![Our Guide to Nordic Design](http://shop.swan-brand.co.uk/cdn/shop/articles/Photograph-of-a-cream-tile-kitchen-featuring-the-Nordic-Slate-Grey-Kettle-Nordic-Slate-Grey-Two-Slice-Toaster-and-Nordic-Slate-Grey-Microwave_{width}x.jpg?v=1706783345)
Our Guide to Nordic Design
30 May 2018
For the Scandinavian, a room should emphasise organic shapes and provide character through singular statement pieces. Here’s our guide to capturing the Nordic style in your home.
Reasons Nordic Is Perfect For Your Home:
![White chair next to a white stand table with white potted plant and white mug resting on top](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1123/5134/files/White-chair-next-to-a-white-stand-table-with-white-potted-plant-and-white-mug-resting-on-top.jpg)
Simply White
Scandinavia is often blanketed in the crisp clean white of snow and its interiors intentionally reflect this effect, seeking to capture a sense of lasting light for the long dark winter months.
By keeping to minimalist colours and soft tones, the Nordic interior is both modern and minimalist; stylish in its simplicity and enhanced by a sense of space and light that bright white walls create.
Furniture is also neutral in colour, a device that turns a room almost into a blank canvas, where signature items such as collector’s art or stand-alone furniture can really shine.
![Triangle wooden shelf on a white wall holding two brown glass bottles and two blue and white patterned bowls](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1123/5134/files/Triangle-wooden-shelf-on-a-white-wall-holding-two-brown-glass-bottles-and-two-blue-and-white-patterned-bowls.jpg)
Clean and to the Point
Sticking to keeping things simple, Scandi design doesn’t require a great deal of flourishes or intricate detailing. Keeping your walls bare and furniture clean-lined will achieve a minimalist style more in keeping with Nordic thinking.
Instead of cluttering up your wall with large, superstore bought artwork, why not keep it to a single feature piece, a simple work of art that captures the attention without overwhelming the senses?
![Woman in an orange jumper in a white room with three different scandanavian beige hats on a pin in the white wall behind her](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1123/5134/files/Woman-in-an-orange-jumper-in-a-white-room-with-three-different-scandanavian-beige-hats-on-a-pin-in-the-white-wall-behind-her.jpg)
Functional is Fabulous
Conscientious purchasing and purposeful design is a must for the Scandinavian home. By slowing down and really considering “Do I need this?” and “Will it be both functional and stylish?” will help you create a home full of purpose and simplicity.
Storage as statement piece is a soaring trend, whereby a simple piece of practical furniture like a hanging rail can become a design focal point in a room. Instead of investing in clutter to decorate a room, consider how you can take a functioning aspect of the home and make it beautiful.
![Woman in a grey crop sweatshirt and blue jeans eating popcorn from a small wooden bowl whilst sat on a white fur rug next to a potted green plant](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1123/5134/files/Woman-in-a-grey-crop-sweatshirt-and-blue-jeans-eating-popcorn-from-a-small-wooden-bowl-whilst-sat-on-a-white-fur-rug-next-to-a-potted-green-plant.jpg)
Curl up in Comfort
Integral to the Scandinavian philosophy and lifestyle is a large, soft, woollen blanket and thick comfy socks. Keeping things calm and cosy is a vital aspect of Nordic design. Sheepskin rugs and large pillows by the fire, as well as warm rustic wooden furniture, create the atmosphere of a luxury cabin in your own front room.
The bedroom should be a tech-free sanctuary, emphasising comfort and relaxation for the best night’s sleep. Keep a large, soft grey or charcoal black blanket on a bed with simple white bedding, a warming lamp on a worn wooden bedside table and breathe a deep sigh of relaxation.
![Close-up of Scandinavian style hanging lightbulbs](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1123/5134/files/Close-up-of-scandanavian-style-hanging-lightbulbs.jpg)
Light it up with a Feature Light
A paper lantern, an exposed industrial style bulb, golden brass hanging lamps sharp against the white walls. Lights offer a miasma of possibilities in Scandi culture and provide ample opportunity for expression.
Whether you require a standing lamp for dramatic effect or a soft bedside lamp for relaxing before sleep, the Scandinavian design can provide an eloquent solution with soft edges, neutral tones and modern functionality.
![Scandanavian wooden style living room with white wooden table, floral decorations and a handmade wooden lighting fixture](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1123/5134/files/Scandanavian-wooden-style-living-room-with-white-wooden-table-floral-decorations-and-a-handmade-wooden-lighting-fixture.jpg)
Whimsical with Wood
Natural wooden features can relax a room, create a sense of the natural world taking up residence in your home. Whether it’s on your walls, on the floor or used as the material for cupboards, wood is a special substance in Nordic interiors. Usually, a light wood such as beech, ash or pine, this feature keeps the home feeling light and natural.
![Photograph of a small green plotted plant resting on a grey marble countertop in a white kitchen](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1123/5134/files/Photograph-of-a-small-green-plotted-plant-resting-on-a-grey-marble-countertop-in-a-white-kitchen.jpg)
Keeping it Green
Practically every Scandinavian home will bring a little bit of nature within its four walls. Plants such as philodendron, orchids, golden pothos and rubber plants provide a sense of wellbeing as well as increased humidity and purified air- which comes in handy during the cold northern winter.
Choosing plants that are low maintenance and full of that happy green glow will light up your home and provide a pocket of Scandinavian peace.
Have you been inspired by our Scandinavian cousins to create a simpler style in your home?
Share your design ideas with us on social media!
Read More
![Mum With 11 Children Shares ‘Genius’ Hack For Keeping Their Shirts Bright White](http://shop.swan-brand.co.uk/cdn/shop/articles/11-kids-white-washing-Swan-Thumbnail-landscape_{width}x.png?v=1706787668)
Mum With 11 Children Shares ‘Genius’ Hack For Keeping Their Shirts Bright White
27 July 2023
![A New Restaurant Dedicated Entirely To Garlic Bread Has Opened In The UK](http://shop.swan-brand.co.uk/cdn/shop/articles/garlic-bread-wide_{width}x.png?v=1706787658)
A New Restaurant Dedicated Entirely To Garlic Bread Has Opened In The UK
7 July 2023
![People Are Losing It Over White Chocolate Digestive Rumours](http://shop.swan-brand.co.uk/cdn/shop/articles/white-choc-digestives-wide_{width}x.png?v=1706787636)
People Are Losing It Over White Chocolate Digestive Rumours
16 June 2023
![<strong>How To Clean A BBQ - 4 Ways To Get Your Grill Sparkling</strong>](http://shop.swan-brand.co.uk/cdn/shop/articles/BBQ-clean-blog_{width}x.png?v=1706787621)
How To Clean A BBQ - 4 Ways To Get Your Grill Sparkling
7 June 2023