5 Elements of Scandinavian Interior Design

Scandinavian interior design pares back unnecessary clutter to focus on form, function, and simplistic beauty in home decor. The simple, clean designs on popular furniture showroom floors are often based on Scandinavian design. The Scandinavian design movement has roots in the Nordic countries of Norway, Denmark, and Sweden, and materialized there in the 1930s.

Scandinavian design wasn’t popular globally until the 1950s. In that decade the Lunning Prize began to award outstanding Scandinavian designers, which were vital in establishing the ideals and movement of Scandinavian design at an international level. Some notable Finnish, Swedish, and Danish artists and furniture designers important to this movement include Alvar Aalto, Armi Ratia, Kaj Franck, Bruno Mathsson, Arne Jacobsen, Poul Henningsen, Hans Wegner, Børge Mogensen, and Verner Panton.

With a heavy focus on functionality, this design style leans toward modernism and minimalism, while incorporating coziness. The Scandinavian design style aims to provide a way for people to live more sustainably and in harmony with one another.

Scandinavian decor is very popular among interior designers and those looking for a posh, yet clean look in their living space or work environment. With the adjacent interest in hygge and bauhaus styles, it’s important to understand how and why these design ideals are related to Nordic cultures.

1. 1. References to Nordic history: Nordic lifestyles focus on cultivating a life that is mindful, joyful, and has little stress. A lack of clutter and emphasis on highly functional, streamlined items lends to this attitude.
2. 2. Emphasis on organics: Organic shapes, natural materials, and clean, layered, comfortable designs are prominent elements of the Scandinavian design style. Scandinavian design style stems from a culture of living in small rural communities that were generally isolated, requiring reliance on natural materials.
3. 3. Less is more minimalist design: Simple, clean lines and open profiles mark the Scandinavian design style. Room designs often cater to soft natural lighting from pendant lights and generally incorporate neutral colors.
4. 4. Nature-inspired furniture design: Eco-friendly materials such as tree stumps, animal hides, and lush greenery are also staples of Scandinavian design. Throughout Nordic history, people used whatever materials they had to craft functional, beautiful homes.
5. 5. Encouraging coziness and contentment: Born out of the Scandinavian design movement is the concept of hygge, a Danish/Norwegian style of being that promotes the ideals of wellness and contentment. While you can’t necessarily design a hygge space, Scandinavian design can encourage the pleasurable emotions that are essential to hygge.

Designing a Scandinavian home can take quite a bit of craftsmanship and focus, making this the perfect style for those who love to incorporate handmade, sustainable products into their home designs. Here are some tips to get you started:

1. 1. Clear out clutter: Embracing minimalist design means simplifying your space, so if you don't need it, use it, or truly want it, it doesn't need to be in your home. Clean out the clutter, paint some white walls, open a window and start fresh.
2. 2. Embrace nature: Scandinavian design emphasizes incorporating natural materials into large furniture or new designs. Consider a tree stump coffee table, or a mohair rug as a focal point of your living room design, or antlers as a coat rack.
3. 3. Go boho: Mix the clean lines and soft color palettes of Scandinavian design with a fun pattern. Combining simple Scandinavian style with a bit of free-spirited bohemian aesthetic can make for a gorgeous harmony of function and style.
4. 4. Incorporate hygge: Consider the principles of hygge when designing a space in a Scandinavian style. What elements are functional yet bring you immense pleasure and comfort? A sheepskin area rug, textured throw pillows, cozy throw blanket, or a luxurious leather couch can make your space more comforting and ornate.

Whether you’re working with an interior designer or creating a DIY Scandi style in your home, keep in mind the core principles of being one with nature, and creating a harmonious space to live, work, and play.

Master everything from color theory to pattern mixing with the MasterClass Annual Membership and exclusive lessons from award-winning interior designers like Kelly Wearstler and Corey Damen Jenkins. From shopping for statement furniture to designing a lighting scheme to choosing the newest member of your plant family, the skills you’ll pick up are sure to make your house, apartment, or condo feel even more like a home.