A Scandinavian-style apartment has recently become a design dream of many of our compatriots. With all its originality, simplicity and sophisticated beauty, it looks appropriate both in luxury apartments and in a one-room apartment, while leaving wide scope for creativity and self-realization.
Origin of direction
This interior style owes its appearance to King Gustav III, ruling 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 inhabitants of these harsh lands were comfort, safety, reliability and warmth. Gradually, these qualities replaced excessive decorative excesses, pomposity and luxury, putting modest aesthetics, functionality and simplicity at the forefront.
Since the middle of the last century, the Scandinavian interior has begun to find more and more recognition among the general public, and it has not died out even today.
Scandinavian Style Motifs
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 for the fact that now you will be surrounded by an abundance of white surfaces that lighten the surrounding space and give its owners a sense of intoxicating serenity.
In addition to boiling white, the Scandinavian style prefers calm, natural colors - light shades of green, yellow, gray, beige and blue.
The originality and originality of the interior will give a few bright accents.
Favorite materials
The Scandinavian interior prefers 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 Scandinavian-style room should be furnished exclusively with natural wood furniture. The upholstery is chosen in pastel colors, it is permissible to combine materials for it.
Lighting
Natural light is an important design element, so a key feature in a Scandinavian style is having large, wood-framed windows that let in natural light. This feature makes dense, heavy curtains and curtains inappropriate, choose a light fabric that transmits light well, or refuse them altogether.
But the absence of huge half-wall windows is not a reason to abandon the embodiment of the Scandinavian style in the interior. Well-designed artificial lighting will help make up for the lack of daylight. Equip your apartment with versatile lamps: 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 get out of the general style of the interior.
surfaces
Walls and floors in the 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 sheathing one wall or part of it with 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 carpets or stylized patchwork runners, making the environment more homely, family and cozy.
Decor
The whole world has heard about Scandinavian minimalism, so when designing interiors, only the most necessary accessories are selected in a very limited amount. 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 the expanses of the sea.
accents
The abundance of white can evoke associations with a hospital, so the design move to revive the Scandinavian style in the interior of an apartment is to place bright color accents. Any small object, made in contrasting colors, will thereby become a breath of good mood and vivacity. It can be a green pillow on a white sofa, a blue lampshade on a lamp, photo frames painted in different colors. The main thing is to stop in time and not overdo it.
Furnishing an apartment in the spirit of northern peoples
Renovating an apartment in a Scandinavian style is one of the most rational decisions that a modern city dweller can make. Due to its conciseness, democracy and not pretentiousness, Scandinavian design will help save significant money and time for its implementation.
- Hall decorated in Scandinavian style, will become the heart of any home, a place for the whole family to gather. Therefore, the surrounding space should be designed as comfortable and cozy as possible. Durability, convenience and attractiveness of the interior will pay off all the costs of natural materials. It will be possible to diversify the boring atmosphere by simply changing a few sofa cushions or a picture on the wall. The interior design of the living room in the Scandinavian style is a snow-white ceiling, light walls and flooring in natural wood tones.
- Kitchen. The design of the Scandinavian-style apartment suggests that this room will first of all be as functional as possible. In terms of color scheme, the contrast of white trim and a dark ceramic apron is most often found here, entering into tandem with natural wood furnishings.
An apartment with a Scandinavian-style kitchen-studio, divided into working and dining areas, will fit perfectly into modern reality.
- Bedroom decorated in a similar style, more than other rooms, minimalism in the interior is inherent. The main features of such a room are a simple finish, a minimum of furniture and decor.
- A Scandinavian-style office in modern urban reality is rarely an isolated room. A more realistic option is a comfortable, functional space allocated in the living room or bedroom, in which it is pleasant to be and work.
A Scandinavian-style workplace is a compact desk or console attached to the wall with open shelves for storing necessary stationery and books.
- The bathroom, decorated in Scandinavian style, is spacious, bright, with maximum functionality of the space. It also features combinations of light wall finishes and dark floors. A Scandinavian-style toilet is usually characterized by concise forms, environmentally friendly textures and the maximum possible use of natural materials.
- Ancillary spaces, such as a corridor, pantry or Scandinavian-style balcony, are characterized by maximum sobriety in furnishings and simplicity of form. They are not clogged with rubbish and useless 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 own only a modest one-room apartment.
On the net you can find many examples of how to introduce Scandinavian style into the interior of small apartments, photos will tell you a lot of ideas. To implement them, use our advice.
- A small Scandinavian-style apartment should delight with white wall decoration, so you can visually lighten and expand the space.
- Studio apartment in Scandinavian style will turn even the most modest property into a modern, stylish space. Don't be afraid of remodeling.
- Let natural light fill the rooms, Scandinavian style in a city apartment involves minimal decor and draping of window openings.
- Bright accents, large or small color spots are also inherent in the Scandinavian style, a lot of photos on the Internet will tell you interesting solutions.
- The corridor of a small apartment can be equipped with comfortable mezzanines for storing all sorts of things needed in the household.
Regardless of whether you have a one-, two-room apartment or a large Scandinavian-style house, your home will turn into a place where you will want to return every day to get rid of external problems in the circle of loved ones.