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

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.