10 Ways to Scandify Your Home


Uncover the secrets on how you can turn your home into a Scandinavian sanctuary with these 10 ways to Scandify your home, some rather significant and others quick and easy.

Scandinavian design is a design movement characterized by simplicity, minimalism and functionality that emerged in the 1950s in the five Nordic countries of Finland, Norway, Sweden, Iceland and Denmark. The ideas presented here are often present and typical for Scandinavian homes as well as in my own home, so in other word tried and tested. I hope you will find it useful!

Less is more

To truly Scandify your home, it’s almost best to remove everything then redecorate when you are left with an empty space, only leaving the most functional and decorative pieces on display. Storage is key (every object needs a home) and a clear out might be the place to start.

All white

In case you are redecorating your home and wondering what colour to paint with, it’s white. Farrow & Balls ‘All White’ contains no other pigment except for white, creating the softest most sympathetic colour without the colder blue undertones of a brilliant white. Your then pleasantly all-white home will not only seem bright and spacious but also serve as a canvas for your favourite furniture, art and decorative belongings.

Natural daylight

So after you’ve painted your entire home white, you need to remove the curtains. If you are on the ground floor or have a block of flats literally a stone throw away, get some almost see through white curtains. But it’s all about getting as much day light in as possible.

Solid wooden floors

In Scandinavia everybody takes off their shoes immediately upon entering any house. Many have underfloor heating and a good quality wooden flooring is appreciated as it’s soft and comfortable. It also adds warmth to the otherwise white and minimalistic interior style. This floor is from Dinesen, arguably the best you can get.

Sheepskin rug

Sustainable and environmentally friendly, this Icelandic Sheepskin rug is perfect for creating a luxurious and cosy space, soft and inviting when thrown over your favourite chair or casually draped over the sofa. We recommend investing in a good quality one, like The Organic Sheep, available at Heal’s.

Monochrome details

Whether it’s a slim black poster frame, a black and white cushion or a simple and functional mirror, black design details added to your otherwise all white home are sure to add to your minimalistic, Scandinavian style.

Greenery

Scandinavians don’t really do colourful flowers but what you will find is plants, usually large and just very, very green. Did you know, the Monstera deliciosa as you see in the photo needs to be pruned and the cuttings when placed in a large glass vase will keep for weeks – and make a very stylish fresh addition to your Scandinavian home.

Textures

Although the Scandinavian people are known for clean, simple design they will get rather playful when it comes to choosing textiles for their home. Woven geometric cushions, a fluffy Berber wool rug, a soft and chunky wool throw or 100% linen stonewashed bedding… A Scandinavian home often includes tangible decor.

Unscented candles

Scandinavian winters are long and dark, and so Scandinavians fight the darkness with their best weapon; hygge – and the millions of candles that go with it. You can never ever have too many candles in all shapes and sizes, preferably white and always unscented. A go to place for Scandinavian candles is Ikea.

Coffee

Perhaps odd to add coffee to a list of 10 ways to Scandify your home. But actually, Scandinavians are known for consuming the most coffee in the world. The hot drink would be served all day and a Scandinavian home would not be complete without some coffee brewing in the kitchen.

My eldest when (proof) reading this post exclaimed: ‘Mummyyyy! Are you seriously asking your readers to empty their home, redecorate and lay new flooring!?

I don’t really say you HAVE TO get a solid wood floor or paint your entire home. The decluttering bit with finding storage for your all belongings is a good start! And the coffee. Always coffee.

Do any other ways to Scandify your home spring to mind?

One thought on “10 Ways to Scandify Your Home

  1. Love this post!!! In the picture under ‘solid wood floor’ is that Dinesen’s ash? And if so, what oil does it have on it??

    Thanks in advance!

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