Key Elements to Ace the Modern Scandinavian Look
Scandinavian decorating is surprisingly warm and ventures well beyond white-on-white
I just spent three weeks in Sweden and Denmark, where good design is woven into the DNA of the culture. But while we may be familiar with the famous names of Scandinavian design, there is still the question of putting a room together. How do we achieve that warm but clean look? Here are a few pointers.
What you need to decorate like a Scandinavian:
1. Wood: There is no such thing as wall-to-wall carpet in Sweden. Warmth comes from wood and area rugs, and shoes are never worn inside the house.
2. Light, light and more light: We stayed in a house with 20 hours of daylight and not a single window treatment. There is no such thing as too much light.
3. White walls: Bright white is the colour of choice in Scandinavia (but don’t worry, there’s still a lot of colour).
4. Accent colour: It’s not as stern as all that. In fact, Scandinavian design is playful and fun. Colourful rugs, art, furniture and flowers abound. The backdrop might be white, but colour is everywhere.
5. A mix of styles and eras: While Scandinavian design is known for clean, geometric lines, that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for an ornate chandelier or a flamboyant Louis XVI chair in the mix.
What you need to decorate like a Scandinavian:
1. Wood: There is no such thing as wall-to-wall carpet in Sweden. Warmth comes from wood and area rugs, and shoes are never worn inside the house.
2. Light, light and more light: We stayed in a house with 20 hours of daylight and not a single window treatment. There is no such thing as too much light.
3. White walls: Bright white is the colour of choice in Scandinavia (but don’t worry, there’s still a lot of colour).
4. Accent colour: It’s not as stern as all that. In fact, Scandinavian design is playful and fun. Colourful rugs, art, furniture and flowers abound. The backdrop might be white, but colour is everywhere.
5. A mix of styles and eras: While Scandinavian design is known for clean, geometric lines, that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for an ornate chandelier or a flamboyant Louis XVI chair in the mix.
Natural wood is ever present in modern Scandinavian design. Even upholstered furniture keeps its wooden bones exposed. And wood always looks great with bright white.
The sauna is a Swedish invention (even the Vikings took saunas), and the look of unfinished wood paneling seen in a sauna can be carried into the home as well. It’s clean and unfussy, but it adds warmth and texture.
Let the light shine in. Modern Swedish and Danish design is very much about connecting with the outdoors, and the locals are absolute fiends for sunshine (probably because there is so little of it during the long winters). Windows are big and uncovered.
Maybe it’s because it reflects the light so well. Or maybe it’s because it looks so fantastic with wood. Or maybe it’s because it so easily allows for an eclectic mix of colours and patterns. Whatever the reasons, white is the wall colour of choice.
White walls and floor with warm wood accents and subtle colour.
Colour is a huge part of Scandinavian design, and it usually appears in accessories.
The fireplace is the centre of the home. This traditional Swedish tiled stove (kakelugnar) is so beautiful and iconic.
An eclectic mix of modern and traditional elements in an all-white space.
TELL US
What do you like best about the Scandinavian style? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
MORE
6 Surprising Things About Scandi Style You Probably Didn’t Know
TELL US
What do you like best about the Scandinavian style? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
MORE
6 Surprising Things About Scandi Style You Probably Didn’t Know