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Scandinavian style in the interior: the nuances of the choice of finishing materials and the secrets of the final decor. What is the Scandinavian style in the interior Nordic interior

Almost all styles of room decoration have appeared in various localities or states. They show the peculiarities of the local climate, the customs of the living people and their character. The Scandinavian style in the interior, which has recently been very popular, is no exception. Many residents of our state liked this style, and the number of its fans only continues to grow.

Nordic character

As you know, the north of Europe is usually called Scandinavia. Various peoples with rich culture and values ​​live here.

The Scandinavian style as a whole is a general concept, which is characterized by the features of the very harsh climate of the north, with the often silent inhabitants of these places. This style has the following features:

  • The nature in Northern Europe is rather harsh, there is no multicolor, typical for the southern regions. For this reason, calmness and a certain moderation prevail in the color scheme of the style. The interior contains monochrome and light shades. To add zest, you must use. It is reminiscent of a short bloom in spring in the colder part of Europe.
  • The style is based on the solidity and practicality characteristic of the local residents. Residents have to fight the elements, creating durable and reliable homes. Thanks to this approach, simple, ordinary-looking furniture, strong windows, warm blankets and bedspreads arose.
  • Inhabitants of the north appreciate functionality and practicality. Everything here is orderly and carefully planned.
  • The interior is characterized by such features as restraint, cleanliness. This effect occurs due to the predominance of light tones. The floorboard is also light, which is a wonder for our homes.
  • The key feature of the style is the use of natural materials. Furniture, furnishings, textiles and decorative items - all these items must be of natural origin.
  • This style is not for those who like the flashy, bright look of the apartment. For the Scandinavian style, almost all elements are discreet and restrained. It is mesmerizing in its own way, like the beauty of Scandinavian nature.
  • The abundance of light sources is another characteristic feature. In the north, the night lasts half a year, so the Scandinavian peoples are very demanding on the quality of artificial lighting. The abundance of various lamps, such as chandeliers, sconces, tabletop and should at least partially replace the lack of sunlight.

    You should pay close attention to the technology, the selection of materials, the quality of the finish, so that you get an interior that matches the Scandinavian.

    When preparing the walls, special attention should be paid to the quality of the work performed. Painting can be using a textured paste or even, but before that, the wall must be carefully leveled and plastered.

    Some modern interiors require wall decoration. This is inherent in Scandinavian design. The most typical wall decoration is paint. Wallpaper on the wall may look good, but they are much less common.

    According to representatives of the Scandinavian peoples, the use of wallpaper cannot be called practical: temperature drops cause them to become damp, and if you want to change the design, many problems arise. for the purpose of refreshing the style, it is made much easier and faster.

    The zonality of the room can be emphasized by finishing one or several walls under the cement plaster, which looks somewhat rough. The method is typical for new Scandinavian-style interiors.

    Ceiling decoration is also done with great care, very carefully. If the space between the floor and the ceiling is small, they are often limited to painting the latter. But if the distance allows, it can be used as decorative elements.

    They are painted in the color of the ceiling or opened with a non-shiny acrylic varnish. The arrangement of such beams on the ceiling is often arbitrary. For the floor, laminate, parquet or boards can be used. The first is produced mainly by companies from Scandinavian countries. The most popular are light gray tones for flooring. Often they use almost white shades of wood that has aged. So it seems that the floor is covered, which have spent a lot of time on the ship, whitened from constant contact with sand and salt.

    The Scandinavian style is not considered a retro style, but there are often no time markers for it. Items such as an old anchor from a ship, a table of the appropriate style, aged floorboards will correspond to the philosophy of style.

    To get a Scandinavian interior, you should carefully approach the selection of furniture. The style simply does not allow for any frills: a comfortable living room with a table and sofa, a kitchen table and wardrobes. A leisure area is usually arranged by the window. This idea will be especially good if the windows offer a good view.

    The furniture is mostly wooden, with white or light colors. The presence of a fairly huge number of modules for saving various things is a key feature of the furniture. These modules are often open source. To store items not for prying eyes, containers, baskets and boxes are used that are installed in open compartments on the lower shelves or in the middle.

    Use of textiles

    Scandinavian style is hard to imagine without the use of textiles. It is used for curtains and furniture (upholstery).

    You should not give preference to textiles with bright colors, which will look redundant in the practical and discreet style of this type of interior. It is better to forget about ruffles, flounces, and other elements or apply them for a different style. The fabrics used must be of natural origin, often knitted fabrics and materials with medium to heavy fabrics. Bedspreads, blankets and capes, which traditionally depict animals, waves on the sea surface or snowflakes, look good.

    Quite an interesting solution is to use knitted sweaters, scarves or shawls as bedspreads. Small neat pillows can complement the interior image. The most fashionable today are discreet pillows using simple geometric patterns or brightly colored pillows.

    Decorative elements

    For interior decor in this style, elements made of natural materials (vine, metal, wood, clay, their combinations) are suitable. Scandinavians predominantly live on the shores of the ocean or sea, are recognized by experienced shipbuilders, sailors and fishermen.

    This contributes to the inclusion of rather unexpected elements in the interior, for example, fishing nets as curtains. In the interior you can often see stones cut by water, objects from ships (for example, anchors), models of ships and other decorative elements.

    Scandinavians use vine baskets and dishes, knitted items as presents for various local holidays. They are carefully stored and serve as decoration. Modern design often uses prints, decors of simple geometry. Paintings with clean, bright colors can be used.

    A separate place should be allocated to white ceramics, which are presented in the form of vases, bowls, plates and other kitchen utensils. Various glass products are considered fashionable. It is impossible to imagine an interior in the Scandinavian style without lamps, which are used in a huge variety. Much attention is paid to artificial lighting, represented by floor lamps, chandeliers, wall lamps and other lamps. It seems as if the entire interior was created as a backdrop for the lighting fixtures that abound in the rooms.


    The style is certainly distinctive, but many people are interested in it, especially recently. Any owner will love its simplicity, modesty and practicality. Style can combine beauty, modern design elements, coziness and comfort.

Today, Scandinavian apartment interiors remain the most popular in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland. The inhabitants of Northern Europe have remained true to tradition and continue to improve their style.

The modern Scandinavian style in the interior of the apartment looks laconic and tasteful. Locals do not have a craving for pomp and wealth.

Protracted dark winters left their mark on the arrangement of the premises, so white color prevails in them, as well as crystal objects. This decision makes it clear that winter remains a favorite season, but at the same time there is a desire to enjoy a large number of bright days.

There are two options for Scandinavian home interiors.

The first option gravitates towards the Swedish interiors of the 18-19th centuries. It is preferred by owners who want to emphasize their well-being, but without monumentality and pretentiousness. The second one personifies softness, conciseness and functionality. It does not provide for antique furniture and paintings in massive frames, but there is plenty of home comfort in it.
















A bit of history

Many believe that the history of Scandinavian interiors began to take shape at the end of the 19th century. But in fact, this happened much earlier.

For the first time, the Scandinavian style in the interior began to take shape during the reign of the Swedish king Gustav III in the 18th century. Prior to this period, the inhabitants of the northern part of Europe equipped their homes, copying the fashion trends of France, Italy, and also England. In these countries, baroque, rococo and classicism reigned. When the Scandinavians set up their homes, they added northern notes to the decor.

The final preponderance in favor of northern motives occurred at the initiative of Gustav III, who was the trendsetter of the time. Until the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the "Gustavian style" was popular in the Nordic countries. It is he who is the forerunner of the Scandinavian modern interior.

The course received a new round in the development in the 80s of the 19th century. Designers began to give the style more modern features, while they were guided by the desire to make the atmosphere more functional and laconic.

In the 30s of the 20th century, an International Exhibition was held, at which designers presented their achievements - interiors that harmoniously combine practicality and aesthetic appeal. In the 50s, after exhibitions in America, the genre begins to confidently conquer the world community.














Main features

The interior of the house in the Scandinavian style embodies practicality, naturalness, restraint and even some coldness. Love for nature is also visible. The main principle of the direction is to make the owners comfortable and not enviable the visitors.

Consider what other features the Scandinavian-style interior design combines:

  • Functionality with minimalism

There is nothing superfluous in the interior. There is a minimum of decor and details, only the most necessary furniture. At the same time, the atmosphere does not seem empty. At first glance, a decorative object may have a practical purpose.

  • Lots of light

In order for the rays of light to penetrate into the premises, the windows are often made large and complemented with light tulle and light curtains.

  • The furniture is simple, light, practical and elegant at the same time.

Spacious shelves and racks are popular on which you can place things to create space in rooms. The shape of the furniture is rectangular or slightly rounded. It is combined with cabinet-type furniture. Scandinavian interior items are placed so that they take up a minimum of space.

  • The main Scandinavian colors in the interior are white, beige, blue, silver-gray, muted shades of yellow.

Always predominates white. Bright colors can also be used as blotches, which will add zest to a restrained atmosphere.

  • Patterns are either absent, or they are neutral in nature.
  • The floor is dominated by warm, soft carpets and animal skins.
  • Preference is given to natural and environmentally friendly materials - wood, stone, gypsum plaster.
  • The most commonly used textiles are cotton, linen and wool.
  • Various lighting devices are used as accessories - floor lamps, sconces, table lamps. Mirrors without massive frames are also used.








Who Prefers Scandinavian Style?

The modern Scandinavian style in the interior is most often preferred by people of the northern type, and this is not about appearance, but about character traits and personal preferences. There is a category of people who like the frosty freshness of the north, cold shades and the beauty of nature in a winter dream. Moreover, such people prefer a free, practical and concise environment.

If you belong to this category, then do not doubt your choice, the Scandinavian interior design of an apartment will not seem cold and alien to you. On the contrary, you will feel in it harmony, comfort, and also the embodiment of life preferences.

Also, this direction is suitable for lovers of minimalism and free space, but on condition that they positively perceive cold colors in the interior.

You can implement Scandinavian interior design both in a city apartment and in a country house. The main thing is to enlist the support of an experienced designer who will help to place all the accents correctly and provide for everything to the smallest detail.









Scandinavian home furnishing

Consider the options for implementing Scandinavian design in the interior.

Hallway

The first thing that a person sees when entering an apartment is the entrance hall. Therefore, it must be drawn up especially scrupulously, taking into account all the rules.

At first glance, a Scandinavian-style hallway in the interior should be associated with the practicality and elegance inherent in the inhabitants of Northern Europe. The front door, like other doors in a Scandinavian interior, must be wooden. The door lacquer color is only close to natural colors.

Wall decoration in the hallway should be made of materials that are easily cleaned of dirt without losing their properties. Vertical surfaces are best done in pastel or slightly creamy tones. Although white is the most suitable color, it is impractical in the hallway, as it can quickly lose its whiteness due to the human factor. The lower part of the walls can be finished with wood paneling.

Make the floor darker than the walls. As a material, you can use a stone of cold shades.

The Scandinavian-style hallway design includes only the most necessary furniture - a chest of drawers, a floor hanger for guests' clothes, a small or medium-sized mirror. You can also put a wardrobe with sash-type doors in which outerwear will be stored. Hangers attached to the wall are often made.

It is advisable to make lighting in the form of several pendant chandeliers with shades of white, frosted glass.

















Living room

Having correctly designed the Scandinavian interior of the living room, you will surely fall in love with the atmosphere, from which the serenity of the north will breathe. For arranging the interior of a living room in a Scandinavian style, it is best to choose a spacious room with large windows on the sunny side of the house.

  • Cover the walls with white decorative plaster. You can make a beautiful texture in the form of an uncomplicated pattern while applying the plaster.
  • Make the ceiling white as well. Don't be afraid to overdo it; this color is the main one for the style and will help it to reveal itself in the best way possible.
  • Lay parquet or laminate flooring. If you want to add warmth to the room, choose colors for the natural wood floor. If you are more comfortable with the prevalence of cold tones, choose among shades of gray (preferably close to silver).
  • Set up a sofa area in the living room with a low glass table. Upholstered furniture - without massive decor, large backs and a catchy pattern. On the sofa, you can put several pillows in bright colors, which will serve as a highlight and bright color splashes.
  • Place a warm carpet on the floor in the sofa area. Also, a bookshelf with your favorite literature will fit into the room.
  • The design of the living room in Scandinavian style will complement the fireplace, which will warm you on cold winter evenings. It is advisable to overlay the vertical fireplace area with white brickwork, and the foot with dark tiles or stone.

The style loves good lighting, so it is best to hang a central chandelier in the living room, a design that will resemble pieces of ice or crystals.


























Bedroom

Remember how the Snow Queen felt at home in her chambers? A bedroom should evoke the same feeling of comfort. It is necessary to create such a Scandinavian bedroom interior in which you can relax, immerse yourself in a healthy sleep and feel peace.

  • The wall at the head of the bed can be finished with wood, and the rest can be covered with decorative pastel plaster.
  • Leave the ceiling white.
  • On the floor - parquet or laminate.
  • Choose a color considering the same factors as when choosing a living room floor. Place a fluffy rug or animal hide in the bed area.
  • Set up a rectangular double bed with or without a minimum low headboard.
  • On the sides of the bed there are two laconic light-colored bedside tables, on which there are small lamps with frosted white glass.
  • Clothes and other things are best stored in a dressing room or in a closet with light, swing doors.

The Scandinavian style in the interior of the bedroom will emphasize the correctly selected textiles - lay a cream or slightly pinkish cotton bedspread on the bed. The bed can be decorated with decorative pillows in brighter colors.

A central crystal chandelier is suitable for a Scandinavian style bedroom design. You can also use a light-colored floor lamp.
























Kitchen

The Scandinavian kitchen interior, like other spaces, embodies spaciousness, functionality and understated elegance.

Inspired by the majestic snow-covered landscapes of their homeland, the Scandinavian style does not imply a riot of color. It is characterized by impeccable whiteness, radiant light space, warm and cozy atmosphere. It is quite simple to embody the Scandinavian style in the interior of your apartment. The main condition is a white background, which will need to be supplemented with brighter details.

It's not difficult to create a Scandinavian-style room

In Scandinavian style, only white is used.

The main feature of the Scandinavian style is the white background.

Scandinavian style is often confused with minimalism, provence and modern stylization. Let's try to figure out what makes it stand out from other areas and how to distinguish it.

Its main features are:

  • simple shapes and laconic lines;
  • seasoned and slightly harsh character;
  • the use of natural materials;
  • light warm shades of the walls;
  • light or white painted wood;
  • bright accents;
  • the presence of decorative elements;
  • window decoration with flowing transparent curtains;
  • an abundance of space and light;
  • many sources of artificial lighting.

The Scandinavian interior mixes many features characteristic of other directions: this is the laconicism of minimalism, and the naturalness of eco-style, and the simplicity of the loft style decoration. However, none of these styles are completely repeated, making the Scandinavian style a distinctive phenomenon in design.

Scandinavian style is often confused with minimalism, Provence and modern stylization.

Scandinavian style mixes similar design styles

Finishing

The first thing a Scandinavian interior starts with is the design of the floor and walls. The light colors we will be using will not be able to mask the imperfections of these surfaces. Therefore, due attention should be paid to their preparation for finishing. We thoroughly clean and level the entire area.

The traditional wall shade for a Scandinavian room is white. It is an excellent background that fits into any furniture and interior items. In addition, white walls have a remarkable effect of visual expansion of the space, which makes them an indispensable solution for a small apartment.

The white finish does not catch the eye and does not distract attention from the key elements of the decor, harmoniously shading them.

The color of the wall finish is usually white.

At first glance, everything seems simple enough, but during the repair process, many people still have some questions. We are happy to answer the most frequent of them.

What materials to use?

1. For walls: paper, vinyl or textile wallpaper, paint, plaster, wood paneling.

2. For the floor: parquet board, laminate. There is a tile in the bathroom.

Is there an alternative to white?

Oh sure. Other soft light shades will also fit into the Scandinavian-style interior:

Is it possible to zone a Scandinavian-style room using wall colors?

Can. For this, the finishing of the highlighted area should be done in more saturated colors. For this, red, black, green, purple and other shades are used.

Is patterned wallpaper suitable for a Scandinavian interior?

It is worth abandoning wallpaper with large patterns and patterns, and geometric abstractions and a small flower on the wallpaper will look good. However, firstly, it is better to use them only as small inserts. Secondly, this drawing should overlap with other interior details.

Are there any unusual solutions?

    Glossy materials can be used as wall coverings. The glare of the sun will enliven the interior, and thanks to the play of light, the illusion of additional space will be created.

    Experiment with texture. Embossed wallpaper, as well as imitation of natural materials, will add originality to the room.

    A non-standard solution is a photo wallpaper that can depict nature, animals, abstractions or watercolor motifs.

Is it possible to lay a carpet?

In the design of the Scandinavian-style apartment, preference is given to the wooden floor. If desired, you can lay small fluffy rugs and patchwork tracks on it.

Scandinavian style room with preference for light wood floor

Living room design in a Scandinavian style would be a great solution.

Lighting

The Scandinavian interior is a large spacious room with several windows, light curtains on them, and many lamps, chandeliers and floor lamps.

Correct lighting is of particular importance in the design of an apartment in this style. The windows are made of wood and matched to the tone of the floor. They must transmit natural light well, so they are covered with curtains made from natural materials (cotton or linen). Blinds or roller blinds are also suitable.

Artificial light sources should not be neglected. Gloomy Scandinavian clouds often prevent sunlight from entering the apartment, so the locals are used to the abundance of lamps and lamps. In addition, modern stylish models will be excellent decorative elements of the interior.

Lighting should be approached responsibly

The room should be well lit

Windows should let in natural light well

Furniture

Scandinavian interiors should be practical and functional. Therefore, the choice of furniture must be approached very responsibly. It is necessary to choose models that take up a minimum of space, but at the same time perform a maximum of functions.

Convertible furniture is very popular with designers, which will look especially good in a nursery or bedroom. To create a special atmosphere of comfort and tranquility, wicker furniture is often used.

Scandinavian interiors should be practical and functional

Furniture should be compact and functional

When choosing upholstered furniture for a Scandinavian interior, preference is given to laconic monochromatic models. At the same time, decorative elements are either absent or not striking. Upholstery can be made of almost any material: suede, leather, cotton, linen and others.

In order for the interior in the Scandinavian style to look more settled and interesting, accessories must be selected for furniture: pillows, bedspreads, capes. It can be either hand-made gizmos or simply unusual and original items. Ethnic ornaments with snowflakes, herringbones or deer, striped or checkered patterns will be very appropriate here. Throw a fur cape over the sofa or lay a fluffy rug on the floor to accentuate the Nordic style.

So that the design does not seem monotonous, accessories are selected for furniture

When choosing upholstered furniture for a Scandinavian interior, preference is given to laconic monochromatic models

Pictures on the wall will look great

Details

The hallmark of Scandinavian interiors is small bright accents that fill the entire room.

Traditionally, it is customary to decorate the walls with black and white photographs, posters, and marine-themed paintings depicting fish and ships. But there are many more unusual design solutions that allow you to add coziness and originality to the cold and laconic Scandinavian-style interior.

How to implement

Bright textiles

1. Choose suitable colors (one or two, no more). Rainbow rooms are not about Scandinavian style.

2. Pick up several decorative elements - pillows, bedspreads, curtains, tablecloths and rugs in a given palette.

3. Place them across the entire area of ​​the room, trying not to concentrate everything in one zone.

Unity with nature

1. Place indoor plants in decorative pots on the windowsill.

2. Hang pictures of landscapes on the walls.

3. Complement the decor with a wicker piece of furniture.

4. Start an aquarium.

1. Decorate the walls with retro posters.

2. Decorate one or more interior elements using one of the techniques of artificial aging.

3. Use decor items that you inherited from previous generations.

1. Visually expand the space with glossy surfaces.

2. Decorate one of the walls with a mirror. This technique will visually increase the size of the room.

3. Use small mirror inserts with nice frames.

Contrast stripes

1. Decide on the color of the stripes.

2. Give dynamics to the room by painting one of the walls with a contrasting stripe.

3. Maintain a Scandinavian interior design by choosing textiles with this pattern.

Vinyl stickers

1. Find a picture that matches the style and color.

2. Buy or make a custom sticker.

3. Add originality to the interior by placing it on one of the walls. You can peel it off at any time without leaving any traces.

It is not difficult to create a Scandinavian-style room. Follow the advice of professionals and the result will pleasantly surprise you

The wall can be decorated with paintings

Scandinavian style kitchen

The light and airy Scandinavian interior is perfect for a small kitchen. Visually expanding its area and adding light will help white walls and laconic furniture of clear shapes. Natural materials and textures will make the room comfortable and bring home coziness into it.

Swedish cuisine does not involve an abundance of accessories and decorative elements. Even practical items such as dishes, vases and towels are best placed in drawers and cupboards. Only the most necessary things are left in plain sight. Therefore, the essentials will attract the eye and should look aesthetically pleasing.

The Scandinavian style is quite strict, but very thoughtful at the same time. This is not the case when any accidentally bought vase or painting will fit into the design. All elements for it must be selected carefully and ensured that they are combined with each other.

Scandinavian style is perfect for a small kitchen

Swedish cuisine does not involve an abundance of accessories and decorative elements

For a Scandinavian-style kitchen, accessories must be selected carefully

The white walls of Scandinavian-style kitchens will look pretty boring if you do not dilute them with light pastel undertones, pale blue, sand or light gray objects. Wooden elements and wicker furniture will look good against their background. You can also add some glass, plastic or metal parts, as they will be difficult to do without in the kitchen.

Windows and shelves in a Scandinavian kitchen are lined with cute pots of houseplants and neat, light-bending glass vases. Light sheer curtains hang on the windows, and the walls are adorned with several paintings and a couple of black and white family photos.

Scandinavian-style kitchen furnishings do not accept pretentiousness or pomp. However, at the same time, strict forms, simple lines and calm colors do not make the interior boring, but only add some charm and special appeal to it.

The windows in the kitchen are usually lined with flower pots.

White color is able to visually expand the boundaries of the room.

Thanks to the successful visual effect of expanding the space, the Scandinavian interior is a good solution for small apartments. It can be used to decorate any room in the house, be it a bathroom, kitchen or bedroom. It is also suitable for large and bright studio apartments.

The Scandinavian style will be an excellent choice for you if you are a supporter of fashionable and relevant unusual solutions, but at the same time you want to see your apartment warm and cozy. Even a classic Scandinavian interior lacking bright details will never be boring. Such a design will create an amazing home atmosphere of harmony and tranquility, and spacious, bright rooms will look fresh and modern.

Video: Scandinavian style room

50 photos of Scandinavian style interior design ideas:

Do you want to know the features and main secrets of creating the most popular interior design style on the planet?

Then welcome to Scandinavia!

After all, it was here that the eponymous Scandinavian style in the interior was born, admired by millions of families all over the world.

And here's how and why - we'll tell you right now.

Everything you need to know about Scandinavian style

The Scandinavian design style is one of the most demanded and popular in the world. Yes, yes, it is even more popular than high-tech, classic and Provence styles.

And all thanks to ... Ikea!

But first things first.


History of the origin of the Scandinavian style

Firstly, only three states belong to the Scandinavian countries: Sweden, Norway and Denmark. Neither Iceland, nor Finland, nor any other neighbors are the progenitors, carriers and standards of the Scandinavian style. Even in spite of the superficial similarity of the interiors, the dwellings of the Scandinavian neighbors have their own special authentic features.


Secondly, the inhabitants of Northern Europe (like any other inhabitants of any other country in the world) have been building their homes since time immemorial. And, of course, they built them in accordance with their needs and requirements.

Do you want to understand what?

Then imagine: it's cold, a very harsh climate, there are solid snows, forests and mountains around, the sun peeps out from behind the clouds a limited number of days a year, you have a huge amount of bulky warm clothes ... What house would you like to live in?

Obviously warm, light, bright and with ample storage.

Here these were the houses that the Scandinavians built.


But until the twentieth century there was still no mass production of anything, so the interiors were more of a handicraft character than the modern Scandinavian style that is now familiar to the whole planet. The traditional Scandinavian style still has a place to be in the world of interior design today, but like any ethnic trend, it is more of a local flavor and a kind of zest than a mass trend.


The history of the classic modern Scandinavian style began in the 20th century with the development of mass industry. Moreover, the Scandinavian style has become a kind of quintessence of the orientation of the Nordic countries towards sociality and democracy.

Swedish social policy is considered to be the most thoughtful and oriented towards ordinary people. According to her postulates, all benefits should be equally available to both the rich and the poor. And this is more than noticeably reflected in the interior design of the Nordic countries. Indeed, with the creation of technologies for mass processing of natural wood, the reduction in the cost of technological processes, the invention of plywood and plastic and, as a result, the development of mass furniture production, the interior ceased to be an indicator of status and financial capabilities.


It has become laconic, functional, comfortable, high-quality and thoroughly checked by the control service, but most importantly - affordable.

The culmination of modern Scandinavian style was the opening of the first Ikea store in Sweden in the 1950s. The concept of the store resonated so well among the masses that it confidently began its journey across the planet, and the brand became the most recognizable furniture brand.


Scandinavian apartment: features, colors, materials

In a modern Scandinavian apartment, light powdery shades prevail and very often black and white contrasting monochrome decorative elements are found.

The most commonly used colors are white, light gray, light blue, beige, yellow.

Bright textile accents are encouraged.


Most of the materials used for decorating Scandinavian interiors are natural wood and especially teak (for a long time Denmark was the main supplier of teak in the world market).

However, today one can observe a general tendency towards an increase in the price of natural materials, therefore, more and more often, synthetic ones that imitate natural are allowed to be used in a classic Scandinavian interior.


Who is Scandinavian style suitable for?

Scandinavian style in the interior of different rooms

Living room in a scandinavian style

Such living rooms are distinguished by their simplicity and conciseness. The main colors used in the interior of the Scandinavian living room are white, light gray, light blue, beige and black as accents.





Scandinavian style kitchen

In 1952, the term “Swedish cuisine” was coined, implying an organization of space that is as compact and as functional as possible. In fact, this is how kitchen sets (not only ikeevsky ones) arose, which housewives all over the world use today.

Perhaps that is why the term has lost some of its relevance today, because what used to be exclusively an invention and property of the Swedes is now produced and used on a planetary scale.










Scandinavian style dining room

For Scandinavians, family ties are of particular value, which is clearly noticeable in their principle of organizing the dining and dining area in the kitchen.

There must be a large dining table and comfortable armchairs here. They can be wooden or with a plain textured textile covering.

One or two pendant lights can be placed above the table.

Sometimes, to create a dining room in Khrushchev, it makes sense to combine the kitchen and living room, but remember - any demolition of walls must be coordinated with the control service!




Scandinavian style bedroom

The interior of such a bedroom is rarely done in cold shades. Typically, the base color is white. It is combined with beige flooring and light gray or light blue furniture. However, other options are also possible.

So, in particular in Ikea, all facades are made in several colors and always like a wooden “blank” without coating. It can not only be left in its original texture, but also independently experiment with color using paint.

One of the walls in a Scandinavian bedroom can be accentuated.

Indoor plants will not be superfluous in the interior.










Scandinavian style nursery

This style is very popular in the design of nurseries, because:

  • natural and safe materials are used that have passed the quality control service
  • the interior is very light and delicate
  • bright accents and interesting patterns contribute to the full psycho-emotional development of children

And in such a bedroom a wigwam will always look appropriate! Children of any age simply adore them.







Scandinavian style bathroom

The peculiarity of the bathroom in this style is the presence of wooden functional or decorative elements.

Wall panel, shower tray or hanging cabinet - you decide.

For a budget option for decorating a bathroom in a Khrushchev, instead of natural wood, tiles that imitate wood slabs are quite suitable.







Scandinavian style cabinet

The Scandinavian office and workspaces are distinguished by their visual lightness.

Instead of bulky classic tables with side tables and antique massive secretaires, everything is as simple as possible: a small table on thin legs, a cozy streamlined chair, several open shelves and a very light palette of shades (white, beige, light blue, yellow, light gray) ...

Bright accents are not used here (or are used in limited quantities), but accent details in black can often be found.





Scandinavian style house

A house or cottage will look good in a traditional, rather than modern, northern style.






Scandinavian style apartment

This style is ideal for an apartment due to its brevity and simplicity. The light range of cold shades allows you to visually expand even the smallest space, and spacious storage systems are ideal for city apartments without storage rooms and utility rooms.




Scandinavian style hallway

Scandinavians borrowed many motives from nature, so a hanger in the shape of a tree or a wooden pendant lamp would be appropriate in the hallway.






How to create a Scandinavian look at home?

Furniture

The Scandinavian interior is renowned for its thoughtful storage system with plenty of roomy drawers and cabinets.

Scandinavian furniture of a restrained laconic form, no frills, light gray, light blue or light beige, less often dark, made of natural wood.

Wooden furniture sets are used modular, with the ability to independently assemble furniture of a suitable size and content.


However, there is furniture that is a must have for a classic Scandinavian interior and its distinctive decorative elements.

For example, furniture by designer Arne Jakobson, known all over the world and widely used in interior design to this day.

The Ant chair, which was the first Danish chair to be mass-produced.





Chair "Egg".





Armchair "Swan".





Armchair "Drop".





Textile

Textiles are an important decorative element in Scandinavian interiors. The texture is not important in it and layering is completely excluded, but an obligatory component is a rich and rich palette.

To create a Scandinavian style using fabric products, you will need several sofa cushions in bright covers, a carpet with a bright geometric pattern, simple floor-length curtains with a print.

An important condition! Synthetic colors are not typical for the Scandinavian style, therefore even the brightest shades used in the interior should be as natural and natural as possible.





Lighting

In the Scandinavian countries, sunshine is quite a luxury. Gloomy weather reigns there most of the year, therefore, when decorating a Scandinavian apartment, different types of lighting and all kinds of lighting scenarios are in great demand. In addition to classic pendant lights, table and floor lamps are used. Sometimes even a single-color garland can play the role of decorative lighting.




Accessories

Despite all the modernity of the Scandinavian style, the artisan roots make themselves felt. Therefore, ancient chests and stools are frequent decorative elements in a Scandinavian apartment.

Another feature of Scandinavians is their passion for family photography. As a rule, in a Scandinavian apartment, you can see individual shelves or even entire walls hung with family photos. In modern interiors, they are often replaced by laconic posters or watercolors.






Finnish Aalto vases, also known as Savoy vases, often become the main decoration of the table.






Trees and plants

Nature has deprived the Scandinavian countries of a rich and picturesque flora, so their inhabitants decided to compensate for this right in their homes.

Plants can be everywhere!

However, which one depends on the type of room.

In the living room or in the dining room, there can be more plants and even full-fledged trees.

In smaller rooms, it is better to give preference to a potted plant.

And in the bathroom or hallway, a crumb can even settle in a miniature cup or glass jar.

As for plant species, these can be succulents, monsters, ficuses, ferns, etc.






Functionality

This is the most important feature of the Scandinavian interior!

First of all, it must be FUNCTIONAL.

Therefore, a spacious storage system, laconic wooden furniture, wall coverings that are as easy to clean as possible, and textiles that do not require much care are used here.





Finishing materials for the Scandinavian style

For floor

The classic Scandinavian interior has wooden flooring.

Today, given the pricing policy for natural wood, a more budgetary laminate is quite acceptable, which, with modern processing technologies, is practically indistinguishable from its progenitor.

Parquet boards or lamellas are laid in a herringbone pattern or in a spaced pattern.

For floor cladding, medium beige shades of the coating are used, less often light gray.




For windows

Curtains on the windows in a Scandinavian apartment are not used at all or are used in minimal quantities. Here you will never see the “curtain + tulle” duet, traditional for the post-Soviet space, because the main task of Scandinavian-style windows is to let light through.

It is better to make natural, wooden frames. It is not only beautiful, but also functional in terms of keeping warm.





For walls

In the Scandinavian style, the walls are always plain and very light:

  • white
  • light gray
  • light blue
  • light yellow

Cold shades are rarely used.

Paint is usually used as a coating, although wallpaper is allowed.

Sometimes Scandinavians highlight one accent wall.