Written for Daily Scandinavian by Karoline Gore
When you think of Scandinavian interior design it is very possible that ‘Ikea’ is the first thing that comes to mind. The Swedish furniture giant is without a doubt the epitome of stylish interior design and with very good reason. Here, Karoline Gore is looking at 3 ways to incorporate Scandinavian interior design into your home.
Scandinavian interior design is taking the world by storm with its neutral colors, sleek forms, and minimalistic approach to décor. There is no shortage of renowned interior designers including Elisabeth Heier and Johanna Bradford who will effortlessly transform any living space into a design masterpiece. Alternatively, you can decide on the design yourself and simply rope in the necessary contractors where needed. There are countless ways, such as the following in which you can add traditional Scandinavian design elements to your home.
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Declutter your living spaces
If you want to give your home interior a Scandinavian makeover you need to start by decluttering. Getting rid of any unnecessary furnishings will give your rooms the open, minimalist feel that is typical of a home in Scandinavia. All spaces within the home must be well-utilized without any redundant pieces of furniture or décor. Storage spaces are functional and unobtrusive and do not detract from the peaceful, well-organized interior. Having white walls light floors and neutral-colored furnishings with only a few pops of color add to the serenity of a room and is one of the easiest ways to give your living quarters a traditional Scandinavian makeover.
A fireplace is an absolute must!
Whether you have smart temperature control installed or not, a fireplace is an absolute must in a Scandinavian home during winter. While a fireplace may take center stage in a typical American home the same is not the case in Scandinavia where they were typically only installed for heating and cooking purposes. Even today, Scandinavian fireplaces are typically found in the corner of a room despite them becoming somewhat more ornate in recent years. A modern, sleek fireplace will not only add heat and charm to a room but can also increase your property value while acting as an interesting conversation piece. There are countless fireplaces to choose from ranging from understated, free-standing mini fireplaces to more elaborate brick hearths with intricate details.
What is a home without a sauna?
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Saunas are popular – especially in Finland
Saunas are extremely popular in Scandinavian homes with it being estimated that there are more than 3.3 million of them in Finland* alone. Whereas saunas in the USA are generally associated with health and fitness, they are very much part of the culture in Scandinavia. Although there are countless public saunas that can be utilized, nothing beats having access to one without leaving your house.
Before adding a sauna to your home you need to conduct sufficient research in order to establish how your personal needs can be met best. Hot stone saunas are the norm in Scandinavia although state-of-the-art infrared models are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners who want to break away from tradition and indulge in a more contemporary sauna design for the home.
Due to its striking simplicity, Scandinavian interior design is trending worldwide. Whether you redesign your entire home or simply add subtle design hints reminiscent of a typical Scandivanian home, you will undoubtedly enjoy every minute you spend in your beautiful home.
* Finland is per definition not a part of Scandinavia, but belongs to the Nordic countries. However, many people, including Scandinavians, are somewhat confused of this matter (Editor’s remarks)
3 Ways To Incorporate Scandinavian Interior Design Into Your Home, written for Daily Scandinavian by Karoline Gore