Scandinavian design has been more and more in vogue for several years now. There are good reasons why. It is a sleek and clean minimalistic design that highlights wood tones and a natural feel. A home that is designed in this way can look modern, but also comfortable. A big part of the design choice is the flooring that goes with it and accentuates the style. Here are some of the elements of Scandinavian design.
Simplicity
One of the most basic concepts is that less is more. Scandinavian design favors simplicity and functionality over extravagance. There is a touch of minimalism with a restrained style. There may be certain accent pieces that provide a pop, but for the most part, it features clean lines and understatement. A home that is designed in such a way will feature earthy tones, and maximize natural light as much as possible. The materials used are generally more natural, and there is little in the way of extra decor and ornamentation. By limiting accessories, what is present will draw more attention and look even better.
Light
As we mentioned, light is very important to Scandinavian design. The more natural, the better. It provides a feeling of vitality and warmth, especially in the colder months that Scandinavia is known for. The interior is kept uncluttered and airy so that the light can reach as many places as possible. Some homes may have mirrors installed to help reflect the sunlight and provide the illusion of larger rooms. When there is no natural light at night, this design favors hanging lamps or floor lamps for a warm and inviting feeling.
Details
Vintage furniture is a big element of Scandinavian design. Pieces can have a nice 50’s feel to them, which means rounded yet sleek legs. Couches look cozy and are often in an earthy color. For that little bit of pop, you can have cushions with patterns and pillows with distinctive colors. The walls are generally white or a shade of white. You can add some pizzazz with a vintage poster or a distinctive clock.
Near Perfection
The goal of the Scandinavian design is to look beautiful but to also provide the maximum of comfort and functionality. You should be able to be comfortable living, but also everything should have a place to keep things clean and tidy. Furniture and cabinetry should be selected with an eye towards functionality and hiding clutter behind closed doors and drawers.
Wood
There are a lot of trees in Scandinavia, therefore there is a lot of wood furniture. The Scandinavian design incorporates wood into almost everything, from the furniture to the flooring choices. Most often, that wood is lighter in color, such as white oak. Oak floors are beautiful and can complement just about any design style. It makes a room look airy, open, and clean, which is why it is so popular with Scandinavian design. There are many options when it comes to getting the best oak flooring for your Scandinavian designed home.
White or Light
Floor finishes are often very light, and sometimes white. You can end up with a gorgeous grey-which floor that draws the eye and complements anything you choose to put in the room. It also gives off a retro vibe that is comfortable and clean.
Optics
Light floors can also make space look bigger, which can be a big bonus if you are in a smaller home. You can combine your light floors with walls of a neutral shade to really get a minimalist feel that is still beautiful. In small rooms, install narrow boards that will also add to that illusion of space. You can install the boards diagonally to provide some extra visual interest without drawing the eye too much from the appeal of the rest of the room. There is so much you can do to get a look that suits your personality.
One of the best things about Scandinavian design is that it allows for experimentation and customization to suit your personal style. Go with this design choice if you want a clean and sleek space with functionality and comfort.