When it comes to Scandinavian design, less is more. This is a point on which most people can agree. However, becoming a minimalist can be difficult.
What is Scandinavian Design?
The aesthetics of Scandinavian design tend to be minimal and uncluttered, with an emphasis on achieving a balance between practicality and aesthetic appeal. The emphasis is placed on clean, uncluttered lines and bright open areas. These concepts apply to all aspects of design, from architecture to electronics, however, the term “interior design” is most frequently used to refer to the design of a room’s furnishings, fabrics, ceramics, and lighting, among other things.
In general, the Scandinavian design does not include any unnecessary add-ons or accompaniments; rather, it pares away the extraneous to emphasize the fundamental components of any given object. Pops of color are typically utilized to complement the predominant use of neutral and monochromatic colors in Scandinavian design, such as bright, warm whites combined with black and tan. The predominant colors used in the Scandinavian design include sage, plush pinks, and gray blues. Colors with origins in nature, such as sage are very popular.
Because of the close connection that Scandinavian and Nordic countries have with the natural world, organic and natural materials frequently take the spotlight in Scandinavian design. As well as wood, cotton, wool, and houseplants play a significant role in the design of Scandinavian-style homes.
The popularity of Scandinavian design can be attributed, in part, to its uncluttered, yet cozy aesthetic, as well as to the relaxing effect that vast, light-filled rooms free of clutter have on people. People who practice this kind of Nordic minimalism can bring tranquility into their homes without producing an environment that is sterile or unwelcoming. It brims with life without falling into the chaos category.
What is a Scandinavian Style Kitchen?
In the 1930s, Nordic countries began to push a minimalist kitchen style that prioritized simple living, comfort, and utility over showy, trendy elements. This style emphasized kitchens that were well-lit and had ample storage space. Now, Scandinavian kitchen design is among the most popular trends and is a favorite of both professional and amateur designers alike.
The aesthetic is light, bright, and airy, and it reflects the Nordic love of the outdoors by introducing natural textures, plants, and rustic elements into the room. The look was inspired by the Nordic countries. In a Scandinavian kitchen, the emphasis is placed on clutter-free practicality, simplicity, and utility rather than on the space itself. This places the attention on the people using the area rather than the space itself.
If you want to get that Scandi look but don’t know where to start, keep reading. This article contains the point of view of several interior design experts to share their Scandinavian kitchen decor ideas. And here are the most important things to keep in mind when styling your home’s busiest room:
1. Go for White
Small rooms are a little more challenging to furnish because of less space to work with. So interior designers use all-white units and paint the walls in a lighter shade to open up space.
White is a fantastic non-color for creating the illusion of space. White will also add a modern touch to your small kitchen, and it looks excellent in almost any color!
2. Add Hanging Lights
Hanging lights are incredibly versatile and come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and styles. They’re ideal for small spaces and can bring a room to life. If you want to keep the light color scheme, you can go with cream color or darker color like grey or black.
3. Bring Technology to the Kitchen
Scandinavians are well-versed in cutting-edge technology. Consider adding technology to your kitchens, such as a smart coffee maker or electronic lighting and temperature control. Intelligent gadgets will also give your small minimalist kitchen a more modern feel.
4. Place a Wallpaper
You can add wallpaper to your walls if you feel your kitchen is too “empty,” with all that white. And items stored where no one can notice them. Scandinavians adore wallpaper, and it’s never been easier to find affordable prints that fit your style.
5. Keep It Simple
Many of the items people use in the kitchen are left on the side, on open shelves, so that others can see them. However, if you want a small kitchen in the Scandinavian style, you’ll need to know how to store those items in cupboards.
Make a list of the things you must have in your kitchen and keep them away from sight. Another way to give the impression of more space is to declutter.
6. Choose Bright Appliances
An all-white kitchen can feel clinical, which is why adding a splash of color is always a good idea. You can achieve this by including colorful furniture, such as chairs, or, better yet, by purchasing brightly colored kitchen appliances.
For instance, a mint refrigerator would be stunning. Is it too big? Then perhaps a baby pink toaster or a red retro mixer in your Scandinavian style small kitchen can bring those happy vibes.
7. Use Wood
Wood finishes are essential to creating an authentic Scandinavian kitchen. Wood, on the other hand, isn’t just for floors and worktops. To highlight the natural material, choose cabinet doors made of wood.
If your budget allows, go with light-colored woods like beech or ash for flooring, dining tables, and worktops. For countertops, avoid varnished woods; the raw, natural, untreated look is more in keeping with the Scandinavian style.
8. Accessorise with Houseplants
Houseplants and potted herbs are another excellent way to soften the space’s functionality. Finally, don’t be afraid to use textured placemats, wall hangings, or rugs in the kitchen.
Fresh flowers, houseplants, or potted herbs can be added to the look for a typical Scandinavian design nod to nature.
9. Go Bold and Dark!
Have you grown tired of the all-white look? You may wish for your kitchen to stand out from the crowd. Even though black isn’t used much in Scandinavian kitchens, it can restrict spaces, highlight architectural features. And also anchor the light, bright kitchen, and create visual contrast cleverly and creatively.
A black kitchen range, cabinets, hood, or even an island can instantly transform an otherwise neutral space into a captivating focal point. However, if black is too dark for your kitchen, go for darker shades of grey or even deep blue instead.
There are other traditional styles of wall decoration and you can see some ideas and inspiration here.
Other Tips for Decorating a Kitchen with Scandinavian Style
The Design of You Kitchen’s Cabinets
Because of their uncomplicated and uncluttered lines, flat-panel cabinets are an important component seen in the design of Scandinavian kitchens. Wood, painted, two-toned, and white are all common choices for cabinet colors, although wood and two-toned cabinets are also common.
Open Shelving
The use of open shelves is a daring stylistic method that is frequently seen in homes with an industrial-inspired design. You can, however, create an open front kitchen shelf that is lovely enough to befit the trend toward rustic Scandinavian interior design if you can find a piece of wood that has been wonderfully weathered or even you can acquire some old scaffold boards from a construction site.
Being daring and allowing your kitchen condiments to take center stage is essential. A wall in the kitchen should be decorated with a variety of objects, including glass jars filled with pasta, coffee, and tea; liquor bottles; cookbooks; photographs; and any number of vintage-style ornaments. This will create the appearance of a busy space. Just keep in mind that you need to maintain a balance by giving the remainder of the room a cleaner look.
Go for Industrial Accents
The industrial and Scandinavian themes couldn’t be more different from one another; but, by using worn wood and a slightly warmer color palette, you can start to blur the lines between the two trends. Remember that if you go too far, you run the risk of losing that Scandi minimalism that we all recognize and adore. Never lose sight of the fact that the key to successfully achieving the rustic Scandi-style kitchen trend is in the careful selection of accents.
Include Rugs and Soft Furnishings
The distinguishing characteristics of Scandinavian kitchens from minimalist kitchen designs are the rounded corners and the abundance of decorative accents. Make sure to include a variety of different seating locations, each with a good number of cushions and faux fur throws. Utilize ideas for a Scandinavian living room and adorn wooden floors with rugs that are plush yet long-lasting and come in basic color palettes.
Make Use of a Big Table and a Lot of Chairs
The kitchen is considered the center of the home in Scandinavian culture, as it is in many other civilizations. They serve as a gathering place for the family, where everyone can enjoy each other’s company as well as delicious meals. A dining area is an essential component of any full-featured Scandinavian kitchen.
There are a lot of different kitchen dining ideas that are likely to excite you, but if you want your kitchen to have a Scandinavian vibe, you should invest in a big wooden table that has enough space for the whole family to congregate around it and match it with chairs that have a traditional Scandinavian design.
What Makes Scandinavian Design So Popular?
Clean lines and a minimalist look are hallmarks of Scandinavian design, which also incorporates elements of traditional craftsmanship and multipurpose furnishings. This is a very flexible style that not only allows for a great deal of opportunity for personal expression but also contributes to the creation of rooms that are bright and airy.
The Nordic style is characterized by its beautiful minimalism, which makes it well-suited for contemporary living areas that call for objects that are both functional and adaptable and that can withstand the test of time. It is not difficult to create a room that is fashionable and up-to-date thanks to the understated beauty that is characteristic of Scandinavian architecture. The distinction can be made by a few well-selected objects, together with high-quality furniture and lighting.
The Bottom line
These are the essential expert recommendations for decorating and furnishing a small Scandinavian kitchen. This design does not require you to spend a lot of money whenever you want to renovate your kitchen.
Its neutral backdrop, crisp form, and simple functionality will allow you to switch styles and themes in the future easily. However, once you’ve become addicted to Scandinavian cuisine, it’ll be challenging to break free!