Decorating Around the World: Scandinavian Style

Individuals from the Nordic countries of Sweden, Denmark and Norway have produced some methods of maximizing light round. Luckily, winter is somewhat briefer here in the Northeast, where I live, but I am still excited to steal some excellent tips from these experts to lighten my winter home. Clean-lined furnishings colors, light and a notable absence of clutter describe the look.

Jeanette Lunde

It is all about the lighting. Jeanette Lunde’s cheerful and bright home in Norway is a superb example of Scandinavian style. Pale washes of colour on walls and floors, sheer drapes, mirrors and glass accents helps optimize and reflect light.

Keep clutter. Benita Larsson of Chez Larsson is arranged; a glance at any part of her Stockholm apartment shows tons of tips on getting on top of clutter. Notice how she uses matching white storage containers, neat cubbyholes and refreshing colors of green and yellow to create this perfectly pulled-together nook.

Simple living. In Larsson’s living space, knickknacks are kept to a minimal. Big furniture is white, with colour coming from the brilliant aqua wall and citrus-colored cushions. Many Scandinavian homes appear to follow this general guideline of keeping primary furnishings white (or pale neutral) and switching the accents up seasonally. In winter, bring in hot knits, candles and fairy lights.

Sort and conquer. For those not hooked on organizing, this might look like an ordinary laundry space. But Larsson’s laundry area is the sort of we neat freaks drool over. White canvas and wood bins to sort, an ample work surface for folding and a galvanized pail to decant laundry soap impart a calm sense of order.

Jeanette Lunde

Vibrant and white. Yes, Nordic homes do often use a lot of white, and with good reason. During those long, cold winters when the sun just rises in the skies, white floors and walls paired with large windows cheer up even the smallest of spaces. And you can’t go wrong with white. It goes with everything.

Jeanette Lunde

Pastel cheer. Brand New spring green, crisp white trim and pale blue-gray floors in Jeanette Lunde’s home prove that light improving need not mean all white. In fact, I favor these soft, uplifting pastels and brights . It gives nearly the exact same impact but with a subtle mood increase.

Keep arranged in tight spaces. Keeping things neat and organized is definitely part of the Scandinavian aesthetic. Josina Bergsøe’s home in Denmark is a fantastic example of utilizing even the tightest space to squeeze into additional storage. In case you’ve got a hard space like a sloped ceiling or tiny alcove beneath the stairs, consider having a professional install cabinets or shelves. It often costs less than you may think, and the improved use of space is well worth it.

LASC Studio

Woods and fresh air. Homes in Scandinavia draw inspiration from nature, with organic finishes on wood furniture, neat stacks of firewood with efficient little stoves and large doorways that can be flung open in good weather.

LASC Studio

Open insides. Copenhagen-based architecture company LASC Studio remodeled this escape cabin in Österlen, Sweden, together with the nation landscape in mind. The interior has been opened, allowing light to flow through the space, and finishes were kept simple in rustic pine, whitewash and glowing blue.

Splendid Willow

Bring it all home. Have a cue from Swedish expat Monika Claassen and deliver a little bit of Scandinavian style into your home, wherever you live. Claassen now lives in Washington state, but she asserts a Scandinavian sensibility in the way she decorates, from the chalky grays and whites into the rustic woods and layers of texture.

Tell us: Are you really a lover of Nordic design? What appeals to you about this look?

More:
A Joyous Home at Norway
Simple Luxury at a Swedish Retreat

See related

Comments are closed.