Scandinavian style has taken the world of interior design by storm. Its design principles place emphasis on simplicity, using only the finest materials to create an elegant, almost austere aesthetic. This style is usually associated with Scandinavian countries such as Norway and Sweden, but today it is also popular in other countries.
The kitchen can benefit from this design philosophy immensely, as it is the most-used room in the house. It really pays to have a functional and methodical kitchen. It can make your mealtimes relaxed and unfussy. Here are 10 ways to add some Scandi magic to your kitchen.
1. Clean Lines
A Scandinavian-style kitchen has simple, clean forms. Steer clear of any overly-ornate carvings. Remove clutter. From furniture to equipment, look for plain geometric forms that are both functional and easy to look after.
2. Natural Materials
This design ideology respects natural materials such as wood and metal. While it may be impossible to do away with plastic entirely, look for ways to add items made with natural materials. Use wooden chopping boards instead of plastic. Choose wooden or metallic chairs instead of using plastic ones.
3. Lights
A Scandinavian design is incomplete without taking care of the lighting of the room. Ensure that every corner is well-lit, but the light is not harsh. Choose warm, golden-hued light, not cold and unfriendly fluorescent tubes. The lights are also an opportunity to add some flair to the room—choose interesting pendant lamps or artistic recessed lights. Of course, allow natural light wherever possible.
4. Organisation and Storage
Scandinavian style is all about being neat and prepared. The kitchen is one of the rooms that can benefit the most from this rule. Sort your pantry items by function. For example, you could devote a shelf to spices and another to grains and flours. Label all boxes and jars. Use drawer separators to store the cutlery by type. This will help you save time—once you have the recipe, you know exactly where the ingredients and equipment are.
5. Everything with a Purpose
The philosophy of Scandinavian design lies in finding the aesthetic beauty within functional items. Remove any knick-knacks or showpieces that clutter up the shelves. If you must decorate, decorate with pieces that hold meaning to you, such as a poster gifted by a friend. Otherwise, the beautiful utensils and the equipment are all the decor that the kitchen needs.
6. Green is Good
Let the plants in. Air-purifying plants, such as aloe and snake plants, can give respite from the smoky heat of the kitchen. Herbs can be useful in cooking. Such functional plants can also be great decor pieces. Remember to choose planters that work with the overall colour scheme.
7. Industrial finishes
Scandinavian kitchen designs call for industrial hardware. Think concrete slabs, unpainted wood, plain steel sinks. Think modular storage and stark surfaces.
8. Beautiful Backsplashes
Backsplashes are the ultimate mix of beauty and function. They allow us to add a focal point while providing an easy surface to clean any stove-related mishaps. Use this as an opportunity to add more natural materials or a signature colour. Interesting tile patterns can also be a great addition.
9. Efficient Equipment
The Scandinavian way places a premium on efficiency. So, while it advocates for minimalism, it also advocates for the best quality. Don’t buy anything that you will not use regularly, but invest in the best quality for the equipment you would use daily. Find a top of the line refrigerator. Find a high-quality blender if you drink smoothies or a great oven if you are an avid baker. These investments pay off over time since they consume less electricity and require less maintenance.
10. Pops of Colour
Since the background in a Scandi kitchen is white or beige, it becomes the perfect canvas to showcase a few brightly coloured elements. A vibrant poster or a funky-coloured piece of equipment will add interest to the room. The idea is to be minimalistic, not sterile. Bonus—add a colour that you would see in the food, such as lemon yellow or the deep green of a mustard leaf.
These were some of the first steps in applying the Scandinavian style to the kitchen. Less is more, but that does not mean that the room needs to be completely void of any decoration. Items such as pendant lights, hand-painted tiles or colourful backsplashes can be a great addition to the room, but they should be used to complement the room rather than being the focus. The focus of the kitchen is the ease of cooking in it. The true beauty lies in making a room useful. For such wonderfully purposeful room designs, visit your nearest HomeLane experience centre.
