Decorate Your Room: Scandinavian Style
Some people like it, some people no, but we all have to admit that Scandinavian is one of the most popular styles in Interior Design today. No wonder, as this style is always associated with bright, clean and modern spaces, decorated with eco-friendly, natural materials. Scandinavian decor is admired by those who love pure lines, simplicity of forms and plenty of natural light. The latter is lacking a lot in Northern Europe, that’s why people try to use every possible trick to bring it to their houses.
If Scandinavian style is something you really like and want to use it for decorating your house, below is little guide which might help you with it.
1) Colours. Walls, ceiling and sometimes even floor are usually painted in white or very light neutral colours. This is made in order to expand the space and make it look fresh and airy. As finishing, usually paint is used, no wallpaper. Furniture and textiles are also in neutral colours: brown, grey, black and beige. Bright accents in the form of accessories and wall art are used to liven up the room.
2) Materials. Scandinavians just loooove wood, that’s why it is impossible to imagine their homes without it. Timber is used for walls and floor finishings, furniture and accessories. The treatment of wood is usually minimal, which allows to show natural beauty and texture of this material, such as little cracks and imperfections. Another popular textures are leather, metal, plastic and natural textiles (linen, cotton, hemp). Fur is also very often used and it is easy to understand why: imagine yourself coming from the frost of minus 30 degrees – what is the first thing you will dream about? That’s right – wrap yourself in something really warm.
3) Lighting is a separate topic in Scandinavian decor. The main goal for designers is to bring and detain in the space as much natural light as possible. That’s the reason for usual absence of any window treatments. Light fixtures are usually very simple, modern and minimalistic:
4) Window treatments. As was mentioned, preferably none, however for some rooms, for example bedrooms, this is not always practical or possible. In that case very plain window treatments are used, such as contemporary curtains with tab or scalloped heading. No decor, such as fringes, valances or tassels.
5) Bright accents. Without them Scandinavian interiors will look very uninviting and sterile. Add some bright spots to the space by using colourful cushions, rugs and wall decor:
6) Wall decor. Contemporary black and white photography is in absolute favour. Another popular options are contemporary paintings, posters and stickers. However you should be very conscious of not “overloading” walls with it. Hallmarks of Scandinavian style are pithiness and minimalism.
Do you like Scandinavian style? Are there any other features you can name which define it? Looking forward for your comments.
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