Discover what Scandinavian style is and how you can achieve this aesthetic at your place. First, follow the simple fundamentals of minimalism, functionality and statement pieces. Then, extend the Scandi style from inside to out once the interior is complete.
What is Scandinavian style?
Scandinavian style is an interior design style that has stood the test of time since becoming popular in the 1950s. Also described as Scandi style, it is known for its simplicity and functionality while offering a cosy and bright atmosphere.
Apartment Therapy describes Scandi style perfectly, saying, ‘Scandinavian design is marked by a focus on clean, simple lines, minimalism, and functionality without sacrificing beauty. Part of what makes it so aesthetically pleasing is its lack of clutter.‘
Scandi architecture follows the same principles as Scandi interior design
As mentioned above, the same principles apply to Scandinavian architecture – think natural materials, clean lines, and lots of natural light through large windows. As Scandinavian countries have limited daylight through the winter months, harnessing as much light into their homes as possible is vital. Additionally, the architectural design strives to be comfortable and practical while offering a sense of connection to the natural surroundings.
How to achieve a Scandinavian style
To achieve Scandinavian style at your place, begin with the fundamentals and build from there. Firstly, incorporate light wooden floors and secondly, ensure an abundance of natural light. Wherever possible, use large windows and skylights to allow natural light to flood your home. If this is a challenging task, use multiple lighting options throughout the house. From ceiling lights and lamps to candles, incorporate a range of bright and warm lighting to maximise the light in every room. Lastly, use a light colour palette on the walls to bounce the light around the room.
Once the essential elements are in place, begin to build on the Scandinavian style with décor and furnishings. Add bright accent colours while maintaining a minimalist style. Avoid cluttering rooms, introduce quality furniture in natural materials, and add a few statement pieces. Lastly, complete your Scandi style by adding textures with rugs and cushions and indoor plants to complete your interior.
Scandinavian style at a glance:
- Indoor plants
- Light wooden floors
- Lots of natural light and different sources of light
- Minimalist
- Quality furniture and statement pieces
- Textures
- White or light colour palette with bright accent colours
7 ways to continue Scandinavian style outdoors
Similar to Australians, Scandinavians have a love of the outdoors. According to this BBC article, nature plays a big part in daily life. So much so they have a phrase for it — ‘friluftsliv,’ (pronounced free-loofts-liv), which means ‘open-air living‘.
Therefore, embrace the Australian and Scandinavian styles of getting outside and continue the aesthetic into your yard. Firstly, ModularWalls will provide the perfect backdrop to your outdoor area providing a minimalistic and modern aesthetic that suits Scandi style. Not to mention, ModularWalls can be finished in many ways, so continue the white colour palette or make a feature wall.
At the same time, remember to keep your outdoor area free of clutter and continue the minimalist design. Next, use quality outdoor furniture in natural materials. Lastly, introduce outdoor rugs and varying textures and lighting and your Scandinavian style outdoor space will be complete.
Create a Scandi style outdoor area with:
- Minimalist outdoor furniture
- ModularWalls or privacy screen
- Cooking/dining
- Outdoor rugs
- Plants
- Swings
- Wooden bench seats for sitting in nature
All things considered, to bring Scandinavian style to your place, follow the simple rules of simplicity, natural light, a neutral colour palette, natural materials, and pops of colour, and you can’t go wrong. Now a classic, Scandi will undoubtedly continue to be a favourite style for many years.
