Characterised by simplicity, minimalism, and functionality, Scandinavian and Nordic style interior designs remain ever-popular around the globe. The fact that they speak to our tidy tendencies and ardent yearnings for peace makes them a significant representation of timelessness and sophistication in the modern days. Here are 4 interior design tips to add a touch of Scandinavian and Nordic style to your home.
Tracing back to its Nordic roots, a region where daylight is a temporary luxury in the colder months, typical Scandinavian interior designs emphasise the introduction of natural lights into the indoors. Instead of selecting intense, flashing lighting, Nordic lighting options are known for being on the subdued side with warm colours that feel closer to candlelights.
Scandinavian lighting is also renowned for walking the line between minimalism and clean silhouettes. Whenever possible, there is also a focus on picking up well-made lights of premium quality, often in earthy shades such as white, black or brown.
Another point to note is that Scandinavians tend to leave windows uncovered. Again, this contributes to the idea of inviting as much light as possible to the interiors. Even if used, most of the blinds and shades are made from lightweight materials like linen and sheer.
Try to include different types of lights in your space if you are going for the whimsical feeling that Scandinavian interior design favours. From floor lights, wall sconces and table pendants to ceiling lights and even high-tech LED, do your best in diverting light settings for different rooms and purposes.
Calm and pleasing to the eyes, a light-coloured design is an essential part of a hygge feeling.
Traditionally, walls are painted white to maximise lighting in Nordic interior designs. The styling is further perfected with the use of monochromes, soft naturals, neutral pinks, soft amber, moss colours, and darker blue and greens, depending on the particular style the homeowner is going after.
Scandinavians typically do not have excessive decoration in their homes, instead opting for strategically placed, coloured art pieces as a pop of contemporariness. While accents are kept to a minimum, you can add pops of personality to your Nordic interior design with playfully coloured furniture or even a bright, funky throw pillow.
Perhaps the most defining style feature of Nordic interior designs, they value spare elegance with functional and sleek furniture to the next level. Spaces are often with an open plan and wisely implemented storage solutions. The origin of the “Less Is More” design mantra, Scandinavian interiors are often free of excessive detailings but only practical, clean-lined pieces to combine functionality with beauty.
A secret hack is to leave some breathing space for extra versatility too. You can choose to leave parts of the walls bare and spaces relatively sparse. Most of the time, Nordic interiors are designed to be multi-functional and offer optimal flexibility for homeowners to alter layout according to needs at the moment. Make the most out of storage staples such as shelves, cabinets and drawers to declutter and accentuate your space instantly. This is a major reason why Scandinavian interior designs work especially well for space limited by square foot, just like Hong Kong.
To effectively integrate the stellar Scandinavian style into your home, you must bring in layers of comforting textures. Nature is at the core of Nordic cultures. With the region’s freezing climate, it is not surprising that warming textiles like wool, sheepskins, organic cotton and mohair throws have become the staple of a Nordic vibe. Even their colour tones match the muted palette that Scandinavians prefer too, providing a sense of cosiness and comfort.
Incorporating wood, stone and metal finishings into the design of your space is of equal importance. Not only are they natural materials that patina gracefully over the test of time, but they are also hard and dense enough to juxtapose the softened atmosphere created by the colour scheme and decor style. One thing to bear in mind is to keep up with the light and bright feeling of Scandinavian interior designs with light woods, including pine and ash. Go for leather and pastels instead for added warmth. Living botanicals or greenery like fresh flowers and plants are a further natural element that compliment and highlight the refreshingness of a Nordic style interior design.
An award-winning interior design agency in Hong Kong, our seasoned team is here to help you add ambience and class with well-planned Nordic interior designs. Get in touch with us now to further discuss how we can help turn your space into a winter wonderland.