HOW TO GET THAT SCANDINAVIAN FEELING AT HOME

Let’s talk about that Scandinavian feeling. Typical Scandinavian interior is all about finding the balance between functionality, coziness, and aesthetics. This means clean, simple and stylish with a timeless expression and a dash of hygge. Add neutrals shades, natural materials and a touch of colour mixed with cozy textures and carefully selected Scandinavian design pieces for a unique and homely space you will love for years to come.

Here are 10 tips that will help to give your interior a Scandinavian touch:

1 // Focus on neutrals. A key feature in a Scandinavian home is adding neutral, muted tones. By choosing a calming palette of white, greys and light tones you will set the perfect mood. Since the winters are very dark and long in Scandinavia, we often pick light colours in the home to create an open and airy space – especially in a smaller house or apartment. White, grey or lighter accent colours like for instance pastels on the walls are associated with a typical Nordic home and will make it feel inviting and harmonious. Take inspiration from this soft and natural home.

2 // Bring nature inside. In Scandinavia, we love nature and also bringing it into our home in terms of furniture and accessories. Accents of wood and leather create a welcoming and homely touch. The shade is up to you, I suggest mixing darker and lighter tones to create a cozy environment. Another way to bring nature inside is by adding greenery through plants. These natural green addictions will help make your house feel fresh and soothing while cleaning the air.

3 // Wood flooring. Talking about natural wood, when it comes to flooring I suggest choosing a pale, matt wood that compliments the colours of your walls. A big trend at the moment is the classic herringbone pattern as seen here from Woodpecker Flooring, nothing gives a space that warm, comfortable feeling quite like a beautiful wood flooring like this one.

3 // Less is more. This basically relates to everything in your home, whether that is keeping the kitchen counter minimal, or fewer pieces of artwork on the walls. My tip is to take a step back and have a look at your space before minimizing it. There is no need to have everything on display at once, so store some items and rotate with the seasons. If you need some more advice, have a read of my how to have a minimal home blogpost.

4 // Smart storage solutions. Scandinavians are all about simple and clutter-free living. Avoid mess by choosing smart storage solutions that blend in with the space. I love the idea of the storage having multiple purposes, how about creating a lovely little seating nook like Coco Lapine has done here with her Montana Furniture wardrobe? Such a clever and cozy idea for a bedroom! You can also get sofas and beds with hidden storage solutions under.

5 // A dash of hygge. Cozy elements such as blankets, pillows, and candles adds to the calmness and warm feeling in your home. A hyggelig home equals a calm and happy home in my mind, which is something you can read more about in my post how to create a calm home.

6 // Textures. Get the Scandinavian vibe by adding layers of different fabrics and textures to your home like chunky knits and faux fur. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different styles and simplistic patterns as seen here in this beautiful Norwegian home spotted on Avenue Lifestyle blog, it sure makes the room ooze comfort, warmth, and relaxation.

7 // Pop of colour. Even though white is dominant in many Nordic homes, adding subtle or bright colours through accessories, furniture or artwork is a great way to create individuality. A pop of carefully selected colours helps to liven up the space without overwhelming it, and can be changed to match the season.

8 // Vintage touches. Vintage pieces of furniture, often in a darker wood, will create a retro feel which contrasts the modern design perfectly something that you often can find in Scandinavian homes. Go to your local vintage shop or browse online for unique treasures. A vintage table with matching chairs like this seen on My Scandinavian Home creates a relaxed atmosphere with a Scandinavian feeling.

9 // Lighting. The correct lighting in the home is just as important as the furniture you choose, and we love big windows that give lots of natural light. In Scandinavian homes every source of light is important, and the lamp is always a big feature in any room. Another key part of the lighting is candles, set the mood in your home with soft candle lights in a dimly lit room and snuggle up during the dark and colder months.

10 // Decorative accents. Get the look by selecting a few statement Scandinavian design accessories. These do not have to be large and expensive pieces if you are on a tight budget, but items that will help make your home personal and unique to you without cluttering the aesthetic. Be inspired by The Design Chaser’s minimal styled String shelf below.

How do you create a Scandinavian feeling in your home? I would love to hear tips.