Scandinavian design is renowned around the world for its clean lines, fresh colors and functional features. Every room in the house reflects an aesthetic, but from the paint on the walls to the way the pantry is stocked, the kitchen may be the best example of Scandinavian design principles. Perfect for those who find their kitchen a little too cluttered, Scandinavian style elevates any space, creating a cozy and classy place to grill, cook, and gather.
Niki Brandtmark provides interior design guidance to clients online and blogs daily about Scandinavian-inspired design. We spoke to Brantmark about the principles behind his truly Scandic kitchen and shared his top tips for achieving a Scandic look at home.
How to incorporate Scandinavian kitchen design
Whether you're ready to go all-in on Scandinavian style or looking for an easy way to refresh your kitchen for the season, keep in mind things like what materials to use and how to fill your cupboards. There are some main principles you should follow. , more. Here's everything you need to know to achieve your Scandinavian kitchen.
lincoln barber
Focus on functionality
The name of the Scandinavian design game is functionality in every sense of the word. Although the aesthetics are clean and presentable, Brandmark says that the underlying idea is that “form should never compromise functionality.''
Scandinavian kitchens are minimalist and every item has a purpose. This also applies to functional kitchen appliances and design choices such as appliances and cookware. Color schemes should also be chosen with intention and purpose.
“Beauty is in simplicity,” says Brandtmark.
If you're designing a kitchen from scratch, think carefully about how you normally use your kitchen and start from there. Make sure all tasks have a location that is meaningful to you. Don't be afraid to change the arrangement if you just need to make a few adjustments to your space. If you have areas in your kitchen that are unused, difficult to use, or cluttered, now is the time to organize them. This is the Nordic style.
embrace the outdoors
Look outside to see what colors and materials go together. Scandinavian design relies heavily on natural elements, including muted colors and patterns, reclaimed wood, and touches of green throughout.
“Scandinavians are drawn to nature and prefer natural materials such as wood, stone, and linen, as well as earthy tones that bring nature indoors,” Brandmark says.
In addition to adding houseplants, take it a step further by using natural elements throughout every nook and cranny. Your Scandinavian kitchen will shine with wooden cabinets and islands, bamboo appliances, and woven light fixtures and placemats.
minimize clutter
Brandtmark says that to harness the simple nature of Scandinavian design, you need to take the clutter down a notch. This way you can minimize waste and keep your kitchen as efficient as possible.
“To make it easier to find and find your cooking essentials and the groceries you have, keep things tidy and organized so nothing goes to waste,” she says.
However, the long-term solution to clutter isn't just getting rid of things. Instead, minimize clutter when implementing smart storage solutions. Show what brings you joy and hide clutter. The goal is to keep it simple.
Niki Brandtmark
“We use carefully crafted natural materials that will stand the test of time and combine open and closed storage to create the perfect balance between organization and relaxation.”
— Niki Brantmark
brighten up the space
If you can't see well, your kitchen won't function perfectly. Bright, natural light is ideal in a Scandinavian kitchen, but that's not always the reality. Even if floor-to-ceiling windows don't work out for you, proper task lighting will make your time in the kitchen more pleasant.
“No matter the season or time of day, we ensure a highly functional kitchen has adequate task lighting,” Brandmark says.
Try a combination of standing lamps and overhead lighting to ensure every part of your kitchen is brightly lit all year round. When the dark winter nights arrive, you'll be glad to have some extra light.
Be careful and stock your pantry
The mindfulness and practicality of Scandinavian style extends beyond the cooking space to the pantry. Just as you want every surface, appliance, and material in your Scandinavian kitchen to be functional, you should also be conscious of how you stock your cupboards.
“Create flavorful dishes using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients to fill your kitchen with seasonal scents,” says Brantmark.
