What is the difference between Scandinavian style and minimalism? Minimalism and comfort: living room in Scandinavian style Living room in the style of Scandinavian minimalism.

It seems that most stylish modern interiors are characterized by simplicity, clear straight lines and the number of details reduced to an absolute minimum. However, it’s worth taking a closer look, and it turns out that the number of popular interior styles today is incredibly large, and even such simple and understandable, at first glance, minimalism has several varieties and variations. For those who like current interior aesthetics, we will try to reveal the main nuances of Japanese and Scandinavian minimalism in the interior, as well as their main differences from the high-tech style.

High-tech kitchen from Bulthaup

Strict and laconic interiors, where the main emphasis is not on decor and furniture, but on open and uncluttered spaces, natural light and functionality - this is what we usually associate with the concept of “minimalism”. This definition is very conditional, since anyone can easily fall under such a definition. modern interior, which has not had time to acquire a mass of accessories and household details and runs the risk of losing all its conciseness and style over time.


Snow-white Scandinavian minimalism in the interior, color and decor are present only in the form of textiles, photo Alvhem

How do you know if minimalism in the interior is right for you? If you are a neat person, accustomed to tidying up perfect cleanliness and always putting all things in their place, then this style can definitely suit you. For those who like to scatter things anywhere, to place numerous souvenirs from trips, vases and figurines on shelves, as well as for lovers of colorful, multi-layered textile decor, this aesthetic is clearly not suitable.


Minimalism is most in demand in kitchen and bathroom design - where extreme functionality is needed, Cesar Arredamenti kitchen

Advice: minimalism in suitable for the interior for neat people who like open spaces and want to take a break from the hustle and bustle and abundance of information in a room almost devoid of details. It is also convenient for those who suffer from allergies, as it is easy to clean and does not involve an abundance of fabrics and other “dust collectors”.


“White on white” for lovers of Scandinavian design, photo Alvhem

Japanese minimalism

The origins of the passion for laconic interiors without unnecessary decor and embellishment should be sought in the east in Frequent earthquakes and the peculiarities of philosophy gave rise to special light and mobile dwellings, actually made of paper and bamboo. Sliding partitions and the screens are easy to restore, move to a new place, and such weightless structures do not pose a danger during earthquakes. The garden has always been part Japanese interior, therefore love for nature is also an important factor in the formation Japanese style. Through the wide sliding openings, not only the landscape penetrated into the rooms, but also sunlight, which was the main source of illumination in the house. The result of this layout is a special attitude towards lamps, which should provide soft, diffused light, creating atmospheric twilight, rather than bright accents.

Japan gave minimalism a love for maximally open spaces, because in such a densely populated country, every centimeter of free space is especially highly valued. Of course, not all the features of traditional Japanese minimalism are applicable in our reality, but some of the techniques are quite possible to use.


Low japanese furniture simple shape and characteristic light partitions in the bedroom interior, Cinius bed

Techniques of Japanese minimalism for real life:

  • try to free up as much free space as possible, and if you need to zone the room or make some part of it more private, use light paper, bamboo or silk screens
  • give preference to several natural shades: white, black, gray, beige, brown
  • choose low furniture of strict geometric shapes without decoration
  • There should be no unnecessary items in the interior, so all things are hidden in cabinets with sliding doors, built-in furniture and various niches are relevant
  • use simple finishing materials: wood, brick, concrete, bamboo mats, etc. However, since there is no decor in such an interior, special requirements are imposed on the quality of all materials.

Not only the Japanese turned out to be consistent fans of free spaces and laconic decor. On the other side of the world, the Scandinavians took up their baton, forming their own recognizable and extremely popular version of minimalism, which began to take shape in the 19th century. Geographical location again played an important role in the formation of this style: the harsh climate and lack of sunlight led to the fact that virtually all Scandinavian interiors are designed in the lightest possible colors and represent all shades white tone. Love to indoor plants and the variety of lighting fixtures used in the interior can also be attributed to the harsh Danish, Swedish and Finnish winters.


Painted brickwork, light furniture and living flame fireplace - characteristic details of the living room in Scandinavian style, fireplace Focus

Memo: Scandinavian designers manage to create the effect of a large area even in very modest-sized apartments. This is achieved through light color range, the absence of unnecessary decor, the use of simple, low furniture and proper lighting.


Leather upholstery cannot be found even in expensive interiors Scandinavian style sofa Layout Isolagiorno

Scandinavian minimalism also does not tolerate an abundance of pretentious decor, putting natural light, a love of open spaces and maximum simplicity at the forefront, but it is perhaps the most comfortable variation of minimalism, in which motifs of folk art, warm blankets and flowers on the windowsill would be appropriate. However, all these decorative details should also be thought out and used in small quantities without overloading the interior.


Minimalism in general, and its Scandinavian variety in particular, is characterized by a free layout, for example, combining a kitchen and a living room. Two-roomed flat, area 62 m, photo Alvhem

Techniques of Scandinavian minimalism for real life:

  • love for natural materials, primarily wood, but also stone, simple ceramic tiles and plaster. Parquet or solid boards are used as flooring
  • Scandinavian furniture is low, comfortable and simple, of course, also made from natural wood, usually pine and spruce. The wood is either coated with clear varnish or whitewashed
  • monochrome light color scheme; textiles (colorful blankets and pillows, often in folk style) are usually used as color accents. Natural fabrics are used for upholstery: linen and cotton, heavy curtains are unacceptable
  • characteristic furnishings: fireplace or Dutch oven
  • as accessories you can use cobalt ceramics, objects from clear glass, mirrors in simple frames, decorative objects made of wood


An apartment with an area of ​​only 52 m2, everything in the hands of Scandinavians still creates a feeling of spaciousness, photo by Alvhem

High tech minimalism

High-tech style can be called the most radical expression of the ideas of minimalism; it is precisely such interiors in the minds of most of us that are associated with this concept. This style arose in the 1970s in Great Britain, but has no connections either with the local climate or with local interior traditions.


Space lamps for high-tech interiors. You will have to forget about elaborate chandeliers with flowers and embroidered textile lampshades, Cini&Nils

This is an international style, the name of which “hidhtech” translates as “high technology”, which quite accurately characterizes this direction. A minimum of decor, straight lines and angles, a maximum of light and free space - these features, without a doubt, are also present in high-tech interiors, but there is no love for traditions or natural materials there is no longer any question here. Designer rethinking of high technology, uncompromising love for glass, metal and plastic - this is what distinguishes true high-tech minimalism. An interior in this style should be as functional as possible, and there can be no talk of any trinkets for beauty and comfort if they do not carry an additional practical load.


High-tech aesthetics look best in very spacious, open-plan rooms with panoramic windows, however, in more modest conditions it can also exist


Extreme simplicity in the bathroom, Inbani sanitary ware

High-tech style techniques for real life:

  • discreet and monochrome color scheme: gray, white, black, sand, metallic. Allows one bright accent, for example, a modern poster on the wall or a red sofa
  • plain wall covering; wallpaper in this style is completely inappropriate
  • High-tech furniture is distinguished by maximum functionality and simple geometric shapes. Popular glass and chrome surfaces, stainless steel
  • lighting plays an important role, with versatile built-in lighting complementing modern accent lamps made of glass and steel
  • furnishings act as accessories: lamps, tables, fireplace or shelves unusual shape. Trinkets, souvenirs, etc. objects in the interior are completely inappropriate
  • unusual designer speakers and other devices also act as full-fledged pieces of furniture and are put on display

If you are tired of the flow of information and the endless bustle of big cities, love space and order, value elegance and simplicity, any type of minimalism is exactly what you need. Choose a philosophical Japanese option, a cozy Scandinavian style or ultra-modern high-tech, and remember that minimalism is often not just an interior style, but a certain lifestyle and worldview.

A Scandinavian-style living room is now found even in homes located far beyond Scandinavia. This circumstance is connected both with the general popularity of Scandinavian culture and with some features of this style of interior design. It has taken root especially well in Russia, since here, as in Norway or Finland, there is a lack of sunlight on long winter evenings. In addition, the inherent spirit of minimalism in this style allows this design to be completed with minimal financial costs, which naturally increases its popularity among homeowners.

The main advantage and feature of the Scandinavian style is the abundance of natural light

Despite the fact that the described direction of interior design provides a certain scope for creativity, there are some canons that must be followed if you decide to recreate a small corner of Scandinavia in your apartment or house. For example, such canons include the following characteristic features:

  1. Use white as the main color. They decorate both the ceilings, walls and floors of the Scandinavian living room. In addition, all its shades and tones are welcome.
  2. Widely used as a finishing material of wood. At the same time, it should have a light color to give the room a feeling of living and warmth. Not only the furniture in the living room is made of wood, but also the floor and, in some cases, the walls.
  3. The presence of a large number of accessories made of wrought iron. This material can be used to make furniture, as well as in interior details such as a photo frame or candlestick.

In a Scandinavian-style living room, white is the predominant color, especially for the walls, ceiling and floor.

In a Scandinavian-style living room, it is customary to use natural materials; light wooden furniture will perfectly complement the style.

Wrought iron elements contrast perfectly with the light Scandinavian interior

Separately, it is necessary to talk about two points. Firstly, in living rooms of this type there is simply a huge amount of light. So, if a Scandinavian-style living room with a photo is posted on the Internet, it usually shows a room without curtains. Sometimes blinds are used instead, but usually they try to remove all obstacles that prevent light from entering the room. In addition, in the style described, artificial lighting is widely used, using sconces, floor lamps and various auxiliary light sources.

Traditionally, in the Scandinavian style, all curtains are removed to let in more light.

In the Scandinavian style, in addition to natural lighting, there is a lot artificial sources Sveta

Secondly, the entire room, decorated in Scandinavian style, should simply be imbued with the spirit of minimalism. So, only straight lines should be present here, and the space in the room should be free of unnecessary furniture. Some of its shortcomings are replaced here by high practicality and functionality, so a properly executed Scandinavian living room is not only spacious, but also practical to use.

The Scandinavian interior is dominated by minimalism, which creates spaciousness in the room.

Scandinavian style living room design is based on simplicity. It is he who is responsible for the finishing of both the room itself and the furniture located in it. The walls here are usually simply plastered white, having previously been perfectly leveled. In this case, the shades can be very different, with the addition of blue, beige or pink.

The walls in a Scandinavian-style living room are most often simply plastered and painted white.

Scandinavian style includes simple accessories and furniture

The Scandinavian-style living room in the photo usually has a harmonious and complete interior. Achieved this effect by painting doorways, doors and windows in the same color. The result is a uniform, harmonious background for both accessories and furniture.

Wooden windows and walls can be painted to match the color of the walls

In the Scandinavian style, only a few shades are used that are in harmony with each other.

As for the floor, the Scandinavian living room requires that it be made of wood, while the color is kept either natural and natural, or the floor is painted white. Since wooden floors are quite expensive, an option with ordinary laminate is also allowed. It will not spoil the appearance of the room at all, preserving its Scandinavian spirit.

A plank floor will look good in a Scandinavian interior

Wooden floors in Scandinavian style can be painted in a predominant white color

By the way, the Scandinavian style in the interior welcomes the presence of a carpet on the floor. It should be made of natural materials and have long pile. It is also perfectly acceptable to use animal skins instead of carpet. They can give the room an atmosphere of naturalness and simplicity, while at the same time insulating the floor.

The Scandinavian-style floor carpet can be matched with northern patterns

Skins are often present on the floor in Nordic Scandinavian interiors.

Since Scandinavia is characterized by a respectful attitude towards nature, the interior of local houses is made strictly from natural materials, so plastic and synthetics are prohibited here. Concerning household appliances and electronics, then it should not be displayed either. If you cannot do without it, you will need to select it so that in its appearance and color it matches the overall decor of the room.

The equipment in the living room in a Scandinavian interior should match the design, for example, a TV can be chosen with a white surface

The fireplace in the interior of a Scandinavian style living room is a key element; this is worth remembering when planning work on design living room. A room with a fireplace looks cozier and more substantial. In addition, this type of heating allows you to get an additional source of heat on cold winter evenings. A fireplace in a Scandinavian style interior can be either natural or electric. The last option is the only one that can be used in a standard city apartment; in a house outside the city, it is quite possible to make a real fireplace with a grate and a shelf for accessories.

The fireplace is an integral attribute of northern interiors, including Scandinavian ones.

Danish Scandinavian fireplace is usually small round in shape

If it is not possible to install a real fireplace or stove, then you can use an electric one.

Living room furniture in Scandinavian style

The Scandinavian interior of the living room assumes the presence of a small amount of furniture. The fact is that in its spirit it is very close to minimalism, which prefers free spaces, not cluttered with furniture. In addition, usually the homes of the Nordic countries are furnished quite simply, so if you look at the design of a Scandinavian-style living room in the photo, you will notice the rather modest furnishings of the homes of Finns or Norwegians.

Scandinavians have a simple but original furniture in the interior

As for the immediate furnishings of the room being described, the furniture for it should consist of the most necessary items. So, it is mandatory to install a large leather sofa in the living room. In addition to leather, its upholstery can be made of fur, suede or linen.

A leather sofa is often found in Scandinavian interiors

On such a sofa they receive guests or relax during the day. You can also watch TV on it. In addition to the sofa, armchairs or ottomans are usually installed. As for chairs and stools, in the Scandinavian style they are usually not used in the living room, but are used in the kitchen or hallway.

Scandinavian cabinets can be either open or closed, and they must be made only of natural wood. Homemade furniture is very welcome, but it is worth noting that various embellishments and excessive decoration are not welcome here. This applies to carving and painting. It is best to simply paint the furniture in a strict light color without additional decor.

Help to complement your living room in a Scandinavian interior bookshelves that can be painted with white paint

In addition to the closet, the living room may also need small racks or shelves. They are perfect for placing books or decorative items on them. Such furniture can create an atmosphere of simplicity and naturalness in the room as opposed to large and massive walls. Racks with trophies of a fisherman or hunter, which are very popular in Scandinavia, will look especially stylish.

Wooden book racks in a Scandinavian interior for furniture and other elements

Despite the spirit of minimalism that permeates the described interior design style, an ordinary mirror would look very appropriate in a living room designed in accordance with its canons. Its task is to reflect and scatter light. As a result, the room will receive additional lighting without the use of electrical appliances.

Mirrors in a Scandinavian interior are of the usual simple shape, but large, reflecting a lot of light

Worth mentioning separately! In the Scandinavian style, despite the priority of wood, the use of materials such as glass and metal is quite acceptable.

It is acceptable to use glass surfaces in a Scandinavian interior

At the same time, all products made from them must be correctly integrated into the interior of the room. For example, the use of a large amount of furniture with chrome elements is not recommended, and combination with plastic is also undesirable.

Basic decorative elements

The Scandinavian interior welcomes the use of additional lighting sources, despite the presence of large windows without curtains. In this regard, sconces, floor lamps and lamps are considered one of the popular decorative elements of this room. Moreover, the more different lighting fixtures there are in one room, the better. For example, a large chandelier can be complemented by a floor lamp or candelabra placed on the mantelpiece.

A variety of sconces, chandeliers and floor lamps at the same time perfectly complement the Scandinavian style

A room decorated in Scandinavian style should combine elegance with restraint, so the living room should not be cluttered with trinkets that do not have practical significance. In addition, it is not customary to display live plants and flowers in such a room. Instead, you can put household items or some utilitarian items, such as dishes.

Green plants and useful little things perfectly complement the Scandinavian interior

Handmade items are also perfect for a Scandinavian living room. These can be sofa cushions, blankets and other textiles. Experienced designers it is recommended to use products Brown or its shades. Wood crafts can also be used in limited quantities.

Large knitted blankets and various pillows will perfectly complement the Scandinavian interior

As for wall decoration, it should be discreet. Since the main color in the described designer style white, the walls must be the same, but it is forbidden to introduce any elements unusual in the style, such as stucco molding or columns. Scandinavians have developed their own original style of interior design, so they do not tolerate borrowed elements. In extreme cases, it would be appropriate to place it on a perfectly flat white wall paintings or posters with scenes on nature.

White walls in a Scandinavian interior can be complemented with paintings in white frames

Separately worth mentioning is the place modern technology and electronics. Rooms decorated in Scandinavian style, in principle, welcome the use of household appliances and electronics, but at the same time they should fit into the interior of the room as much as possible. A situation in which the TV becomes the center of the room is not allowed, since this place should be occupied by a fireplace. Therefore, all equipment should be hidden from the eyes of guests.

Appliances usually fit well into Scandinavian interiors

In any case, it is worth decorating several rooms at once in the Scandinavian style. In this case, the maximum effect will be achieved. If this is not possible due to the small size of the apartment, then you can decorate the hallway, kitchen or living room in this way. They are best suited for decoration in the style described; in addition, special luxury is not required there.

It is better to decorate several rooms at once in the Scandinavian style

Living room dining room in Scandinavian style

The Scandinavian living room is often combined with a room such as a dining room. The fact is that modern apartments they do not have a large area to place these premises in different rooms, so their owners have to combine the dining room and living room. The result is very interesting solution, which is quite widely used in the Scandinavian school of interior design.

Advice! In any case, when a decision is made to combine the living room and dining room, both functional areas should be designed in the same style.

You can separate them using some techniques that allow you to visually differentiate the dining room and living room. Thus, furniture for entertaining guests, such as a sofa, can be installed in such a way that, together with armchairs and ottomans, it forms a separate corner. In this case, some of the guests can be at the table, and some can talk with each other as part of a separate group.

Scandinavian style - great option for combining kitchen and living room

The combination of a kitchen and a living room in a Scandinavian style is well suited for small rooms, since white color visually increases space

In addition, the floors of the room can be finished in different ways. So, for example, the space under the table is decorated with laminate, and the rest of the room with parquet. You can also do flooring in the dining area it is lighter, and in the living room it is darker. This will not cause additional costs and will not take up useful space, but will allow you to clearly distinguish where exactly the dining room is located and where the living room is.

Zoning the kitchen - living room due to flooring, furniture and ceiling

Another zoning option could be the use of additional lighting devices. So, for example, there may be more light in the place where food is eaten. To do this, floor lamps are installed there, pendant lamps are placed, as well as sconces. The reception area, on the contrary, should be equipped with a small number of appliances and have dim lighting.

As for furniture, the options for its installation can be very diverse. So, instead of a table, you can install a bar counter in the dining-living room. It won't take up much space and is ideal for a buffet. In addition, a small buffet or hanging cabinets for storing tea utensils would be appropriate. If there is no way to place them, then racks are quite suitable for this purpose.

You can zone the kitchen-living room using a counter table

It is also worth considering one technical nuance! The fact is that food can emit persistent odors that can linger in the room for a long time. This is an unacceptable situation for a living room. In connection with this circumstance, it makes sense to install a more powerful ventilation system in the combined room. In this case, it will be necessary to try to disguise it so that it does not stand out from the general interior living-dining room.

Scandinavian style in small living rooms

Since the Scandinavian style does not require large premises, it is ideal for decorating rooms in standard small apartments Oh. At the same time, some nuances of their architecture and design are quite suitable for being used to decorate a living room in the described style. For example, these include elements brickwork or fragments of a concrete slab painted white.

A bright Scandinavian interior is perfect for small living rooms.

The dominant color in the Scandinavian style of interior design is white. It visually expands the room and increases the space available in it. usable area, as a result, even a small apartment can look large. In order for the effect to intensify even more, it is necessary to use only straight, strict lines in the design of the room. The decor should be insignificant or completely absent.

As for furniture, Scandinavian-style living rooms can be equipped with multifunctional options. For example, it is good to use transforming cabinets that can be used as chairs or ottomans. An interesting way out of the situation in the absence of additional usable space could be to arrange a tabletop on the windowsill. It can be used as coffee table or bar.

With help folding bed you can quickly turn the living room into a bedroom

Using mirrors can also add visual space to a room. But what you should give up is furniture and finishing materials dark color. Dark color not only visually “steals” useful space, but also creates a mood that is not very conducive to a good rest in the company of friends. Therefore, such tones should be used in doses, giving them strict specific place, for example, in the corners of a room or in dividing functional areas.

Living room in small room can also be equipped with such an integral attribute of a Scandinavian home as a fireplace. This may be an electric version or an imitation. In any case, the fireplace in the room will need to be designated. This will make the room original and create a center of attraction in it.

A small living room in a Scandinavian style is best decorated in the spirit of minimalism

But what you should never do in a small apartment is clutter it with furniture. The fact is that the Scandinavian style loves space, and a living room filled with furniture is not only functionally inconvenient, but also simply looks ugly. Try to avoid this incident, and if this is not possible, move the excess furniture to other rooms.

Often in a small apartment the kitchen and living room are combined

In the event that you are unable to independently decorate a room in the described interior design style, it makes sense to contact a specialist in this field. The fact is that the Scandinavian style does not tolerate mixing, so it is quite difficult to decorate a room in this style without spoiling it with high-tech elements. Professional designer is able to take into account all the nuances and will decorate the room in accordance with both your wishes and the canons of style.

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A Scandinavian-style apartment has recently turned into a design dream for many of our compatriots. With all its originality, simplicity and sophisticated beauty, it looks appropriate in luxury apartments and one-room apartment, while leaving wide scope for creativity and self-realization.

Origin of the direction

This interior style owes its appearance to the reigning King Gustav III at the beginning of the 18th century, during whose reign science, art and culture received a powerful impetus. Thanks to the royal will, the Empire style, widespread in Europe, took root in this northern country. Over time, due to cultural and geographical features, it acquired some characteristic national features, turning into the so-called “Swedish Empire”.

The priorities of the residents of these harsh regions were comfort, safety, reliability and warmth. Gradually, these qualities replaced unnecessary decorative excesses, pomp and luxury, putting modest aesthetics, functionality and simplicity at the forefront of priorities.

Since the middle of the last century, Scandinavian interior design began to find increasing recognition among the general public, and it has not faded away to this day.

Style motifs from Scandinavia

To better understand the philosophy of this design direction, we suggest learning the features of the Scandinavian style in the interior.

Color

Having started a Scandinavian-style renovation, be prepared to be surrounded by an abundance of white surfaces that lighten the surrounding space and give its owners a feeling of delightful serenity.

In addition to boiling white, the Scandinavian style prefers calm, natural colors– light shades of green, yellow, gray, beige and blue.

Several bright accents will add originality and originality to the interior.

Favorite materials

Scandinavian interiors prefer naturalness not only in colors, but also in the materials used. Therefore, forget about plastic and chipboard, you should now be surrounded by wood, stone, fur, leather. If you cannot do without man-made materials, try to select those that will skillfully imitate their natural counterparts.

Furnishings

A room in a Scandinavian style should be furnished exclusively with furniture made of natural wood. The upholstery is chosen in pastel colors; it is permissible to combine materials for it.

Lighting

Daylight - important element design, therefore in Scandinavian style key feature is the presence of large windows with wooden frames allowing you to fill your home with sunlight. This feature makes thick, heavy drapes and curtains inappropriate; choose light fabric that transmits light well, or abandon them altogether.

But the absence of huge windows covering half the wall is not yet a reason to refuse to embody the Scandinavian style in the interior. Well-designed artificial lighting will help make up for the lack of daylight. Equip your apartment with a variety of lighting fixtures: chandeliers, floor lamps, sconces, lamps and even candles. They can be completely different in shape and color, but at the same time they will not stand out from the general style of the interior.

Surfaces

Walls and floors in Scandinavian style should be decorated with natural shades. For walls, it is preferable to use light, pastel colors. Often there is white or beige plaster, as well as cladding of one wall or part of it. wood panels. A Scandinavian-style toilet often boasts light blue or white tiles.

The ceiling can only be snow-white. Wooden floors can be decorated with plain rugs or stylized patchwork runners, making the environment more homely, family-friendly and cozy.

Decor

The whole world has heard a lot about Scandinavian minimalism, so when decorating interiors, only the most necessary accessories are selected in very limited quantities. Give preference to natural materials, glass, ceramics. The peoples inhabiting these lands have always been close to the sea, so such a theme will always be appropriate. For example, the interiors of apartments can be decorated with paintings or photographs depicting sea spaces.

Accents

The abundance of white can evoke associations with a hospital, so a design move to revitalize the Scandinavian style in the interior of an apartment is to place bright color accents. Any small item made in contrasting colors will become a breath of good mood and cheerfulness. This could be a green pillow on a white sofa, a blue lampshade on a lamp, or photo frames painted in different colors. The main thing is to stop in time and not overdo it.

Decorating an apartment in the spirit of the northern peoples

Apartment renovation in the Scandinavian style is one of the most rational decisions that a modern city dweller can accept. Thanks to its brevity, democracy and unpretentiousness, Scandinavian design will help save significant money and time for its implementation.

  • , will become the heart of any home, a gathering place for the whole family. Therefore, the surrounding space should be designed as comfortable and cozy as possible. The durability, comfort and attractiveness of the interior will pay for all the costs of natural materials. You can diversify your boring environment by simply changing a few sofa cushions or a picture on the wall. The interior design of a living room in a Scandinavian style includes a snow-white ceiling, light walls and flooring in natural wood tones.
  • . The design of an apartment in the Scandinavian style suggests that this room will, first of all, be as functional as possible. In terms of color, the most common contrast here is white trim and a dark ceramic apron, which come in tandem with natural wood furnishings.

An apartment with a Scandinavian-style studio kitchen, divided into work and dining areas, would fit into modern reality just right.

  • , more than other rooms, minimalism in the interior is inherent. The main features of such a room are simple decoration, a minimum of furniture and decor.
  • A Scandinavian-style office in modern urban conditions is rarely an isolated room. A more realistic option is to allocate a comfortable, functional space in the living room or bedroom, in which it is pleasant to be and work.

The Scandinavian-style workplace is a compact desk or a console attached to the wall with open shelves for storing necessary stationery and books.

  • A bathroom decorated in Scandinavian style is spacious, bright, with maximum functionality of the space. It is also characterized by combinations of light wall decoration and dark floors. A Scandinavian-style toilet is usually distinguished by its laconic forms, environmentally friendly texture and the maximum possible use of natural materials.
  • Auxiliary rooms, such as a corridor, pantry or balcony in the Scandinavian style, are characterized by maximum moderation in the setting and simplicity of form. They are not filled with rubbish and unnecessary garbage. Everything you need is placed in convenient and concise storage systems.

Design of small apartments

Not everyone is lucky with large apartments, but the Scandinavian style in the interior of small apartments looks extremely organic, allowing you to make the most of the available space, even if you only have a modest one-room apartment.

On the Internet you can find many examples of how to introduce Scandinavian style into the interior of small apartments; the photos will give you many ideas. To implement them, use our tips.

  1. A small apartment decorated in Scandinavian style should delight with white wall decoration, which can visually lighten and expand the space.
  2. in Scandinavian style will transform even the most modest property into a modern, stylish room. Don't be afraid of redevelopment.
  3. Do not interfere with natural light to fill the rooms; the Scandinavian style in a city apartment involves minimal decor and drapery of window openings.
  4. Bright accents, large or small spots of color are also inherent in the Scandinavian style; many photos on the Internet will tell you interesting solutions.


Scandinavian style attracts everyone with its minimalism and pristine beauty. There is nothing superfluous in it, and this causes admiration. We offer 35 stunning ideas for decorating living rooms that will amaze with their beauty, functionality and simplicity.




Scandinavian style suggests that quality is much more important than quantity, so it is reserved amazingly intertwined with minimalism and grace. It is considered one of the simplest styles, but for this you will have to overcome the habit of many to fill the house with unnecessary things and various trinkets. But discipline is needed, since the main thing in the Scandinavian style is practicality.






We must pay tribute to those designers who, since the Scandinavian style gained popularity in the world, have tried to preserve its pristine beauty and combine it with the concepts of ergonomics and aesthetics of the majority of the population. The love for it does not fade over the years; it is still relevant due to its undeniable advantages.

1. Small living rooms in Scandinavian style






The style, born in the harsh Scandinavian conditions, which demanded efficiency and practicality over luxury, a sense of space and light, is ideal for decorating small living rooms. The color scheme is kept to a minimum, which allows you to create a universal background. Most often, the choice is a boiling white color. Thanks to this, the fragmentation of the room is visually reduced and a feeling of space appears. Using limited decor, straight lines help create a neat living room that looks both warm and cozy.






However, when decorating a small living room, you don’t need to completely abandon the variety of colors, otherwise it will turn out boring and gray interior. Scandinavian style allows you to add color accents. You can hang mirrors to visually expand the space. Soft carpet, side table, stylish floor lamp and a comfortable chair will help create an elegant and stylish interior.

2. White and gray - Nordic style






White has always dominated the Scandinavian style, but in last years attention was paid to another neutral color, which quickly replaced white and became its reliable partner. Gray is the color that, having gained popularity, is not going to lose its position. Therefore, you can safely give your living room a Scandinavian feel by introducing at least some elements gray. It could be a sofa or accent wall. Typically, the Scandinavian style uses light gray shades, however, dark ones can be used to create an interesting contrast.






Black and white background with gray tones will also look great in an interior decorated in a Scandinavian style. This is an amazing opportunity to combine modern minimalism and urban style. But you need to make sure that black is used only to emphasize certain architectural elements. Too much of it will quickly change the overall atmosphere of the room.

3. Colorful accents






Scandinavian style will not only help you get rid of excess and unnecessary decor, it will also open up a world of amazing and unique accents in the form of elements that are pleasing to the eye. Geometric patterns, stripes, chevron patterns and abstraction will create a light, pleasant and individual atmosphere in the living room.






But it's not just about the drawings. Small colorful accents will attract attention. Cushions, rugs, vases and lamps are the most popular ways to add color to a Scandinavian-style interior. Those who are ready to experiment can opt for rich tones. Beautiful wallpaper will be an interesting alternative that can fill the room with freshness and energy. True, the wallpaper design should in no case deviate from the general style of the interior.

4. Scandinavian style decor






One of the great advantages of the Scandinavian style is the variety of decor that never goes out of style. Firstly, this is traditional furniture. Once you have invested in it, you won’t have to worry about having to exchange it for something more modern. In any period, classics from Isamu Noguchi or Charles Eames will be in trend, easily turning into the compositional center of any interior. Of course, this is not a cheap pleasure, but everything else can be brought simply from IKEA.
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At first glance, both of them are very similar to each other. They are united by a commitment to simplicity, functionality and a passion for light, neutral colors. However, this is where the similarities end. It turns out that there are much more differences in interior styles than what unites them.

Unites and separates

Scandinavian style is sometimes confused with minimalism, and vice versa. This stems from a common desire for simplicity and functionality for both. When, however, we take a closer look, we discover many more differences in interior styles than similarities.

In Scandinavian style, naturalness and simplicity are equally important. Wood, wool, glass, porcelain reign in them.

In turn, in minimalist apartments naturalness is not a priority. On the contrary, he avoids it in order to achieve the effect of completion.

Therefore, apartments decorated in this style are popular

  • metal,
  • plastic,
  • as well as concrete.

This often results in spaces that feel cold and inaccessible, while every element is chosen to make everyday activities easier. This makes living in minimalist apartments very convenient. Rarely, but the room is considered cozy, unlike Scandinavian interiors. Thanks to the presence of wood, as well as natural fabrics and plants, the atmosphere is friendly.

Scandinavian interior

As the name suggests, the Scandinavian style arrived in our interiors from the north of Europe. There is a rather harsh, gloomy climate there, so the Scandinavians began to equip their homes warmly and comfortably.

Choose bright colors, mainly white, beige, pastel shades and grey. They take care of good interior lighting. Suitable lamps are essential here, and it's also worth using decorative lighting, such as the popular cotton balls.

Having arranged an apartment in this spirit, first of all, you should rely on wooden furniture. The wood can be left in its natural shade or painted, preferably white.

Scandinavian design perfectly represents the IKEA bed with wooden frame. Made from natural materials, simple in shape, but very comfortable. Furniture that popularized the Scandinavian style, such as a table with a wire base in the form of a basket.

Do not forget - warm blankets and pillows. A popular print on pillows is a black cross.

Wooden furniture, textiles and a popular print on pillows - a black cross.

Minimalist interior

Minimalism in interior design appeared about a hundred years ago. Architects and designers then began to convince that “less is more,” and the beauty of things is connected with their functionality. We started this way in order to focus attention on the quality of utilitarian items.

The rules of minimalism created then are returning today with improved force. Many people, tired of a consumption-oriented lifestyle, give up unnecessary things and make conscious choices.

Minimalism is not only a reduction in the number of objects in the house, but also a simplification of their shapes and color palette.

Therefore, primary colors appear in minimalist interior arrangements, sometimes complemented by stronger accents. Furniture should be universal, an example of which could be a gray sofa or a black shelving unit that will fit into any interior. Simple forms and color scheme allow many items to acquire elegance, such as a serving tray or a mirror.

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