1. DECLUTTER YOUR SPACE
A key part of Scandinavian design is minimalism. Everything in a room needs to earn its place and there's no room for pieces that are all form and no function. So before starting to style your living room, have a declutter and purge the room of anything not serving a clear purpose.
2. GET YOUR LIVING ROOM LIGHTING RIGHT
Since the Scandis spend so much of winter in the dark it is no wonder that a lot of their interior design concepts are obsessed with light, be it natural or artificial. The consensus with living room lighting is the more light and the more lighting options the better, so you can adjust the mood of the room accordingly.
3. STRIP BACK TO BARE WOODEN FLOORS
While interior design trends might be hinting that living room carpets are back in style, you won't find them in Scandi interiors. As Catharina explains, 'Wooden floors are another staple in Swedish interior design – rarely do you see fitted carpets in the main living areas. Pale-colored woods such as pine or birch help to reflect light or you can also paint floorboards white, as this will make the space look bigger than it is. To add coziness, add some texture and a splash of color with a soft wool or cotton rug for a stylish and functional option.'
4. DON'T SHY AWAY FROM COLOR
A light and neutral color palette is synonymous with Scandi living rooms, however, don't let that put you off dabbling in a few bolder tones. Choose living room colors that add extra warmth and coziness to the space – deep pinks, terracottas, and even yellows will all be at home in a Scandi setting.
5. LAYER UP THE TEXTURES
If you are looking for the one thing that's going to give your living room that Scandi feel it's texture. Texture, texture, texture. The more the better. Scandi spaces may be limited in color, but they more than make up for it in layering up different tactile materials and finishes to create spaces that are every bit as interesting as those filled with color.
6. MIX AND MATCH WOOD TONES
And another tip for adding interest to a neutral color scheme is to choose different tones and finishes of wood when picking out your living room furniture. You won't have to move too from with all the greys, creams and whites going on but wood can add depth and that all-important texture to a room.
7. INVEST IN A WOOD BURNING STOVE
Ah, of course, what Scandi living room would be complete without a wood-burning stove? There's just something about a log burner that feels so... Nordic. Of course, gas fires offer a more instant warmth, but nothing beats piling in the wood and getting the flames going yourself. Plus, wood burners are by far the most efficient fireplace idea, heating a room more quickly and effectively than an open fire.
8. BRING THE OUTDOORS IN
The whole concept of hygge might be based around holing up inside under a layer of blankets, but getting outdoors is an equally large part of Scandinavian culture. So it's no surprise a key part of Scandi interior design is bringing the outside in.