Often times I am asked – How would you describe your design style? For the longest time I never knew how to pinpoint it! Is it farmhouse? No. Modern? Nope. Traditional? Not really. I stumbled upon the term “Scandinavian design” a few months back – Once I looked it up I said to myself “YES! That’s my style exactly!”
Before diving into what Scandinavian style actually is let me say this – Not every room in our home can be categorized as “Scandinavian”. My style has changed over the past few years. When we first bought our home I was digging the farmhouse look (weren’t we all?) Now I am into the Scandinavian look. The most recently rooms in our home I’ve designed do favor scandi-style more-so than others. However, I can’t afford to update every inch of our home when my style changes (which tends to be often) so I pick and choose certain areas and/or rooms and update them overtime.
What is Scandinavian Design?
Scandinavian design is marked by clean lines, simplicity, and warmth. Scandi homes have lots of natural elements – Plants, wood tones, and lighter / natural hardwoods. They are also marked by high contrast pieces (i.e. white / gray walls with black and neutral elements). Scandi homes are light bright yet cozy – With lots of texture!
When company comes over I’ve noticed a theme in their comments about our home – People tend to comment on how minimalistic our house looks while still being cozy. A theme I notice in scandi homes is intentional placement. Everything is intentionally placed in the home without looking clutter-y. When I go shopping for things in our home I am VERY intentional in what I buy. I never buy something to simply fill a space. I buy with intent and purpose. I would much rather wait months to find the perfect piece than impulse buy something I don’t love to simply fill a space.
I Want to Move Towards a Scandinavian Style Home but Don’t Know Where to Start!
You can start to add Scandinavian style to your home by bringing the outdoors in! Go outside, clip some greenery and stick it in a vase! Every room needs greenery. Better yet – Go buy a handful of house plants!
Next, de-clutter your space. Clear off tabletops, take down the busy gallery wall with mixed and match frames covering your living room wall, and ensure everything has a home.
Get to painting – Scandi style is all about light, bright, airy spaces! Grab a couple gallons of paint and paint the walls a light shade of gray or white (yes, white is a color)! Create a light and bright space and THEN we will focus on adding statement pieces with INTENTION!
How to Add Scandinavian Elements to Your Home
Like I mentioned – Scandi-Style is all about intentionality. I’ve found several home decor pieces that make adding scandal elements to your home super easy! These pieces all have high contrast (when paired with your clean, white / gray walls), lots of texture, and/or natural elements. Take a look at your space, keep minimalism in mind, and purchase a few pieces that will make a big impact!
Our dining room for example – Rather than purchasing 20 frames of all different styles to fill the wall. I saved and purchased THIS gallery wall. These frames are minimal, intentionally placed, and add warmth / coziness to the space (I mean, what’s more cozy-feeling that sweet newborn pictures? The answer: NOTHING.)
Scadi-style in our home
Alright! Take a look at the items below – And remember, you’re shopping with PURPOSE!
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