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A cosy scandinavian-style living room - how can you achieve it?
Simple and straightforward, but also warm and cosy – this is what Scandinavian style is about. No wonder that it has been popular with enthusiasts of beautiful interiors and modern design for years. The soft bright colours, natural materials and minimalistic patterns bring harmony and tranquillity to any space, transforming a living room into a cosy, peaceful refuge.
A Scandinavian-style living room is a perfect choice for anyone who dreams about escaping the city buzz and relaxing hygge-style. The bright raw designs, minimalistic and unpretentious, will change your living room into a safe haven. How can you achieve this? It is very easy, just remember a few important rules.
Not just the stone
Scandinavian designs do not incorporate bold colour combinations. Instead, they are dominated by bright colours inspired by the nature of the north – shades of grey, soft white, warm beige and cold sky-blue. They give the interior a light feel, making even a small living room seem more spacious. A well-balanced combination of grey and white gives the room the fresh and subtle look of a place where you can enjoy an afternoon with a cup of tea and a book. If you desire a little more extravagance, the Scandinavian style is a perfect base for experimentation with décor. Paint one wall in a powerful colour or choose contrasting accessories. Red cushions, yellow picture frames or bottle-green ceramics will give the room a more energetic vibe without disrupting the spirit of Scandinavian simplicity.
Natural kingdom
Natural materials in your décor will take you on a relaxing journey to the world of Scandinavian landscapes. Wood, stone and wicker are perfect choices for a cosy effect. Scandinavian style is also a tribute to ecology so you may want to make use of empty fruit crates or pallets transformed into shelves or coffee tables. Combining beauty and functionality, they are bound to give your living room an unpretentious look.
“Unfortunately, natural wood often proves impractical and expensive. However, you can successfully replace a wooden floor, so prone to scratching, with environmentally friendly milled rock tiles that perfectly imitate the grain and structure of wood. If you plan to keep your living room in cold shades, pick grey tiles. But if you want it a little more cosy, consider choosing tiles in the colour of a warm wood. Finish the design with ethnic-patterned or striped jute rugs characteristic of Scandinavian style” – Joanna Kocielińska, architect, Opoczno.
Less is more
Scandinavian style is a tribute to simplicity and functionality, so all of the objects in the living room should be not only beautiful but also practical. Aesthetic furniture with simple or organic lines will go perfectly with minimalistic accessories. Also use thick-woven fabrics, soft cushions and woollen blankets to wrap yourself in on chilly summer mornings or winter evenings. They will create a home atmosphere, make the room cosier, and add warmth to the raw northern style. A perfect way to complement the design is to add plants. Place trendy cerimans, calatheas or eternity plants in concrete or clay pots and enjoy nature within your grasp.
HYGGE-STYLE LIGHT
The sun is an excellence antidote when you feel depressed. The creators of the Scandinavian style were well aware of that, which is why proper lighting is crucial in Scandinavian décor. Large windows without curtains and minimalistic lamps are indispensable in Scandinavian designs. Whether natural or artificial, warm, yellowish light will put you in good mood and help you relax. To create hygge-style light in your living room, you may install a fireplace. It can be covered with bleached bricks or ceramic tiles for a modern look. If you cannot afford a fireplace, you may appreciate candles, especially during winter evenings, as they will transform your living room into a place of your dreams.
