Scandinavian style in the interior: give minimalism! Scandinavian style apartment design - minimalism in the interior Scandinavian minimalism interior.

The Scandinavian-style living room is now found even in those in houses that are located far beyond the borders of Scandinavia. This circumstance is connected both with the general popularity of the Scandinavian culture, and with some features of this style of interior design. It has taken root especially well in Russia, since here, as in Norway or Finland, there is a lack of sunlight on long winter evenings. In addition, the inherent spirit of minimalism in this style allows you to perform such a design with minimal financial costs, which naturally increases its popularity among homeowners.

The main advantage and feature of the Scandinavian style is the abundance of natural light.

Despite the fact that the described direction of interior design provides a certain scope for creativity, there are some canons that must be observed if you decide to recreate a small corner of Scandinavia in your apartment or house. For example, the following characteristic features can be attributed to such canons:

1. The use of white as the main color. They decorate both the ceilings and the walls and floors of the Scandinavian living room. In addition, all its shades and tones are welcome.
2. Wide use as a finishing material of wood. At the same time, it should have a light color to give the room a sense of habitation and warmth. Not only the furniture in the living room is made of wood, but also the floor, and in some cases the walls.
3. The presence of a large number of accessories made of wrought iron. This material can be used to make furniture, as well as in such interior details as a photo frame or a candlestick.

The Scandinavian-style living room is dominated by white, especially the walls, ceiling and floor.

In the Scandinavian-style living room, it is customary to use natural materials; light wooden furniture will perfectly complement the style.

Wrought iron elements contrast perfectly with the light Scandinavian interior.

Separately, it is necessary to talk about two points. Firstly, in this type of living room there is simply a huge amount of light. So, if a Scandinavian-style living room with a photo is posted on the Internet, it usually shows a room that does not have curtains. Sometimes blinds are used instead, but usually they try to remove all obstacles that prevent light from entering the room. In addition, in the described style, artificial lighting is very widely used, performed with the help of wall lamps, floor lamps and various auxiliary light sources.

Traditionally in Scandinavian style, all curtains are removed to let in more light.

In the Scandinavian style, in addition to natural lighting, there are many artificial light sources.

Secondly, the whole room, decorated in Scandinavian style, should be simply saturated with the spirit of minimalism. So, only straight lines should be present here, and the space in the room should be free from unnecessary furniture. Some of its shortcomings here are replaced by high practicality and functionality, so a properly executed Scandinavian living room is not only spacious, but also practical to use.

Minimalism prevails in the Scandinavian interior, which creates spaciousness of the room.

Scandinavian style living room design is based on simplicity. It is to him that the decoration of both the room itself and the furniture located in it is subordinated. The walls here are usually simply plastered white, having previously perfectly aligned them. In this case, the shades can be very different, with the addition of blue, beige or pink.

The walls in the living room in the Scandinavian style are most often simply plastered and painted white.

The Scandinavian style has simple accessories and furniture.

The living room in the Scandinavian style in the photo, the interior is usually harmonious and complete. This effect is achieved by painting doorways, doors and windows in one color. As a result, a uniform harmonious background is created for both accessories and furniture.

Wooden windows and walls can be painted to match the color of the walls

In the Scandinavian style, only a few shades are used that are in harmony with each other.

As for the floor, the Scandinavian living room requires it to be made of wood, while the color is kept either natural and natural, or the floor is painted white. Since the wooden floor is quite expensive, the option with an ordinary laminate is also allowed. It will not spoil the appearance of the room at all, retaining its Scandinavian spirit.

The floor from the board will look good in the Scandinavian interior

Scandinavian-style wood floors can be painted in predominantly white.

By the way, the Scandinavian style in the interior welcomes the presence of a carpet on the floor. It should be made of natural materials and have a long pile. Instead of a carpet, it is also quite acceptable to use animal skins. They can give the room an atmosphere of naturalness and simplicity, while insulating the floor.

Carpet on the floor in the Scandinavian style can be matched with northern ornaments

On the floor in the northern Scandinavian interior there are often skins

Since Scandinavia is characterized by a respectful attitude towards nature, the interior of the premises in local houses is made strictly from natural materials, so plastic and synthetics are prohibited here. As for household appliances and electronics, it should also not be flaunted. If you can’t do without it, you will need to choose it so that in its appearance and color it fits the general atmosphere of the room.

Appliances in the living room in a Scandinavian interior should match the design, for example, a TV can be chosen with a white surface

A fireplace in a Scandinavian style living room is a key element to keep in mind when planning your living room design. A room with a fireplace looks cozier and more solid. In addition, this type of heating allows you to get an additional source of heat on cold winter evenings. The fireplace in the interior of the Scandinavian style can be both natural and electric. The latter option is the only one that can be used in a standard city apartment; in a country house, it is quite possible to make a real fireplace with a grate and a shelf for accessories.

The fireplace is an essential attribute of northern interiors, including Scandinavian ones.

The Danish Scandinavian fireplace is usually a small round shape.

If it is not possible to install a real fireplace or stove, then you can use an electric

Scandinavian style living room furniture

The Scandinavian interior of the living room suggests the presence of a small amount of furniture. The fact is that in its spirit it is very close to minimalism, which prefers free spaces that are not cluttered with furniture. In addition, usually the dwellings of the northern countries are furnished quite simply, therefore, if you look at the design of the living room in the Scandinavian style in the photo, you can see the rather modest furnishings of the dwellings of the Finns or Norwegians.

Scandinavians are characterized by simple but original furniture in the interior.

As for the immediate environment of the described premises, the furniture for it should consist of the most necessary items. So, without fail, a large sofa upholstered in leather is installed in the living room. In addition to leather, its upholstery can be made of fur, suede or linen.

A leather sofa is often found in Scandinavian interiors.

On such a sofa they receive guests or relax during the day. You can also watch TV on it. At the same time, in addition to the sofa, chairs or ottomans are usually installed. As for chairs and stools, in the Scandinavian style they are usually not used in the living room, but are used in the kitchen or in the hallway.

Scandinavian cabinets can be both open and closed, while they must be made only of natural wood. Home-made furniture is very welcome, while it is worth noting that various decorations and excessive decoration are not welcome here. This applies to carving and painting. It is best to simply paint the furniture in a strict light color without additional decor.

To complement the living room in a Scandinavian interior, bookshelves that can be painted white will help.

In addition to the closet in the living room, you may also need small shelving or shelves. They are perfect for arranging books or decor items on them. Such furniture is able to create an atmosphere of simplicity and naturalness in the room, as opposed to the overall and massive walls. Shelves with fisherman's or hunter's trophies, which are very popular in Scandinavia, will look especially stylish.

Wooden bookcases in a Scandinavian interior for furniture and other elements

Despite the spirit of minimalism that permeates the described style of interior design, an ordinary mirror will look very appropriate in a living room made according to its canons. Its job is to reflect and scatter light. As a result, the room will receive additional lighting without the use of electrical appliances.

Mirrors in the Scandinavian interior of the usual simple form, but large, reflecting a lot of light

Separately, it is worth noting! In the Scandinavian style, despite the priority of wood, the use of materials such as glass and metal is quite acceptable.

In a Scandinavian interior, it is acceptable to use glass surfaces.

At the same time, all products from them must be correctly entered into the interior of the room. So, for example, the use of a large amount of furniture with chrome elements is not recommended, and a combination with plastic is also undesirable.

Basic decorative elements

The Scandinavian interior welcomes the use of additional light sources, despite the presence of large windows devoid of curtains. In this regard, sconces, floor lamps and lamps are considered one of the popular elements of the decor of this room. Moreover, the more different lighting fixtures in one room, the better. So, for example, a large chandelier can be supplemented with a floor lamp or candelabra placed on the mantelpiece.

Perfectly complement the Scandinavian style with a variety of sconces, chandeliers and floor lamps at the same time

A Scandinavian-style room should combine elegance with restraint, so it is forbidden to litter the living room with knick-knacks that have no practical value. In addition, it is not customary to exhibit live plants and flowers in such a room. Instead, you can put household items or some utilitarian items, such as dishes.

Green plants and useful little things perfectly complement the Scandinavian interior.

Handmade items are also great for a Scandinavian living room. It can be sofa cushions, blankets and other textiles. Experienced designers at the same time advise using products of brown color or its shades. Can also be used in a limited number of wood crafts.

Large-knit blankets and various pillows will perfectly complement the Scandinavian interior.

As for the decoration of the walls, it should be discreet. Since the main color in the described design style is white, the walls should be the same, while it is forbidden to introduce any elements unusual for the style, such as stucco or columns. The Scandinavians have developed their own original style of interior design, so they do not tolerate borrowed elements in it. In extreme cases, it would be appropriate to place paintings or posters with scenes on the theme of nature on a perfectly flat white wall.

White walls in a Scandinavian interior can be supplemented with paintings in white frames.

Separately, it is worth mentioning the place of modern technology and electronics. Rooms decorated in Scandinavian style, in principle, welcome the use of household appliances and electronics, but at the same time it should be as “fitted into the interior of the room as possible. A situation in which the TV becomes the center of the room is not allowed, since this place should be occupied by a fireplace. Therefore, all equipment should be hidden from the eyes of guests.

Technique is usually well integrated into the Scandinavian interior.

In any case, in the Scandinavian style it is worth decorating several rooms at once. In this case, the maximum effect will be achieved. If this is not possible due to the small size of the apartment, then you can decorate the hallway, kitchen or living room in this way. They are best suited for decorating in the style described, in addition, special luxury is not required there.

In the Scandinavian style, it is better to decorate several rooms at once.

Dining room in Scandinavian style

The Scandinavian living room is very often combined with a room such as a dining room. The fact is that modern apartments do not have a large area in order to locate these premises in different rooms, so their owners have to combine the dining room and living room. The result is a very interesting solution, which is widely used in the Scandinavian school of interior design.

Advice! In any case, when a decision is made to combine the living room and dining room, both functional areas should be made in the same style.

You can separate them due to some tricks that allow you to visually distinguish between the dining room and the living room. So, furniture for receiving guests, such as a sofa, can be installed in such a way that, together with armchairs and ottomans, it forms a separate corner. In this case, some of the guests may be at the table, and some may talk to each other as part of a separate group.

Scandinavian style is a great option for combining kitchen and living room

The combination of a Scandinavian-style kitchen and living room is well suited for small spaces, as the white color visually enlarges the space.

In addition, the floors of the room can be finished in different ways. So, for example, the place under the table is made out with a laminate, and the rest of the room is parquet. You can also make the flooring in the dining area lighter and in the living area darker. This will not cause additional costs and will not take up useful space, but it will allow you to clearly distinguish exactly where the dining room is and where the living room is.

Zoning of the kitchen - living room due to flooring, furniture and ceiling

Another option for zoning may be the use of additional lighting devices. So, for example, in the place of eating, there may be more light. To do this, floor lamps are installed there, pendant lamps are placed, as well as sconces. The reception area, on the contrary, should be equipped with a small number of appliances and have subdued lighting.

As for furniture, the options for its installation can be very diverse. So, instead of a table, you can install a bar counter in the dining-living room. It does not take up much space and is ideal for a buffet. In addition, a small sideboard or hanging cupboards for storing tea utensils would be appropriate. If there is no way to place them, then racks are quite suitable for this purpose.

You can zone the kitchen-living room using a table-rack

It is also worth considering one technical nuance! The fact is that food can emit persistent odors that can stay indoors for a long time. For a living room, this is an unacceptable situation. In connection with this circumstance, it makes sense to install a more powerful ventilation system in a combined room. At the same time, it will be necessary to try to disguise it so that it does not stand out from the general interior of the living-dining room.

Scandinavian style in small living rooms

Since the Scandinavian style does not imply the presence of large areas, it is ideal for decorating rooms in standard small-sized apartments. At the same time, some of the nuances of their architecture and design are quite suitable for being used to decorate a living room in the described style. For example, they include elements of brickwork or fragments of a concrete slab painted white.

Light Scandinavian interiors are perfect for small living rooms.

The dominant color in the Scandinavian interior design is white. It visually expands the room and increases the useful area available in it, as a result, even a small-sized apartment can look large. In order to enhance the effect even more, it is necessary to use only straight, strict lines in the design of the room. In this case, the decor should be insignificant or completely absent.

As for furniture, Scandinavian living rooms can be equipped with multifunctional options. So, for example, it is good to use transformer cabinets that can be used as chairs or ottomans. An interesting way out in the absence of additional usable space can be the arrangement of the countertop on the windowsill. It can be used as a coffee table or bar.

With the help of a folding bed, you can quickly turn the living room into a bedroom

The use of mirrors can also add visual space to the room. But what should be abandoned is dark-colored furniture and finishing materials. The dark color not only visually “steals” the useful area, but also creates a mood that is not very conducive to a good rest with friends. Therefore, such tones should be used in doses, assigning them a strictly defined place, for example, in the corners of a room or on dividing functional areas.

The living room in a small room can also be equipped with such an integral attribute of a Scandinavian home as a fireplace. It can be an electric version or an imitation of it. In any case, the hearth in the room will need to be identified. This will make the room original and create a center of gravity in it.

A small Scandinavian-style living room is best designed in the spirit of minimalism.

But what should never be done in a small apartment is to clutter it with furniture. The fact is that the Scandinavian style loves space, and the living room crammed with furniture is not only functionally inconvenient, but also simply looks ugly. Try to avoid this incident, and in the event that this is not possible, transfer excess furniture to other rooms.

Often in a small apartment they combine a kitchen and a living room.

In the event that you are unable to independently design a room in the style of interior design described, it makes sense to contact a specialist in this field. The fact is that the Scandinavian style does not tolerate mixing, so it is quite difficult to decorate a room in this style without spoiling it with high-tech elements. A professional designer is able to take into account all the nuances and decorate the room in accordance with both your wishes and the canons of style.

I like

Why is minimalism today more and more often in one way or another beginning to please modern women? Personally, when I start cleaning and dusting, I dream of simple furniture and a minimum of any decorations. The simpler things are and the less superfluous, the easier it is to clean up and simply create conditions for order for your family. For working women or mothers with many children, this approach would save a lot of time. Therefore, when my husband and I began to dream a little and plan repairs, I immediately spoke about the desire to make repairs in this style. It may seem that the interior with a Scandinavian character is cold and uncomfortable. But I have always believed and will continue to believe that a lot of light and simple in the house only helps to find the right accessories and decorate rooms without clutter in them.

Where do legs grow from?

I won’t surprise anyone if I note two main style trends in general: everything is light, simple, and at the same time warm and cozy. Surprisingly, it was precisely such a tandem of completely opposite directions that made the Scandinavian style so original and unlike anything else.

Officially, this style appeared in the second half of the 19th century. But, in fact, it was gradually formed for about three centuries, step by step. At first, French design rules were methodically imposed on the Scandinavians, and English furniture gradually appeared. But the peoples of the north abandoned this foreign body in their harmonious and simple style, and therefore pretentious lines did not take root there, and luxurious fabrics became a thing of the past.

All that we now call the Scandinavian style was finally formed only in the 19th century. All its main elements fully reflect the typical features of the behavior and worldview of the inhabitants of these camps. Everything is concise, calm and understandable, but not without pleasant color moments. Therefore, it is difficult to say whether this approach is really cold. Here, whoever looks at it: who sees exactly warm natural materials and natural colors, and who hurts the eye with too much white and gray. Yes, and a lot of things are simply alien to our person, from the white floor to the absence of carpets or other decor on the walls.

What do Scandinavians breathe?

And they breathe deeply and with a full chest with a clean and bright filling of their home. Have you noticed how spacious and light a room becomes when there are no unnecessary objects and too much color load? For you and me, who like to decorate more with a characteristic breadth of soul, such a stingy decor may seem to be the result of a lack of colors and greenery. Indeed, there is not enough heat and sun in the homeland of the style, and just a lot of light colors and multi-level light make it possible to make up for this lack.

As for the decor itself, it is very much there, just not pretentious and seems to be part of the working content of the room. Color will definitely appear, but not in the abundance of paintings or figurines, but in the form of bedspreads on beds or dishes, cozy colored window frames and flowerpots. In a word, I do not agree with the opinion that the room will become cold and empty, rather spacious and light.

So, when we want to create a Scandinavian atmosphere at home, we use the following techniques in decorating and decorating the premises:

We avoid everything that is obviously modern and technical (all materials used are natural, this is wood with stone or simple ceramic tiles), the simpler the better;

Complex lines for furniture are not used here, all sofas or armchairs, and other furniture, usually low and very concise (most often the furniture is not polished, but covered with a layer of transparent varnish, sometimes white or a similar shade of paint);

As a rule, monochrome colors are used for the interior, and color spots are made from textiles, which in turn are also natural (linen and cotton, wool or very thin transparent fabrics);

As for the decoration, all frames and window frames, including straight and simple, have a lot of glass (even the windows are not covered with curtains and curtains, instead of them there is an almost transparent fabric, light and airy);

And of course a lot of lighting, from ceiling to table - as light as possible and the light is not warm yellow, but with a cool tint.

The room can be yellow, blue-blue, green - but all this is in a natural range and without fanaticism. In a word, everything is concise and at the same time not overloaded.

The use of well-established interior styles allows you to comprehensively approach the design of living space, maintaining it in an integral design format. The Scandinavian direction of arranging apartments and private houses has its own characteristics, largely due to the climatic characteristics of the region. Despite the preservation of old traditions, this style is complemented by new features. Branches from the general concept include Scandinavian minimalism in the interior, focused on optimizing design in terms of ergonomics and functionality.

General information about Scandinavian minimalism

The basis of the style was laid back in the 19th century. As the name implies, the direction originated in the northern countries - Denmark, Sweden, Norway, etc. In the middle of the 20th century, the concept underwent a transformation and received a second name - "Swedish modern". He was characterized by sophistication and a specific zest in the form of simplicity with the rejection of pretentious forms and unnecessary accents.

On this basis, the modern understanding of this style as focused on minimalism has quite logically taken shape. The frosty climate and lack of sunlight still dictate their own rules for housing design. Therefore, in addition to aesthetic properties, modern Scandinavian minimalism in the interior also requires the inclusion of functional tools aimed at creating coziness and comfort. The design features of the style should be discussed separately.

Special Style Features

Initially, the Scandinavian design of houses assumed the maximum rapprochement with nature - this also applied to the interior design with natural materials, and the general architecture of buildings, which were usually made of wood. These inclinations gave rise to a feeling of lightness, simplicity and naturalness of style. The principal quality of such housing is the minimum of luxury.

The nature of the arrangement of the premises is due to practicality and comfort. It can be noted in some sense the relationship with other conservative styles, but there is also a place for decorations that have their own specific shade in Scandinavian minimalism in the interior. Features of decorative design are associated with the neutrality and unobtrusiveness of the elements. At the same time, decor and decorations not only perform the task of setting aesthetic shades, but can also have a functional content.

In general, we can say that the style is close to the needs of an undemanding person, while each of its details is sure to be of practical use. Thus, a balanced, functional and comfortable space for living is organized.

Optimum materials to reflect style

As a rule, the most common material of this style is wood. As already noted, it is considered the basis for classic Scandinavian housing construction. Even today, centuries-old recipes for processing pine and spruce with special solutions with protective properties are used, which allow you to save houses for many years of operation.

Stone is also widely used. In addition to the construction of houses, it is used as the basis for furnace structures. Natural fabrics made of cotton, wool and linen are also used in the interior. Tiles are also made from natural clay raw materials without the inclusion of artificial and environmentally harmful components.

And yet, does Scandinavian minimalism allow the use of non-natural materials in the interior? Of course, it was the modern trend that softened this limitation for the sake of the same practicality and functionality. Items and finishing materials made of metal alloys and plastics can be used. However, environmental safety is still a mandatory requirement.

Characteristic colors

Regardless of the material or object, it is advisable to focus on neutral and calm tones in choosing a color. Win-win options are light blue, light green and white colors. However, they do not have to be dull and faded. Pastel solutions are more suitable for bedrooms, textiles and ceiling decoration. But in functional areas in the living room or in the kitchen, for a change, it is quite possible to introduce light contrasting tones with blue, orange and red.

However, bright and variegated colors should still be abandoned - they will violate the general atmosphere of calm and naturalness. Scandinavian minimalism in the interior is inherently formed by natural components. Therefore, almost all natural shades are allowed - from brown or to rich green of vegetation. The natural origin of these objects compensates for the created contrast.

Design of internal surfaces

It is recommended to stick to the traditional set of design tools. If it is possible to confine ourselves to preserving the base of the surface, then it is worth using it. The same frame allows, with proper surface treatment, to do without wall cladding. In other cases, a board, lining, parquet, plaster, patchwork paths and stretch fabrics on the ceiling can be used.

In the bathroom, you can use a neutral light blue or white tile. When it comes to wallpaper and paint, Scandinavian minimalism in the interior rarely uses these solutions. This is partly due to a deviation from the principles of naturalness, but there is also an artificiality of paintwork. They are technologically advanced and versatile in use, but the same board finish with natural patterns is more suitable for the style concept.

The choice of furniture

Furniture items most clearly reflect the character of the Scandinavian style. Products should occupy a minimum of space and, if possible, have the natural color of the material. As a rule, wood is most often the basis for furniture, and glass, metal and textiles in the color characteristic of Scandinavian minimalism in the interior can be used as separate elements. The photo below shows the design features of such items. The base is made of beech, pine and spruce, and suede, linen, cotton and genuine leather can be used for upholstery.

Lighting approach

One of the main problems of regions with a cold climate and long winters is the lack of light. Therefore, artificial lighting plays an important role in home improvement. In this regard, the style requirements are very democratic, so different types of lamps are suitable for use. For example, you can use floor lamps, chandeliers, table and wall lamps, and candles.

However, when choosing specific shapes and designs, it is still worth relying on the general requirements for both materials and color. Do not forget that Scandinavian minimalism in the interior of the house excludes bulkiness and involves the use of small forms. It is better to choose designs with thin, but functional and reliable cases. As for the lamps themselves, the style is more suited to the emission of incandescent filaments, but modern demands again force many to compromise and choose LED devices. Despite the artificiality of the luminous flux of such models, they are distinguished by a high level of energy saving, which is a significant plus and corresponds to the spirit of style.

window openings

The possibility of using natural light cannot be ruled out either. Windows should be large, so they will allow the house to fill with sunlight. If in the Scandinavian countries this possibility is limited by harsh climate conditions, then in Russia this factor is less noticeable, although, of course, it is not completely excluded in cold regions.

An important point is the technical execution of the frame. As mentioned, Scandinavian minimalism in the interior of an apartment allows the use of plastics if necessary - and this is exactly the case of practical expediency. If there are strict requirements for maintaining heat in the house, then a modern double-glazed window will be a good choice for decorating large windows. If we are talking about a warm region, then it makes no sense to abandon the classic wooden frames.

Decor elements

Scandinavian interiors involve the use of small, but original details, which also carry a certain semantic load. Not only aesthetic value is important, but also a deeper meaning for the residents themselves. For example, these can be heirlooms, homemade creations, photographs, etc. Of course, Scandinavian-style interiors cannot do without functional decorative elements. Minimalism, even with a touch of asceticism, fully allows the use of modest flower vases, mirrors with original frames, candlesticks and fleecy rugs with harmonious patterns. Decorative accents can be placed with the help of dishes if they are made of ceramics, natural clay or porcelain.

For whom is it suitable?

This style suits connoisseurs of home peace and comfort. This design also does not require large financial investments, which expands the circle of potential users. Of course, the general concept of style is rather close to country houses, which are surrounded by nature. But you can organize Scandinavian minimalism in the interior of a city apartment, if you follow the above rules for interior design.

Conclusion

With all the attractiveness and positive features of home improvement, the Scandinavian style still limits designers in the use of certain stylistic solutions. Choosing this direction, you should abandon the excessive introduction of Hi-Tech elements.

New technologies and Scandinavian minimalism in interior design contradict each other, although there is a way out of this conflict. For example, in the lines of modern manufacturers of household appliances and electronics, there are a lot of stylized models of products that are oriented just for use in traditional interiors. This style can be expressed in the form of cases made of natural material, as well as in external coatings imitating natural patterns, etc.

In any case, if we are talking about modern housing, then such compromises are simply inevitable. The main thing is to maintain a balance, maintaining a commitment to the idea of ​​Nordic minimalism, and not forgetting the comfort inherent in today.

An increasing number of our compatriots are looking at the Scandinavian style when planning the renovation of a private house or apartment. The versatility, simplicity, practicality and beauty of the style of the Scandinavian countries also attracts attention with its accessibility in terms of design solutions. The advantage of using the motives of the Scandinavian countries when decorating a home is that the owners of apartments and private households can cope with the main tasks on their own. The idea of ​​​​creating a practical, cozy, but at the same time rather modest design of residential apartments also attracts with its relevance to our latitudes. In the Scandinavian countries, as well as in our country, quite severe winters occur, most of the cold season outside the window is damp and cloudy. That is why the inhabitants of the Nordic countries are so fond of filling their homes with light, decorating the premises mainly in white tones and placing bright accents in the resulting interiors. Let's try to apply a modest, but at the same time cozy aesthetics to the design of Russian city and country apartments.

Distinctive features of Scandinavian style

Despite its obvious originality, almost everyone likes the Scandinavian style. Yes, and it is difficult to imagine an owner who would not want to see his home decorated with such simplicity and practicality, lightness and modesty. But at the same time, the desire to create a comfortable, beautiful and modern design of an apartment or a private house is not alien to the style of the Scandinavian countries.

The main motives for decorating a room in the Scandinavian style include the following:

• The main task of creating an interior in the Scandinavian style is to provide the room with the maximum amount of natural light. The space itself can be small, but it must have sufficiently large windows. The importance of natural lighting in the aesthetics of the Scandinavian peoples is difficult to overestimate;
• active use of white in the decoration of the room. A snow-white ceiling and in almost all cases a similar tone for the walls are a characteristic feature of the design of the space in the Scandinavian style. This approach ensures the maximum spread of light in the room - the sun's rays are reflected from snow-white surfaces and spread over the entire area of ​​​​the room;
• the use of predominantly natural materials - wood for finishing and making furniture, ceramics and stone for facing surfaces that need special protection, the use of leather, fur and natural textiles (cotton, linen) for decorative drapery. If you decide to use artificial analogues of natural materials, then they should ideally imitate natural raw materials;
• the use of an open plan in the design of most rooms - the dining room is connected to the kitchen and very often to the dining room, the bedroom is combined with an office, and sometimes a library without any partitions. This approach allows you to maximize the feeling of spaciousness and provide all the functional areas of the space with natural light;
• the use of simple but functional furniture. Exceptionally comfortable, but at the same time modest design - a hallmark of the style of the Scandinavian peoples;
• no hint of luxury and wealth - the main task of any element of the interior is its practical use. Even decorative items (of which there are few in a Scandinavian-style room) carry a functional load;
• in a bright room there are one or two bright accents - it can be a piece of furniture or textiles, a large indoor plant or wall decor (colorful paintings, family photos in bright frames);
• and last, but not least, the criterion for using the Scandinavian style in drawing up the design of the room - the interior should be a reflection of the character of a person, should, first of all, serve his needs, reflect the concept of the owners of the home about beauty, comfort, coziness and aesthetics.

Color palette - use the play of light

The fact that the Scandinavian style gravitates towards the active use of white is known even to a homeowner who is not enlightened in the field of design. The snow-white ceiling and walls are the hallmark of the style of the Nordic countries. This finish performs several significant functions at once - it visually expands the space, promotes the spread of sunlight and serves as an ideal background for placing color accents. On a white background, almost any furniture looks impressive, even soft decor elements and indoor plants.

Using a combination of white and black (dark gray in some cases) with wood surfaces will help you form the basis for creating a Scandinavian interior. No need to puzzle over the choice of shades and their harmonious combination - white and black colors are ideal for creating a contrasting design (of course, white tone prevails, and black acts as a dosed accent). Wooden surfaces perfectly dilute this contrasting duo, bringing natural warmth to the atmosphere of the room. Most often, light-colored wood (pine, oak, ash) is used for flooring and as a raw material for the manufacture of furniture - tables and chairs, bookcases and other storage systems.

Despite the total love of the Scandinavian style for the use of white, creating absolutely bright rooms is not the goal. Color accents are necessary for our eyes, a person of any age needs to periodically focus his eyes on bright details, interior elements. Against a light background, one piece of large furniture (a sofa or an armchair) or a couple of small interior elements (curtains, a bedspread, a coffee table or a bedside table) will look contrasting and bright.

Examples of room design in the Scandinavian style

Living room

For any homeowner, the living room is the heart of the house, the common room where the whole family gathers in the evenings and on weekends gatherings with friends and relatives are arranged. Of course, you want to decorate such a space with maximum comfort and coziness. But at the same time, it is desirable to maintain the practicality of the interior, ease of use of interior items and ease of cleaning. Scandinavian style perfectly combines all these qualities. At the same time, the design looks modern, remaining relevant for many years. The cost of using natural materials for finishing the room and arranging the space with furniture will pay off not only with the attractive appearance of the interior, but also with its durability. If the appearance of the room gets boring in a year or two, it is easy to change it with the help of accessories, decor. Replacing only a picture on the wall or sofa cushions with colorful, bright specimens, you will radically change the perception of the entire living room.

In Scandinavian-style rooms, you can often see window openings devoid of any drapery. Such a choice is conscious - in order to receive the maximum amount of natural light in the room, the sun's rays should not encounter any obstacles in their path, even the thinnest tulle as an element of window decoration. If in the bedroom such a design technique can meet the reasonable dissatisfaction of the owners, then in the living room space it is quite applicable for the apartments of our compatriots.

Snow-white ceiling and walls, flooring in the form of parquet or boards, upholstered furniture with natural upholstery (mostly linen or cotton), light coffee tables or coasters, a couple of indoor plants and the interior of a comfortable and at the same time modern living room is ready. As accents, you can use sofa cushions or lighting fixtures - bright, but simple in design, floor lamps or table lamps do an excellent job with the task, not to mention the functions performed by illuminating the space in the dark.

In order to organize a home library in a Scandinavian-style living room, it is enough to place an open bookcase along one of the walls. The simplest and most practical design of open shelves will be the best option for organizing book storage systems. Whether it's a wood shelving unit or a white-painted metal structure, the Scandinavian style will successfully embrace any integration.

Kitchen and dining room

A Scandinavian-style kitchen is most often the already familiar “play” of white and black with wooden surfaces. The combination of light finishes and wooden facades of the kitchen set with dark decorative elements or a ceramic tile pattern on the backsplash allows you to create a modern, but at the same time cozy and practical interior. In such a kitchen space, everyone will be cozy, light and comfortable, and the hostess (owner) will not have to spend a lot of time and effort on cleaning. The principle of practicality and functionality, enclosed in an attractive external shell, is most appropriately used in the kitchen room - an incredibly busy space in terms of the options performed by any home.

Scandinavian style is perfect for decorating standard and superior apartments. In modern apartments, the kitchen is most often a studio, which houses not only a working and dining area, but also functional segments of the living room. With this approach to the organization of living space, a very modest area is often allocated for a kitchen set. In such a situation, the observance of maximum practicality and functionality of all elements of the kitchen space comes to the fore. The light colors used in the decoration and furnishing of this segment of the dwelling, as well as the dosed use of wooden surfaces and dark accents, contribute to the visual enlargement of the room.

But even a small kitchen space can be decorated using Scandinavian style motifs. After all, the snow-white tone and wooden surfaces as a color and texture accent, so beloved by the style of the Scandinavian countries, do an excellent job of visually increasing the volume of the room.

The kitchen space, designed in Scandinavian style, perfectly integrates household appliances made in retro style. These can be both bright models of household appliances, acting as a color accent on the light background of the kitchen interior, and appliances in pastel colors that match the overall color scheme.

Bedroom

A Scandinavian-style bedroom is a spacious and bright room with light finishes and a minimal set of furniture and decor. A comfortable bed, a pair of compact bedside tables or tables, table lamps or wall sconces, and modest storage systems for the owners' wardrobe. Scandinavian style stands for simplicity and comfort, which is why instead of built-in wardrobes, ordinary floor or ceiling-mounted clothes hangers are often used. Open shelving for books can be placed above the head of the bed or along a free wall.

The design technique of highlighting the accent wall is not alien to the style of the Scandinavian peoples. But in such bedrooms wallpaper is very rarely used - decorative plaster or even painting in one tone acts as a finishing material. Both the plane behind the head of the bed and the wall located perpendicular to it can act as an accent wall. A wall hung with bright photos or artwork can act as an accent.

Nothing contributes to creating a cozy and comfortable atmosphere in a room for sleeping and relaxing like the presence of interior elements made of natural wood. The flooring, the main piece of furniture - the bed and additional furniture will look great on a light background of decoration. At the same time, it is possible to create a similar interior in a budget version, using furniture from chain stores such as Ikea.

As part of the Scandinavian style, it is very easy to use elements of country style and even garden furniture. For example, in the bedroom, you can use wicker baskets as storage systems for books, magazines, and sundries. And near the window, install a snow-white rattan chair and a light table-stand. Artificially aged interior items or elements of the living space that have “reached the right condition” in a natural way will also organically fit into a simple but cozy Scandinavian-style bedroom design.

Children's room

The versatility of the Scandinavian style is manifested not only in the fact that its main motifs can be used both for urban dwellings and for country apartments. For example, to decorate a children's room in a Scandinavian style, you can use even modest-sized rooms, but with an important caveat - the window in such a space should be large and provide the room with the maximum amount of sunlight. The advantage of using the concept of the Scandinavian style when decorating a nursery is that the interior can be transformed depending on the growing up of the baby, adjusting it to new preferences and acquired skills. On snow-white walls, you can place decor that will match the age and interests of the child, changing it without much loss for the family budget. Wooden furniture is an ideal option for arranging a nursery in terms of safety for humans and the environment. And bright accents in the bright interior of a room for a boy or girl can be toys, books and textile design of the space.

In a Scandinavian-style children's room, it is important to leave as much free space as possible for active play. The feeling of spaciousness is necessary not only for the comfort of the child, but also to maintain the concept of the style of the Scandinavian peoples. The use of bunk beds in the case of two children living in a room becomes the best option for breading furniture. But a loft bed can be a good way out for one child - in the lower part of such a structure there can be storage systems, a workplace or an area for creative work.

It is customary to decorate rooms for newborns in light, pastel colors to create the most relaxed atmosphere in which it will be calm and comfortable, especially for parents. After all, the little owner of the premises still pays little attention to the environment and focuses mainly on the psychological state of the mother. Predominantly light finishes and the use of exclusively natural materials, so important for the Scandinavian style, incredibly clearly reflect the requirements for the design of spaces for young children. And you can arrange color accents with the help of toys, pictures on the walls and colorful textiles for decorating a crib or window openings.

Cabinet

In modern apartments of urban or country type, the office rarely appears as an isolated room. Most often, a home office is a small area occupied in the living room or bedroom. To organize the working sector, you need very little - a compact desk or console that is conveniently attached to the wall and open shelves for storing stationery, books and documents. For a Scandinavian style that does not tolerate luxury and kitsch, this way of arranging a mini-office at home is ideal.

Bathroom

A room for taking water procedures, made in the Scandinavian style, should be bright, as spacious as possible (as far as the layout of modern bathrooms allows) and, of course, functional. Using a combination of light ceiling and wall finishes with dark floors helps to create a visual illusion of increasing space and at the same time fills the interior with clarity and constructiveness. In addition, against the dark background of the flooring, snow-white plumbing looks especially impressive.

In a bathroom designed in the style of the Scandinavian peoples, it is difficult to do without the use of wooden surfaces. After all, it is the woody natural pattern that brings that warmth and comfort to the atmosphere of the room, which the urban dweller needs so much. Most often, wood (treated with special antiseptics and protective varnishes) is used for the manufacture of storage systems, sometimes for the execution of countertops around sinks and even trim elements in places with the least exposure to moisture.

In order to dilute the snow-white idyll of bathroom decoration, you can use patterned ceramic tiles to finish the backsplash above the sink and bathtub or as flooring. The room will not look colorful if the ornament is present only on one surface, and the rest of the planes appear in a light design.

Auxiliary premises

Entering an apartment or home ownership, decorated in the Scandinavian style, you will see the simplicity and practicality of the design in the hallway, successfully harmonizing with the beauty and ease of execution. Simple and clear forms, straight lines and modesty of the situation - this is what will definitely catch your eye. Only the necessary storage systems in the most concise design. The decoration of the hallway and corridors is extremely practical - the use of light colors does not mean problems with cleaning, washable surfaces do not cause much trouble to the owners.

The use of the three main surface finishes – white, black and wood – is not alien to the design of ancillary spaces such as hallways, corridors, stairwells, pantries and terraces. Combining these contrasting surfaces with a dosed use of dark tones allows you to create an original look for rooms even with the simplest layout and minimal furniture.

Tsugunov Anton Valerievich

Reading time: 6 minutes

A Scandinavian-style apartment has recently become a design dream of many of our compatriots. With all its originality, simplicity and sophisticated beauty, it looks appropriate both in luxury apartments and in a one-room apartment, while leaving wide scope for creativity and self-realization.

Origin of direction

This interior style owes its appearance to King Gustav III, ruling at the beginning of the 18th century, during whose reign science, art and culture received a powerful impetus. Thanks to the royal will, the Empire style, widespread in Europe, took root in this northern country. Over time, due to cultural and geographical features, it acquired some characteristic national features, turning into the so-called "Swedish Empire".

The priorities of the inhabitants of these harsh lands were comfort, safety, reliability and warmth. Gradually, these qualities replaced excessive decorative excesses, pomposity and luxury, putting modest aesthetics, functionality and simplicity at the forefront.

Since the middle of the last century, the Scandinavian interior has begun to find more and more recognition among the general public, and it has not died out even today.

Scandinavian Style Motifs

To better understand the philosophy of this design direction, we suggest learning the features of the Scandinavian style in the interior.

Colour

Having started a Scandinavian-style renovation, be prepared for the fact that now you will be surrounded by an abundance of white surfaces that lighten the surrounding space and give its owners a sense of intoxicating serenity.

In addition to boiling white, the Scandinavian style prefers calm, natural colors - light shades of green, yellow, gray, beige and blue.

The originality and originality of the interior will give a few bright accents.

Favorite materials

The Scandinavian interior prefers naturalness not only in colors, but also in the materials used. Therefore, forget about plastic and chipboard, you should now be surrounded by wood, stone, fur, leather. If you cannot do without man-made materials, try to select those that will skillfully imitate their natural counterparts.

Furnishings

A Scandinavian-style room should be furnished exclusively with natural wood furniture. The upholstery is chosen in pastel colors, it is permissible to combine materials for it.

Lighting

Natural light is an important design element, so a key feature in a Scandinavian style is having large, wood-framed windows that let in natural light. This feature makes thick, heavy curtains and curtains out of place, choose a light fabric that transmits light well, or refuse them altogether.

But the absence of huge half-wall windows is not a reason to abandon the embodiment of the Scandinavian style in the interior. Well-designed artificial lighting will help make up for the lack of daylight. Equip your apartment with versatile lamps: chandeliers, floor lamps, sconces, lamps and even candles. They can be completely different in shape and color, but at the same time they will not get out of the general style of the interior.

surfaces

Walls and floors in the Scandinavian style should be decorated with natural shades. For walls, it is preferable to use light, pastel colors. Often there is white or beige plaster, as well as sheathing one wall or part of it with wood panels. A Scandinavian-style toilet often boasts light blue or white tiles.

The ceiling can only be snow-white. Wooden floors can be decorated with plain carpets or stylized patchwork runners, making the environment more homely, family and cozy.

Decor

The whole world has heard about Scandinavian minimalism, so when designing interiors, only the most necessary accessories are selected in a very limited amount. Give preference to natural materials, glass, ceramics. The peoples inhabiting these lands have always been close to the sea, so such a theme will always be appropriate. For example, the interiors of apartments can be decorated with paintings or photographs depicting the expanses of the sea.

accents

The abundance of white can evoke associations with a hospital, so the design move to revive the Scandinavian style in the interior of an apartment is to place bright color accents. Any small object, made in contrasting colors, will thereby become a breath of good mood and vivacity. It can be a green pillow on a white sofa, a blue lampshade on a lamp, photo frames painted in different colors. The main thing is to stop in time and not overdo it.

Furnishing an apartment in the spirit of northern peoples

Renovating an apartment in a Scandinavian style is one of the most rational decisions that a modern city dweller can make. Due to its conciseness, democracy and not pretentiousness, Scandinavian design will help save significant money and time for its implementation.

• , will become the heart of any home, a place for the whole family to gather. Therefore, the surrounding space should be designed as comfortable and cozy as possible. Durability, convenience and attractiveness of the interior will pay off all the costs of natural materials. It will be possible to diversify the boring atmosphere by simply changing a few sofa cushions or a picture on the wall. The interior design of the living room in the Scandinavian style is a snow-white ceiling, light walls and flooring in natural wood tones.

• . The design of the Scandinavian-style apartment suggests that this room will first of all be as functional as possible. In terms of color scheme, the contrast of white trim and a dark ceramic apron is most often found here, entering into tandem with natural wood furnishings.

An apartment with a Scandinavian-style kitchen-studio, divided into working and dining areas, will fit perfectly into modern reality.

• , more than other rooms, minimalism in the interior is inherent. The main features of such a room are a simple finish, a minimum of furniture and decor.

• A Scandinavian-style office in modern urban reality is rarely an isolated room. A more realistic option is a comfortable, functional space allocated in the living room or bedroom, in which it is pleasant to be and work.

A Scandinavian-style workplace is a compact desk or console attached to the wall with open shelves for storing necessary stationery and books.

• The bathroom, decorated in Scandinavian style, is spacious, bright, with maximum functionality of the space. It also features combinations of light wall finishes and dark floors. A Scandinavian-style toilet is usually characterized by concise forms, environmentally friendly textures and the maximum possible use of natural materials.

• Ancillary spaces, such as a corridor, pantry or Scandinavian-style balcony, are characterized by the maximum moderation in furnishings and simplicity of form. They are not clogged with rubbish and useless garbage. Everything you need is placed in convenient and concise storage systems.

Design of small apartments

Not everyone is lucky with large apartments, but the Scandinavian style in the interior of small apartments looks extremely organic, allowing you to make the most of the available space, even if you own only a modest one-room apartment.

On the net you can find many examples of how to introduce Scandinavian style into the interior of small apartments, photos will tell you a lot of ideas. To implement them, use our advice.

1. A small Scandinavian-style apartment should delight with white wall decoration, so you can visually lighten and expand the space.
2. in Scandinavian style will turn even the most modest property into a modern, stylish space. Don't be afraid of remodeling.
3. Let natural light fill the rooms, Scandinavian style in a city apartment involves minimal decor and draping of window openings.
4. Bright accents, large or small color spots are also inherent in the Scandinavian style, a lot of photos on the Internet will tell you interesting solutions.