Bring the light and minimalist style of Scandinavia into your holiday home with these 17 tips for creating a bright, airy, and relaxed vibe.
Embrace Neutral Tones
Stick to a neutral palette of whites, greys, and natural wood tones. Scandinavian style relies on clean, pared-back hues to create a sense of calm and openness. Paint walls white or off-white, use light wooden floorboards, and opt for furniture in shades of grey, cream or taupe.
Source Quality Textiles
Add warmth with natural fabrics and textures like cotton, linen, jute and sheepskin. Layer chunky knits, cosy woven throws, sheepskin rugs and linen curtains to soften hard edges and surfaces. Quality crafted textiles in neutral tones are a hallmark of Scandinavian homes.
Choose Tactile Accessories
Accessories in natural materials create an inviting tactile feel. Place carved wooden bowls and trays, rattan baskets, stoneware jugs and ceramic tableware around the home. Simple ceramics, glassware and accessories in raw materials have an organic artisanal feel that adds rustic texture.
Let In Lots of Natural Light
Maximise natural light through large windows, skylights or clerestory windows. Whitewash walls and ceilings to further amplify ambient light. Use pale reflective surfaces like marble, light wood and mirrors to bounce light around interior spaces.
Add Pops of Colour
Use bright pops of colour in accessories, art and plants to add vibrancy. Vivid hues like azure blue, sunny yellow, verdant green and reddish-orange introduce playfulness. Cluster colourful objects together for maximum impact.
Display Houseplants
Lush leafy houseplants instantly liven up any space and purify indoor air. Group an assortment of species in natural terracotta pots for an earthy feel. Place smaller plants in hanging planters, on shelves or window sills.
Choose Blonde Wood Furniture
Blonde woods like ash, beech, oak, elm and birch align with the Scandinavian aesthetic. Seek out stripped-back, minimal pieces that allow the natural grain to shine through. Slender tapered table legs add delicacy while open shelving keeps things airy.
Add Pops of Pattern
Inject visual interest with touches of graphic print and pattern. Make small patterned statements with cushions, blankets, tableware or curtains. Black and white geometric designs, folksy florals and polka dot prints work nicely.
Create Display Shelves
Give treasured objects prominence with open shelving and curated displays. Showcase collections of books, ceramics, glassware or artistic objects. Floating shelves mounted on walls keep floor space clutter-free.
Source Vintage Furnishings
Scour flea markets, auctions and second-hand shops for charming vintage Scandinavian pieces. Seek out iconic brands like Artek, Fritz Hansen and FDB Møbler. Vintage rugs, lighting and furniture add authenticity.
Embrace Minimalism
Practise restraint and keep decorative embellishments to a minimum. Too many furnishings or objects clutter the clean Scandinavian aesthetic. Declutter surfaces and remove non-essential items to create sense of space and calm.
Add Wool & Hide Rugs
Sisal, coir, wool and animal hide rugs add warmth and texture underfoot. Look for stripped-back untreated hides or woven dhurries. Layer natural fibre rugs on top of wall-to-wall carpets.
Use Natural Materials
Crafted from natural renewable materials like timber, stone, leather and wool, Scandinavian furniture and objects age beautifully. Source authentic Danish, Swedish or Finnish design pieces made sustainably from organic materials.
Install Wall Panelling
Painted timber wall panelling lends texture and visual interest. Use wide planks or narrow vertical battens stained in soft greyish or whitewashed shades. Panelling framed with clean lines feels distinctly Scandinavian.
Embrace Hygge Living
Create cosy ‘hygge’ spaces for relaxing and socialising. Arrange comfortable armchairs and sofas around a fireplace. Place candles throughout the home and use warm lighting in evenings. Focus on meaningful connection.
Conclusion
With an emphasis on pared-back minimalism, natural materials and abundant light, the Scandinavian design aesthetic promotes tranquillity and comfort. Embrace neutrals, add pops of colour, source quality textiles and focus on clean, functional furnishings for an inviting nordic vibe. Practising ‘hygge’ principles of cosiness and togetherness completes the bright, serene Scandinavian holiday home.
