We love Scandinavian interior style because of its focus on simplicity, minimalism and functionality. It allows us to do so much with our space by using less. Think rich wide hardwood floors, crispy clean walls, functional furniture with clean lines and an airy atmosphere free from clutter. By sticking to the basic rules of Scandinavian design, you can make your home a space that’s soothing and hard-working at the same time.

However, the human eye needs some variety and all that minimalism can become boring after a while. That’s why to properly execute this style in a way that will keep your interior fresh, you will also need to introduce some tasteful décor. The right mix of décor elements can help prevent the space from feeling too cold and rigid. However, you also need to be careful not to disturb the style’s clutter-free attitude. That being said, here are the best ways you can decorate a Scandi-style interior.

Use Wall Art to Liven Up the White Walls

It’s definitely true that Scandinavian calls for crisp, white walls. But that shouldn’t mean that you need to leave them bare. Unlike walls that have a bold colour or wallpaper, clean white walls are perfect for displaying some art. The white background will allow the colours of posters and paintings to stand out beautifully. And this can provide a much needed visual interest to a simplistic neutral interior.

But not all wall art will be a suitable choice. The wall art should match the rest of your Scandinavian inspired space. That being said, it’s best to use original Scandinavian poster art, photographs, paintings or typography. Scandinavian art usually depicts scenes from nature like animals, plants or landscapes which complement the use of natural materials such as wood and the overall neutral colour palette that dominates the space.

You can also find Scandinavian poster art and paintings that feature abstract shapes which is in line with the style’s love for geometric elements. Black and white is also a popular theme in Scandinavian art. Not only is black and white art minimalist, but it also has an edgy and sophisticated vibe that goes so well with Scandinavian.

When it comes to the number of wall art pieces you can use, there’s really no limit. Yes, even in a minimalist Scandinavian interior! You can use a single large art piece that will dominate the room or try a more eclectic approach and build a gallery wall out of various pieces. When building a gallery wall, remember to make sure the various pieces have at least one thing in common, whether it’s their theme, colour palette or the frame.

Bring the Outdoors in with Fresh Plants

As I’ve mentioned, Scandinavian interior design has a strong connection to nature and the outdoors as evident through Scandinavian art posters and furniture. That’s why plants make some of the best décor elements in a Scandi-style space. Decorative greenery is perfect to liven up the simplicity and add some colour without suffocating the space.

Feel free to make a statement and add a tasteful touch of drama with plants that are beautifully oversized, like for instance the rubber plant. If you want a more casual and laidback vibe, consider hanging indoor vine plants that will overflow from their pots for a beautiful romantic effect. Succulents are also a popular choice for Scandi-style interiors, and best of all, they can be super easy to take care of even if you lack a green thumb.

Capture the Hygge Spirit with Textures

If you have an Instagram or Pinterest account, you probably know all about the concept of hygge in Scandinavian living. Hygge is a Danish word that means “well-being” and which Scandinavians use to refer to the feeling of being warm and cosy and at at peace. By nurturing this hygge feeling, Scandinavians are able to cope better with the short days and extremely cold temperatures. This concept is so ingrained in Scandinavian culture, that Scandinavians even choose to decorate their homes to allow for more hygge-like moments.

In an interior, the elements that have warm textures and emit a comfy vibe are the ones usually defined as hygge. For instance, a cute and fluffy area rug to warm your bare feet while you drink hot cocoa seated on a soft, upholstered sofa. A helpful tip to make your space more hygge-like is to incorporate layers of cosy, lush fabrics. Wooden surfaces with raw textures, such as natural wooden floors and furniture made of oak, maple and walnut give off a homey vibe as well.

Make It Bright with Unique Light Fixtures

Light is very important in Scandinavian design, and this isn’t a surprise considering how the Nordic countries lack sunlight. Besides allowing natural light to flood the space by avoiding the use of hard window treatments and opting for airy curtains, or even better, leaving the windows bare, you also need to make good use of artificial lighting.

A lighting scheme that provides balanced illumination throughout the entire space enhances the clean and fresh feeling Scandinavian spaces give off. Try to use a variety of lighting sources, such as wall sconces, pendant lamps with metallic finishes. Lighting fixtures with mid-century features or industrial vibes are especially popular in Scandi interiors. In addition, in line with the hygge feeling, you can also add candlelight or candelabras for an extra dose of romance and warmth.

The post Liven Up the Minimalism: Discover How to Decorate a Scandinavian Space appeared first on Sherlocks.com.au Blog.

Pick a Style that Matches Your Space

If your dining room is already furnished, you need to consider how the new dining table will affect the existing look. For instance, if your space is decorated in a minimalist fashion featuring smooth lines and a neutral colour palette, a minimalist Scandinavian square dining table made of fine wood may be the perfect match for it. Wood is also the material of choice for traditional spaces, especially when decorated with intricate carvings. In ultra-modern spaces a clear glass table can help create a feeling of openness. But if you have a bigger budget and want to decorate your dining space in a more extravagant way, a table with a marble top will certainly look the most dramatic.

Consider Durability & Ease of Maintenance

In addition, the material your dining table is made of can also influence how durable and easy to maintain it is. For instance, quality hardwoods such as walnut, oak and maple are usually considered the best choice when durability is concerned. Their only downside is that they can stain easily unless sealed with a quality finish. On the other hand, glass is much easier to keep clean but it’s also more prone to chipping, scratching or cracking due to heat. Although resistant to damage, marble and stone dining tables are porous and can absorb stains, and when that happens it’s almost impossible to get rid of them.

Settle for a Shape that Complements the Room

While you’re free to choose any style of table you want (as long as it matches the room’s style), the shape of the room dictates what shape your table should be. For instance, a Scandinavian square dining table can be suited for a smaller room as it takes up less space. On the other hand, a rectangular table needs more space and is best suited for long and narrow rooms. If you want to be able to fit more people, an oval table offers maximum seating space. What’s more, round and oval tables are great for creating a more intimate atmosphere as there’s no designated head of the table.

The post Tips to Help You Discover the Ideal Dining Table for Your Space appeared first on Sherlocks.com.au Blog.