You Know You Love Scandi Style When...
When crisp styling, warm woods and a monochrome palette fills you with delight, you know 'Scandinavian' is your style
Jo Simmons
7 September 2015
Houzz UK Contributor. I have been an interiors journalist since 1995, writing several books on design and numerous features for glossy homes mags over the years. For Houzz, I cover decorating ideas and trends and interview designers and professionals for their insights. My favourite pieces to write, though, are Houzz Tours, as I love exploring and learning about real homes. Call me curious — or nosy!
Houzz UK Contributor. I have been an interiors journalist since 1995, writing several... More
Many of us profess a love of Scandinavian style and, frankly, what’s not to like? Clean lines, great design, crisp colour palettes, warm wood… The list of Scandi assets goes on. But it’s one thing to appreciate it, and another to design your home like a Swedish summerhouse. So just how Scandi are you? Read on to find out…
You adore monochrome textiles
From throws and cushions to the never-dates black-and-white rug, monochrome textiles are a must in any Scandi-leaning home. If you look at this rug and all you get is ‘zebra crossing’, though, you have probably not yet succumbed to Scandinavian style.
From throws and cushions to the never-dates black-and-white rug, monochrome textiles are a must in any Scandi-leaning home. If you look at this rug and all you get is ‘zebra crossing’, though, you have probably not yet succumbed to Scandinavian style.
You light candles come nightfall
Light and warmth are central to Scandi style, since both are in short supply for much of the year in the far north. So that’s why Scandinavians love to light roaring fires and pretty candles. If you find yourself doing the same of an evening, but you live in Basingstoke, chances are you’re a Scandi style fan.
Light and warmth are central to Scandi style, since both are in short supply for much of the year in the far north. So that’s why Scandinavians love to light roaring fires and pretty candles. If you find yourself doing the same of an evening, but you live in Basingstoke, chances are you’re a Scandi style fan.
You crave a white-out
Any colour, as long as it’s white, right? We’re talking walls, floors and ceilings in crisp, pure, brilliant white. Think snowfall on a Nordic meadow or mountainside. If this is your dream colour scheme, you practically qualify for a Swedish passport already.
Any colour, as long as it’s white, right? We’re talking walls, floors and ceilings in crisp, pure, brilliant white. Think snowfall on a Nordic meadow or mountainside. If this is your dream colour scheme, you practically qualify for a Swedish passport already.
You own a Scandi design classic
Or you are saving up for one. Or perhaps you just dream about Wishbone and Grand Prix chairs when enjoying an idle moment. Knew it!
Or you are saving up for one. Or perhaps you just dream about Wishbone and Grand Prix chairs when enjoying an idle moment. Knew it!
You have black moods
You know you have Scandi inclinations if you feel the only colour worth punctuating all that white with is black. And only black will do, unless you are feeling particularly sunny and reckless, when you could sanction the use of a little grey here and there, too.
You know you have Scandi inclinations if you feel the only colour worth punctuating all that white with is black. And only black will do, unless you are feeling particularly sunny and reckless, when you could sanction the use of a little grey here and there, too.
You warm to wood
Despite your love of black and white, you cannot resist the siren call of wood in all its mellow forms. Timber just tickles your happy bone, and it creeps in on furniture, flooring and accessories.
Despite your love of black and white, you cannot resist the siren call of wood in all its mellow forms. Timber just tickles your happy bone, and it creeps in on furniture, flooring and accessories.
You keep windows clear
Forget thick curtains pooling on the floor and cast all thoughts of pelmets from your mind. True Scandi-philes will accept a simple blind, but would prefer nothing at all at a window. No sense blocking out the daylight, after all – it’s a precious resource.
Forget thick curtains pooling on the floor and cast all thoughts of pelmets from your mind. True Scandi-philes will accept a simple blind, but would prefer nothing at all at a window. No sense blocking out the daylight, after all – it’s a precious resource.
You favour rails and shelves
While you lean towards the tidy and ordered, you find yourself favouring racks in the kitchen and bookshelves in the living room. That shouts Scandi. Combining elegant styling with practicality is at the heart of every self-respecting Scandinavian interior.
While you lean towards the tidy and ordered, you find yourself favouring racks in the kitchen and bookshelves in the living room. That shouts Scandi. Combining elegant styling with practicality is at the heart of every self-respecting Scandinavian interior.
You hang a huge light over your table
Wall lights? Forget it. Recessed spots? Don’t make me laugh. No, the only way to go when it comes to lighting your dining area is a huge pendant light dangling low over your table. The more iconic and statement-ish the better, so choose something bold. Go on, knock yourself out. In fact, hang it near to your head space and you might do just that…
Wall lights? Forget it. Recessed spots? Don’t make me laugh. No, the only way to go when it comes to lighting your dining area is a huge pendant light dangling low over your table. The more iconic and statement-ish the better, so choose something bold. Go on, knock yourself out. In fact, hang it near to your head space and you might do just that…
You prefer panelling
Why have plain plastered walls when you can have panelling? That is the question uppermost in the mind of any true Scandi fan. Panelling can be contemporary, like this, or more cabin-in-the-woods in feel. Either way, it adds instant style and character, with no need to deviate from the black and white palette. Perfect!
Check out 12 wonderful wall finishes
TELL US
Are you exhibiting any other symptoms of being a Scandi-style lover? Share with us in the Comments section.
MORE
So Your Style Is: Scandinavian
How to Give Your Bedroom a Scandinavian Edge
Refresh the Modern Scandi Look With a Rule-Bending Style Update
Why have plain plastered walls when you can have panelling? That is the question uppermost in the mind of any true Scandi fan. Panelling can be contemporary, like this, or more cabin-in-the-woods in feel. Either way, it adds instant style and character, with no need to deviate from the black and white palette. Perfect!
Check out 12 wonderful wall finishes
TELL US
Are you exhibiting any other symptoms of being a Scandi-style lover? Share with us in the Comments section.
MORE
So Your Style Is: Scandinavian
How to Give Your Bedroom a Scandinavian Edge
Refresh the Modern Scandi Look With a Rule-Bending Style Update
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Your Viking slave Master tells you to
Public domain
public domain
If you take photos with the exposure time too long you end up with pictures which make anything look Scandinavian.