Scandi interior design is said to be the most popular in the world, finding a huge following among those who love functional furniture in rooms that are light, airy and free of clutter.
White walls, blond wooden floors and minimalist furniture are the foundational elements of the style.
Scandinavian style first emerged at the end of the 19th century. Its modern-day popularity has been driven primarily by brands like Ikea and its low-cost furniture focused on function.
To embrace Scandi style in your own home, there is much more to know than simply ordering from an Ikea catalogue. Minimalism and functionality are at the heart of its approach together with the need to capture as much light in a room as possible.
Scandi design is obsessed with light because of the dark and slate grey days that exist across Scandinavian countries for up to nine months of the year.
Scandinavian design has produced iconic furniture designs such as the Egg chair by Arne Jacobson, and the Drop and Swan chairs. They are all still popular today and replicas are readily available online.
Here are some key elements that will help you create a Scandi interior design:
1. Let in the light
Scandi is built on a foundational need for light. Every effort is made to trap as much of the light as possible. This means using only light colors – mostly whites – on the walls, installing floors of blond wood and clearing the eye line of furniture that offers no practical use.
2. Create atmosphere
Creating atmosphere with internal lighting is a major part of the design concept. A mixture of LED downlights, table lamps and dimmers combine to offer an atmosphere suitable for every occasion. Layered lighting, for example, presents Scandi furniture beautifully. Each lighting solution will play a crucial role for some aspect of your life, from reading to entertaining.
3. Keep wall colors soft and light
With the emphasis on white with an occasional touch of light grey or duck-egg blue, the onus of delivering color falls on the furnishings and artwork. Consider the implications for light in the room when choosing prints and paintings. Resist dark and grey images that create the opposite of the effect Scandi design is trying to achieve. That said, thin black frames create a wonderful contrast on the walls. Similar ideas apply for rugs on the blond or whitewashed floors. Keep them on the neutral side with a splash of color.
4. Let furniture be your statement
The desire for simplicity doesn’t mean you can’t make a statement. Every room should have one piece of furniture that delights the eye and aligns to the philosophy of clean and crisp lines. There are some wonderful authentic designs from which to choose. Scandinavians will invest in one of Jacobsen’s Egg chairs or, for the dining room, a wishbone chair designed by Hans Wegner. Originals will be expensive but a genuine investment. Alternatively, consider sourcing replicas on the internet.
5. Clutter is banned
The clutter of impractical furniture and fixtures undermines the goal of Scandinavian simplicity. Decoration must be sparse as the unique beauty of your room will come from the clean lines and the elegant joinery of the furniture. Don’t use this as an excuse to be boring. Consider fabrics for furnishings that can pop with color, such as a red chair and elegant prints.
6. Small touches make a difference
Cashmere blankets, woollen throw-rugs and plush cushions can add a vital visual layer to your interior design. They offer a great opportunity to bring a little more color to the room but keep within the palette of neutrals and pastels. These accessories offer each room an additional element of comfort against the austerity of neutral color and sparse furniture.
7. Finish with the floor
Wall-to-wall carpet is rare in Scandinavian homes. Most flooring is of blond or whitewashed wood or natural stone. Given the cold climate, the Scandinavians are liberal with rugs made from wool, hemp or sisal that feature soft colors.