Crafts & DIY
How To Get A Scandinavian Interior Design Look In Your Home
Follow these 9 simple guidelines and you'll have the Scandinavian-inspired home of your dreams.
Ashley Fike
03.29.18

Scandinavian interior design has been a fan-favorite for a long time. Known for its beauty, simplicity, and utility – it’s hard not to fall in love with the style. A Scandinavian-style home has so much charm and character, but where does one begin when trying to redecorate their home in this fashion?

Here are 9 essential guidelines and tips for creating that beautiful, sleek Scandinavian interior in your home.

If you’re into minimalist-style furniture, muted neutral colors, and fun cozy accents – Scandinavian interior design is right up your alley.

It’s all about form and function

Decorilla
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Decorilla
Pella Hedeby via My Domaine
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Pella Hedeby via My Domaine
Impressive Interior Design
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Impressive Interior Design

When it comes to furniture pieces in Scandinavian-inspired design, it’s all about clean, simple lines. Tables, sofas, and chairs tend to fall in the ‘mid-century’ category featuring smooth edges and simple, natural hues. Don’t forget – less is always more when thinking of Scandinavian interior design.

Neutral colors are your best friend

Decorilla
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Decorilla
Decorilla
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Decorilla

Home Magez
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Home Magez

When considering color palettes, there is definitely a theme when it comes to Scandinavian design. Focus on using neutral colors such as brown, gray, tan, black, and white. Interweaving all of these calm colors creates a very peaceful and clean look. “In typical Scandinavian spaces, walls are kept white allowing for furniture and art to captivate,” explains Decorilla.

Keep window treatments to a minimum

Modernize
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Modernize
Decorilla
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Decorilla
Adorable-Home
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Adorable-Home

Natural light is a major focus when it comes to Scandinavian-style homes and rooms. Natural light creates a welcoming and warm atmosphere which is why covering windows is a no-no. Try leaving your windows completely bare or opt for a neutral-colored curtain with a light fabric that can be pulled aside during the day.

Lighting is everything

Interior Design Tips
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Interior Design Tips
Decorilla
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Decorilla
Architecture Art Designs
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Architecture Art Designs

During the winter months, there is a very little amount of daylight in Scandinavian countries. Because of this, lighting and lighting fixtures are absolutely paramount when it comes to Scandinavian interior design. The typical style of lighting for this type of design is a mix of modern teetering on the edge of industrial.

Neutral-colored or light wood flooring is a must

Kyto Cleansee
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Kyto Cleansee
Decorilla
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Decorilla
Pinterest
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Pinterest

Wall-to-wall carpets are something that you just won’t find in Scandinavian interior design. Instead, flooring is generally all hardwood often left it’s in grainy, natural state or painted white. Keeping the flooring neutral and light-colored help make the space feel open and plays off the abundance of natural light.

Add a bit of personality with simple, bold accents

Decorilla
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Decorilla
Fantastic Frank via My Domaine
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Fantastic Frank via My Domaine
Fantastic Frank via My Domaine
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Fantastic Frank via My Domaine

When color is used in Scandinavian interior design, it’s often in small, bold bursts in bright hues. Add a bit of color by using simple pieces of decor that make a big statement. Keep in mind that Scandinavian interior design prides itself on being uncluttered and clean – so, use those accent pieces strategically.

Layered, warm textiles keep your home feeling cozy

Pella Hedeby via My Domaine
Source:
Pella Hedeby via My Domaine
Decorilla
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Decorilla
Happy Grey Lucky
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Happy Grey Lucky

Hygge is a very important word in the Danish language and also Scandinavian interior design in general. Hygge describes a mood of “coziness and comfortable conviviality with feelings of wellness and contentment.” To bring hygge into your home, layering soft, warm textiles is the perfect implementation. Opt for sheepskins, soft cotton, or chenille to add warmth and texture to the room.

Install a fireplace in the corner

Liljencrantz Design via My Domaine
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Liljencrantz Design via My Domaine
Freshome
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Freshome
AVSO
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AVSO

Scandinavian winters are much colder than other places in the world, so a fireplace is a must. Unlike many traditional fireplaces that sit in the center of a room as a focal point, Scandinavian fireplaces are often placed in the corner of the room, often in a column.

Add a touch of flowers and botanicals

Impressive Interior Design
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Impressive Interior Design
Home-Designing
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Home-Designing

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Home-Designing
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Home-Designing

Small details are what make Scandinavian interior design so special – adding fresh touches like plants, flowers, and other botanicals are a great way to add a beautiful pop of color and a bit of nature to the room.

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