Home decor: golden rules of scandinavian decoration

Scandinavian decor has become a very trendy style in recent years. Recognized for its clean lines, its comfort and its natural appearance, it can be found everywhere, from the dining room to the kitchen, through the bedroom or even the living room. This decorative style coming straight from the Far North mixes several atmospheres for a guaranteed cocooning atmosphere. Its main advantage comes from the fact that it is actually very easy to set up at home! Do you also want to give your interior a Scandinavian look? How right you are! To help you here are our 5 golden rules for a successful Nordic decoration. 

WHY DO WE LOVE THE SCANDINAVIAN STYLE? 

To understand the Scandinavian spirit, it suffices to look at the environment of the Nordic countries. Indeed, the cold climate and the long winter nights make Scandinavian homes real refuges where people come to find themselves warm and istanbul escort sheltered. In order to contrast with the harsh climate, the Scandinavian interior decoration is transformed into a cozy little cocoon in bright and warm tones. The countries of the North, endowed with large wooded plains, also have impressive arboreal resources. It is therefore no coincidence that we see a predominance of wood and a wide variety of natural materials in this type of decoration.

Even if this style has been back in fashion for a few years, it is not his first attempt. Indeed, it developed throughout the 1930s until the 1970s through the work of designers such as Alvar Aalto, Verner Planton or even Maija Isola. These have helped to establish the foundations of Scandinavian design, highlighting the reliability, durability and functionality of the furniture. Resolutely vintage, this style is nonetheless trendy since it promotes simple, non-pretentious and often soft and subtly colored shapes. This simplicity contributes to create a simple and natural atmosphere so dear to the Scandinavian style. 

THE 5 GOLDEN RULES FOR A SUCCESSFUL SCANDINAVIAN DECOR

1. FAVOR NATURAL AND SOFT MATERIALS

Natural and ecological par excellence, wood is a very important material in the Nordic countries, characterized in particular by their numerous forests. Most Scandinavian homes are usually located in the heart of the woods, immersed in nature. Whether on the furniture, the accessories, the floor or even the ceiling, wood is found everywhere in this decorative style. Among the key essences of Nordic decoration, we generally find birch, which combines wonderfully with soft and cozy materials such as wool or cotton.

WE ESSENTIAL :

THE IMPORTANCE OF RAW WOOD

To create a Nordic atmosphere in your home, you absolutely have to favor raw wood. Untreated, this type of wood reveals all the roughness, both faults and the grain of the wood full of charm. Solid wood is the closest thing to natural wood and is one of the great darlings of Scandinavian decoration.

FURNITURE IN LIGHT OR WHITE WOOD 

The Nordic style loves light and soft tones to bring the missing light from the outside inside. For this, it will be necessary to favor blond or bleached wood. Birch is a species particularly used in the Nordic style. You can also find pine, which remains a very light type of wood, but also a whole host of other species such as spruce, fir or larch… Darker woods can also be welcome in small touches to bring a little more contrast in your interior decoration. 

FOR THE FLOOR, PARQUET! 

Parquet is the king coating in Scandinavian decoration. Preferably blonde, it can also be bleached to bring luminosity to your rooms. For those who prefer to opt for coatings that are simple to maintain and less expensive, laminate or imitation parquet vinyl flooring will also fit into a Nordic decoration. These will easily give a nice chalet spirit to your decor. 

COTTON, WOOL… SOFT AND REASSURING MATERIALS 

Beyond wood, Scandinavian decor particularly likes natural and soft materials such as cotton, wool or even linen. White cotton is a timeless material that perfectly characterizes the Scandinavian style. In general, the Nordic decoration likes natural, ecological and soft vegetable fiber fabrics.

2. CHOOSE SCANDINAVIAN-INSPIRED FURNITURE

Functionality is an important element for Scandinavian decor. Reminiscent of the Nordic art of living based on simplicity and the essential, the furniture is intended above all to be refined, practical, like a return to safe values. The spaces are cleared, the furniture is more limited, but more useful. 

HOW DO YOU RECOGNIZE SCANDINAVIAN FURNITURE?

SIMPLE AND CLEAN FURNITURE 

Furniture in the Scandinavian style exudes simplicity. They generally display simple and refined shapes which make them more raw and authentic. This minimalist particularity of Nordic furniture also brings it closer to the design style where the furniture is generally stripped of everything superfluous. Among the essentials, we find the famous wooden coffee table with compass feet. Go for examples.

SCANDINAVIAN FURNITURE, PRACTICAL AND FUNCTIONAL 

Scandinavian furniture is praised for its light appearance, which does not overload the space, but also for its practicality. Indeed, the Nordic style favors smart furniture with storage that helps to make the rooms airy and clear. We can mention among the essentials the coffee table with drawers or the Scandinavian sideboard, a real vintage must-have for this decorative style.

COMFORTABLE FURNITURE ABOVE ALL 

Of course, beyond the functional aspect, the Scandinavian style is nothing without its comfort! To create a Nordic atmosphere worthy of the name, comfortable and cocooning furniture is essential! Among the flagship furniture, we obviously think of the famous comfortable armchair!

OUR FAVORITES FOR A NORDIC STYLE!

THE ROCKING ACCENT CHAIR

A Scandinavian decoration very often includes a nice accent chair, perfect for curling up in at any time of the day. For drinking hot chocolate, reading a book or simply daydreaming, this type of seat is perfect and fully corresponds to the Nordic way of life. Whether it’s a rocking-chair style armchair or a more classic one, entirely in fabric, this cozy seat par excellence brings comfort and comfort. 

DINING ROOM CHAIRS

In the same way, in terms of seats to accompany your living room table, we will favor dining room chairs. Usually combining wood and fabric, the latter are the pinnacle of well-being! Regardless of its material, the Scandinavian chair is above all very generous. Upholstered fabric upholstery, wide seat and curved backrest, not to mention the armrests… These are all elements that contribute to giving a cozy and cozy atmosphere to your living room. 

THE PULL-OUT COFFEE TABLE

The Scandinavian style coffee table is very characteristic. It is recognized by its generally round shape and its flared feet. To meet this need for functionality, the Nordic living room table often consists of two models, including a smaller one that is placed under the larger one. This space-saving nesting table has become a must in any Scandinavian decor.

3. SCANDINAVIAN DECOR: OPTIMIZE THE BRIGHTNESS OF THE ROOMS 

As the countries of the Far North are sorely lacking in light for a large part of the year, Scandinavian decor attaches great importance to light in homes. Whether natural or artificial, light is a central element of this decoration.

OUR ADVICES :

INVITE NATURAL LIGHT WITH LARGE WINDOWS

The Nordic style tries to bring in as much natural light as possible, which is why we generally find in this type of decor large bay windows to let in as much sunlight as possible. Skylights are also very popular for capturing as much light as possible and thus illuminating the corners of rooms, further away from conventional windows.

MULTIPLY THE POINTS OF LIGHT 

Just like natural light, artificial light is essential to enhance your interior decoration. Forget compact fluorescent lamps or blue LEDs. Instead, we prefer warmer light sources that will give an authentic and warm atmosphere to your interior. To best optimize the light in the rooms, the Scandinavian style favors the multiplication of light points everywhere. We therefore use and abuse street lamps, light fixtures and accent lamps!

PROMOTE INDIRECT LIGHTING 

Since the Scandinavian decoration is above all cozy and warm, nothing better than to favor indirect lighting to create a subdued and intimate atmosphere. Say goodbye to ceiling lights that are too intense and cold and instead favor small lamps facing the walls or subtle light sources such as light garlands or candles for example.

4. FAVOR COZY AND MINIMALIST DECORATIVE ACCESSORIES 

Decorative accessories are important in a Nordic interior. Like the Scandinavian furniture, the decorative objects are as comfortable as desired and add the cocooning atmosphere typical of the Nordic style. Thick rugs, fleece throws and soft cushions contribute to the cozy atmosphere of the rooms.  

OUR ESSENTIALS:

THE OBLIGATORY PLAIDS 

To relax on your sofa or in your armchair and forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life, nothing beats the famous wool or pilou-pilou plaid. A flagship accessory of Scandinavian decor, the blanket evokes the cold of the Far North and makes the house a real little cocoon of well-being. So dare XXL throws to maximize the comfort of your rooms. We are particularly fond of faux fur imitation animal skin plaids, as bed linen or leaning against a sofa or an armchair. 

DON’T SKIMP ON CUSHIONS  

Cushions are also essential decorative objects of the Scandinavian style. Do not hesitate to use and abuse it to create a comfortable and cocooning atmosphere in your rooms. On the seats, the sofa, the bed… it’s very simple, there’s never enough! The cushion with geometric shapes is also characteristic of Scandinavian decor and does not seem to want to go out of fashion for a long time. 

THE CARPET WITH LONG HAIRS OR ANIMAL SKIN

Another Nordic accessory par excellence, the long-haired rug! Very trendy, the shaggy carpet turns out to be a real parcel of softness in a room. Animal skin effect rugs are also an irresistible option to dress your floor in the Scandinavian spirit.  

DESIGN AND MINIMALIST DECORATIVE OBJECTS 

Still in decorative accessories, the Scandinavian style emphasizes small, simple and designer decoration. The success of a Scandinavian decoration is sometimes due to details. We like to find decorative objects with clean and minimalist shapes that look like real works of art. Vases, pots or lamps lend themselves particularly well to the game and feature a design style of the most beautiful effect. On a wooden table or a shelf, they will be highlighted as they should be.  

ADORN THE WALLS WITH GRAPHIC FRAMES AND POSTERS  

Frames and graphic posters are decorative elements very present in the Scandinavian style. Placed on a shelf, a shelf or hung directly on the walls, the illustrations add a personal touch to your Nordic decor. Scandinavian interior design loves inspiring messages, but also abstract and artistic shapes. 

SCANDINAVIAN FAVOURITE: ARTISANAL TABLEWARE 

In the Nordic way of life, artisanal tableware has its place. She exudes authenticity with her raw and imperfect side. For Scandinavian-style tableware, natural materials such as porcelain, stoneware or ceramic will be preferred. Nordic-style tableware generally has more or less regular edges, light colors, and lots of texture effects. 

5. RESPECT THE COLORS OF SCANDINAVIAN DECORATION 

For a 100% Scandinavian decor, certain colors are preferred. If the Nordic style places white as the flagship color, it also displays pastel, soft and acid tones. Today, even bolder colors can be found, making it possible to warm up the atmosphere and energize the whole decoration.  

OUR FAVORITE COLORS:

WHITE AND GREY: KINGS OF SCANDINAVIAN DECOR 

The Scandinavian style initially emphasizes white which brings light, softness and serenity. The famous white Scandinavian chair can attest to this! However, although the Far North is the theme of this decorative style, it is necessary to add slightly warmer tones going towards beiges and creams to make the decoration less cold. Shades of gray are also very popular in Nordic decor and combine softness and chic. 

SCANDINAVIAN DECOR 2.0: THE SOFTNESS OF PASTEL COLORS 

Scandinavian decor is also the softness of pastel colors! Because yes, the Nordic decoration does not necessarily rhyme with white walls. On the contrary, the colors are part of the atmosphere you want to give to your room. It’s not just white to illuminate an interior, but a wide range of colors at your disposal. In a country where the night is present half the year, a few touches of warm colors can bring a little cheerfulness. Among the trends of Scandinavian decoration we find yellow, blue and even green. A little colder, this color undoubtedly evokes nature and gives relaxing virtues to an interior.

THE TIMELESS PATTERNS OF SCANDINAVIAN DECORATION 

Playing with prints can also break up the monotony of a room. Herringbone patterns are a great classic of Scandinavian decoration. If these prints are mainly found on cushions, they can be found everywhere in a room: on the walls, curtains and even carpets. The current trend is moreover for patterned wallpapers which energize the space and immediately bring an original side to an interior decoration.