Nordic style in interior design is a study in serene sophistication, defined by a minimalist aesthetic that draws inspiration from the natural landscapes of the Scandinavian and Nordic regions. This design approach emphasizes the use of natural materials, clean lines, and a muted color palette to create bright, airy, and cozy living spaces1.
Scandinavian design, which includes Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, is often used interchangeably with Nordic design, though the latter also encompasses Finland, Iceland, and other northern European countries1. Both Scandinavian and Nordic design share core principles of simplicity, sustainability, and a deep connection to nature1.
Key Takeaways
- Nordic style emphasizes the use of natural materials, clean lines, and a muted color palette
- Scandinavian design is a subset of Nordic design, focusing on Norway, Sweden, and Denmark
- Nordic design values simplicity, sustainability, and a connection to nature
- Nordic-style furniture and decor are known for their durability and quality craftsmanship
- Each Nordic nation has its own unique design preferences influenced by cultural identity
Defining Nordic and Scandinavian Design
The terms “Scandinavian design” and “Nordic design” are often used interchangeably, but there are some geographical distinctions2. Scandinavia refers specifically to Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, which are located on the Scandinavian Peninsula. The broader term “Nordic” encompasses these three Scandinavian countries, as well as Finland, Iceland, and the autonomous territories of Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Åland2.
Geographical Differences
While the Nordic countries share many cultural and design similarities, there are subtle differences in the individual design styles of each nation2. For instance, Scandinavian design is known for its minimalism and functionality2, while Nordic design often embraces a more handcrafted tradition and a sense of coziness2.
Similarities in Design Principles
Despite the geographical distinctions, Scandinavian and Nordic design share many core principles3. Both styles emphasize the use of natural materials like wood, stone, and natural textiles, as well as a focus on sustainability and minimizing waste2. Simplicity and functionality are also hallmarks of Nordic design, with clean lines and minimalist forms that echo the mid-century modern aesthetic2. This combination of natural elements, practical design, and a muted color palette creates a serene, harmonious, and timeless aesthetic2.
“Scandinavian design principles emphasize functionality and harmony with the environment to create long-lasting, quality items.”
Core Elements of Nordic Interior Design
Embrace Nature and Natural Materials
Scandinavian and Nordic design are deeply rooted in a reverence for nature and the natural world. This is reflected in the use of natural materials such as wood, stone, and brick, which provide texture and warmth to the interior spaces4. From light-colored wood floors to whitewashed brick walls, these organic elements form the foundation of the Nordic style, creating a strong connection between the indoors and the beautiful Nordic landscapes.
Sustainability and Minimizing Waste
Historically, the Nordic countries were resource-poor, which led to a design ethos focused on creating long-lasting, functional, and sustainable products5. This mindset continues to influence contemporary Nordic design, with a focus on using recycled materials, minimizing waste, and prioritizing quality craftsmanship over excess5. The clean, minimalist forms of Nordic design also reflect this commitment to sustainability and functionality, eschewing unnecessary ornamentation in favor of thoughtful, practical solutions.
“The essence of Nordic design lies in its simplicity, functionality, and deep appreciation for natural materials.”
| Material | Average Cost Range (USD) |
|---|---|
| Wood Floors | $7,695 – $21,820 |
| Stone Countertops | $10,595 – $28,350 |
| Brick Walls | $10,190 – $22,950 |
| Textured Plaster | $11,290 – $26,120 |
| Wooden Furniture | $9,640 – $23,620 |
| Natural Fiber Rugs | $14,700 – $37,450 |
| Ceramic Lighting | $10,365 – $29,640 |
| Linen Textiles | $15,850 – $31,070 |
| Recycled Glass Decor | $7,730 – $21,900 |
| Sustainable Cabinetry | $14,840 – $35,060 |
Simplicity: The Hallmark of Nordic Design
At the heart of Nordic interior design lies a profound appreciation for simplicity6. This aesthetic is characterized by clean lines, simple shapes, and a relentless focus on functionality over frivolous decoration. The influence of mid-century modern design is evident in the streamlined furniture and fixtures found in Nordic-inspired spaces6.
By paring down to the essentials, Nordic designers create an atmosphere of calm and serenity, allowing the natural materials and quality craftsmanship to take center stage67. The ethos of Scandinavian simplicity emphasizes a light and neutral color palette, with whites, soft grays, and gentle pastels dominating the interiors7.
Natural materials such as wood, leather, and wool are extensively utilized in Nordic interior design to bring warmth and texture to spaces, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and craftsmanship7. Scandinavian design maximizes the influx of natural light through large windows and strategically placed mirrors, creating bright and airy interiors that blur the boundaries between inside and outside7.
The Nordic design philosophy promotes decluttered spaces, encouraging a lifestyle that values essentials and fosters tranquility and mindfulness78. Scandinavian interior design is characterized by simplicity and minimalism, promoting serenity and order in spaces8.
By embracing simplicity, Nordic designers create living spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also nurturing and restorative678. This approach to design reflects the values of the Nordic region, where a connection to nature and a focus on well-being are deeply rooted.
Color Palette: Whites, Neutrals, and Muted Hues
The Nordic design aesthetic is renowned for its light, bright, and airy color palette. Whites, soft grays, and other neutral tones form the foundation of this style, creating a serene and calming atmosphere9. Whites and neutrals, ranging from bright whites to creamier tones, beiges, grays, and taupes, are the backbone of Scandinavian color schemes10. Scandinavian interiors are well-known for their minimalist and natural color palette, incorporating shades that are organic and soothing.
Creating Bright and Airy Spaces
The emphasis on minimalism and natural light helps to enhance the sense of spaciousness and openness in Nordic-inspired interiors9. Light-reflecting hues are utilized to maximize natural light, creating a bright and airy ambiance10. Neutral colors like grey, ivory, and beige are staples in Scandinavian design, with variations like olive and army green for earthy inspirations.
9 Pale blues, soft pinks, and muted greens are commonly used as soft hues in Scandinavian interiors, drawing inspiration from nature and creating a serene atmosphere10. Blues are nearly considered a neutral color in Scandinavian design, with glacier blues balanced by warmer shades like pale peach and sandy brown10. Dusty pink is a popular pastel color in Scandinavian design, ideal for accent colors and sophistication.
9 Accent colors such as muted yellows, terracotta, rust, and deep blues are strategically incorporated into the neutral palette to provide depth and personality10. Forest green and warm orange are used as muted accent colors in Scandinavian design to evoke relaxation and energy11. The Scandinavian color palette often includes subtle pops of color like sage green, sky blue, and pale yellow.
9 Wood tones, including light woods such as birch, ash, and beech, medium tones like oak and maple, and darker woods such as walnut, are essential elements that add warmth and texture to Scandinavian design11. Natural materials such as solid oak, wool, linen, and ceramics are commonly used alongside a Scandinavian color palette11. Light-toned woods are preferred over darker options to maintain the light and airy feel of Scandinavian design.
9 Greenery and plants are integrated into the color scheme to bring life, freshness, and a sense of nature indoors, purifying the air and enhancing well-being in the space.
“Scandinavian design allows for accenting with fabrics and muted art pieces in colors like forest green and warm orange, adding personality to the space while maintaining a harmonious color scheme.”10
Clean Lines and Functional Furniture
Scandinavian and Nordic furniture design is characterized by clean, simple lines and a focus on functionality12. Drawing inspiration from the mid-century modern movement, Nordic designers create pieces that are both visually appealing and highly practical12. Natural materials, especially wood, are often used to craft these streamlined furnishings, which seamlessly integrate into the minimalist aesthetic12.
Influence of Mid-Century Modern Design
The influence of mid-century modern design is evident in the timeless, versatile nature of Nordic furniture, which continues to be a popular choice for contemporary interiors12. Scandinavian minimalism is partly a philosophy born of necessity and a set of interior design principles that values simplicity, functionality, and calmness13. This approach, rooted in the 1930s and influenced by renowned designers like Alvar Aalto, Arne Jacobsen, and Josef Frank, has left an enduring mark on the world of furniture design13.
Renowned brands like IKEA leverage Swedish design principles to create affordable goods, with signature products like the Billy bookcase, while contemporary labels such as Axel Arigato, Acne Studios, and Bang & Olufsen continue to embody the Scandinavian minimalist aesthetic in their sleek, functional offerings13. The clean lines, natural materials, and focus on utility that characterize Nordic furniture design have made it a popular choice for those seeking a timeless, harmonious aesthetic in their homes12.
“Scandinavian minimalism aims to blend utility and beauty, promoting simplicity, quality craftsmanship, and a decrease in waste.”
The influence of mid-century modern design on Nordic furniture is evident in the timeless, versatile nature of these pieces, which seamlessly integrate into contemporary interiors while upholding the core principles of clean lines, functional design, and a reverence for natural materials and minimalism1213.
Textures and Textiles for Warmth and Coziness
In the realm of Nordic interior design, textiles and textures play a vital role in creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere14. Scandinavian design emphasizes simplicity, functionality, and minimalism, but these natural, tactile elements help to balance the clean lines and cool tones, evoking the hygge (Danish for “cozy”) sensibility that is so integral to the Nordic aesthetic15.
Chunky knit blankets, sheepskin rugs, and cotton or linen throws add layers of warmth and depth to the space15. The incorporation of cozy textures in interior design projects is crucial for creating luxury and comfort15. These natural materials not only contribute to the overall coziness but also reflect the region’s harsh climate and long winters, where light is scarce and warmth is essential14.
The strategic use of textured fabrics and materials helps to soften the minimalist lines and hard surfaces, creating a sense of balance and harmony14. Scandinavian interiors do not make loud statements but offer tranquility and a sense of balance14. By incorporating these cozy, natural elements, designers can achieve the perfect blend of simplicity and comfort, truly embodying the essence of Nordic style.
Whether it’s a plush sheepskin rug underfoot or a chunky knit throw draped over a sofa, these natural, textured elements play a vital role in bringing warmth and coziness to Nordic-inspired spaces15. Scandinavian design emphasizes minimalism, functionality, natural light, a neutral color palette, natural materials, and cozy textures14. By embracing these design principles, homeowners can create a serene and inviting retreat that reflects the harmonious aesthetic of the Nordic region.
Bring the Outdoors In with Plants and Natural Elements
Evoking Nordic Landscapes
Scandinavian and Nordic design are deeply influenced by the stunning natural landscapes of the region, from serene lakes and dense forests to rugged mountains. Designers often seek to bring these outdoor elements into the home, incorporating potted plants, floral arrangements, and natural materials like driftwood or river stones. This biophilic approach to design helps to create a seamless connection between the interior and the exterior, evoking the rejuvenating atmosphere of the Nordic outdoors16.
Pinterest’s 2022 trend report noted significant spikes in search interest for the term “biophilic design”16. Biophilic design continues to influence interior decor today, seen in the rise in the use of the color green, the trend towards indoor-outdoor living, and the return of wood and other natural elements in furnishings and wall treatments16. An easy way to introduce biophilic design is through live plants, with suggestions ranging from low-maintenance plants for beginners to creative plant integration for experienced indoor gardeners16.
Suggestions include dedicating an entire wall to plants, lining staircases and room corners with greenery, to maximize the benefits of biophilic design16. The concept of connecting indoor and outdoor living areas to enhance biophilic design is emphasized, including the installation of sliding doors, balconies, and decks to create a seamless flow between the home and nature16. Opening windows on temperate days, or using blinds and curtains to let in daylight and offer views of the outdoors, can boost mood and connection with nature indoors16.
Biophilic design can extend beyond live plants to include textures, colors, and shapes that replicate nature, featuring materials like wood, leather, and stone, as well as muted, organic tones in color schemes16. Studies have shown that just five minutes spent outdoors can help individuals de-stress and feel more connected to the world17. Plants have air-purifying qualities, absorb CO2, release oxygen back into their surroundings, and filter harmful chemicals indoors17. Greenery indoors has calming effects, helping to lower stress and boost wellbeing17.
Recommended plants for indoor spaces include ferns, cacti, mother-in-law’s tongue, fig trees, dwarf olive trees, prayer plants, Baltic ivy, asparagus fern, bamboo, spider plants, aloe vera, succulents, snake plants, and peace lilies17. Grouping plants together in odd numbers (like threes or fives) gives a greater impact on a space17. ‘Plant walls’ can effectively divide up the space to help create zoned areas, and ‘living walls’ use panels of plants grown vertically and can be free-standing or attached to walls or trellises17.
Natural materials such as wood, wicker, rattan, and stone work well to bring an outdoor theme inside the home17. Embracing a natural colour scheme can create an understated, calming look, with green for earth and plants, blue for sky and ocean, and yellow for sun and flowers17. Avoiding cold, man-made materials and embracing warmer, more natural options like wood, cork, and bamboo flooring can add a more organic feel to the space17.
Nordic style: Achieving Balance and Harmony
The essence of Nordic interior design lies in its ability to strike a harmonious balance between minimalism and coziness, functionality and aesthetics18. By carefully curating natural materials, clean lines, and a muted color palette, Nordic designers create spaces that feel serene and uncluttered, yet still warm and inviting19. This delicate equilibrium is the hallmark of Nordic style, allowing the interiors to feel both modern and timeless.
At the heart of this approach is the concept of lagom, a Swedish philosophy that emphasizes balance, moderation, and just the right amount19. Nordic designers embrace this principle, ensuring that every element in their spaces serves a purpose and contributes to the overall harmony of the room18. From the versatile furniture that seamlessly blends form and function to the strategic placement of natural elements, every decision is made with a careful consideration of balance.
The result is an interior that exudes a sense of calm and tranquility, inviting the occupants to slow down and savor the simple pleasures of life19. This tranquil ambiance is further enhanced by the use of natural materials, such as wood, leather, and textiles, which add depth and texture to the space18. The interplay of these elements creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere, where functionality and aesthetics coexist in perfect harmony.
At the core of this design philosophy is a deep appreciation for the natural world19. Nordic designers believe in bringing the outdoors in, incorporating elements like plants, natural light, and wood to connect the interior with the surrounding landscape18. This seamless integration of nature and modern design is what gives Nordic style its timeless appeal, allowing the spaces to feel both grounded and elevated.
By striking a delicate balance between minimalism and warmth, functionality and beauty, Nordic interior design offers a peaceful and harmonious respite from the chaos of everyday life19. It is a design approach that celebrates the simple pleasures and encourages a sense of mindfulness, creating spaces that are as practical as they are visually pleasing.
Storage Solutions as Functional Decor
In the world of Nordic interior design, storage solutions are not merely practical necessities – they are integrated as essential design elements that embody the principles of storage, functional designdesign>, and minimalism. By thoughtfully incorporating shelves, baskets, and racks, Nordic designers are able to maintain the clean, uncluttered decor while ensuring that the space remains highly organized and practical20.
Scandinavian-inspired chests of drawers, with their minimalist aesthetic and ample storage options, are a prime example of this approach20. Modern Scandinavian shelving units, offering flexibility and practicality, are also a popular choice for their ability to seamlessly blend into various spaces20. The versatile shelf design of the Swedish-made green storage furniture by Tenzo further illustrates the Nordic emphasis on functional designdesign>20.
Beyond just furniture, Nordic storage solutions can also be found in the form of low cabinets, baskets, and shelving units, which are often utilized in living rooms and offices to maintain a clutter-free environment20. This approach is particularly relevant for modern millennial homes, where space constraints in cramped apartments necessitate the use of Scandinavian-inspired storage solutions20.
From the simplicity and durability of IKEA baskets to the customizable Scandinavian-inspired shelving units and study tables from H&M-home and Urban Ladder, the Nordic design ethos of functional designdesign> and minimalism is evident in a wide range of storage options20.
The integration of these storage solutions as decorative elements not only enhances the visual appeal of the space but also reflects the Nordic emphasis on creating harmonious, uncluttered environments that seamlessly blend form and function20.
“Nordic design is all about simplicity, functionality, and a connection to the natural world. It’s a design philosophy that prioritizes minimalism, clean lines, and the use of natural materials like wood.”21
By embracing this approach to storage and organization, Nordic interior design showcases how practical solutions can be elevated to become an integral part of the overall decor, creating spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional20.
Evolving Trends in Nordic Interior Design
While the core principles of Nordic design – simplicity, functionality, and a connection to nature – remain constant, the style has continued to evolve over time22. Contemporary Nordic designers are increasingly incorporating sustainable materials and technologies, such as recycled plastics and smart home features, into their work22. The use of natural materials like wood, stone, and textiles remains central, but new interpretations and applications of these elements are emerging23.
As the Nordic design aesthetic continues to resonate globally, it will be interesting to see how it adapts to the changing needs and preferences of modern living22. Some of the emerging trends in Nordic interior design include:
- Flowing design with rounded shapes and chrome finishes24
- A focus on darker wood tones like walnut and teak24
- A more diverse color palette, including bold reds and blues24
- Geometric patterns inspired by the 1960s24
- Posters that mimic paintings for added artistic flair24
- Multifunctional furniture that caters to diverse needs24
- A mix-and-match style that encourages personalization24
- A blend of nostalgia and futuristic elements, known as “Future Retro”24
As Nordic design continues to evolve, it remains a testament to the enduring appeal of simplicity, sustainability, and a connection to the natural world2223.
“The Scandinavian interior design style emphasizes quality over quantity, with a focus on sustainability, as reflected by the materials commonly used like leather and wood.”
Conclusion
Nordic interior design offers a timeless and serene aesthetic that prioritizes simplicity, functionality, and a deep connection to nature25. By embracing natural materials, clean lines, and a muted color palette, Scandinavian and Nordic designers create spaces that feel both modern and timeless26. As this style continues to evolve, incorporating new sustainable technologies and materials, it remains a popular choice for those seeking a harmonious, minimalist, and rejuvenating living environment.
The25 Scandinavian design style originated in the 5 Nordic countries: Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland. There are25 6 principles in Scandinavian-style interior design: multifunctional, natural, color, lighting, innovation, and humanistic26. The founding of The Lunning Prize in the 1950s helped shape the distinctive features of the Nordic style in interior design, such as minimalist white walls, wood flooring, and contemporary furniture.
25 White, gray, blue, black, and cream colors are mostly used in Scandinavian furniture, while25 floral colors like pink, yellow, orange, and green are combined with the traditional monochrome colors for a minimalist spring vibe26. Modern Scandinavian interior design often centers on a neutral color palette, focusing on whites, grays, and tans to brighten up spaces due to the long and dark winters. The use of25 pink work accents aims to create a calm atmosphere and a feeling of spaciousness in Scandinavian interiors.
