Bringing a Touch of Simplicity: Scandinavian Interior Design for Kitchen

Think Interior
6 min readApr 19, 2023

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For a good reason, Scandinavian interior design has been popular for many years. Its simplicity, functionality, and beauty make it a great choice for any room in the home.

You can learn about Scandinavian interior design for a kitchen through an interior design academy. This article will emphasize how you can bring a touch of Scandinavian design into your kitchen, creating an inviting and practical space.

Color Scheme

The first step to achieving a Scandinavian look in your kitchen is to choose a neutral color palette. White is often the go-to color for this style, but other light shades like pale gray, beige, or soft pastels can work well too. These colors for the walls, cabinets, and countertops will create a calm, clean, and minimalist aesthetic.

The Scandinavian interior design for the kitchen is known for its clean and simple aesthetic. One of the key aspects of this style is the color scheme, which is typically light and neutral. White is a popular choice, as it reflects light and helps to make the space feel bright and airy. Other popular colors include soft grays, light blues, and pastel shades of green or pink. These colors help to create a calming and soothing atmosphere, which is perfect for a kitchen where you want to relax and unwind while cooking or eating. Darker colors can be used as accents to create contrast and add depth to the space, but they should be used sparingly to avoid overwhelming the kitchen’s overall look.

Materials

Scandinavian design uses natural materials like wood, stone, and metal. Incorporating these materials into your kitchen design can add warmth and texture. Wooden floors, cabinets, and countertops can create a natural and welcoming atmosphere, while stone or metal can add an industrial touch.

Regarding Scandinavian interior design, natural materials are a key element. For a Scandinavian-style kitchen, look for light-colored wood, such as oak or ash, and combine them with white or light-colored walls. Wood is often used for flooring, cabinetry, and even countertops. Other materials that work well in a Scandinavian-style kitchen include concrete, stone, and metal. These materials provide a clean, simple look that complements the overall design aesthetic.

In addition to natural materials, incorporating textiles can add warmth and texture to a Scandinavian-style kitchen. Look for natural fibers such as wool, linen, and cotton in soft neutral tones to add texture and coziness to the space. Textiles like curtains, rugs, or even simple dish towels can be used.

Functionality

The Scandinavian design prioritizes function over form, so it’s important to remember this when designing your kitchen. Use minimalistic cabinets and shelving units that are both practical and aesthetically pleasing. Opt for open shelves or glass cabinets to showcase your favorite dishes or kitchenware.

Functionality is a key aspect of Scandinavian interior design, especially in the kitchen. The kitchen is the core of the home in Scandinavian countries, so it must be designed to be functional and efficient. It means that storage solutions should be designed with practicality, and appliances and fixtures should be chosen for their usability and ease of use. For example, a kitchen island with built-in storage and a sink can be a great addition to a Scandinavian-style kitchen, as it provides additional counter space and makes food preparation and cleanup more efficient. Additionally, open shelving can display and store frequently used items, while closed cabinets can store less commonly used items.

Minimalism

Embrace minimalism as the core principle of Scandinavian design. Keep the kitchen simple, clean, and clutter-free by limiting the number of decorative elements and maintaining a neutral color scheme.

Lighting

Good lighting is crucial in any kitchen, and Scandinavian design is no exception. Natural light is highly valued, so maximize it as much as possible. Use sheer or no curtains to allow plenty of light to enter the space. Choose simple and functional fixtures for artificial lighting that complement the overall design.

Lighting is an essential aspect of Scandinavian interior design for the kitchen. In this design style, natural light is highly valued, so it is essential to allow plenty of natural light to flood into the space. It can be achieved by using large windows, skylights, and light-colored window treatments that do not obstruct the light. Additionally, artificial lighting should be carefully considered, emphasizing warm and soft light sources such as pendant lights, table lamps, and recessed lighting to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The lighting fixtures should be simple and unobtrusive, with clean lines and minimal decoration to maintain the minimalist aesthetic of the Scandinavian design style.

Accessories

Keep the accessories in your Scandinavian kitchen minimalistic and functional. Instead of cluttering the countertops with many decorative items, use items that serve a purpose, such as a wooden cutting board or a ceramic jar for utensils. Incorporate some greenery into the space by adding plants or fresh herbs in pots.

Accessories are also an important part of Scandinavian interior design for the kitchen. They add a touch of personality and warmth to the space. Simple, functional, and minimalistic accessories such as wooden utensils, ceramic vases, and textured rugs can all be used to bring life to the space. Plants are also an essential accessory in Scandinavian design, adding a touch of nature to the otherwise neutral space. Hanging plants or potted herbs can add a pop of green to the kitchen and provide fresh herbs for cooking. Artwork is another way to incorporate personality into the space. Black and white photographs, minimalistic prints, or abstract paintings can work well in a Scandinavian-inspired kitchen, adding a touch of sophistication.

Textures

Incorporate textures in the design of the kitchen by adding textured backsplash or textured tiles. Textures add depth and interest to the space.

Textures play an important role in Scandinavian interior design for the kitchen. Natural materials are commonly used to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. For example, a wooden countertop or dining table can add warmth and texture. Rough textures like exposed brick or concrete can also be used to create an industrial look that complements the simplicity of Scandinavian design.

In addition to natural textures, fabrics, and textiles can add interest to the kitchen. Soft and natural materials like linen and cotton can be used for curtains, tablecloths, and seat cushions. Knitted or woven textiles like blankets or rugs can add a cozy and homey touch to the space.

It’s important to remember that while textures can add visual interest to the kitchen, it’s important to maintain a sense of simplicity and minimalism. Too many textures can create a cluttered and chaotic look that goes against the principles of Scandinavian design.

Plants

Bring in a touch of nature by adding plants to the kitchen. Plants not only enhance color and texture but also help purify the air and provide a sense of calm and relaxation.

Plants are an essential element in Scandinavian interior design for the kitchen. Adding greenery and natural elements can create a sense of calmness and freshness, a characteristic of this design style. Small potted plants like herbs or succulents can be placed on shelves or windowsills while hanging plants can add a touch of greenery to the ceiling. You can also add a large plant, such as a fiddle leaf fig, to create a focal point in the kitchen. Plants add to the space’s aesthetic and help purify the air and create a healthier living environment.

Conclusion

Bringing a touch of Scandinavian design to your kitchen is all about simplicity, functionality, and natural materials. By choosing a neutral color palette, incorporating natural materials, and keeping the design minimalistic and functional, you can create a beautiful, inviting space that will stand the test of time.

Many home interior design schools online cover different styles, including Scandinavian design, and teach students how to apply these design principles to create functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces.

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