The Nordic countries built a way of living around long, cold, dark winters. What came out of it is an interior style that is sustainable because it is simple, and simple because it had to be.
The Scandinavian way of interior design and home décor consists of living a life without too much interference of the factors from the outside. People have devised ways and means of living a simple yet comfortable life.
Here are seven ways to bring that look into a London home.
1. The flooring
People living in Scandinavian countries do not cherish wall to wall carpeting in their homes and living spaces. From the very beginning, the Scandinavian lifestyle consists of houses having wooden floors in light colours.
“Scandinavian lifestyle consists of houses having wooden floors in light colours.”
2. Muted colours
To create a real Nordic look in your home, you should use very light colours, mostly whites, and greys, on your walls and furnishings. These cool-toned shades can be complemented with bright coloured accessories and bold patterns from various Scandinavian artists.
“You should use very light colours, mostly whites, and greys, on your walls and furnishings.”
3. Use of wooden materials
Wood is a primary interior décor material used in most of the Scandinavian homes and buildings. Use it on wall panelling, dropped ceilings and anywhere the eye lands. Left natural, it adds warmth and texture that paint cannot.
“Wood is a primary interior décor material.”
4. Clean lines and straight cuts
A prominent characteristic of the Scandinavian architecture is straight clean lines with definite geometric shapes and objects. A similar pattern is followed in furniture and other room accessories.
“Straight, clean lines.”
5. A fireplace is essential
Being colder than most other parts of the world, people living in Scandinavian countries, love sitting around fireplaces and enjoying with family and friends. Although new mechanisms and modern means of heating systems have been developed, having a small fireplace in one corner is a must for the real Nordic look.
“Having a small fireplace in one corner is a must for the real Nordic look.”
6. Declutter
The Scandinavian Sustainability look is famous for its simplicity and cleanliness. Unlike the Victorian décor practices, it requires you to follow a minimalistic approach. To produce a similar look in your house, you need to declutter on a large scale. Cut down on unnecessary objects and accessories.
7. Use of natural light
The Scandinavian way of living promotes eco-friendliness and the use of natural light in your homes. Large windows bring the daylight and the view in, which is most of the effect. Avoid thick curtains and leave the windows undressed.
“Leave the windows undressed.”
Wrap up
Large windows, daylight, airy rooms in white and grey, and warm wood underfoot and on the walls. That is the whole recipe, and none of it is expensive on its own.
Our in-house interior designers specify this work on London houses every week. Tell us about the rooms you want to change.
Published 21 October 2020. Written by the NU Projects studio, edited since for house style and accuracy.