Scandinavian style

Scandinavian style grew out of the long, dark winters of northern Europe. Its aim is to hold on to as much light as possible indoors and to keep rooms simple without making them cold. White and pale grey walls, light-toned timber, plain furniture forms and natural textiles such as wool and linen are its core ingredients.

What defines the style

Furniture is practical and gets its beauty from proportion rather than ornament. Floors are usually pale wood. Windows are rarely covered by heavy curtains, because daylight is the main material of the room. The palette is calm, and liveliness comes from plants, ceramics and small textile accents. What separates it from strict minimalism is warmth: a Scandinavian room looks lived in and comfortable, not empty. Combined with Japanese restraint, it gives rise to the hybrid known as Japandi.

Scandinavian interiors in visualization

Light is what makes this style believable in a render. Without soft, diffuse daylight, subtle colour bleeding on white surfaces and the natural grain of the timber, the room looks sterile. Small creases in textiles and a few well-chosen accessories bring the scene to life. For more home styles, see home interior design styles.