Whether you have boxes of junk stashed away on shelves or if you’re literally tripping over your stuff, almost everyone can benefit from some decluttering. But instead of just controlling the problem, what about completely re-envisioning the way your home is designed? Enter Scandinavian minimalism. Here, the focus is on uncluttered living sans the plethora of items we hardly use or, more truthfully, have a use for.
Scandinavian minimalism is a celebration of beauty and utility rather than a question of quantity. The design focuses on three fundamentals: connection to nature, functionality and simplicity.
Connection to Nature
Despite the long, cold and dark winters, Scandinavian residents spend significant time interacting with nature. Norwegians have a word for it: “Friluftsliv.” It embraces the ideas of reconnecting with nature, experiencing the freshness of the outdoors and appreciating its beauty.
It’s not surprising that the appreciation of nature blends with Scandinavian interior design, which places a heavy emphasis on using natural materials and colours such as stone, wood, leather and neutral-toned fabrics. Central to this is the significance of connecting to the Earth. Since walking barefoot outdoors is a way of grounding yourself, by using natural materials in the home we can connect more closely to these natural materials, and in so doing, we connect more closely to nature. A residential interior designer will often use these elements intentionally to foster a stronger connection between the home and its natural surroundings.
Since Scandinavian countries are so far north they get daylight even 24 hours a day in the summer. To take advantage of all that natural light, this design favours large windows to maximize daylight and to provide a light, airy feel. Windows are also positioned to frame views of the surrounding landscape as another way of connecting to nature.
Functionality
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Every object in a space serves a practical and useful purpose to ensure the room works efficiently for daily living. The main question to ask is “How can this item enhance my life?”
Strong attention to detail and space utilization are other elements that combine to infuse interiors with the Danish hygge concept of coziness. Think of an intimate dinner table with warm candlelight and the tranquility of close friends. Hygge combines the homely interior with the philosophy of “being in the present” and a closeness to nature.
Along with the hygge concept is the Swedish term “lagom,” which loosely translates to “just the right amount.” It describes the sense of balance and contentment that comes from living a sustainable life of moderation rather than one of excess.
Simplicity of Design
The Scandinavian simplicity of design extends far beyond the visual realm. It encapsulates the idea of the general well-being of the environment and those who live in it. Scandinavian minimalist design ticks the boxes of serving a purpose, enhancing comfort, and simplicity, all the while using clean and elegant lines to imbue an ambiance of tranquility.
Simplicity requires reducing clutter. To comply with the basics of Scandinavian minimalism, items must be functional, beautiful and well-placed. Reducing clutter optimizes available space, especially in the context of tiny home living, where many items serve multiple functions.
It’s not just about stripping away the excess, but enhancing the living experience by emphasizing what truly matters. This design gives you a canvas to reflect personal style, ensuring every item resonates with the home’s essence.
It is also an appreciation of the thoughtfulness that goes into selecting what is in the house. For the items that are purchased, they are of high quality and built to last. It’s a change of mindset from the excesses of consumerism. The practicality and quality of furniture ensure that future generations will utilize it. The “built to last” mantra runs deeply through the psyche of Scandinavian minimalist design.
Scandinavian minimalism is a classic example of nature playing a leading role in directing design to incorporate the beauty of natural light in conjunction with the appeal of organic fabrics, high-quality, natural materials and calming neutral colours.
It follows the directive that everything is there for a purpose along with the essential elements of adding beauty and attaching a deep appreciation for the surrounding natural environment.
Essential Elements to Incorporate in Your Home
Want to go for this kind of design in your home? Below are some key aspects you’ll want to include. And for some design ideas, check out our Scandinavian Minimalist Design Pinterest board.
Furniture and Layout
Furniture serves a specific purpose. Opt for multi-functional pieces like a coffee table with storage, a sofa bed or an extendable dining table. Position furniture to encourage easy movement and maximize the use of space. For instance, when arranging living room furniture, place a sofa against a wall to make the space feel more spacious.
Choose furniture with simple designs to maintain a clutter-free look. Avoid ornate details that can distract instead of promote calmness. Incorporate built-in storage solutions to keep items hidden and maintain a tidy environment. Floating shelves can display essential items without overwhelming the space.
Color Schemes and Decor
A minimalist indoor space benefits from a neutral colour palette. Shades of white, beige, light grey, pale blues and earth tones work well as they create a sense of calmness and openness. If you want to add colour, use subtle shades like pastels or muted tones to maintain the minimalist aesthetic.
Decor items should be minimal yet meaningful. Select a few statement pieces, such as a large piece of art, a unique vase or a potted plant, to add character without cluttering. Emphasize quality over quantity, and choose decor items that align with the overall aesthetic of the space. Avoid seasonal or trendy decorations that might need frequent changes – it’s not compatible with the principle of simplicity.
Let Nature In
Create an open an airy atmosphere in the home by maximizing natural light. Opt for thin curtains that still let in some light.
Use natural materials wherever possible. Some ideas are wooden flooring, stone walls and natural fabrics for furniture and rugs. Or you could go all out and build your home with earth (e.g. cob or compressed earth blocks – learn about Natural Building Techniques in this guide). Add life and colour to your space with indoor plants.
Need to declutter your home? Read 9 Simple Decluttering Tips That Are Both Effective and Eco-Friendly.
