The Cribsi Guide to Scandinavian Interior Design

There’s a reason Scandinavian style has withstood the test of time. From its simple, clean lines to warm and inviting textiles, Scandinavian home decor and furniture is the perfect combination of elegance and modernity. Scandinavia most frequently refers to the countries of Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, and at its core, this style is devoted to minimalism with little clutter, or at least a few places to effortlessly hide the clutter. If you’re looking for design inspiration and want to start incorporating Scandinavian interior design into your home, then you’re in the right place. The Cribsi team loves this timeless style and it plays a central role in our balanced collection of modern, artisanal and whimsical products. With this guide, we can help you find the right pieces from our collection to incorporate Scandinavian design’s minimalism, natural elements, and pops of color in your home.

Textiles

Texture is essential when it comes to Scandinavian style. From wood grain to decorative pillow covers, there are a variety of elements you can incorporate into your home to create that signature and simple style. Scandinavian home decor features a variety of textiles in every room. It certainly doesn’t shy away from fluffy and inviting materials like wool and faux fur. Plus, the warmer materials are great for offsetting some of the cooler tones and streamlined shapes like tile or concrete in the home.

Incorporating texture in your space is easy when you shop for artisanal decor created by hand or using natural materials. These expertly crafted pieces of handmade home decor are often made in small batches so no two are exactly alike. This helps add character and dimension to your space.

Artwork

Scandinavian interior design does not shy away from artwork. In fact, this simple style is perfect for accentuating a variety of artwork. Photography, painting, and sculpture are great artwork additions to your space, and you can easily use them in conjunction with your favorite modern living room accents.

Scandinavian decor and artwork typically features neutral colors, black and white, and earthy tones. This makes for an inviting, neutral space you can use to create a home you’ll love for years.

Consider Layout

Feng Shui isn’t the only layout concept you can incorporate into your home. Scandinavian style is all about open-concept living spaces where people can easily mingle. An open floor plan affords the maximization of light and helps eliminate the opportunity for clutter to be created.

Kitchens, living rooms, and dining areas are often combined into one wide-open space, creating a spacious layout that is comfortable and maximizes square footage. You can also create a more open concept with the layout of your furniture. Use couches and chairs as borders to emulate Scandinavian interior design within your home, but be sure to use simple, modern furniture.

Less is More

In case you haven’t already picked up on this, clutter has no place when it comes to Scandinavian home decor and design. Minimalism is the name of the game with this design style. You don’t need a multitude of chairs, couches, and decor. Instead, opt for high-quality furniture that is sleek and takes up minimal space and incorporate storage into your home’s layout. Storage can both be beautiful and practical, and even your decor can reflect this methodology as well. Use minimalist window covers and opt for delicate design touches to emulate Scandinavian interior design style.

If you’re worried about the amount of items in your home, you can consider downsizing. Most homes and offices have too many decorations and even furniture items, so don’t be afraid to get rid of that old vase or dated ottoman to create more open space

Don’t be Afraid of Color

Scandinavian style is more than just beige, brown, gray, and cream. Scandinavians have a knack for incorporating primary colors, red, blue, and yellow, into their decorations. These can be a bold statement in the home and really add to the sense of whimsy in your space. You can opt for heavily saturated tones to make the room feel more rich and welcoming or more muted colors to keep the calm tone throughout the home. Even sprinkling in small pops of color with Cribsi’s collection of whimsical decor to help your personality shine through in your space.

Another way to add some natural color to your home is with plants. Plants are a staple when it comes to Scandinavian interior design. Not only do they add color, but plants in a home can help contribute to the concept of hygge. Hygge roughly translates to coziness together and adding throw blankets, plants, and candles can help you achieve hygge in your home.

Remember Lighting

Lighting is easily overlooked in a home, so when you’re trying to get the Scandinavian style into your home, remember to choose whimsical lighting. Because there is minimal decor in Scandinavian design, your light fixtures are able to be a focal point in every room.

Cribsi is here to help you achieve your design dreams. All of our items are made with high-quality, durable textiles, and many are inspired by Scandinavian interior design. Explore all we have to offer and shop our whimsical, artisanal and modern decor today!