Styling a Scandinavian Kitchen in 10 Simple Steps
When it comes to kitchen design, the Scandinavians get it just right. The blend of cosy furnishings and functional design suits kitchen and dining areas perfectly.
So, to help you design the perfect place to cook up a storm, we’ve put together this guide. Here are 10 simple steps on how to design the perfect Scandinavian kitchen, wherever you are in the world. Enjoy!
1. MINIMALISM IS KEY
In Scandinavian design, less is more. But, how does that translate into the kitchen?
A big thing you can do is limit the amount of accessories and furnishings in your kitchen. In fact, a great way to make a room appear more minimal and Scandi is by choosing one key feature to focus on, such as flooring or backsplash, to play with patterns. Make sure balance is kept to ensure that one element doesn’t overpower the rest.
Also, keep in mind how pieces of furniture are placed in relation to each other. Getting a good balance of objects and empty space helps create an open and airy design.
2. CLEAN LINES
Focus on clean, simple lines in the design of your furniture. Choose pieces that have smooth, yet crisp finishes. A polished marble backsplash makes a beautiful addition to any cooking space. Not only is it highly functional, but it’s about as sleek as you can get!
Feel free to play with textures and patterns too! But, make sure that different elements don’t clash with one another in order to produce a sleek yet simple design.
3. SHOW OFF YOUR ART SENSE WITH POSTERS
Let your personality shine by adding wall art to your kitchen! Introduce a splash of colour and brighten the space without overpowering the overall design.
Add a simple frame to continue clean and sleek lines or use a wood frame to add character. For the kitchen setting, check out our botanical and nature posters to find great kitchen art.
4. NEUTRAL, BUT NOT MONOCHROME
While the black and white colour scheme colour scheme is common in Scandinavian design, don’t think you need to shy away from colour all together. Keep it neutral but feel free to venture into soft pastels and earthy tones.
A soft pastel blue and rusty pink can help create a simple, yet chic look to express your personality and design taste while keeping your space warm and inviting.
5. KEEP IT LIGHT
Create a welcoming and open atmosphere by keeping the room bright. Incorporate natural light by adding sheer, white drapes over your windows to set the tone of the room. As we mentioned in the intro, the Scandinavians are the true masters of cosiness!
Add pendant lighting and LED light bulbs to keep the room bright and airy. In addition, lighter cabinets and flooring allow the room to look light and refreshing. Include lights that play with geometric shapes to add an extra design element.
Our beautiful Modern Abstract Sunrise Poster, perfect for the kitchen setting!
6. MAKE SURE EVERYTHING HAS A PURPOSE
A key aspect to Scandinavian design is simplicity and functionality. In the kitchen, every element should be practical to keep the room decluttered and clean. Not only does this appeal from a design standpoint, it also creates an easy to navigate kitchen for everyday use.
We have a whole guide to decluttering to help you out with this step. Check it out and declutter your space!
7. PLAY WITH INDUSTRIAL FURNISHINGS
Essential to Scandinavian design is using natural materials. But, why not play with modern, industrial furnishings to add character to the kitchen too?
Industrial furnishings might include raw elements such as metal and concrete. Try bronze, chrome, and iron handles and light fixtures to create a unique design. This helps play into the whole ‘form follows function’ concept in Scandi design too! It looks great.
8. GREENER IS BETTER
Essential to Scandinavian design is sustainability. Even though this aspect is hidden to the eye, it plays a central role in Scandinavian culture.
So, where to begin?
Start by composting food scraps.
Swap out plastic for glass containers.
Opt for organic and sustainable materials that are made to last such as reusable dishes and utensils.
You can also have a look at cleaning products you use. Make sure you look out for eco certifications. It really makes a difference!
9. PLANT MORE PLANTS
Add a breath of fresh air and colour into the room by decorating with plants. Not only are they environmentally friendly, but they also make great decorations by adding a pop of green. Hanging plants especially help to change the levels of decoration in your kitchen.
You could even grow your own herbs to add an element of freshness to your cooking! And, if you’re a bit worried about keeping plants alive, fresh flowers look beautiful as a centrepiece for your kitchen table.
10. A LITTLE WOOD NEVER HURT ANYONE
Wood furnishings are very popular in Scandinavian design. It adds warmth and personality to any room, for the floors or for the cabinets.
Plus, if you want to freshen up the way a room looks, light wood allows the room to look that little bit airier! Dark wood, on the other hand, adds contrast and creates a focal point. Choose whichever type you think your kitchen space needs and get experimenting!
We hope this guide inspires your next Scandinavian design challenge! Need further inspiration in selecting wall art? Check out our website for more Scandinavian posters!
Written by Katerina Szylo
Images sourced from Pinterest and the Project Nord website.