Scandinavian style in the interior of an apartment and a house: 9 tips for organizing + photo
|Many people call the Scandinavian style an ideal way to organize a cozy home. Why? Everything is simple. Scandinavian style interior is functionality, naturalness and warmth. The destination is suitable for both tiny studio apartments and huge mansions. The style is still evolving, and each designer contributes to its creation. We invite you to join the global community of fans of this direction in design and try to enrich it with your ideas. To begin with, you will need some basic knowledge, so let's look at what Scandinavian style is in the interior of the apartment, what are its main features and features, and let photo examples become a source of inspiration.
No. 1. Origins of style
The Scandinavian style, as it is easy to determine from its name, was formed on the territory of the Scandinavian countries, and these are Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark. Researchers call the reference point the 50s of the 20th century, but the direction began to form much earlier. Love for everything natural, the desire to make life in the harsh northern climate with long winters a little warmer, fill it with light and freedom - all this formed the basis of style.
The northern Scandinavian countries are characterized by a harsh climate, long winters, and a lack of sunlight. In order not to go crazy, you need to somehow get out and create a small cozy world in your home. Scandinavian style phenomenon lies in the fact that it combines national and international. The aesthetics of the trend is based not so much on the culture of the Scandinavian countries as on the climatic features, and this has made the style popular among residents of the northern regions around the world. Obviously, that is why the Scandinavian style is so popular in Russia. However, laconicism, simplicity and special cosiness characteristic of this area have bribed residents of milder climatic zones: today the Scandinavian style is actively used in the design of apartments and houses around the world, from Argentina to Japan.
Finnish architect Alvar Aalto once said: “The task of the architect is to make life more convenient.” This phrase of his could easily become the motto of the Scandinavian style. The main feature of this direction is advanced functionality and convenience. In this interior, everything is made for people. It is concise, but not ascetic, as, for example, minimalism. It is homely and comfortable, but devoid of excessive dressing, as baroque. Scandinavian style - This is an ideal direction for creating a comfortable interior for everyday life.
No. 2. The main features of the Scandinavian style
Scandinavian style is environmental friendliness, conciseness and comfort, but how to create such an atmosphere? You just need to implement several main features of the style:
- minimalism. In terms of furniture and the choice of colors, the style demonstrates restraint, but this does not mean that the Scandinavian style is boring, because often genius lies precisely in simplicity;
- lots of light and open spaces. Long winters and a lack of sunlight is stress for the body, so natural light must be used to the maximum. Large windows are welcome without curtains or with barely noticeable curtains. The more free space in the apartment, the better. It is achieved with a minimum of furniture, as we have already said, as well as the absence of partitions. No, it’s not necessary to combine all the rooms into one, but you can destroy the wall between the living room and the kitchen. In any case, moving around the apartment should be simple, you should not be disturbed by anything, you should not constantly go around something and stumble over something;
- natural materials. In particular, wood, fabrics, metal, cork;
- clean lines, nothing fanciful, too sophisticated and luxurious;
- functionality - It is generally synonymous with the Scandinavian style. The main thing is that the interior is comfortable for life, so all the items that you will use should be practical. Feel free to create numerous storage places and do not hide decoration items that are dear to your heart;
- White color - basic shade of style, which competes with the natural color of wood. White reflects rays well, makes the room larger, lighter, freer. Neutral shades such as the black and Gray. It is believed that the monochrome interior allows a person to relax, get rid of psychological stress. What you need to create a comfortable interior;
- plenty of textiles, which is designed to warm and give comfort to residents of cold countries. Hide on the floor, woolen rugs, soft rugs, doormats, napkins and pillows - all this will fill the interior with the necessary mood.
To properly recreate the style in your apartment, you need to feel it, and not just thoughtlessly copy the main features. The original Scandinavian interiors have been coordinated for decades: accessories and auxiliary items were constantly added to the base furniture, therefore, in the home vintage and modern things coexist harmoniously. The Scandinavian style is lively, it continues to develop, and each of us makes a contribution to it. To recreate such a design in your apartment, you must try to follow the ideology of style, fill the room with light and warmth, make it comfortable and cozy, avoiding pretentiousness and excessiveness.
Huge Scandinavian style advantage is that it is easy to maintain. Manic to keep order and hide in closed cabinets all household items do not have to - this is not minimalism. Cute statuette you can easily put it on the shelf, and leave the necessary things in a conspicuous place. The nature of the interior will not spoil all this, because the main thing in it is comfort.
No. 3. Color spectrum
Scandinavian style is supremacy whiteas well as an abundance pastel shadesincluding light gray, light green, light blue, light brown, beige. It turns out naturally, very light and relaxing, but somehow boring. We remember that the interior should be comfortable, not boring, therefore Bright color spots are welcome.
Feel free to use red, bluepink green, orange and other bright shades. It is better if a small piece of furniture is executed in accent color than an entire wall or massive furniture. As a bright spot can act pillows, rugs, paintings, bedspreads, lampshades, etc. There should not be many such details. Remember the conciseness and severity of the interior. Better choose one or two accent colorsto definitely not overdo it.
Number 4. Main materials
To properly arrange the interior in the Scandinavian style, every time you have questions, mentally return to its origins. When it is necessary to solve the problem with the prevailing materials, then remember that the Scandinavians are a people that takes care of nature and appreciates all that is natural. This means that natural materials will come first.
Tree in special esteem. It is used for decoration, and for the manufacture of furniture, and to create jewelry. The more natural the tree will look, the better, therefore, preference is given to minimally processed wood, all kinds of stumps, snags, etc. A tree painted in light color is also used.
Also apply metal, ceramics, glass, natural stone, brick, natural fabrics, leather, wool. All these materials are in perfect harmony with each other.
Naturally, today it is difficult to do without plastic and other materials that mimic natural analogues, but try to minimize their use and not focus on them. If you cannot afford a natural tree, and you really want to recreate the Scandinavian style, then choose products that most accurately repeat the pattern, color and texture of natural materials.
No. 5. Wall, floor and ceiling decoration
Naturalness, simplicity and light color - these are the main requirements for the decoration of the room in the Scandinavian style:
- for wall cladding perfect painting or plasteris best white, but you can use beige, light blue, light gray or another calm shade. Also use a natural tree of light tones. It can be panels or horizontal boards. Wallpaper is used less often, but also has a place to be. Preference is given to canvases in neutral colors, striped stripes are also used. wallpaper. The kitchen apron and walls in the bathroom are tiled with light simple tiles;
- floor traditionally finished with wood, with preference given to light species (beech, birch, pine, ash). Wide is best solid wood, piece parquet, but also parquet board will do. If the budget is very limited, then a laminate is also allowed. Of course, this will not be a real Scandinavian interior, but its imitation, but in order to create the most believable copy possible, take a light laminate. Part of the floor in the kitchen (in the area of the working area) can be finished with ceramic tiles or stone. Will do and porcelain tile, which can accurately simulate a tree. In the bathroom, it is better to use the same tile or stone, and on top of them put a wooden platform of slats to preserve the spirit of the interior;
- ceiling usually white, plaster can also be used. If the condition of the ceiling in the apartment leaves much to be desired and it will take a lot of time and energy to level it, then you can use a suspended structure from drywall. It is better to avoid multi-leveling and layering - let the ceiling be simple, even and white. Alternative can serve and stretch ceiling, only plain and matte. A great option for finishing the Scandinavian style ceiling is the same wood. It can retain its natural texture or be painted white.
The surfaces of ceilings, walls and floors are a kind of background, a blank sheet on which you can create your own masterpiece. So do not be afraid to decorate the wall with paintings, photos and other decor. On the floor, a fluffy rug or patchwork track will be appropriate.
No. 6. Scandinavian style furniture
When furnishing an apartment, remember the main principles of style. It is practicality and functionality. Excellent fit into the Scandinavian interior:
- wooden furniture, mainly from rocks of light shades. Wood either varnishor painted white. The result is natural, beautiful and comfortable;
- cabinets, shelves, racks and modular systems contain approximately equally closed and open spaces. With a general resemblance to minimalism, the Scandinavian style is different in that it no sterility. Things can and should be at hand, so there is nothing wrong with open shelves;
- for storage of trifles, you can use the box: textile, wicker, covered with leather. They can be placed on shelves. So everything you need will be at hand, the room will look homely, but you can avoid the effect of clutter;
- upholstery upholstered furniture usually performed in bright colors, less often in shades of graphite. Advantage - for plain materials. In particular, cotton, linen, leather. Sofas and armchairs should be as comfortable and ergonomic as possible;
- furniture on legs it seems more airy, and the ability to make out the space behind it makes our brain perceive the room as more spacious;
- the presence of any antique interior in the spirit of Scandinavian culture would be very appropriate. But do not get carried away - the apartment should not turn into an antique shop.
Another feature of the style is a well-thought-out storage system, which includes not only closet, mezzanines and wall shelves, but also hidden places, such as linen boxes under the bed. The style does not prohibit the use of multifunctional transforming furniture (folding chairs, folding sofa etc.).
Number 7. Windows, curtains and artificial light
The Scandinavian-style apartment is flooded with sunlight, which is facilitated by large window openings. It is difficult to change the size and shape of the window for residents of multi-storey buildings, so you will have to squeeze the maximum out of existing openings. So that they let the light pass maximum, you can generally discard curtains. If such a solution seems uncomfortable to you, then use light curtains made of linen, cotton or muslin (they are usually shifted to the side during the day) are also suitable roller blinds and jalousiethat during the day can leave the window opening completely free, and in the evening - guarantee complete privacy. By the way window frames Nice to match wooden floors.
The lack of natural light leads the northern peoples to the need to maximize the use of artificial light. Boldly use lamps of various types: chandeliers, floor lamps, sconces, table lamps, spotlights and even candles. The main thing is that all objects of lighting should be deprived of curls, gilding, ornate shapes and complex ornaments. Where it is better to use lamps made of dark metal, with elements of wood, weaving, simple textile or glass lampshades. Leave the chrome parts to fans of minimalism and hi-tech.
Artificial lighting should be multi-level. Ideally, every corner of the apartment in the dark should be properly lit. So the room will look bigger and more comfortable.
Number 8. Decor and accessories
Scandinavian style is a small amount of decor. Accessories should be extremely simple, but bright and, if possible, carry an additional function. Mirrors, family photos, cute rugs and rugs, pillows and transparent vases that can be filled with wood shavings or dry flowers will be excellent beautiful and functional decor elements.
Metal figurines, candles, porcelain and ceramics, wicker baskets, fresh flowers, clay pots - all this is appropriate to use in the Scandinavian style. The repeatedly mentioned textiles also become an excellent decoration.
The northern countries are famous for their special love for the sea, so everything related marine theme, can be used in the interior. It can be striped blue and white ornaments, paintings depicting the sea, fishing nets, shells, figures of fish, anchors and helms.
Of course, there are many suitable accessories, but you should not use all possible decorations.Decor should fill the space, but not overload it. If we are talking about decorating walls, then choose either accent using striped wallpaper, or a large picture, or a composition of several family photos.
No. 9. Scandinavian style in the interior of different rooms
The general ideas of the style remain unchanged regardless of whether you are designing a small living room or a huge mansion, but nevertheless, designers have in stock several ideas and techniques that relate to strictly defined rooms.
Scandinavian style kitchen
This style favorably emphasizes the area of a spacious kitchen, and small kitchen visually do more. Kitchen set It is made of wood, painted in white, gray or another light shade. Smooth facades are preferred, but furniture is also actively used, in which individual boards are visible. Usually used matte surfaces, but if desired, you can stay on polished facades. Handles are made of metal or completely absent.
Countertop usually performed darker than a headset. Among the preferred materials a rock and wood. Often the countertop is made gray or black. Apron usually trimmed in white ceramic tiles with imitation of a brick, options of other colors are less often met. It is possible to finish the apron with wooden panels, mosaic, glass.
If a wooden worktop is selected for the work area, then dinner table can be taken with a tabletop made of the same wood. However, a wooden table is a classic of the genre for the Scandinavian style. You can bring zest to the kitchen with the help of bright chairs. The technique is better to build in. Do not forget about the abundance of artificial light, and you can leave the windows no curtains at all or use blinds.
As for the finish, then walls away from the work area you can simply paint or plaster, and floor to cover with wood, tiles or a combination thereof. An excellent solution is porcelain stoneware, which surpasses tile in properties, and externally can have the color and pattern of any wood species.
Scandinavian style living room
Wooden floors and light walls will become integral attributes. The ceiling can be decorated with wooden beams or completely sheathed with wood. One of the walls of the living room can be made accentusing wallpaper, wood or even facing bricks.
The windows are left without curtains. In extreme cases, use a barely noticeable tulle, which moves during the day, completely freeing the window opening. The center of the living room is a soft zone made of a sofa, armchairs or poufs with plain, calm upholstery. Pillows and blankets can be made in traditional Scandinavian patterns. The soft band is complemented by cute little tables on legs and with a wooden surface. You can even put a whole stump. Do not forget about the rugs that will highlight the recreation area. You can also use a fur skin.
Bulky cabinets should be abandoned in favor of shelving with open shelves and low cabinets. One of the walls in the living room can be decorated with themed Scandinavian paintings depicting northern nature, the sea, animals and plants, animal horns are suitable. The central place in the living room can be given a fireplaceand it doesn’t have to be real - false fireplace It’s easy to arrange even in a one-room apartment.
Scandinavian style bedroom
The bedroom uses only a minimum of necessary things. The room should be spacious and uncluttered. Windows in this case can be covered roman blinds or plain dense ordinary curtains. Use a combination of translucent tulle and dense Roman curtains to maintain the mood of the style, but in which case be able to completely isolate from the outside world.
The floors in the bedroom are wooden, and not only light breeds are used, but also brown, gray and almost yellow. Walls can not only be painted, but also wallpaper. A great option is to create one accent wall, usually the wall behind the head of the bed.
Bedside tables can look like stools or baskets, quite bold and unexpected models are allowed. Bed It should be convenient and functional, so give preference to products that are equipped with their own storage location. The chandelier in the bedroom is usually very simple, complemented by bedside lamps. Do not forget to use rugs near the bed, decorate the room with paintings and greenery.
Scandinavian style bathroom
The ideal solution for a bathroom in the Scandinavian style - a dark floor and light walls. This technique will bring clarity and conciseness, visually expand the room and allow you to shift the focus to plumbing. For wall decoration great fit tile, often use a tile imitating a brick, and having a glossy surface. A popular technique is a combination of finishing materials: the lower part of the walls is made of tiles, the rest is painted. Land away from the water source can be painted from floor to ceiling. Also, there is often a variant when several tile options are combined. For wall decoration stone and mosaics are also suitable, and some areas can be decorated with wood paneling.
The floor is best finished with tiles, since the tree here risks not living a lot. A compromise is porcelain stoneware imitating wood. Plumbing has a concise form, without frills. Preference is given to the simplest oval bathtubs and a soul with glass doors, less commonly used foot baths. Furniture You can take a wooden or imitation wood.
Scandinavian style hallway
The main components in this case will be large mirror and convenient storage system. Usually dispense with a cabinet using the system instead hangers and shoe rack. If without a cabinet in any way, then take a wooden lacquered or painted white.
It is more practical to lay the floor with tiles, but the tree and its imitation are still the ideal option. In this case, the granite will be very welcome. Several materials can be combined with each other. The walls of the hallway are painted, finished with wooden lining or decorative brick. Plays a huge role lighting. In this case, you can use the simplest and most compact fixtures - the main thing is that they flood the entire hallway with light.
Scandinavian style nursery
White color remains the background, but, unlike other rooms, the children's room uses more bright colors, and 1-2 bright colors in this case are not limited. The rest of the rules remain unchanged: a lot of light, wooden or cork floorlight walls. Wallpaper with the image of ships will be appropriate, on the walls you can draw the contours of buildings characteristic of Scandinavian towns. Often children are decorated with flags and striped rugs.
Finally
Scandinavian style is perfect for any room and allows you to organize a room of any size. Although the direction has a set of rules, it gives a certain freedom of action, so in the end everyone should have a cozy, comfortable and unique interior.