Interior trends: what is the Scandi interior style?
As a simple Pinterest search for interior decor inspo will show, the love for Scandi style has been around for a while… and it isn’t going away any time soon. Not only is this style of decor pleasing to the eye, it can be easy to bring into your home. And minimalism (its core principle) is a rising trend, as more of us seek to declutter our lives and become increasingly eco-conscious.
Let’s take a closer look at the basic principles of the uber popular Scandinavian interior design style, its origins and how we can start to introduce its characteristics into our home.
What is the Scandi interior style?
The Scandi style of interior decor that we know (and love) today first started popping up in homes across Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland and Denmark in the 1950s. It’s a style that is centred on clean, simple lines and minimalist functionality, with added touches of cosiness and warmth brought in through a blend of textures and flattering lighting. Contemporary but not cold, Scandinavian interior decor is all about creating a modern home that still feels inviting. More on that below.
Characteristics of the Scandi interior style
Muted colours
Think fresh, natural and muted. Maximise the light in your room with bright whites on your walls, such as White 01 or White 03. Add contrast with pops of earthy beiges like Beige 03, greiges and darker shades.
Wooden accents
Scandinavians are also great lovers of nature, and this love is visible in their style of home decor. It’s all about bringing the outdoors in, with a mix of bare wooden flooring and lots of indoor green. Opt for warm, light oak woods and cover with thick rugs to get that true Scandi look.
Cosiness
Scandinavian design wouldn’t be complete with some seriously cosy elements. Add in some warmth and cosiness with thick throws, plush rugs, or furry cushions.
Functional layout & de-cluttered space
Clutter is a big no-no in a typical Scandi style home. Keep it minimalist by having a decluttering session and recycling or giving away that which no longer sparks joy.
Simple, sleek lines
Scandinavian style is all about simplicity. Keep things simple but chic by choosing pieces with sleek lines and a modern look. Less is more here. Check out our 6 tips to create a minimalist kitchen to see how you can incorporate elements of Scandi minimalism into your heart of the home.
Eco-friendly materials
In an increasingly eco-conscious world, it’s easy to see why Scandinavian decor is so on trend. One of the main characteristics is also that it encourages using natural, eco-friendly materials throughout. Which we’re big fans of. The Japandi interior style takes it's inspiration from this love of natural materials (just read our 8 ways to make your home look and feel more Japandi).
Greenery
Indoor plants are both mood boosting and add a dose of style. So you’ll be glad to hear that a Scandi styled room typically involves bringing some green in. Pop some succulents on the side tables or add hanging plants above your bed. Your indoor green will add a splash of colour and loveliness to any room. And hey, there’s the cleaner air thing.
Flattering lighting
To really create an inviting space, good lighting is key. Luckily, Scandi decor is all about that. Make it a reality by getting an assortment of floor and table lamps to light up different corners of your room and create a space that feels truly inviting. Or, dangle lighting at different heights above your seating area for a cosy and stylish look.
Looking for more trendy inspo for your home transformation? Check out our blog posts on how to decorate like a real Scandinavian and how to create a Scandi kitchen, and learn more about the increasingly popular Japandi interior style trend.