The choice of Scandinavian style for the kitchen is not a tribute to fashion and not following fleeting trends. Simplicity, minimalism, functionality are the basic principles of Scandinavian aesthetics, which from year to year allow it to remain in demand and popular.

But the very concept of the Scandinavian interior is not conveyed only by laconic forms and natural materials. This is, first of all, the atmosphere of a special northern comfort. It is the promise of happiness and well-being behind the popular Danish word 'hygge'.

The harsh climate and the amazing beauty of nature serve as inspiration, determine the interior chips and most optimal solutions. The landscapes of Denmark, Sweden, Norway are snow-covered mountain peaks, winding fjords and rivers hidden in a haze of fog. The sun is a rare guest in these parts, which is why all light frosty shades are so popular. They fill the house with light and freshness.

The lack of natural lighting is compensated by an abundance of glass, mirrors, glossy and chrome parts. These surfaces reflect natural light, as well as the glare of numerous lamps and spotlights. And yet the main hearth of the house is the kitchen!

5 Principles in Scandinavian Kitchen Design

If I were asked to identify 5 signs of Scandi cuisine, I would note the following:

Functionality. In the Scandinavian interior there are no ill-conceived trifles, decor for the sake of decor. Ergonomic storage systems hidden from view are popular. Such solutions help to adapt the Scandinavian style to the smallest areas, successfully cope with the task of organizing a small space.

Scandi cuisine- the realm of light. Diverse light sources help zone the room, add volume and a sense of comfort to it.

The motto of the Scandinavian interior is perfectly conveyed by the words of the Finnish architect Alvar Aalto: “The task of the designer is to make life more convenient.” The idea of ​​such a philosophy is that the interior of the kitchen should be practical. Therefore, the Scandinavians prefer simple things that make life easier, concise solutions.

Layout options

The question that worries many when choosing a style direction is whether the Scandi style is suitable for a very compact room or, conversely, a kitchen combined with a living room. My answer is unequivocal - perfect! It's true universal option.It emphasizes the size and volume of a large space, visually reveals small rooms.

Small kitchen

The reality is that in most apartments there is no huge kitchen with a chic dining area. In this case, the Scandinavian style becomes a true ally, offering a lot of non-standard solutions:

  • White on white

A peculiar business card of the Scandi interior - White color . It is the love of light, the abundance of white that helps to create additional volume due to different textures, glare surfaces and illuminated details.

  • Accentuated window openings

Freedom is one of the main values ​​of such an interior. Often in small Scandinavian kitchens there are no curtains and curtains. And the space under the window is continued by a small countertop or a well-located work area, in the brightest place in the room.

When it is necessary to hide from prying neighbors' eyes, linen or cotton roller blinds in the color of the walls will be appropriate.

  • Light as decoration

Kitchen-living room

How about Scandinavian style when combined small kitchen from the living room? The seamless transition from one room to another is a simple technique that helps Scandinavian designers create interactive, life-filled spaces.

Often, a kitchen combined with a living room is delimited by different shades of the same color. The commonality of the room is created due to common motifs in decor and textiles. The dining area is accented with a lint-free jute or natural sisal rug. Its color or geometric print is repeated in ceramics and other kitchen utensils.

In large areas, you can get away from a single color, play on the contrast of shades of walls and furniture. Take a look at the spectacular combination of white walls with black facades. Convincing proof that monochrome can look fresh and very bright.

The contrast sets the dynamics in the room. A common solution in the spirit of Scandinavian minimalism, when the wooden table top and floor stand out against the white furniture. Preference in this case is given to light wood species - larch, ash, maple.

corner

The corner layout of the kitchen helps to use the limited area with the greatest benefit. This technique largely corresponds to the spirit of Scandinavian interiors - everything is very compact, functional.

Accents help separate the work and kitchen areas. A light lampshade above the table attracts attention with its color, unusual shape or material. Wood, metal and geometric motifs are in the lead here.

A popular technique is also different chairs, combining them with small sofas or armchairs, if the area allows.

The corner decision of the kitchen is often dictated by the need to make the most of the space. So the top drawers kitchen furniture often reach the ceiling. This visually stretches a small room, helps to find places to store kitchen trifles.

The layout of the kitchen is the basic point, but still it does not determine the style. The mood is set by the main color of the room, correctly selected materials.

Inspiration from nature: the color of the kitchen

If you associate Nordic design exclusively with white walls and the same furniture, then a pleasant discovery awaits you ahead. Scandinavia can be colorful! Experiments with color are not alien to this direction, and a neutral base shade serves as an excellent background.

This style is very natural, close to nature. Therefore, the palette of colors and textures of the Northern European landscape looks especially harmonious in the interior:

  • shades of coniferous forest;
  • marble patterns of stones;
  • the mysterious blue of the lakes;
  • golden glare of the warm rays of the sun at sunset.

“Complex” tones look great, which change during the day depending on the lighting. So play many shades of beige, soft gray, the color of baked milk.

Gray

Wood: the color of home comfort

Wooden texture is the trend of recent seasons in interior decoration and the most traditional northern material. Clarified wood does not set a contrast, makes the kitchen interior more comfortable and homely..

In the color of oak, pine and spruce, you can decorate the facades of the headset, countertop, parquet floor, door leaf, window frames or even ceiling beams.

White - a tribute to tradition

And yet the main color of Scandinavian interiors is white in all its diversity. It is a delicate creamy, milky, cold snowy, ivory, baked milk, white sand or eggshell.

White color is certainly present in the decoration of the ceiling. There are completely white interiors that are interesting for their depth and play of textures: matte, mirror-smooth, slightly rough and fluffy.

A white interior becomes more alive when filled with interesting details - indoor plants, posters with clear geometric motifs, textiles and beautiful ceramics.

A bright kitchen has only one drawback - high claims to the quality of materials. Savings on the quality of facades or wall cladding material will lead to rapid wear, quick re-repair. It is unlikely that this is included in your plans.

Finishing

Creating a cozy living space and aesthetic design does not tolerate trifles. In traditional northern interiors, texture and quality of finishing materials are of paramount importance.

Floor

Despite the diversity modern materials, the choice of the Scandinavians is obvious - natural wood. Most often, this material covers the floor throughout the house. Shades of wood are always light, bleached. A cold undertone makes the room wider, fills it with light.

Wide engineered board and parquet are common but expensive options. In relation to our conditions, the restored wooden floor in the old "Khrushchev" looks even better than a good laminate.

However, waterproof laminate convenient in the kitchen-studio. In order to expand and combine spaces, they make the same floor in the dining room and kitchen areas. The Scandinavian style is characterized by a high plinth (12-15 cm) in the color of the wall.

When practicality is a priority, a board, parquet or laminate is replaced with porcelain stoneware, ceramic tiles. The color of the tile can be anything: from cold shades of gray and beige to contrasting black, dark brown.

Patterned floor tiles look interesting, which stands out against the background of white walls and the same furniture. For a small Scandinavian kitchen, patchwork tiles or bright black and white checkerboards are suitable. The same options will be appropriate when finishing the apron.

Apron

As part of the Scandinavian style, there are two main trends when choosing a kitchen apron:

  • traditional white;
  • color option.

White

I think you no longer doubt that the classic color of the apron in the Scandinavian kitchen is white. This solution helps in creating the effect of "light cuisine". The shades of the walls and tiles in this case must match.. The feeling of volume is achieved by the difference in the texture of the materials.

A fashionable solution for a kitchen apron is subway ceramic tiles or masonry imitating bleached brick. More modern version– wall cladding with tempered white glass.

Absolutely white interior looks advantageous on small squares, where elements of kitchen decor and traditional textiles bring the spirit of Scandinavia.

A white apron serves as an excellent backdrop for a bright or darker kitchen set. Dark blue facades and snow-white walls are a popular natural motif in the interior.

On the wave of contrast

An alternative to white is a contrasting, eye-catching apron. Handmade tiles with unique patterns will be appropriate. A more affordable option is patchwork ceramic tiles or bright mosaics.

Often found in Scandinavian kitchens are “boar” tiles with or without a chamfer, as well as tiles of unusual geometric shapes. These materials are becoming mainstream, the main trend of not only Nordic but also world design.

Wood, tempered glass, various facing panels are also relevant. They are interesting in that they create an integral smooth surface and are easy to use.

Contrasting color does not imply a riot of colors. Often found in gray, anthracite, dark green, deep shades of blue.

practical and nice solution when the apron is matched to match the countertop or a couple of tones lighter than it. When the same shade is repeated in the color of the floor and decorative details, a feeling of integrity, harmony of space is created.

Walls

Scandinavian design does not welcome frills. The simplest design of the walls creates an excellent base. The neutral background favorably emphasizes designer decor and other interior items.

Neutral smooth walls will be diluted with brick or real tiles brickwork. In the studio kitchen, it is worth putting such tiles in several zones to form a single space.

A very popular wall covering is paint. In new buildings, it is more practical to stick wallpaper for painting on non-woven base. They will hide small cracks from shrinkage of the house. Convenient in this case, and cullet, additionally reinforcing the walls.

Other suitable material for the walls is plaster. To emphasize its original texture, designers choose complex shades of beige and light gray.

In Scandinavian interiors, the technique of highlighting one wall with accent wallpaper with an interesting ornament or a beautiful deep color is popular. Such a design move gives the room a more informal look, dilutes the monotony of the room.

Of course, Scandinavian manufacturers such as ECO wallpaper or Borastapeter are the leaders in the production of such wallpapers. Colored wallpaper can replace a real wall art or a textured photo wallpaper with an authentic Swedish design.

Most often, the dining area becomes an accent, bright wallpapers are located near the table that unites the whole family.

Ceiling

The interior in the spirit of traditional Scandinavian houses does not imply a complex ceiling. Unless open beams remain noticeable. In this case, you should carefully choose the color of the wood so as not to add a touch of country style to the room.

And yet the most topical solution the ceiling is painted white. A more modern option is a matte stretch film.

Lighting

In northern latitudes, there is always a lack of natural light. Therefore, multifaceted additional lighting is an important element of any Scandinavian interior. The chandelier in the geometric center of the room is not as important as the thoughtful lighting above the dining table, additional spotlights and floor lamps.

The design of the fixtures is extremely important. Often it is lighting that becomes the accent that helps bring the entire interior to a single concept. Chandeliers with wood elements support the idea of ​​environmental friendliness, perfectly complement the wooden countertop.

Chrome or copper wire lampshades are a tribute to modern designers, the desire to fill the kitchen with air and light.

In the interior of the studio apartment, you can see a crystal chandelier above the dining table area. Overflows of expensive glass play beautifully in the light, create additional glare. Such a chandelier will fit into the Scandinavian interior with a touch of classics.

The simplest retro version of the lamp is a decorative incandescent lamp with a simple black wire. Such lamps are often combined into groups: linear above the table or located in a room in a chaotic manner.

Diverse lighting is one of the hallmarks of a Scandinavian interior. LED strips and spot LEDs are mounted in the kitchen set - an economical and beautiful solution for additional illumination of the workplace.

Furniture and appliances

In the design of the kitchen, the Scandinavian style is recognizable by the small amount of furniture. Even in spacious rooms, only the essentials remain to add airiness, fill the house with light, create a feeling of freedom.

The main principles of the Scandinavian interior - simplicity and functionality, can be traced in the choice of furniture.. Everything should be as concise as possible:

  • comfortable roomy wardrobes;
  • predominantly built-in appliances;
  • smooth plain facades.

Thinking about Scandinavian furniture, the first thing that comes to mind is the Swedish company IKEA. The corporate identity of this company spread the idea of ​​scandi interiors all over the world. Their catalogs are a source of ideas and inspiration in the arrangement of the kitchen.

Kitchen set

Color. I won’t surprise anyone by saying that the most popular color for a kitchen set is white. At the same time, the room looks voluminous and interesting. This is achieved through soft contrast with a countertop, chrome appliances or a voluminous textured backsplash.

facades. A smooth facade is more common than others. Especially if the kitchen gravitates towards a modern interpretation of the Scandinavian style. In this case, the handles should support the idea of ​​simplicity. Brackets, roof rails or push-to-open mechanisms are ideal.

Scandinavian interior can be with a touch of classics. Then frame facades with minimal milling and handles with buttons become relevant.

The proportion of rustic romance will be brought in by Hitarp facades from IKEA. Shell handles, a couple of braided embellishments and Scandinavian style take on a country vibe.

table top

The choice of countertop determines, as a rule, the budget.

  • Most good option- Solid wood table top. The color of natural wood fits perfectly into the overall light tone of the interior, making it warmer and more comfortable.
  • When a brighter contrast is needed, a solid black or gray stone countertop will do.
  • A budget analogue for inexpensive headsets is a countertop made of waterproof chipboard. Natural veneer can easily replace an array, and a special film imitates metal or stone.

Dinner Zone

An important difference between Scandinavian furniture is regular and simple lines. Here you can find traditional wooden furniture and lightweight structures made of modern materials. The thin legs of such tables set the dynamics with their unusual geometry.

In a small kitchen, a book table or a compact Scandinavian-style breakfast table and a couple of bright chairs will be appropriate. Often the table is replaced by a small bar counter along the wall.

An alternative option is a transforming table. It is suitable for very modest rooms, when a folding or retractable tabletop is the only way to dine at a full table.

The arrangement of a comfortable dining area is unthinkable without high-quality chairs and compact sofas in a neutral or bright color. Decorative pillows they will combine all kitchen textiles and complete the composition.

Chairs in the Scandinavian kitchen are always a source of pride. They can be wooden with a curved back in the spirit of retro or emphasized modern plastic and metal. Often the chairs are the only color accent in the kitchen, it looks very fresh.

Not uncommon and legendary designer chairs. The compact "Ant" chair by Arne Jacobsen or the bright, conceptual chairs of the Eames spouses.

Decor

The imprint of the harsh northern climate is clearly visible in the restrained Scandinavian interior. However, due to the unusual decor, the calm Nordic design acquires a special warmth and bright wayward character.


The features that make it stand out are dictated by the climate, the Scandinavian environment and their cheerful attitude to life.

Main features

  • Naturalness. Everything should be filled with the beauty of northern nature. That is why in this style, preference is given to light woods, emphasizing naturalness and giving home comfort.
  • Good lighting. In Scandinavia, the day is short and there is little light, so they try to capture it as much as possible in the interior. For this, large windows for natural light and a large number of chandeliers and lamps for artificial light are used.
  • Versatility. In the Scandinavian direction, everything is done to obtain maximum functionality in everything - from furniture to decorations. Retractable systems are often used, there are many shelves, and there are also modern bins and closers.

Let's move from the general to the specific and consider the details of the Scandinavian-style kitchen interior.

Color palette

In a relationship color palette this interior is quite interesting.

The main color is white, and all its shades allow you to play with the design, setting the right mood with warm and cold tones.

The most commonly used shades are:

  • Snow
  • Lactic
  • Cream
  • baked milk
  • white sand
  • Ivory
  • Lotus
  • Creamy
  • Camellia
  • egg shell

Those kitchen interiors are interesting, where the designer with the main color was able to skillfully combine bleached shades of beige, green, gray and blue.

Place accents contrasting colors (asphalt, black, graphite) and rich tones (yellow, turquoise, blue, green) will help.

Reference: a white ceiling, smooth light surfaces, a snow-white or bright backsplash and a bleached wood or tile floor. Functional furniture and an abundance of lighting - this is what gives the kitchen a special coziness and warmth.

Floor and walls

To evaluate the design of the kitchen in the Scandinavian style, the following photos will help us, especially with regard to the choice color solution wall and floor finishes. They clearly show the desire for light colors and eco-friendly materials in the decoration.

Scandinavians prefer light wood floor. The wood of cold shades makes the kitchen lighter, and the warm ones fill it with comfort and give a certain trail of country style.

They also prefer to make the same floors throughout the home or throughout the kitchen-studio. This visually expands the room.

For the floor, parquet, engineered boards, laminate or solid board are preferably used. Moisture-resistant laminate is in the greatest demand.

A Scandinavian-style kitchen, the photo of which is worth a good study, may also have a floor covered with ceramic tiles. Also use porcelain stoneware.

Floor tiles should only be placed near the headset. The dining area should still have a wooden floor.

In terms of color, the tile can be white, dark gray, light gray, beige-brown (this option is the most practical). The plinth is matched to the color of the walls, while it has a large height.

Wall decoration is always light. For her, paint is most often used in such a palette:

  • snow white
  • light gray
  • egg shell
  • baked milk

The variety of Scandinavian style in the interior of the kitchen is well confirmed by various wall decoration options, such as wallpaper.

It is possible to use an interesting combination with brickwork borrowed from the loft style. It can be placed only partially so as not to disturb the overall design.

Brickwork will help unite the kitchen and the hall, but it should be used with caution and in moderation.

Scandinavian kitchen furniture

Scandinavians are trying to order furniture made from natural materials, that is, wood. But examples are not rare when the facades are made of MDF.

In general, they adhere to the following rules when ordering furniture for their kitchen:

  • Front color. The most popular is white. Also often used facades under a light tree, in honey-golden and cognac shades. A contrasting countertop is allowed (usually made of solid wood).
  • Accessories. Mainly used simple handles from metal. Some manufacturers produce furniture without handles with a special opening system.
  • Texture. Smooth and smooth surfaces, more often glossy or chrome-plated, less often matte. Gloss reflects light and gives an additional effect to expand the space.
  • Functionality. The headset has everything you need and nothing more. There are tall upper cabinets and an abundance of open shelves (lined with dishes, they give the room more comfort).

Structure scandinavian cuisine has one feature - often about does not consist only of the lower sections or it has an upper row of drawers, but not the entire length of the headset. Instead, shelves are attached for spices, decorations and other kitchen utensils.

This approach makes it possible to working area spacious, free and illuminate it with hanging lamps.

In Scandinavian cuisine, as mentioned earlier, all elements should be practical and versatile. Smart storage systems, a retractable hood, built-in appliances are all essential attributes of this style.

The dining area is usually small, and in some cases even very small. The table can be small size, sliding, retractable or folding, or even replaced by a bar counter.

The ideal option would be. It can have a round or rectangular tabletop, be of a folding or sliding type.

Chairs are divided into two groups: wooden and deliberately modern. The former have a retro design, a curved back and multi-colored pillows, the latter are made of plastic and chrome-plated metal.

The discreet design of the chairs gives a slight charm and perfectly emphasizes such an interior. The main thing is that they are not massive.

Accessories choose the most diverse: chrome or brushed metal, translucent plastic or black forged handles. Some designers offer projects in which there are no fittings at all - lockers open or move out due to only a slight pressure on the facade.

Work area (tabletop, apron, household appliances)

The working area should be as comfortable and functional as possible. At the same time, it serves as a framework for decoration, filling it with the power of northern design.

Usually solid wood or artificial stone and contrasts with the color of the kitchen facades.

An apron is a place for creativity. It can be classic: white, stylized as brickwork, or have an interesting color scheme.

An apron in a Scandinavian-style kitchen is usually laid out in one of two options:

1) White lined with ceramics. In this case, boar tiles, mosaics, bleached bricks, and a panel block made of plexiglass are preferred.
2) Colored, catchy. It will be a strong accent, so an interesting pattern, bright mosaic, photo printing is allowed here. Preferred gamut: shades of gray, red, shades of blue.

Household appliances in the interior of this type should be ultra-modern. Steel facade on the refrigerator, elegant hood and stylish induction cooker would be very useful here.

Some designers suggest placing a small hanging TV in a slim body. It will not take up space, will not overload the space and will take attention during cooking and dinner.

Lighting

Light is something without which it is impossible to imagine Scandinavian interior design. The maximum amount of light is the main criterion for this style.

Most attention is paid to windows. Often they are not curtained with anything, they are made as large as possible - sometimes along the entire wall or from floor to ceiling.

The more light sources, the better.

Instead of one chandelier, it is better to use several miniature pendant and wall lamps.

In Scandinavia, lamps are considered an important element of the interior, so much attention is paid to their design. So, the advantage is given:

  • Chandelier with chrome, copper, wood or painted wire elements.
  • Crystal chandeliers. They are especially appropriate in large studio kitchens that combine the functions of a workspace, dining room and living room.
  • An ordinary incandescent lamp without a cover. They are hung on a black or colored wire.
  • An ordinary lamp equipped with a simple metal lampshade.

Massive lamps with colorful and intricate lampshades and plafonds are taboo among the Scandinavians. The best solution is simple and numerous fixtures.

Textile

As mentioned earlier, in northern countries they prefer open windows, without any draperies familiar to us in the form of curtains, curtains and curtains. The only thing allowed is plain white roller blind without drawings or other accessories.

But our housewives love comfort, beauty and good mood in everything, so decoration with light curtains or is allowed. They are made of translucent fabric. The use of openwork-lace curtains or Roman blinds is also allowed.

For a space that also functions as a living room or dining room, it is best to use neutral linen curtains. Here, curtains of any pastel color and curtains with a characteristic print will also be in place.

A sample of a similar curtain for a Scandinavian-style kitchen can be seen in the photo, reflecting the Scandinavian style. They are the most typical window drapery option.

The next important "textile" issue is the drapery of the dining table. The tablecloth is used in light colors - white, blue and other pastel colors. On the floor, as an additional decor, you can place a small multi-colored rug in a cage, rhombus or stripe.

Decor and accessories

When decorating Scandinavian cuisine, you should follow the basic rules for this style.

According to the northern mistress, items should be primarily useful, be in a convenient place for her and laid out strictly on the shelves. They consider it the most important piece of decor. Wall Clock- both beautiful and useful for a scrupulous northern hostess.

The walls can be decorated with a variety of paintings in a passe-partout or old photographs in a beautiful frame. Free space on the shelves can be occupied by flowerpots with flower arrangements, cookbooks, decorative or enameled dishes with a beautiful pattern.

They will be a wonderful decoration of the kitchen window sill, dining table and even the work area. A flowerpot with curly parsley, a small decorative pepper or a small lemon tree will be especially successful for the desktop.

It should not be considered that this design is distinguished by the absence of bright colors: its austerity is combined with a mischievous and colorful decor. It can look like multi-colored posters or towels with unusual prints, complemented by bright chair covers.

It is desirable that the decorative elements called to each other. For example, a rug on the floor can be made in the same design as the cushions on the chairs.

Another element that can be used as decoration for a Nordic kitchen design is the horns or heads of animals traditionally hunted by Scandinavians. An excellent option would be their imitation of paper or textiles.

A great addition to them will be artificial or natural fur skins on the floor, chairs or armchairs in the kitchen-living room. We should not forget about such a useful thing as a chalk board with a menu, which can also become an excellent design element.

Books, flowers in flowerpots, postcards, enameled or decorative dishes are displayed on free shelves. Houseplants Can be placed on a windowsill, table or even table top.

A Scandinavian-style kitchen is not only a convenient and practical place for cooking. It will become a place where all members of any family will spend time with pleasure.

Its functionality, minimalism and unusual national decor will make the time spent at the dining table enjoyable. The slowness and restraint of the design will bring to your life the opportunity to relax and unwind after a busy day at work.

All the secrets of Scandinavian style kitchen design - choose furniture, finishes, lamps, decor and get inspired by photos of real Scandinavian kitchens.

Scandinavian style is ideal for a small kitchen and kitchen-living room in a small Khrushchev or a small studio apartment. You can transform such an interior at any time - only with the help of textiles and decor.

Scandinavian style in the interior of the kitchen - 6 main features:

  • functionality and practicality are the main thing, design is secondary
  • white background and bright/contrasting details
  • simple strict forms
  • natural materials
  • a lot of wood with a beautiful texture
  • lots of light and free space a little decor

What styles are friends with

If a clean Scandinavian interior seems sterile to you, add bright accents And interesting details from other styles: northern country, eco-style, light classics, contemporary and modern.

Color palette

The main Scandinavian color is white and its many shades: snowy, creamy, milky, vanilla-cream, baked milk, ivory, eggshell or white sand.

Sophisticated whitewashed cold shades of gray, beige, blue and green will perfectly fit into the design of a Scandinavian-style kitchen.

Leave dark (black, graphite, asphalt) and bright colors (yellow, green, blue, turquoise) for accents.


Light shades from the Tikkurila color palette

Layout of the kitchen-living room

In Scandinavian studio apartments. A peninsula or a large dining table will help you delimit the zones.

Accent the table and chairs with a carpet: natural jute and sisal or woven lint-free - plain or with a geometric print.

Scandinavian style kitchen furniture

Kitchen set

  • In the Scandinavian style, the kitchen set is simple and concise. The color is almost always white. Sometimes there are kitchens with facades made of wood of light, honey-golden or cognac shades. The combination of light wood and white will make the Scandinavian interior warmer and more interesting.
  • Finish - matte or semi-gloss. White high gloss is also good, especially if the kitchen is very small: the doors reflect light and give the space depth.
  • Scandinavians love open upper shelves (the kitchen looks cozier with dishes in plain sight), and upper cabinets are made high, often up to the ceiling.
The photo below shows Scandinavian kitchens with smooth and frame facades:
The most popular Scandinavian-style furniture option is IKEA kitchens:
  • A modern classic in Scandinavian style - a set with frame facades without embellishments with modest milling (like the Budbin kitchens from the Method series) or similar custom-made kitchens.
  • The IKEA kitchen set with Hitarp facades, which replaced the popular Stot facades, will perfectly fit into the Scandinavian interior with hints of country or Provence.

Choose simple handles for kitchen furniture - roof rails or brackets (if you have a kitchen in modern style), buttons or "shells" (for Scandinavian cuisine in the style of a classic or country). Facades that open by pressing or have hidden milled handles are good.

Household appliances pick up built-in metallic color.

table top

Often wooden - it makes the Scandinavian interior warm and cozy. The best choice is a solid wood countertop. If the set is inexpensive, a chipboard countertop with wood veneer or plastic wood or stone finish is suitable. Choose a stone countertop in black or gray: plain or with small specks of salt and pepper.

Table and chairs in Scandinavian style kitchen

The dining table is usually natural wood, varnished or painted with white, less often black paint. An excellent option is a wooden table made of solid pine, oak, beech. In inexpensive models, instead of an array, chipboard with wood veneer (ash, oak, beech) is used.

For a small Scandinavian-style kitchen, a small breakfast table and a couple of chairs will do. Often this is a book table with a folding top or a compact bar table. If the kitchen is very small, the role of the table is played by a narrow bar counter along the wall or a folding table-shelf (you can buy it at IKEA or make it to order).

A large dining table for 4-6 people usually stands in the living room. Be sure to hang a beautiful chandelier or several hanging lamps above the dining group.

If you have a Scandinavian style, the best choice is a transforming table with a rectangular or round top, folding, sliding or pull-out.

Chairs in the Scandinavian style - wooden (with a retro design, curved back and colored cushions) or emphatically modern (made of white, transparent, colored plastic or leather with metal chrome legs). In Scandinavian interiors, you can often find chairs by legendary designers - the Ant model by Arne Jacobsen or Eames by the Eames spouses.

Finishing

Ceiling

Always white. Usually painted white, but can be ordered matte for the kitchen stretch ceiling or make it suspended from drywall.

For Scandinavian cuisine with country touches, a white painted clapboard finish is suitable.

Walls

The most popular wall covering in Scandinavian cuisine is paint. If you have an apartment in a new building, use non-woven wallpaper for painting (hide cracks from shrinkage of the house) or glass wallpaper (additionally strengthen the walls).

A popular design technique in Scandinavian interiors - one accent wall is covered with wallpaper with a beautiful print. Scandinavian wallpaper manufacturers (eg Borastapeter and ECO wallpaper) have typical Nordic design colors and patterns, while Mr.Perswall offers custom-made photomurals with a typical Swedish design.

Smooth white walls are perfectly diluted with brickwork or brick-like tiles. If you have a kitchen combined with a living room, lay brick tiles in both areas - this will unite the space.

Apron

There are two types of apron in the Scandinavian-style kitchen:

  1. White apron or very light. Usually it is a white mosaic, white brick or wall panel made of tempered white glass.
  2. Bright, contrasting, accent apron. For this option, choose a bright patterned tile (especially good cement tiles handmade, but many manufacturers offer more available options), bright mosaic or tile 10x10,. Favorite colors for a contrasting apron are gray, wet asphalt, red and different shades of blue (ultramarine, turquoise, blue).

Floor

Most of all, Scandinavians love wood and often make the same floor throughout the apartment. Wood tones are almost always light. Cold ( bleached oak, nordic oak, white ash) make the room brighter. Warm ones visually warm the space, but they look simpler and bring notes of Scandinavian country to the interior of the kitchen.

The most popular option is engineered wood flooring, parquet or parquet board. A more budgetary choice is a good moisture-resistant laminate for a massive board: with a chamfer on all sides and a single-strip pattern.

In the kitchen-studio, the same floor is often made in all areas: in small apartment this helps to visually expand and unify the space.

A more practical option is ceramic tiles or porcelain stoneware next to the kitchen set, in the rest of the kitchen-living room - parquet, board or laminate. The color is usually dark or light gray or beige-brown with veins - the most practical and non-staining:

The plinth is usually white, in the color of the wall, and always high. Look for a model made of MDF or polyurethane foam with a height of 12-15 cm. There are, for example, Tarkett, Ultrawood, Europlast in the assortment.

The Scandinavian-style kitchen is simple enough that you can decorate its premises yourself without the involvement of specialist designers. First of all, it is necessary to understand the features of the style and its origin.

The Scandinavian style came to our homes from the northern latitudes of Europe - Norway, Switzerland, Finland, which are characterized by harsh, cold winters and cloudy weather.

How to decorate a Scandinavian style kitchen

For the inhabitants of the harsh climate of the northern regions of Europe, it is important to feel warm and comfortable at any time of the year, so the Scandinavian interior is adapted to such needs.

When designing a Scandinavian-style kitchen, you need to follow certain rules:

  • The design should be dominated by white;
  • Walls should be light pastel colors. Since the sun very rarely shines through windows in northern latitudes, the room should be decorated in light colors. The favorite is white, but quite successfully it can be replaced with light beige, color ivory, baked milk, light gray or pale blue. Such tones will reflect light and visually enlarge the space. Even if the kitchen has a non-standard layout, a large number of corners, white color can hide these shortcomings. The walls can be covered with wallpaper, but it would be more correct to simply plaster them and paint them in a suitable color. Such walls are easy to maintain in good condition, you can only slightly update the color. Plaster can be textured, and some part of the wall can be made in the form of rough brick or stonework, which will make the interior not so strict. On the walls of the kitchen, you can place all kinds of paintings of a suitable theme, which will look very original and unusual. The main thing is not to overdo it so that the kitchen does not turn into an art gallery. How to decorate the kitchen with paintings can be found in a special article on this topic.

Wooden panels look good in a Scandinavian interior, but they are more suitable for a bedroom or living room.

Scandinavian style kitchen floor

For a Scandinavian-style kitchen, warm wood floors are best. This style is characterized by the use of wood of all kinds - oak, ash, birch, beech or pine - any option will do. The best choice is parquet or laminate, but if material resources are limited, you can use lenolium under a tree. Modern manufacturers of lenolium produce coatings that repeat the color and structure of wood, visually indistinguishable from the real material.

Related article: Home interiors

A small rug near the table will highlight the dining area in the kitchen, adding coziness to the overall interior.

Scandinavian kitchen ceiling

The ceiling must be light or white. This contributes to the reflection of light in the room. The edging at the junction of walls and ceiling should be invisible, without special patterns. Restraint and conciseness, inherent in minimalism, is the basis of the Scandinavian style.

Accessories

It is the accessories that create the face of the Scandinavian style, which prevents it from being confused with minimalism. Accessory should not be too much, they should be simple and functional.

Here are some key features to consider when choosing accessories:

  • Bright colors. In everything small parts in the interior, you can add any bright color, a maximum of two. Color accents should not be too much, otherwise it will look extremely tasteless. Bright accents can be towels, curtains, cushions for chairs, vases, coasters for dishes, flowerpots, etc. The color of accessories should be in harmony with the color of the walls and floor. The classic options are the most successful combinations can be picked up from photo illustrations of kitchens in the Scandinavian style. For example: yellow-ocher-white, bright turquoise-gray-white, lime-ocher-white.
  • natural materials. Curtains on the windows and a tablecloth on the table are preferable to choose from natural materials. It can be coarse undyed linen or colored cotton. Pieces of fur can be thrown on the seats of chairs for softness.

Glass, ceramics, wood, metal, as well as natural stones and leather, which form the basis of the style, are appropriate in the Scandinavian-style kitchen. A wicker basket, ceramic jars for spices and cereals will fit well into the interior.

Scandinavian style kitchen decor

Bright and juicy greens in pots are very appropriate in the interior of the kitchen. It creates a feeling of living and cozy space. Pots can be monochrome or in several basic colors.

Dishes can be either homogeneous or assembled from several sets. The main condition is simplicity and naturalness.

Curtains on the windows should be made of thin transparent material, such as fine linen, muslin or muslin. Their main task is to let as much light into the room as possible, so the curtains should always be open, or not at all. Fabric horizontal blinds look good on the windows.

Related article: Priming the walls before wallpapering: is it necessary, how much it dries, with what and how drywall should be primed, why, necessarily, photo, video

Scandinavian style kitchen colors

When choosing colors for a Scandinavian-style kitchen interior, it is important to adhere to the following rules:

  • primary colors should be no more than three. They can be complemented by similar shades, but without going beyond the three primary colors.
  • depending on the location of the windows (north or south), a palette of colors is selected. For example, a warm pastel range of shades with juicy orange or green accents is suitable for a northern kitchen. For a south-facing kitchen, white is suitable in combination with blue, blue, purple and other cold shades.

It is important to know that some colors look different day and night, in the shade and in the sun. Therefore, you need to see how the same option looks at different times of the day.

If the walls and ceiling are painted white, the room will visually look more spacious. If the area allows, one of the walls can be pasted over with photo wallpapers of a suitable theme, or painted in a different color - it will be very beautiful and original. On other walls, you can hang some decor of the same color as a single wall. This technique is used by many designers. If you have a favorite color, this does not mean that it will be appropriate in the interior of the kitchen. For example, red is very aggressive, while green can be too boring.

The color of the kitchen should be adapted to the time of day when you spend a significant amount of time there. If it's morning, orange, yellow and crimson are the best for the interior, which will give you a boost of energy for the whole day. If you spend most of your time in the kitchen in the evening, then Blue colour Helps create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

It is important not to overdo it with the amount of detail in the interior. Nothing should unnecessarily clutter up the space.

Creating a Scandinavian-style kitchen-living room interior

A kitchen combined with a living room has many advantages. For example, in typical apartments where the kitchens are very small, such an association will create space and a sense of freedom. You do not have to rack your brains over the question of where to put all the necessary household appliances.

Kitchen-living room - great option for young mothers who can combine work in the kitchen and looking after a small child. It is also a convenient option for receiving guests - the hostess will not feel cut off from the company, working in the kitchen. Due to the second window, more light enters the room. Odors from cooking do not spread throughout the apartment, thanks to a strong air-purifying hood located above the stove. Thanks to the design in the Scandinavian style, the kitchen will become both cozy and spacious.

A Scandinavian-style kitchen is an island of coziness and comfort, where you want to quickly return from the frosty air in winter and catch your breath in the coolness of a hot summer. The incredibly fashionable direction of Scandi has already captured all Western design minds and continues to conquer our people.

Today, a Scandinavian-style kitchen can be implemented in an apartment and in a house, be small, corner, combined with a living room, or have impressive dimensions. But what distinguishes such spaces from others? Let's sort through all the mandatory characteristics inherent in the Nordic mood.

Main features

Appearing in the conditions of the cold northern winter, the Scandinavian style was designed to give the eye peace and tranquility, to distract from the grayness and darkness outside, to warm with warmth and comfort.

Without which the northern direction in the interior of the kitchen is impossible to imagine:

  • White color. It is associated with the first snow, which lies like a virgin blanket and instills in us childish joy.
  • natural motives. Naturalness in everything is a sign of healthy taste. Here you will not see plastic surfaces. Wooden floor, stone countertop, wood motifs in accessories and decor, flowers and plants.

  • Ergonomics. The thoughtfulness of all the details and their functionality must be on top. No extra shelves and unnecessary lockers, everything is just on business. By the way, it is not customary to display kitchen utensils in this style. Everything is hidden from the eyes as much as possible and smooth surfaces are left.

  • Minimalism. This is what distinguishes it from country cuisines. Try to get rid of everything unnecessary, let more air and light into the room.

  • Lighting. This is almost the key detail of the whole design. Since the northern countries are dominated by gray and gloomy weather, in contrast to this, they fill their homes with light and warmth. So, along with light surfaces in such kitchens, lighting is also well thought out. Moreover, most often this is not the central chandelier familiar to us. You can pay attention to zoning with the help of light, highlight the working area, dining.

With a Scandinavian-inspired kitchen design as your main idea, get ready to splurge. Here, a priori, there cannot be cheap components, since all the details are made of natural and expensive materials. The desire to save on individual elements will play a cruel joke and there may be nothing left of the Scandi style.

light elements

Let's just say a Scandinavian-style white kitchen is a standard offering. If you want to keep up with the latest trends but don't overthink it, this is the best option for you.

Most often, furniture is made light, but for the walls you can use gray shades, cold blue, sometimes even black. In this case, the light will be reflected from the white surfaces and dilute the gloom of the walls.







However, not every white kitchen automatically becomes Scandinavian. Make sure to include things like soft wood tones, perfect lighting that leaves no chance for dark corners, and a contrasting hue that can set off the whiteness. Straight and clear lines, backed up by a thoughtful organization of space, create the very coveted Nordic mood.

color splash

If you have planned a Scandinavian-style kitchen-living room, you can not do without competent zoning. The easiest way to do this is with color. If your snow-white space has, for example, yellow accents, choose more yellow to decorate the guest area.

Luxurious in its simplicity, kitchen utensils with floral motifs, pastel colors that evoke memories of summer, bright yellows or greens that stand out perfectly against a neutral background - all this can fill your home with life and dilute whitish sterility.




Any colors that you associate with the warm season will be appropriate in this interior. However, stronger bright or dark variations will be harmonious, while maintaining restraint in the rest.

Remember one thing: whether it's a pattern or a color, moderation is an axiom from which you cannot deviate.

The best way to add bright accents is to use multi-colored matching furniture against a light kitchen set. An unexpected solution would be a light green refrigerator or a yellow coffee maker. Greenery from house plants will become an indispensable source of summer breath.







Unexpected elements of geometric shapes are also welcome, which will break the monotony. Add, for example, some wallpaper to the tile. They will bring a little comfort to a cold space.

wooden floors

This is a decoration for any kitchen. They are more practical than cheap materials and are also an essential element in creating coziness in a Scandi-style kitchen.

You can continue the theme of natural wood in a dining table with a massive tabletop that repeats the tones of the flooring. Open hanging shelves, doors and even ceiling lamps in shades of wood - this will all be your highlight.







If for some reason you want to find an alternative to a wooden floor, take a look at ceramic tiles or masonry. These materials also perfectly accompany the given topic.

Scandinavian-style wooden kitchens are also not uncommon. However, in pursuit of an abundance of wood, you can hit country style, which is no longer as relevant as the northern one. Stick to the principle of minimalism and do not forget to dilute with other textures.

Lighting

We repeat once again and focus on this - there should be a lot of light. In the original version, the issue is resolved by huge floor-to-ceiling windows. And in the conditions of city apartments, natural light can be replenished by artificial sources.





There is so much various options lamps that fit any style, so it's time to move away from the archaic central chandelier. You can choose low hanging cream lights that will give your corner a special character, and will also be much brighter than ordinary lighting. Or pick up a unique floor lamp that will find its place in the corner of the room.

And remember that everything should be functional, including lighting.






bold black

We talked so much about white obligatory condition. But what if you want creativity? To stand out from most templates, while remaining within a given style, use black elements. Of course, you should not aggravate and arrange a total black party, however competent use dark will make your interior unique.






Choose black to define a space, highlight architectural features, anchor light, and create visual contrast. A kitchen cabinet, refrigerator, island in black on a neutral background will instantly attract the eye and become the centerpiece of the space.

If black seems too gloomy to you, consider variations with navy blue. A gray Scandinavian-style kitchen would also be a great idea.




Details

The northern interior is considered a fashion trend on a par with contemporary art. Therefore, you can often find houses where these two phenomena coexist.






Whether it's paintings by contemporary artists, elaborate art objects or just black and white photographs, something must necessarily distract from routine tasks and remind you of the sublime.

For small rooms

Surely you think that 20 sq. m is easy to turn around and bring to life any creative ideas with stylistic directions. However, a small Scandinavian style kitchen is the best solution when space is limited.




Compared to many other styles, Scandi cleverly manages space and fits perfectly into even the tiniest kitchens. Minimalism, frugality, ergonomics - remember these fundamental principles? So thanks to them, you will not have problems with the placement of everything you need. Modular wall cabinets, sleek floating shelves, thoughtful shelving effectively fill every centimeter. Can be skillfully played corner kitchen and it will not be inferior in any way to large analogues.

Outcome

The color of the Scandinavian style kitchen is a blank canvas on which everyone can create their own work.




















The charms of minimalism, functionality and luxurious simplicity conquer more and more hearts. Often, having implemented Scandi in the kitchen, the rest of the apartment gradually acquires notes inherent in the dwellings of the northern peoples.


close