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Style Tips from Real Scandinavian Bedrooms
Deck out your sleep space with the authentic Nordic look for that hemtrevliga (homely) and ombonade (snuggly) appeal
Chiquit Brammall
20 September 2017
Design journalist and freelance editor. Dollhouse architect. Serial renter.
Singaporeans can’t get enough of Scandinavian style interiors. While we’re so different (from the Nordics) in climate, we do share some similarities, such as small, urban homes and a preference for clean lines and good design. Here’s how to get that minimalist-yet-cosy look – plus some real Singapore bedrooms that show how they’ve done it.
1. Choose a palette of white, pale grey and accents of black
You want a bedroom that’s calm and restful, so it makes sense to have a visually restful palette of white and grey with black accents. The coolness of this palette contrasts with the warm colours brought by plants from the outside, or little potted ones inside.
You want a bedroom that’s calm and restful, so it makes sense to have a visually restful palette of white and grey with black accents. The coolness of this palette contrasts with the warm colours brought by plants from the outside, or little potted ones inside.
The cool palette of white, grey and black doesn’t mean you’re stuck with white walls. Here, grey keeps the bedroom cool, and not all-white, and a cool-blue rug is added for a subtle touch of colour.
And in this bedroom, cool-mint walls add a trendy flair without diminishing the minimalist and restful Scandi palette.
Singapore interpretation:
Black window frames contrast with this all-white bedroom in a freehold apartment in District 10. Little grey accents add to the cool colour palette, which is enlivened by the lush green view.
Houzz Tour: A 30-Year-Old Apartment Embraces Modern Minimalism
Black window frames contrast with this all-white bedroom in a freehold apartment in District 10. Little grey accents add to the cool colour palette, which is enlivened by the lush green view.
Houzz Tour: A 30-Year-Old Apartment Embraces Modern Minimalism
2. Sunlight, and lots of it
Scandinavians don’t have the round-the-year sunny (and warm) weather that we do, so they seize as much sunlight as they can. Sheer curtains soften the sunlight, so the bedroom is awash in a soft white glow that’s still cosy.
Scandinavians don’t have the round-the-year sunny (and warm) weather that we do, so they seize as much sunlight as they can. Sheer curtains soften the sunlight, so the bedroom is awash in a soft white glow that’s still cosy.
Singapore interpretation:
Our tropical sunlight is harsh, so thicker blinds may be in order.
Room of the Week: Raw Openness Defines This Bedroom
Our tropical sunlight is harsh, so thicker blinds may be in order.
Room of the Week: Raw Openness Defines This Bedroom
3. Cool light warmed by wood and plants
Because the daylight that Scandinavians receive in their hemisphere is cool and soft (unlike our hot, glaring light), they visually warm up the interiors with wood floors or furniture and indoor plants.
Tip: Mimic cool, soft daylight with sheer curtains during the day and cool-temperature bulbs at night.
Because the daylight that Scandinavians receive in their hemisphere is cool and soft (unlike our hot, glaring light), they visually warm up the interiors with wood floors or furniture and indoor plants.
Tip: Mimic cool, soft daylight with sheer curtains during the day and cool-temperature bulbs at night.
Singapore interpretation:
Oak laminate was used to bring the warm wood look to this bespoke platform bed. Black framed glass partitions separate the sleep space from the wardrobe, and mimic a window.
Houzz Tour: Chance Encounter Results in a Happy Design Collaboration
Oak laminate was used to bring the warm wood look to this bespoke platform bed. Black framed glass partitions separate the sleep space from the wardrobe, and mimic a window.
Houzz Tour: Chance Encounter Results in a Happy Design Collaboration
4. Soften the cool palette and minimalist lines with a piece of artwork or a rug
… and make sure that these items blend in rather than sharply contrast with the white, grey and black-with-wood interiors.
… and make sure that these items blend in rather than sharply contrast with the white, grey and black-with-wood interiors.
Singapore interpretation:
A black wall cools down the harsh daylight coming in from this bedroom’s window. Greyish wood floors help soften the contrast between the white and black elements.
Browse Singapore bedroom designs
A black wall cools down the harsh daylight coming in from this bedroom’s window. Greyish wood floors help soften the contrast between the white and black elements.
Browse Singapore bedroom designs
5. Make it hygge
“Hygge” is the Danish word for “cosy warmth, spending time with the ones you love, in a home that is filled with light and well-loved items that fill you with everyday joy when you use them … It is the Nordic state of contentment that can only be found at home,” says Houzz Sweden editor Sara Norrman. This could be a quirky artwork, mismatched lamps, plants, and even using your favourite clothes as part of the decor.
Bringing Hygge into the Singapore Home
“Hygge” is the Danish word for “cosy warmth, spending time with the ones you love, in a home that is filled with light and well-loved items that fill you with everyday joy when you use them … It is the Nordic state of contentment that can only be found at home,” says Houzz Sweden editor Sara Norrman. This could be a quirky artwork, mismatched lamps, plants, and even using your favourite clothes as part of the decor.
Bringing Hygge into the Singapore Home
Singapore interpretation:
Potted mini cacti add life to this clean-lined bedroom. Rumpled beddings complete the hygge effect.
Houzz Tour: Light Fills This Scandi-Style One-Bedroom Condo
Potted mini cacti add life to this clean-lined bedroom. Rumpled beddings complete the hygge effect.
Houzz Tour: Light Fills This Scandi-Style One-Bedroom Condo
TELL US
What’s your ideal bedroom style? Let us know in the Comments below if you’re looking for a particular look to emulate for your bedroom, and what you’d like to read more about.
MORE
Browse Scandinavian-style bedrooms
Design Tips from Real Scandinavian Kitchens
What’s your ideal bedroom style? Let us know in the Comments below if you’re looking for a particular look to emulate for your bedroom, and what you’d like to read more about.
MORE
Browse Scandinavian-style bedrooms
Design Tips from Real Scandinavian Kitchens
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