Simona is an interior design and décor writer for Homedit. Since 2011, she has been writing about interior design, DIY solutions, and the latest trends in home architecture.
Scandinavian interior décor has always been fascinating. It’s especially appreciated when correlated with modern interior design. That’s because of the simplicity of this style. Scandinavian interiors are famous for their brightness and minimalism. The main color used in these spaces is white. Even though it’s a neutral and perceived as being a cold shade by many people, white is also a very bright color and a perfect shade to be used as a background for beautiful decorations and accessories.
Black and white checkerboard flooring is a common choice for Scandinavian kitchens
In Scandinavian-style homes, all rooms seem to share the same design. However, they are all unique and they each have distinctive characteristics. The kitchen, for example, is a very interesting space to analyze from the perspective of this style. The kitchen in Scandinavian homes has an airy and simple décor but it’s also functional and practical.
The Scandinavian style is defined by minimalism and brightnessBuilt-in appliances and hidden storage spaces are also common features of this styleTo create a warm atmosphere, sometimes earthy shades are used in the décorStainless steel appliances and surfaces are both minimalist and functional
Given the fact that the kitchen is primarily a functional space although in a lot of modern homes it doubles as a social area, a Scandinavian design suits it well. The simplicity and freshness typical to this style are perfect when combined with optimal storage and clever and efficient layouts.
Scandinavian kitchens almost always include a breakfast areaLight-finished wooden floors are a nice transitional feature that complements the décorThe large windows let in natural light which is crucial for all such interiorsScandinavian decors have few but bold focal points spread throughout the roomThe white and grey combination is very beautiful and suits this style perfectlyThere’s also the timeless black and white combo that is commonly exploited by designersPattern and texture is a subtle way of breaking the monotony in a décor without using colorWooden features with a natural finish also work well with minimalist decorsEven though the style is minimalist and bright, it’s not a synonym of the contemporary decors
Open shelves are particularly common in Scandinavian kitchens. They’re considered really practical, allowing you to easily organize, store and display items which are always within reach and easy to find.
In the kitchen, there are lots of ways in which you can add small bursts of colorPastel shades can also be used in combination with a white décorEven though very simple, Scandinavian kitchens are also very invitingThe light fixtures are perfect elements that can allow you to add color to a décor
Even though white is not the most practical color when it comes to the kitchen, Scandinavian decors always find a way to make it seem stylish. It’s common for the kitchen in such cases to have either a wooden floor with a light color or a black and white checkerboard floor. The black and white combination is also commonly used for the rest of the décor as well.
An all-white kitchen will always have to be clean in order to look goodYou can accessorize a white kitchen with photos or bulletin boardsExposed brick or stone walls often add charm to a roomThe same thing can be said about slanted ceilingsStripes are elegant and very versatile and you can use them in many different waysA nice way to create a focal point in a white room is with a colorful pendant light
The main characteristics of this style allows it to be best applied in modern and contemporary kitchens where minimalism is a must. Here, the décor stays interesting and eye-catching through unexpected combinations of colors, textures and shapes or through modern twists added to classical elements.
Large windows with panoramic views often change the whole décorA white décor would look nice in combination with industrial featuresStainless steel appliances add a modern flair to the kitchen white maintaining its simplicityYou can use floral arrangements or small planters to add freshness to a white décorAs expected, the limit between Scandinavian and contemporary decors is very smallIt’s easy to create strong contrasts in a Scandinavian-style roomArea rugs are often used as means to introduce pattern and color to a roomBy painting the floor white you create a cohesive décor and leave room for accent featuresParquet flooring always gives character to a room and stands out in a simple wayYou can mix and match styles and influences to obtain a unique designScandinavian decors are perfect for small kitchens because they make them seem spaciousUse the same color for the furniture as for the walls to make the room seem more spacious
The lighting is important in any kitchen and in the case of Scandinavian interiors it occupies a special place. Chandeliers, pendant lamps, sconces and spotlights are the details which add character to the space. And considered the typical chromatic palettes, the final look is exquisite.
In the kitchen, the backsplash is also a great way of adding colorExposed wooden beams stand out beautifully in bright decorsScandinavian kitchens always seem clean, airy and brightSymmetry can be used in the kitchen in a vary functional wayYou can mix textures and materials to create interesting visual effectsFor a great result, use a restraint color palette with harmonious contrastsSkylights are always beautiful features in any room décorAn open floor plan kitchen has to seamlessly integrate into the décorIf you choose a dark vs bright contrast for the décor, make sure the balance is rightIn any kitchen it’s important to use the space efficiently and in your favorYou can add a few colorful accents but try to be subtleFor the backsplash, you can use both color and patternThe backsplash can also have a rather rough look for visual contrastIn a kitchen with high ceilings, the light fixtures play an important role
It’s also common for the kitchen to feature small bursts of color. These are focal points that are strategically placed and that can also be seen in the rest of the house as well. So whether it’s a bright-colored appliance, a set of colorful plates, a piece of furniture or a floral arrangement, the goal is always the same: to break the monotony and to create a fresh décor.