandinavian homes are the gold standard. Not only are they beautiful works of art, but they also have hidden storage in almost every room. From large pieces of furniture with built-in shelving to a small nightstand with a drawer for bedside storage, these homes have everything you need. The aim is to create a bedroom that is functional, comfortable, pleasant to live in, and aesthetically pleasing.
Bathroom Scandi designs

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When designing bathrooms, Scandinavian designers have one clear message: maximize the space. One of their favorite tricks is to use wall-mounted features, including mirrors and lights, instead of bulky cabinets to save space. This approach not only creates a sense of spaciousness but also allows for an elegant look with minimal effort.
Showcasing a style that is at once airy, inviting, and comfortable, Scandinavian design is the perfect antidote to the cold and dark winter months. And with its fresh, simple aesthetic, it is also the perfect style for bathroom spaces. The color palette used in Scandinavian style is often neutral, with shades of grey, beige, black, and white dominating the picture. However, Scandinavian design doesn't mean that every item in the house should be white. Experiment with all kinds of colors, and don't be afraid to go outside the box. When decorating a Scandinavian-style bathroom, you can experiment with color and texture by adding a vibrant floor rug or painting the walls a bold hue.

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Little details matter, especially in the bathroom. Upgrade your space with a touch of gold metallics to elevate your style and make it more livable. The best part? It doesn't require a major refresh - you can add a metallic accent wash basin or use a metallic mirror and get the look even without a full-on remodel.
Dining room Scandi designs
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The dining room is the heart of the home and the place where you can truly make your mark: from expressing yourself through conversation, entertaining, and decorating, to creating a space that is uniquely ‘you’. Scandinavian design is known for its clean lines, white and black color palette, and use of natural materials, and the furniture used in the dining room often has wooden legs and/or wooden surfaces, giving it a minimalist, modern feel. This style of design often includes large windows and open floor plans to create a sense of spaciousness.
Kitchen Scandi designs
In our busy lives, we often forget the importance of good food. And when you have a busy life, there’s no better place to go than the kitchen—a place where you can relax and enjoy good food that has been prepared with love. Kitchens in Scandinavian design mostly have a white or natural hue, as it represents purity and cleanliness. And when it comes to the kitchen, marble tops with metallic kitchen lighting are a must. This style of kitchen design focuses on the use of wooden materials such as wooden flooring, cabinets, etc. This gives your kitchen a homey, natural feel and enhances its look.
Entryway Scandi Designs
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When it comes to decorating your entryway, many people opt for the basics. The Scandinavian interior design style is very much focused on functionality, so it's important that the layout of your entryway is in sync with the Scandinavian design style. Use a white-themed color palette with wooden flooring and black decor accents like a large mirror with a shelf to keep things organized and add more elegance while you are entering your home. The black and white color palette is so clean, classic, and minimalist; it looks great on modern home interior designs.
As we all know, the entryway is the first thing that you see when you enter a home, which is why it's so important to decorate it in a way that can give a great first impression. You can use a checkered ottoman or console table along with wall hooks and golden lighting. This will help you bring a lot of style into your entry room.
With its minimalistic look, the Scandinavian interior design is a timeless style that will never go out of fashion, and one that emphasizes comfort over style. If you're looking for a fresh look, contact Furniture adda today to get that scandi look.