• The ECB Edit

    • Home
    • Blog
    • Contact
    • About

    Interior Inspiration: Scandinavian Design

    July 15, 2022 by ebengtson44

    When you hear Scandinavian design, your first thought might be of Ikea. And while the Swedish mega-brand certainly embodies many characteristics of the style, it’s just one element. I personally love Scandi design for its simplicity, clean lines, and warm materials. If you love this style but don’t know how to incorporate it in your own home, keep reading for inspiration photos, tips and tricks, and a curated shopping list!

    What is Scandinavian Design?

    Scandinavian design is a design movement characterized by simplicity, minimalism and functionality that emerged in the early 20th century, and subsequently flourished in the 1950s throughout the five Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Iceland.

    Wikipedia
    Courtesy of Larusi via Pinterest

    How Do I Create This Style In My Own Home?

    One. Paint walls white to brighten the space.

    This will also help make the most of natural light! (Read this article if you’re struggling to decide on a paint color.)

    Courtesy of Elsa Billgren for Elle Sweden

    Two. Select pieces with clean lines and neutral colors that serve a purpose.

    I think of Scandinavian design as the opposite of maximalism; every furniture piece serves a purpose. I prefer a warm color palette (think cocoa, creamy whites, and brass) over a cool one (grays, blues, bright whites) but either work!

    Three. Have a mix of new and old pieces.

    In my own projects, I love to create tension by incorporating both new and old pieces. A thrifted vase looks that much cooler on top of the minimal/streamlined console table (like this option). This is where Ikea comes into the picture (finally!). I love a good Ikea piece, but only using new items in your home can lead to a design that lacks personality and feels kind of cold. Natural textures, like jute, rattan, and wood, make a perfect pairing with materials like acrylic and metal.

    Modern Table with Vintage Chairs and Vases, Courtesy of Pinterest, Source Unknown

    Four. Embody Hygge.

    It’s no secret that the Scandinavian countries have cold, brutal winters with almost no sunlight so it makes sense that they prioritize feeling cozy. The word Hygge has been buzzing around for a while now, but essentially it means creating a sense of warmth and comfort. This can be applied to homes or experiences, which I love! To create Hygge at home, I would use lots of warm neutral shades and creamy whites. This feels bright and airy and like being wrapped up in a cashmere sweater. Cozy textiles, like knit blankets, soft lighting, and candles for ambiance will round this out.

    Courtesy of Matilda Djerf

    The Complete Scandinavian Shopping List

    A mix of anything and everything that you could possibly need to create your dream home.

    Abisko White Sofa from Article in Quartz White

    Feathers Sofa from Valyou in Beige

    Aizzaddin Sled Coffee Table from Wayfair

    Monti 30″ Coffee Table, Lava Stone, White from West Elm

    Off White Chunky Jute Tasseled Area Rug from Rugs USA

    Natural Jute Checkerboard Area Rug from Rugs USA

    Chen Velvet Upholstered Dining Chair from AllModern

    Shasta Solid Wood Arm Chair from Wayfair in Black or Natural

    KÅSEBERGA Lamp Shade from Ikea

    LERGRYN / SUNNEBY Pendant Lamp from Ikea

    REGOLIT Pendant Lamp Shade from Ikea

    Oversized Solid Bed Throw from Target in Natural

    Pedestal Round Dining Table from Overstock in White

    Terra Cotta Volcano Finish Vase from Amazon in Matte White

    Patterned Glass Vase from H&M Home in Light Beige

    Tillie Wool Throw Pillow from CB2 in Ivory

    Rialto Woven Barrel Back Chair with Cushion from Target

    COMING UP »

    Introducing Little Luxuries: Ways to Instantly Upgrade Your Home
    SHARE -
  • Related Posts

    • April Favorites & Things I’m Eyeing
    • Oops…I Did It Again
    • Where I’ve Been & Latest Updates
    • Do These Five Things To Instantly Elevate Your Home
    • 2022 Christmas Gift Guide for the Home
    • Stop Making These Design Mistakes (And Do This Instead!)
    • Budget-Friendly Bathroom Must-Haves
    • Get the Look: Kendall Jenner Home
    • Design Your Home Like A Coastal Grandmother
    • 2022 Interior Trend Forecast (from an interior designer)
    • Summer 2022 Wishlist
    • Introducing Little Luxuries: Ways to Instantly Upgrade Your Home

    Looking for something?

    Archives

    Categories

    • DESIGN
    • LIFESTYLE

    Featured Posts

    LIFESTYLE

    April Favorites & Things I’m Eyeing

    LIFESTYLE

    Oops…I Did It Again

    LIFESTYLE

    Where I’ve Been & Latest Updates

    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    theecbedit

    I don’t have a beach bungalow but if I did, it m I don’t have a beach bungalow but if I did, it might look a little something like this 🐚 🌊 🧿
    Finishing touches ✨🎬 Reel by @ejp.studio Finishing touches ✨🎬 Reel by @ejp.studio
    Some recent design inspo that’s made me swoon 🐚✨🧿

All images from Pinterest
    New office, new mindset! ✏️📈📓 Ft. my fav New office, new mindset! ✏️📈📓 Ft. my favorite chairs possibly ever. 

Designed with @studio882
    Follow on Instagram

    FOLLOW ME @DEMO

    Copyright © 2025 · Brooklyn on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in