Looking for an earthy palette, wood tones, and the less-is-more aesthetic in your kitchen? The Scandinavian interior design style can create a simplistic statement in your space, filling the interior with Nordic charm.
Compared to a completely minimalistic approach, Scandinavian kitchen interiors are warmer and softer. This means you’ll find plenty of decor elements that make the space inviting (read: cosy textiles, calming hues, and warm woods).
If you’re ready to embrace Scandi style and celebrate Nordic cool in your kitchen space, you’ve landed the right spot! Keep reading for some of our favourite Scandinavian kitchen design ideas to inspire your next kitchen project.
Warm Colour Palettes with Dramatic Touches
According to Tom Rutt of TR Studio, many people are mistaken about the Scandinavian style, believing it is blankets of neutrals. In reality, this style is shifting towards pops of dark charcoals and inky blues over a warm base, such as cream or off-white.
If you prefer keeping the look understated, opting for an entirely earthy palette is also an option. Think shades of beige, brown, taupe, grey, and tan. You can also add subtle earthy shades of forest green as well as other hues inspired by nature.
Lots of Light, Both Artificial and Natural
The Scandinavian interior design style goes big on lighting. Instead of relying on a single fixture, it prefers multiple different light sources working in coherence to illuminate the space. This makes it essential to know how to light a room the right way by layering multiple different sources of lighting.
For a Scandi-style kitchen, this could be a sleek chandelier over the dining table, pendant lights over the kitchen island, and undercabinet lighting. Of course, it has to be complemented with natural light — and the use of large windows with minimal window treatments in the Scandinavian style can help achieve this.
Pro tip: Learn how to deal with lighting in kitchens facing in particular directions for effective illumination.
Celebrate Natural Materials
According to interior designer Andy Briggs at Optiplan Kitchens, choosing natural materials for the kitchen countertop helps create grounded and relaxing energy. The same applies to other areas in the room. Consider a stone or wooden top for the kitchen island, textured wood flooring, and exposed beams for the ceiling.
Another essential aspect of Scandi style is incorporating plants. Using indoor varieties that thrive in kitchens can create a seamless connection between the kitchen interior and outdoor space.
Metallic Accents
Bold-coloured metallic finishes are often seen in Scandinavian kitchens. Typically, this is just one colour used around the space to tie it together — and, at times, act as the accent hue. For example, matte black metal can be used for the chandelier and frame of a glass wall. It can also be used in the form of black taps and the legs of chairs.
Functional Furniture Pieces
Characterised by simplicity and function, Scandi-style kitchens have few but well-thought and functional pieces of furniture. Typically, this will be the cabinetry with essentials displayed on top. This may be complemented with kitchen islands (for extra storage, dining and food prepping space, etc.) in larger kitchens, and small dining tables in more compact ones.
And, of course, fully functional appliances that align with the needs of the homeowner are a must.
Plenty of Textural Elements
It wouldn’t be wrong to say that the line between minimalist and Scandi-style spaces is drawn at textures. While minimalist kitchens can easily overlook textural elements, they must be incorporated into Scandi-style interiors. This is also one of their major secrets to being warm and inviting.
Natural elements, such as wood-front cabinetry, can aid in diversifying textures. Simultaneously, soft furnishings, such as rugs, can further enhance the space. If you have seating areas in the kitchen, pairing them with cushions and/or throw blankets is a good idea.
Final Words
While all the ways mentioned above are relatively easy methods to create a Scandinavian kitchen design, there are bigger changes you can opt for if you are renovating your kitchen. For example, consider building a low kitchen profile by losing the upper cabinetry or adding decorative wall tile as backsplash for a design statement.
If you’re struggling with designing your kitchen the Scandinavian way, connect with one of our Kitchen Design Gurus and who can give tailored advice to your kitchen space!