Decorating
Decorating: How to Work the Scandi Palette of Wood and Monochrome
Harness the power of the pure and simple Scandinavian shades – they'll soon have you pining for the fjords
Mixing black, white and greys with natural timber is a favourite way to create a sense of light and space with a pared-back style. Here’s how to stick (loosely) to the Scandi rules – but with a bit of local knowledge thrown in to keep things bold rather than bland.
Go for gentle geometrics
With white as your base, a little bit of geometry can add interest to a simple scheme. A block-pattern cushion, the shutter slats and subtle brickwork around the fireplace all contribute a sense of depth to the space.
See more geometric designs here
With white as your base, a little bit of geometry can add interest to a simple scheme. A block-pattern cushion, the shutter slats and subtle brickwork around the fireplace all contribute a sense of depth to the space.
See more geometric designs here
Stack ’em high
The soaring proportions of this space make a standout feature of a simple stack of logs. It’s a good reminder of the artistic merit of simple, organic shapes – here, they contrast pleasingly with white walls and grey marble. Even if you don’t have such heigh ceilings, this display could be recreated on a smaller scale – or cheat with a clever wallpaper or mural.
The soaring proportions of this space make a standout feature of a simple stack of logs. It’s a good reminder of the artistic merit of simple, organic shapes – here, they contrast pleasingly with white walls and grey marble. Even if you don’t have such heigh ceilings, this display could be recreated on a smaller scale – or cheat with a clever wallpaper or mural.
Keep a sense of flow
This room, cast in white, black, grey and chunky timber, has clean sight lines to the windows and out on to the garden. Sharp angles, boxy shelving and tiles make lots of straight lines, so if you’ve got a similarly long room try not to interrupt the flow. (Coordinating clothing optional…)
This room, cast in white, black, grey and chunky timber, has clean sight lines to the windows and out on to the garden. Sharp angles, boxy shelving and tiles make lots of straight lines, so if you’ve got a similarly long room try not to interrupt the flow. (Coordinating clothing optional…)
Channel panels
Tongue-and-groove panelling needn’t be consigned to the ski chalet. This loft space shows how unadorned pine-clad walls and floors can add architectural interest, particularly with some surfaces – and a ceiling beam – painted in matt white. What’s more, cladding is a great way to hide away untidy plastering and wiring.
Tongue-and-groove panelling needn’t be consigned to the ski chalet. This loft space shows how unadorned pine-clad walls and floors can add architectural interest, particularly with some surfaces – and a ceiling beam – painted in matt white. What’s more, cladding is a great way to hide away untidy plastering and wiring.
Keep it clean in the kitchen
Black flooring, white cabinetry and black accessories could feel a bit harsh first thing in the morning. But the chunky floating shelving adds a more natural element, demonstrating how the classic Scandi colour scheme works in almost every space.
Black flooring, white cabinetry and black accessories could feel a bit harsh first thing in the morning. But the chunky floating shelving adds a more natural element, demonstrating how the classic Scandi colour scheme works in almost every space.
Invest in classic furniture
When it comes to Midcentury-modern furniture, Scandi designs are still the clean-lined winners. The simple shapes of this desk and chair are beautifully paired with dark grey walls and floors to create a deep and meaningful space. A minimal palette, but ideal for focusing the mind on work.
Find out more about Midcentury modern style
When it comes to Midcentury-modern furniture, Scandi designs are still the clean-lined winners. The simple shapes of this desk and chair are beautifully paired with dark grey walls and floors to create a deep and meaningful space. A minimal palette, but ideal for focusing the mind on work.
Find out more about Midcentury modern style
Adopt an accent colour
This dining area has a strong Scandi influence, but homes in on the power of a single accent colour. The deep chocolatey brown of the dining chairs sets the tone, reiterated in the cowhide rug. The cowhide also adds natural texture – a good element to introduce into a space you want to feel warm, friendly and conducive to conversation.
This dining area has a strong Scandi influence, but homes in on the power of a single accent colour. The deep chocolatey brown of the dining chairs sets the tone, reiterated in the cowhide rug. The cowhide also adds natural texture – a good element to introduce into a space you want to feel warm, friendly and conducive to conversation.
Add a striking pendant
Now, the Scandinavians know that large windows and pale surfaces help reflect as much light as possible in a space. But they have also made statement lighting into an art form. Whether you go for a Poulsen design classic or a simple Ikea number, think big and bold.
Now, the Scandinavians know that large windows and pale surfaces help reflect as much light as possible in a space. But they have also made statement lighting into an art form. Whether you go for a Poulsen design classic or a simple Ikea number, think big and bold.
Don’t forget the kids’ rooms
Ever wondered why the children’s range at Ikea is so tempting? The Scandis take design for kids seriously, meaning plenty of scope to pick snug sleigh-bed-style bases, wooden toys and soft, natural textures. Picking plainer styles of furniture is a good plan in children’s rooms, if you want pieces to endure beyond their next birthday.
TELL US…
Have you seen any inspirational Scandi styling recently? Share your finds and thoughts in the Comments below.
Ever wondered why the children’s range at Ikea is so tempting? The Scandis take design for kids seriously, meaning plenty of scope to pick snug sleigh-bed-style bases, wooden toys and soft, natural textures. Picking plainer styles of furniture is a good plan in children’s rooms, if you want pieces to endure beyond their next birthday.
TELL US…
Have you seen any inspirational Scandi styling recently? Share your finds and thoughts in the Comments below.
Low-tech bleached timber takes the edge off a no-nonsense workspace, thanks to the wooden lamp and picture frame. Black and white are right for a distraction-free zone, but the wood and sheepskin warm things up to create a nice sense of balance.