The Most Important Elements of the Scandinavian Style
Scandinavian interior style has gained a lot of popularity in recent years and there is no wonder why. There is something really calming and tranquil in the clean and simple lines, colour palette, and textures of this style. At the same time, the Scandinavian style is very recognisable and adds a lot of character and uniqueness to every space. You can interpret the Scandinavian style the way it fits you and your individuality, you just need to keep a hold of the few key pieces that distinct this interior style from the rest.
Naturally, the Scandinavian style is described as clean and sleek with favour to natural materials and a large focus on wood in particular. It is the best style that allows beautiful wood flooring to stand out and be the focal point of the whole interior design of a room. A home where the Scandinavian style is dominating looks clean and simple yet very cosy at the same time. So let’s explore some of the key pieces of the classic Scandinavian style if you want to incorporate it into your home.
Simplicity
The minimalistic Scandinavian style is all about simplicity. Cluttered spaces are not favoured, but there is enough room for clean and simple lines, natural tones, organic materials, a lot of greenery, beautiful textures that add dimension and excitement to this style, classic patterns. The basic concept of the Scandinavian style is that less is more. It could be considered a pretty difficult style to achieve, because you don’t need to work with a lot of furniture, a big colour palette, or a lot of decoration, but you still need to make a statement and be smart about everything you use and incorporate.
Extravagance steps away to make room for some simplicity and a lot of functionality and comfort when the Scandinavian style is taking over the scene. For the most part, features are clean and simple and there are just a few accents to make a subtle pop allowed. A home that favours the Scandinavian style would use an earthy and natural colour palette, will also optimise the use of natural light, will use a lot of natural and even raw materials, which will look even better and stand out thanks to the lack of excessive decoration. Naturally, a wooden floor will fit perfectly into this concept.
Light
As we have already mentioned, the Scandinavian style is all about the beauty of natural light and how it can highlight and enhance the beauty of all other elements and aspects of the interior design. Natural light brings in this amazing feeling of vitality and warmth at the same time, so the interior is kept as decluttered and airy as possible so natural light can reach every nook and corner of the space. When it comes to a smaller room or a narrower one, it is a good idea to place a few mirrors or mirrored surfaces around the room so they can reflect the light and make the room appear visually more spacious and airy.
Details
Small details and decorations around the room are cut to the bare minimum when the Scandinavian style is dominating the room. However, this does not mean that the room has to feel like you have just moved out of the house. There are some key pieces that look perfect and very organic in the context of the Scandinavian style. For example, vintage furniture is a great complement to this interior style, especially when it comes to pieces originating or inspired by the fifties.
Choose a couch in an earthy tone and with rounded edges and legs to match the rest of the interior. If you want to add a bit more liveliness and vibrancy to the interior, you can use a few decorative cushions with a simple pattern or a contrasting colour that will pop out. A textured blanket will also do the job and complement the beauty of your couch or sofa. The walls of the room are usually kept crisp white or a variation of white. If this is too clean and simple for you, you can add some excitement by playing around with a few vintage posters, a unique clock in a cool design, or a few pictures with a colour scheme matching the one of the rest of the room.
Perfection
The Scandinavian style is all about perfection and everything is at its very designated spot and place. This interior style is not just beautiful but is also strives to deliver the maximum of functionality and comfort. The Scandinavian interior is not just for looking at it and admiring it, it is actually for living there. Everything should be kept at its place, the room should be clean and tidy at all times. Try to keep the room as decluttered as possible and make sure to hide all of the things you use on an everyday basis behind the closed doors of drawers and cabinets.
Wood
Of course, wood is one of the key elements of the Scandinavian style if not the most important one of them all. A real wood floor is a must when it comes to this interior style but you can also incorporate wood anywhere in the room, in the context of furniture, decorations, even the smallest details like photo frames. Now, you are probably wondering what design of wood flooring will suit best the Scandinavian style.
The truth is, you are offered some flexibility and creativity here. Many fans of this style will go for a light-coloured wooden floor with minimal grading and a simple and smooth texture. A floor finish like a sealing oil or a matte varnish is preferred because it highlights the natural beauty of wood and its colour. However, you can also opt for a more rustic-looking wooden floor like a farmhouse style one or a vintage-looking one.
White and Light
As far as the colour palette of the Scandinavian interior style goes, since there is a strong accent to light and airiness, the most favoured colours would definitely be white and similar light shades that will contribute to making the entire room look more spacious and decluttered.