Scandinavian style colors: from white to lush green

• The main shades of Scandinavian style
• White
• Grey
• Black

• Yellow
• Mint
• Walnut

At the moment, the Scandinavian style is the most popular and in demand among designers. Many people believe that only basic colors are used for interior decoration. We will talk about the principles of creating a Scandinavian interior and share valuable tips for combining a multifaceted color palette.

White

White goes first and wins. So in the Scandinavian interior, white is the winner, the favorite, the king. They paint the walls and floors, buy white furniture and textiles, and choose white accessories. And this is not surprising, because there is so little sunshine in the Scandinavian countries. So the residents compensate for the lack with light shades.

Use white to decorate walls, ceilings, and plank floors. Light wooden furniture or a sofa with lots of decorative pillows is also appropriate.

Scandi style: materials and textures

Ask a person who has visited Norway or Iceland about his most powerful impression, and he will answer “nature.” Scandinavians are proud of their beautiful nature, protect it and try to let it into their home. It’s more pleasant to see greenery in the window rather than new curtains, and walking on a wooden floor is more pleasant than on carpet. Well, maybe throw a small rug by the sofa or an artificial “skin” - for comfort.

Naturally, the main requirement for materials is naturalness. Wood, stones, natural cotton and linen, wool, leather, clay. Here you have an abundance of traditional ceramics, cute textiles, and warm blankets.

And - getting back to the walls - they don't have to be smoothly plastered. A little texture never hurts.

Grey

The style involves the use of all shades of white and gray is such. Usually it is used to paint one of the walls in the room, and also buy gray furniture and some decorative elements. This color acts as a contrast when you need to visually highlight a certain area or highlight some accessories.

Sometimes gray can act as the main color, but in this case it is better to use it in spacious rooms.

Are the darks cancelled?

A universal color that suits many interior styles.
White can be a loft, minimalism, Provence with shabby chic... However, when talking about an interior in white, we usually imagine Scandinavian design. It is something like his soulfulness and not-so-simple “simplicity” that our compatriots are increasingly trying to recreate, inspired by photographs from interior magazines. There are reasons for this, of course. The Scandinavian style developed in areas with long winters and lack of sun for a significant part of the year. And its purpose is to compensate for this lack: to let in as much light as possible into the rooms, fill them with comfort, and maintain the mood. Russian residents expect the same effect from it in a similar climate.

However, not everyone can achieve the desired result. Instead of a clear, light interior, the result is often a pale, sterile hospital environment. Maybe the northerners have some secret?

Black

The color scheme of the Scandinavian style allows for this strict and deep color. There is very little of it, black is applied in doses. For example, it could be black and white tiles on the floor, a black slate board in a children's room or kitchen, wooden chairs mixed with brown or white, lamps coated with black glossy paint.

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Nordic style originates in the 19th century, it was influenced by the historical characteristics of several European countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. This means that even within the framework of the classical reading, it is very diverse in detail and everyone can find something in it to suit their taste.

The basic idea remains unchanged: simplicity, conciseness and functionality. The definition itself appeared relatively recently, in the 50s. Today the main characteristics are a lot of light, as well as light-reflecting elements. These are light colors that make the space cozy, friendly and calming.

The abundance of wood in decoration and furniture evokes a feeling of unity with nature and warmth. Therefore, it is ideal for cities and big cities, in which it creates a quiet corner that is so needed. It can be found in any part of the planet; it is used far beyond the borders of the northern countries. Mentality, way of life and climate leave their mark, and it acquires originality and endearing characteristics.

Ivory

This is an alternative to a snow-white shade. The ivory version looks good in a bedroom or children's room. It goes well with others, for example, with the color of wet asphalt, pink, blue, light green. You can create a design for one room that will be entirely based on shades of a given color. It looks quite stylish and organic.

Curtains are not for windows

Curtains on the sides of the window in a Swedish apartment are most often a piece of furniture, and not a tool for protection from the outside world. Usually they hang solely for beauty, and to hide from the bright sun, the Swedes use an inconspicuous roller blind over the window. And even that is rare: windows in Swedish apartments are traditionally kept open. Moreover, interior items and lighting are planned so that they look good from the street, and they are even decorated in the manner of a shop window. This is especially evident before Christmas, when candles are lit on every windowsill and thematic compositions are displayed for passers-by.

Scandinavian style in walnut color

Essentially, the color “walnut” is a rich light or dark brown. It is quite natural for Scandinavian design. Natural wood is used everywhere here: in furniture, decorative elements, and flooring. Walnut color can also be used in an alternative to parquet such as laminate. At the same time, do not forget that 2/3 of the overall furnishings should consist of natural materials.

Spanish temperament

Scandinavian interiors in Spain are warmer and more playful. They still have the same basics - white and natural materials, but much more bright spots, unusual and cute accessories. Frequent companions are terracotta walls, multi-colored windows, pillows in rich shades. The nature of these lands is magnificent: the Mediterranean coast, lush vegetation, an abundance of colors.

It’s no wonder that the Spaniards happily adopted such a characteristic feature as the absence of curtains. Instead, in rooms where the luminous flux needs to be limited, fabric roller shutters are used. Ceramic tiles appear on the floor - a well-established dominant feature of Spanish buildings of the early 20th century.

Numerous open terraces are covered with boards and furnished with snow-white furniture, mixing cold artlessness and sultry flavor.

Bright spots in a Scandinavian interior

The color palette of the Scandinavian style is not limited to pastel shades, but also allows for the use of bright colors. There just aren’t many of them in the design and they should be as close to natural as possible. For example, a shade of a bright azure sea, poppy petals, sun, green meadow, wildflowers, violets, a shade of summer, if you want. Decorative elements become bright spots in the interior:

• Textile decorative pillows.
• Blankets and bedspreads with geometric patterns.
• Multi-colored pots for plants.
• Abstract paintings.
• Designer upholstered furniture.
• Colored candles.
• Carpets and runners.
• Bright frames for black and white photographs (playing on contrast).

Scandinavian comfort

A comfortable homely atmosphere is a separate theme of the Scandinavian style. As well as Scandinavian culture in general. That's why there simply can't be an "official white" that some designers mistakenly use to imitate the style. Because comfort is super important.

Scandinavians have always preferred to invite friends not to a cafe, but to visit: it’s more comfortable at home. There are also special words here: Swedish fredagsmys - Friday comfort and Danish hygge - home comfort. This is when the house is full of family and guests, it smells delicious, and candles are burning. Therefore, the furniture in the living room is placed in a circle so that the whole family and guests can spend hours talking and spending time together. That's why there are so many candles and candlesticks at IKEA - coziness!

Make a note:

in the Scandinavian style, place furniture so that it is comfortable to communicate, light candles and wrap yourself in soft blankets.

How to correctly combine colors in the interior

To create a harmonious hygge interior, it is important not only to know about its basic colors and general principles of organization, but also to adhere to some color rules:

• Use black in doses, dilute it with shades of green, red, blue.
• Red is acceptable in Scandinavian design, but choose muted and deep shades.
• Use light shades of purple in textiles and upholstery. Lilac and lavender are suitable for creating an interior in the style of Scandinavian Provence.
• Green is your ally in everything: it can easily be combined with gray, yellow, black, white and it will definitely be present in a Scandinavian interior, at least in the form of green living plants.
• Choose a classic Scandi style palette for your children's room: white, beige, light gray, blue, powder pink.
• For the kitchen, you can choose several colors, for example, white and lemon, gray and white, gray and light green.
• In a bright living room, bright accents in the form of decor and some types of furniture would be appropriate.
• For the bedroom, choose neutral base shades.
• For the bathroom and toilet, choose basic white and play with the floor and walls. Colored ceramic tiles can add playfulness to your space.

In Scandinavian design, the color range is actually not limited by any boundaries. This trend simply has certain rules of organization: minimalism, use of natural materials, lots of light, space. Therefore, it won’t be possible to go wild in terms of using bright colors.

Animal ladders

A bed in America is more than a bed. In any case, it is significantly higher than its European counterparts. The classic American bed is a pie made from a base and two thick mattresses - a hard lower one and a soft upper one. Often an additional thin mattress is placed on top - a feather bed. It looks colorful, but there is a problem - small dogs cannot climb on it and whine at night, preventing their owners from sleeping. Compassionate American housewives install special stairs for them. Or, as a last resort, the obligatory banquette at the foot of the bed.

The enthusiasm of Holland.

The Dutch also love monochrome. What are the famous chessboard floors worth? However, they cannot do without rich strokes, for example, green or orange. More often these are curtains or creative lamps.

The interiors are filled with palace vintage - crystal chandeliers and paintings by Rembrandt and Vermeer appear. But it is not overloaded with details. Otherwise, they are ideal in color balance, filled with lightness, naturalness and elegance.

American mentality.

This continent is unique, its culture is relatively young and very heterogeneous. However, Americans highly value simplicity and practicality, and they like a lot of sun. Traditional motifs are complemented by furniture from the 50s, retro and American style.

They also do not refuse characteristic arches, pseudo-partitions and niches that zone rooms, as well as central placement. But Americans don’t really like minimalism, preferring to quietly acquire things dear to their hearts. The passion for huge storerooms also continues.

German restraint.

Reliability and pragmatism are in the Germans’ blood; they value “clean” lines and a lot of sun. It is worth noting that the skylights that can now be found all over the globe were invented in Germany. The Germans are fans of practicality. For example, furniture with transformation mechanisms to suit body positions is also their innovation. Therefore, the principles of the Scandinavian philosophy of housing resonate with them; they are so consonant with German minimalism that they have entered everyday life practically unchanged.

The only peculiarity is that the Germans prefer to combine light and dark, to play in contrast, which gives special expressiveness and pedantry.

South American tunes

What do you associate with South America? Surely with something passionate, hot: dancing, carnival and other joys of life. The same brings a South American flair to the setting. Red and orange elements appear like flashes of chili pepper: pillows, upholstery, figurines, vases and posters. Ethnic motifs with colorful prints are added. Also a characteristic feature will be a lot of fresh flowers.

Russian traditions.

Most of Russia is climatically similar; we are familiar with long winters and monotonous landscapes outside our windows for six months at a time. This is probably why we are close to the simplicity and functionality of Scandinavian apartments.

There are a lot of design solutions made from the simplest materials at hand. For Russia, these are horns, Soviet suitcases, and other items that add Russian flavor. Do-it-yourself items and wooden lamps are often added. Russian people are craftsmen, so dads make their own traditional children's beds.

Native Penates

How do you arrange your life at your alma mater today? The love for white is still strong, the identity is preserved: animal motifs, skins on the floor and on the sofa. But more and more often you can find color accents: these are walls and familiar geometric shapes in bright colors.

Furniture from past generations is selected and can be restored. All this adds soul and history. Yes, this is an old tradition of combining old and new, this applies not only to things, but also to new trends and brought impressions. All this is present today. But one thing remains unchanged, this is the amazing ability of the northern peoples to create a peaceful atmosphere and amazing compositions from everyday things, akin to modern art.

Why do people all over the world choose the classic Nordic style? The philosophy sounds like less is more - that is, we are talking about ingenious simplicity, silent naturalness and elegant restraint, emphasized by unprecedented quality. These are eternal values ​​in our changing world, which humanity so lacks every day.

Day after day, he gives us the most important thing - the unnecessary is cut off, all that remains is the opportunity to be here and now with loved ones, it is so important to forget about the worries and stress of the past day when crossing the threshold of your home. This gives us restoration and new strength to achieve every day. Maybe this happens because in the endless race we have forgotten how to be happy and enjoy the little things?

British character

The reserved and cold charm of Scandinavian buildings suits the prim and reserved British better than anyone else. However, England has a rich and unique history. Therefore, in the English reading, it is almost always supplemented with antique objects, family chests of drawers and tables, and elegant accessories.

Every English home is filled with the past: luxurious beds - family heirlooms, vases, napkins, porcelain figurines, a collection of photo frames on the fireplace. Traditional patterns such as roses, checks, stripes and paisleys periodically appear in upholstery fabrics. It is noteworthy that at the same time it is possible to maintain balance and the abundance of decor does not make the environment heavy, on the contrary, it fills it with grace and nobility.