Ah, Scandinavia. Home of IKEA and H&M, inventors of LEGO, land of the northern lights and above all; purveyors of minimalistic, clean and modern design.
How do the Scandinavians always get it so right?
A blend of styles from Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland, Scandi style interiorsgo way beyond stark minimalism; Scandi homes are light-filled and airy, uncluttered and textural, and a welcoming blend of minimalist design, muted colours and cosy textures making them super cosy and inviting.Scandi style mixes clean lines with warmth and cosiness, creating a modern but homely feel.
You'll have heard of 2017 and 2018's trends Hygge and Lagom,and this year we're feeling the more grown-up, pared-back and rustic vibes of Scandinavian winter decorating.
Think exposed woods, white-washed floors, layers of linens, a neutral palette and plenty of modern, minimalist accessories.
Not quite sure what we mean?
Here's a few examples of that cosy Scandinavian winter style – and how to recreate the look at home.
1.PINE FOREST
Take inspiration from House Doctor and create a mini winter wonderland on your windowsill...
Or hang a framed print of a past ski holiday or snowy pine forest. Browse photographer Anna-Maija Houtsonen’s(@anna28h) Instagram feed for striking shotsof her hometown Kuopio in northern Finland.
2. CANDLE LIGHT
Known primarily for its simplicity and connection to the outdoors, Scandinavian design celebrates natural light in a place that can go many months with very little sun.
Having a lot of light in summer but so little of it in winter, Scandinavian homes tend to max out on candles in winter.
Channel the Alpine-inspired chalet look with flickering lanterns, soft sheepskins and a brass candlelit tree.
Light up your Christmas the Swedish way with a tree-shaped candle holder.
3. INVEST IN A DESIGN CLASSIC
Scandinavians are known for their clean and functional design, and many of the world's design classics are either created or inspired by Scandinavian design.
Hans J Wegner’s CH25 chairis a true icon of Fifties Danish design.
4.RUSTIC CHRISTMAS DECORATING
Festive decorations go back to nature in this Scandinavian winter theme.
Embrace quirky decorating ideas but stick to mostly natural materials.
5. ICY WHITES
Take rustic Christmas decorating up a notch with a paired-back, all-white theme.
For a more dramatic take, choose an Icelandic palette of icy whites with hintsof Narnia.
6.LAYER LAYER LAYER
Layerirresistibly soft Scandi-style linens to create an inviting sleeping space.
Layer wool and linen cushions and throws for aseductive sofa to sink into on wintery nights.
Offset moody blues with dusty pinks for a chic winter palette.
7. HIDES AND MOHAIRS
Add even more texture with a reindeer hide, sheepskin, or mohair throw.
Scandi homes are made extra warm and cosy in cold, dark winter months through tactile textures and plenty of natural materials.
A faux fur shawl hits that perfect note between cosy and glamorous.
8. WHITEWASHED
Whitewashed flooring, untreatedwoods and neutral linens are a must for capturing the relaxed Nordic aesthetic.
9. NORDIC PALETTE
Soft pastels and greys work particularly well in this pared-back, serene scheme.
Here, traditional barn doors bring an English twist to a Nordic palette.
10. MODERN DESIGN ACCESSORIES
Scandi design is defined by super clean and minimalistic lines.
Go for modern, understated design in home accessories and tech.
And capture the true essenceof Scandinavia with a pine scented candle.
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