More and more Scandinavians are choosing small apartments and smart solutions. They choose location and proximity to the city rather than square meters. Learn more about the art of Scandinavian small space living.
This design trend is all about being practical and stylish, which are two things that are important in smaller homes with not a lot of space. The living room is a key area to decorate in this style, as it’s the area you likely use the most and the area that guests see.
As our world becomes increasingly crowded and urbanized, more and more people are finding themselves living in small spaces. Whether you’re living in a tiny apartment or a cozy studio, there are many ways to make the most of your space without sacrificing style or comfort.
Håkon Vigsnes, architect in the award-winning architect office Jarmund og Vigsnes in Oslo, is also a professor at the Oslo School of Architecture and Design where he teaches residential architecture with an emphasis on smaller homes. Small space living is a trend that has gained a foothold in Norway, he believes.
Small Scandi living room ideas are great ways to make your place look cozy and inviting, with a natural touch. From useful furnishings to neutral colors and textures, it really is a style that’s timeless.
One of the key techniques for small space living is to maximize storage. This means using every inch of available space, from the walls to the ceiling, and investing in multi-functional furniture. For example, a bed with built-in storage drawers or a coffee table that doubles as a work desk can help you make the most of your space.
Small space posterboy Graham Hill is the founder of the websites treehugger.com and lifeedited.com with the motto “more money, health and happiness with less stuff, space and energy”. The Canadian designer has gradually sold himself down from a luxury villa with a Volvo in the garage and a personal assistant to smaller and smaller apartments. Today, the designer lives with his partner and dogs on 38 square meters in New York.
“When I think of Scandi style what comes to mind are linen curtains, materials like wood, leather, and wicker,” says Soledad Alzaga, interior designer and founder of Soledad Alzaga Interior Design. “It’s about clean simple lines, functional but still beautiful and comfortable,” she says.
Another design trend that works well in small spaces is matte finishes. These finishes are not only sleek and modern, but they also don’t reflect light in the same way that glossy finishes do, which can help make a space feel larger and more open. Matte finishes also have the added benefit of being more forgiving when it comes to wear and tear, so they’re a great choice for high-traffic areas.
In 2015, the Norwegian architect Christopher Dyvik designed what was probably London’s smallest house according to the British newspaper Telegraph. The house was 14.7 square meters and the newspaper came with the following warning: “Don’t swing a cat in it!” “We imagined that the park across the street was the garden, and the pub on the corner was the living room,” said Dyvik.
“Scandinavian small space living is about smart choices that work twice as hard,” says Artem Kropovinsky, interior designer and founder of Arsight. This is also useful budget-wise, as you won’t have to spend more if you have a furniture piece that does the job of a few.
Scandinavian furniture is often designed with small spaces in mind, so it’s a great choice if you’re looking for pieces that are both stylish and practical. Plus, the light and airy feel of Scandinavian design can help make a small space feel more open and inviting.
“As architects, we may be able to compensate for missing square meters with smart and flexible solutions,” says Oslo architect Olav Resell. “We argue for space efficiency to customers, both for financial and environmental reasons,” he adds. He believes it is great if a home can appear as a well-functioning example of such an approach.
Ricky Allen is the interior designer and director of Ever Wallpaper. It sells high-quality wallpapers and murals, using non-toxic, odorless, and environmentally friendly materials. “Natural materials and textures will bring a Scandi softness into your space and are a critical aspect of Scandi design,” he explains. “This can be achieved through wooden furniture, woven storage baskets, and textured rugs.”
When it comes to color, neutral tones are often a good choice for small spaces. Light colors like white, beige, and gray can help make a space feel larger and more open, while darker colors can make a space feel smaller and more cramped. Of course, this doesn’t mean you have to stick to a monochromatic color scheme. Adding pops of color through accessories like throw pillows or artwork can help add personality and visual interest to your space.
Want to know where to start? “A round wood coffee table is a great way to introduce warmth in a neutral Scandi living room,” says Vivianne Chow, interior designer and co-founder of Viv and Tim Home.
“In my living room, a round pedestal coffee table creates a beautiful focal point in my otherwise neutral space.” This is also the best shape coffee table for a small living room.
In conclusion, small space living doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style or comfort. By using space-saving techniques, opting for matte finishes, and embracing Scandinavian design, you can create a space that feels both functional and beautiful.
The Art of Scandinavian Small Space Living, written by Tor Kjolberg