Decorating Around the World: Scandinavian Style
Lighten up with soft colors, thoughtful tidiness, and the freshness of the outdoors
Houzz Contributor. You can also find me on Lolalina (http://www.lolalina.com/), my blog devoted to all of the things that make a house a home - decorating from the heart, living with intention, and savoring life's simple pleasures.
Houzz Contributor. You can also find me on Lolalina (http://www.lolalina.com/),... More »
People in the Scandinavian countries of Sweden, Denmark and Norway have come up with some really ingenious ways of maximizing light all year round. Thankfully, winter is a bit shorter here in the Northeast, where I live, but I am still excited to steal a few excellent tips from these pros to lighten up my winter home. Light, refreshing colors, clean-lined furnishings and a notable absence of clutter characterize the Scandinavian look.
by Jeanette Lunde
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It's all about the light. Jeanette Lunde's bright and cheerful home in Norway is a wonderful example of Scandinavian style. Pale washes of color on walls and floors, sheer curtains, mirrors and glass accents all help to maximize and reflect light.
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Keep clutter at bay. Benita Larsson of Chez Larsson is supremely organized; a look at any corner of her Stockholm apartment reveals tons of tips on getting on top of clutter. Note how she uses matching white storage boxes, neat cubbyholes and fresh shades of green and yellow to create this perfectly pulled-together nook.
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| Simple living. In Larsson's living room, knickknacks are kept to a minimum. Large furniture is white, with color coming from the vibrant aqua wall and citrus-colored cushions. Many Scandinavian homes seem to follow this general guideline of keeping main furnishings white (or pale neutral) and switching up the accents seasonally. In winter, bring in extra candles, warm knits and fairy lights. |
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Sort and conquer. For those not addicted to organizing, this may look like an ordinary laundry room. But for the initiated, Larsson's laundry room is the sort of simple chic 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 serene sense of order.
by Jeanette Lunde
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Bright and white. Yes, Scandinavian homes do tend to use a lot of white, and with good reason. During those long, cold winters when the sun barely rises in the sky, white floors and walls paired with large windows cheer up even the smallest of spaces. And really, you can't go wrong with white. It goes with everything.
by Jeanette Lunde
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Pastel cheer. Fresh spring green, crisp white trim and pale blue-gray floors in Jeanette Lunde's home prove that light enhancing need not mean all white. In fact, I prefer these soft, uplifting pastels and brights to a stark white interior. It gives nearly the same effect but with a subtle mood boost.
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| Keep organized in tight spaces. Keeping things neat and organized is definitely part of the Scandinavian aesthetic. Josina Bergsøe's home in Denmark is a great example of using even the tightest space to squeeze in extra storage. If you have a challenging space like a sloped ceiling or tiny alcove beneath the stairs, consider having a pro install shelves or cabinets. It often costs less than you might think, and the improved use of space is worth it. |
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by LASC Studio
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| Woods and fresh air. Homes in Scandinavia draw inspiration from nature, with natural finishes on wood furniture, neat stacks of firewood beside efficient little stoves and large doors that can be flung open in good weather. |
by LASC Studio
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Open interiors. Copenhagen-based architecture firm LASC Studio remodeled this retreat cottage in Österlen, Sweden, with the country landscape in mind. The interior was opened up, allowing light to flow through the space, and finishes were kept simple in rustic pine, whitewash and bright blue.
by Splendid Willow
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Bring it home. Take a cue from Swedish expat Monika Claassen and bring a bit of Scandinavian style into your home, wherever you live. Claassen now lives in Washington state, but she maintains a Scandinavian sensibility in the way she decorates, from the chalky grays and whites to the rustic woods and layers of texture.
Tell us: Are you a fan of Scandinavian style? What appeals to you about this look?
More:
Houzz Tour: A Joyous Home in Norway
Houzz Tour: Simple Luxury at a Swedish Retreat
Tell us: Are you a fan of Scandinavian style? What appeals to you about this look?
More:
Houzz Tour: A Joyous Home in Norway
Houzz Tour: Simple Luxury at a Swedish Retreat
Ideabook updated on Feb. 19, 2012.
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Thank you so much for including my humble kitchen nook in this lovely round-up. A lot of talent out there!
The baskets are handmade in Africa. I love incorporating travel memories in all my rooms. My style is eclectic but I always go back to my Scandinavian roots. The sheep pelt on the bench for instance, is a Swedish must have. (Authentic "Gotland pelt".). Gray of course (a key Swedish design color)!
Happy new week.
Mon