Scandinavian style kitchen. Small kitchen in the Scandinavian style: do-it-yourself renovation and interior decoration Scandinavian kitchen interior design

Choosing a Scandinavian style for your 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 a 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 hidden 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 covered with a haze of fog, snow-capped mountain peaks, winding fjords and rivers. The sun is a rare visitor 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 the 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 cuisine design

If I were asked to single out 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. Concealed ergonomic storage systems 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 kingdom of light. Diverse lighting sources help to 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 behind this philosophy is that the kitchen interior should be practical. Therefore, Scandinavians prefer simple things that make life easier, laconic 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 - it will fit perfectly! This is truly universal option. It emphasizes the size and volume of a large space, visually reveals small rooms.

Small kitchen

The reality is that most apartments do not have a huge kitchen with a chic dining area. In this case, the Scandinavian style becomes a loyal ally, offering a lot of non-standard solutions:

• White on white

A kind of visiting 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.

• Accented window openings

Freedom is one of the main values \u200b\u200bof such an interior. Small scandi kitchens often have no curtains or curtains. And the space under the window is continued by a small tabletop or a well-located work area, in the brightest part of the room.

When you need to hide from the prying eyes of neighbors, linen or cotton roller blinds in the color of the walls will be appropriate.

• Light as decor

Kitchen-living room

How about a Scandinavian style when combining a small kitchen with a living room? The smooth 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 by the uniform motives in the decor and textiles. The dining area is accented with a lint-free jute or natural sisal carpet. Its color or geometric print is repeated in ceramics and other kitchen utensils.

On large areas, you can get away from a single color, play on the contrast of shades of walls and furniture. See the striking combination of white walls with black facades. Convincing proof that monochrome can look fresh and vibrant.

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

Corner

The corner layout of the kitchen helps you make the most of your limited space. This technique is largely consistent with the spirit of Scandinavian interiors - everything is very compact, functional.

Accents help to separate the work and kitchen areas. The light shade 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 space permits.

The corner solution of the kitchen is often dictated by the need to make the most of the space. Therefore, the top drawers of kitchen furniture often extend all the way to the ceiling. This visually draws out a small room, helps to find places for storing kitchen stuff.

The layout of the kitchen is a basic point, but still it does not define the style. The mood sets the main color of the room, the right 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. Scandinavia can be vibrant! 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:

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

"Complex" tones look great, which change during the day depending on the lighting. This is how many shades of beige, pale gray, the color of baked milk play.

Gray

Wood: the color of home comfort

Wooden texture is the trend of recent seasons in the decor of premises and the most traditional northern material. Lightened wood does not create a contrast, makes the interior of the kitchen more cozy 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 beams on the ceiling.

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 ceiling decoration. There are completely white interiors that are interesting for their depth and play of textures: matte, mirror-smooth, slightly rough and fluffy.

White interiors become more vibrant when filled with interesting details - houseplants, posters with clear geometric motifs, textiles and beautiful ceramics.

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

Finishing

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

Floor

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

Wide engineered planks 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 is convenient in a studio kitchen. In order to expand and combine the space, they make the same floor in the dining 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 tiles can be any: 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 scandi kitchen, patchwork tiles or a bright black and white checkerboard are suitable. The same options will be appropriate when finishing the apron.

Apron

Within 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 an apron in Scandinavian cuisine is white. This solution helps in creating a "light kitchen" effect. In this case, the shades of the walls and tiles must match.... The sense of volume is achieved by the difference in the texture of the materials.

A fashionable solution for a kitchen backsplash is ceramic "metro" tiles or masonry imitating bleached bricks. A more modern option is wall cladding with tempered white glass.

Absolutely white interior looks advantageous in small areas, where the spirit of Scandinavia is brought by elements of kitchen decor, traditional textiles.

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

On a 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 ceramic tiles in the spirit of patchwork or bright mosaics.

Often found in Scandinavian kitchens "hog" tiles with or without bevels, 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 cladding panels are also relevant. They are interesting in that they create an integral smooth surface and are easy to use.

A contrasting color does not imply a riot of colors. Gray, anthracite, dark green, deep shades of blue are often found.

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

Walls

Scandinavian design is not about sophistication. As simple as possible, wall decoration creates an excellent base. A neutral background favorably emphasizes the design decor and other interior items.

Neutral smooth walls will be diluted with brick tiles or real brickwork. In a 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 glue wallpaper for painting on a non-woven base. They will hide small cracks from the shrinkage of the house. Convenient in this case and fiberglass, additionally reinforcing the walls.

Plaster is another suitable wall material. To emphasize its distinctive 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. This design move gives the room a more informal look, dilutes the uniformity of the room.

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

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 the exposed beams remain visible. 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 actual solution the ceiling is painted white. A more modern option is a matte stretch film.

Lighting

There is always a lack of natural light in northern latitudes. Therefore, multi-faceted additional lighting is an important element of any scandi interior. The chandelier in the geometric center of the room is not as important as thoughtful lighting over the dining table, additional spotlights and floor lamps.

The design of the luminaires 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 \u200b\u200benvironmental friendliness, perfectly complement the wooden tabletop.

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 a scandi 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 point LEDs are mounted in the kitchen unit - an economical and beautiful solution for additional illumination of the workplace.

Furniture and appliances

In the design of the kitchen, the Scandinavian style is recognized by the small amount of furniture. Even in spacious rooms, only the most necessary remains to add airiness, fill the house with light, and 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 laconic as possible:

• comfortable roomy wardrobes;
• mainly 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 has spread the idea of \u200b\u200bscandi interior throughout the world. Their catalogs are a source of ideas and inspiration for kitchen furnishings.

Kitchen set

Color.I won't surprise anyone by saying that the most popular color for kitchen units is white. At the same time, the room looks voluminous and interesting. This is achieved through a soft contrast to the countertop, chrome appliances or a three-dimensional 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 \u200b\u200bsimplicity. Brackets, roof rails or push-openers are ideal.

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

IKEA's Hitarp facades will add a touch of rustic romance. Shell handles, a pair of wicker ornaments and Scandinavian style take on a country vibe.

Table top

The choice of countertop is usually determined by the budget.

• The most successful option is a solid wood tabletop. 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 required, a solid black or gray stone countertop will do.
• A budget analogue for inexpensive headsets is a tabletop made of waterproof chipboard. Natural veneer can easily replace solid wood, and a special film imitates metal or stone.

Dinner Zone

An important difference between Scandinavian furniture is correct 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 breakfast table in scandinavian style and a pair of brightly colored chairs. 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 pull-out table top is the only way to dine at a full table.

Arrangement of a comfortable dining area It is unthinkable without quality chairs and compact sofas in neutral or bright colors. Decorative pillows on them will unite all kitchen textiles and complete the composition.

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

Legendary designer chairs are not uncommon. The compact chair "Ant" by Arne Jacobsen or the bright, conceptual chairs of the Eames.

Decor

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

The characteristics that make it stand out are dictated by the climate, the environment surrounding the Scandinavians and their cheerful attitude towards 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 wood species, emphasizing naturalness and giving home comfort.
• Good lighting... Scandinavia has a short day and 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 jewelry. Pull-out systems are often used, there are many shelves, and there are also modern waste bins and closers.

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

Color palette

In terms of 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 desired mood with warm and cold tones.

The most commonly used shades are:

• Snowy
• Lactic
• Cream
• Baked milk
• White sand
• Ivory
• Lotus
• Creamy
• Camellia
• Eggshell

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

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

Standard: white ceiling, smooth light surfaces, snow-white or bright apron and floor under bleached wood or tiles. Functional furniture and an abundance of lighting are what give the kitchen a special cosiness and warmth.

Floor and walls

The following photos will help us to evaluate the design of the kitchen in the Scandinavian style, especially with regard to the choice of color scheme for wall and floor finishing. They clearly show the desire for light colors and environmentally friendly materials in decoration.

Scandinavians prefer light wood floor... Wood of cold shades makes the kitchen lighter, and warm wood fills it with coziness and gives a certain trail of country style.

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

For the floor, parquet, engineering boards, laminate or solid board are preferably used. The most popular is moisture-resistant laminate.

A Scandinavian-style kitchen, a photo of which is worth studying well, may also have a floor covered with ceramic tiles. They 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 tiles can be white, dark gray, light gray, beige and brown (this option is the most practical). The skirting board is matched to the color of the walls, while it has a great height.

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

• Snow-white
• Light gray
• Eggshell
• Baked milk

The variety of Scandinavian style in the interior of the kitchen is well confirmed by various options for wall decoration, for example, 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 bring the kitchen and living room together, but should be used sparingly and in moderation.

Scandinavian kitchen furniture

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

In general, they follow these rules when ordering furniture for their kitchen:

• Facade color. The most popular is white. Also, facades of light wood, in honey-golden and cognac shades are often used. Contrasting table top is allowed (usually solid wood).
• Fittings. Mostly simple metal handles are used. Some manufacturers produce furniture without handles with a special opening system.
• Texture. Smooth and smooth surfaces, usually glossy or chrome-plated, less often matte. The 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 top cabinets and an abundance of open shelves (loaded with crockery, they add more coziness to the room).

The structure of Scandinavian cuisine has one peculiarity - often about it consists only of the lower sections or it has an upper row of drawers, but not the entire length of the headset. Instead, shelves for spices, decorations and other kitchen utensils are attached.

This technique allows you to make the 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, pull-out hoods, built-in appliances are all integral 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 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 multicolored pillows, while the latter are made of plastic and chromed metal.

The restrained design of the chairs gives a light charm and perfectly complements such an interior. The main thing is that they are not massive.

The most diverse fittings are chosen: chrome-plated or made of matte metal, translucent plastic or black forged handles. Some designers offer projects in which there are no fittings at all - the lockers open or slide out by just pressing the facade slightly.

Working area (table top, apron, household appliances)

The working area should be as comfortable and functional as possible. At the same time, it serves as a framework for the design, 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 it can 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 ceramic. In this case, a hog tile, mosaic, bleached brick, a panel block made of plexiglass is preferred.
2) Colorful, catchy. It will be a strong accent, so an interesting pattern, bright mosaic, photo printing is allowed here. Preferred range: shades of gray, red, shades of blue.

Household appliances in this type of interior must be ultramodern. A steel front on the refrigerator, an elegant cooker hood and a stylish induction hob will go well here.

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

Lighting

Light is something that Scandinavian interior design cannot be imagined without. The maximum amount of light is the main criterion for this style.

Most attention is paid to windows... Often they are not covered 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 lights.

In Scandinavia, luminaires are considered an important element of the interior, therefore great attention is paid to their design. So, the advantage is given:

• Chandeliers with elements of chrome, copper, wood or painted wire.
• 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 shade. They are suspended from a black or colored wire.
• An ordinary lamp equipped with a simple metal shade.

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

Textile

As we said earlier, in the northern countries they prefer open windows, without any draperies we are used to in the form of curtains, curtains and curtains. The only allowed is white solid color. roller blind no pictures or other accessories.

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

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

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

The next important "textile" issue is dining table drapery. 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, diamond or strip.

Decor and accessories

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

According to the northern hostess, items should be useful first of all, be in a convenient place for her and laid out strictly on the shelves. They consider the wall clock to be the most important decor item - both beautiful and useful for the scrupulous northern hostess.

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

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

It should not be assumed that this design is characterized by the absence of bright colors: its severity 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 decorative elements echoed each other... For example, a rug on the floor can be made in the same design as the pillows on the chairs.

Another element that can be used as decor for Nordic kitchen design is the horns or heads of animals that the Scandinavians have traditionally hunted. An excellent option can be their imitation from 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. Do 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 crockery are displayed on free shelves. Houseplants can be placed on a windowsill, table, or even countertop.

A Scandinavian-style kitchen is not only a convenient and practical place to prepare food. It will become a place where all members of any family will enjoy spending time.

Its functionality, minimalism and unusual national decor will make the time spent at the dining table enjoyable. Slowness and restraint of 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 - we choose furniture, finishes, lamps, decor and take inspiration from photos of real Scandinavian kitchens.

The Scandinavian style is ideal for a small kitchen and kitchen-living room in a small-sized 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
• a lot 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 many of its shades: snowy, creamy, milky, vanilla-cream, a shade of baked milk, ivory, eggshell or white sand.

Complex bleached cold shades of gray, beige, blue and green will perfectly fit into the kitchen design in the Scandinavian style.

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

Light shades from the Tikkurila color palette

Kitchen-living room layout

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 from 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 is simple and laconic. The color is almost always white. Sometimes there are kitchens with wood facades of light, honey-golden or cognac shades. The combination of light wood and white will make the Scandinavian interior warmer and more interesting.
• Finish - matt or semi-gloss. White high gloss is also good, especially if the kitchen is very small: the doors reflect the light and add depth to the space.
• Scandinavians love open upper shelves (with dishes in sight, the kitchen looks more comfortable), and upper cabinets are made high, often up to the ceiling.

The photo below shows Scandinavian kitchens with smooth and framed facades:

The most popular Scandinavian style furniture is IKEA kitchens:

• A modern classic in Scandinavian style - a set with frame facades without embellishments with modest milling (like in 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 notes of country or Provence.

Choose simple handles for kitchen furniture - roof rails or brackets (if you have a modern kitchen), buttons or shells (for a classic or country Scandinavian kitchen). Good facades that open from pressing or have hidden milled handles.

Choose built-in appliances in metallic color.

Table top

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

Scandinavian kitchen table and chairs

The dining table is usually made of 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 solid wood, chipboard with wood veneer (ash, oak, beech) is used.

For a small Scandinavian-style kitchen, a small breakfast table and a couple of chairs are fine. Often this is a folding table 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 room.

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

Chairs in 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.

Finishing

Ceiling

Always white. Usually painted white, but you can order a matte stretch ceiling for the kitchen or make it suspended from plasterboard.

For a Scandinavian kitchen with a touch of country, white painted lining 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 fiberglass (additionally strengthen the walls).

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

Smooth white walls will perfectly dilute brickwork or brick tiles. If you have a kitchen combined with a living room, lay brick tiles in both areas to combine the space.

Apron

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

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

Floor

Most of all Scandinavians love wood and often make the same floor throughout the apartment. Wood shades 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 kitchen interior.

The most popular options are engineered wood flooring, parquet or parquet board... More budgetary choices are good moisture resistant laminate for a solid board: with bevels on all sides and a single-strip pattern.

In a studio kitchen, they often make the same floor in all zones: in a small apartment, this helps to visually expand and unite the space.

A more practical option is ceramic tiles or stone-like porcelain stoneware next to the kitchen unit, 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-marking:

The skirting board 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, in the assortment of Tarkett, Ultrawood, Europlast.

A Scandinavian-style kitchen is simple enough that you can decorate its room yourself without involving design specialists. First of all, you need 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 severe, cold winters and cloudy weather.

Methods for decorating a kitchen interior in a Scandinavian style

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, therefore the Scandinavian interior is adapted to such needs.

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

• The design should be dominated by white;
• The walls should be light pastel colors. Since the sun very rarely shines through the windows in northern latitudes, the room should be decorated in light colors. The favorite is white, but it can be quite successfully replaced with a light beige color ivory, baked milk, light gray or pale blue. These tones will reflect light and visually enlarge the space. Even if the kitchen has a non-standard layout, a large number of corners, white can hide these flaws. The walls can be covered with wallpaper, but it would be more correct to simply plaster and paint them in a suitable color. These walls are easy to maintain in good condition, with only a slight color change. Plaster can be textured, and some part of the wall can be made in the form of rough brick or masonry, which will make the interior not so strict. On the walls of the kitchen, you can arrange all kinds of pictures 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 properly decorate the kitchen with paintings can be found in a special article on this topic.

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

Scandinavian kitchen floor

For a Scandinavian-style kitchen, a warm wooden floor is 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 the material resources are limited, you can use the Lenolium wood imitation. Modern manufacturers of lenolium produce coatings that repeat the color and structure of wood, visually no different from the real material.

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

Scandinavian kitchen ceiling

The ceiling must be light or white. This helps reflect light in the room. The edging at the junction of the walls and ceiling should be invisible, without any special patterns. The 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. The accessory should not be too much, they should be simple and functional.

Here are some basic characteristics to look for when choosing accessories:

• Bright colors... In all small parts in the interior, you can add any bright color, a maximum of two. There should not be too many colored accents, otherwise it will look extremely tasteless. Towels, curtains, cushions for chairs, vases, dish stands, flowerpots, etc. can be bright accents. The color of the accessories should be in harmony with the color of the walls and floor. The classic options for the most successful combinations can be selected from photo illustrations of Scandinavian-style kitchens. For example: yellow-ocher-white, bright turquoise-gray-white, lime-ocher-white.
• Natural materials... Window curtains and tablecloths are preferable to choose from natural materials. It can be rough, undyed linen or colored cotton. Pieces of fur can be thrown over the seats of the chairs for softness.

Appropriate in a Scandinavian-style kitchen are objects made of glass, ceramics, wood, metal, as well as natural stones and leather, which form the basis of the style. 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 the feeling of a living and cozy environment. Pots can be monochrome or in several basic colors.

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

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

Related article: Priming the walls before gluing the wallpaper: is it necessary, how much it dries, how and how to prime the drywall, why, necessarily, a photo, video

Scandinavian style kitchen colors

When choosing colors for the interior of a Scandinavian kitchen, it is important to adhere to these rules:

• there should be no more than three primary colors. 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, for a north-facing kitchen, warm pastel shades with rich orange or green accents are suitable. 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 space permits, one of the walls can be pasted over with photo wallpaper of a suitable theme, or painted in a different color - it will be very beautiful and original. Other walls can be hung with some decor in the same color as a single wall. Many designers use this technique. Just because you have a favorite color does not mean that it will be appropriate in the interior of the kitchen. For example, red is very aggressive, and 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 raspberry are the best for the interior, which will give you an energy boost for the whole day. If you spend most of your time in the kitchen in the evening, then blue color will help create a warm, cozy 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 kitchens are very small, such a combination will create space and a sense of freedom. You don't have to puzzle over the question of where to put all the necessary household appliances.

A kitchen-living room is a 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. Cooking odors do not spread throughout the apartment, thanks to the strong exhaust hood located above the stove. Thanks to the Scandinavian design, 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 sultry 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, angular, combined with a living room, or have impressive dimensions. But what makes such spaces different from others? Let's break down all the must-have characteristics of a Nordic mood.

Main signs

Appearing in a cold northern winter, the Scandinavian style was intended 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 cannot be imagined:

• White color. It is associated with the first snow, which lies in a virgin blanket and gives us childish joy.

• Natural motives. Naturalness in everything is a sign of healthy taste. You won't see plastic surfaces here. Wooden floor, stone countertop, wood motifs in accessories and decor, flowers and plants.

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

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

• Lighting. This is almost a key part of the entire design. Since gray and gloomy weather prevails in the northern countries, in contrast to this, they fill their homes with light and warmth. So, along with light surfaces in such kitchens, lighting is well thought out. Moreover, most often this is not the central chandelier we are used to. You can pay attention to zoning with light, highlight the work area, dining area.

Taking a Scandinavian-style kitchen design as the main idea, get ready to spend well. Here, a priori, there can be no cheap components, since all the parts are made of natural and expensive materials. The desire to save money 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 white kitchen in a Scandinavian style is the standard offer. If you want to stick with current trends, but not bother too much, this option will be best 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, light will reflect off white surfaces and dilute the gloom of the walls.

However, not every white kitchen automatically becomes Scandinavian. Take care of ingredients such as soft wood tones, perfect lighting that leaves no room for dark corners, and a contrasting hue that can set off whiteness. Straight and clear lines, supported by a thoughtful organization of the space, create the very coveted Nordic mood.

Splash of color

If you are planning a Scandinavian-style kitchen-living room, you cannot do without competent zoning. The easiest way to do this is with color. If your 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 yellow or green shades that stand out well against a neutral background - all this can fill your home with life and dilute the whitish sterility.

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

Remember one thing: be it pattern or color, moderation is an axiom from which you cannot deviate.

The best way to add bold accents is to use a colorful furniture set against a light colored kitchen unit. An unexpected solution would be a light green refrigerator or a yellow coffee maker. Greens from houseplants will become an irreplaceable source of summer breath.

Unexpected geometric elements that break the uniformity are also welcome. Add some wallpaper to the tile, for example. They will bring a little coziness to a cold space.

Wood floors

It is a decoration for any kitchen. They are more practical than cheap materials and are also an essential element for creating a cozy Scandi kitchen.

Continue the theme of natural wood in a dining table with a solid table top that repeats the tone of the flooring. Open hinged shelves, doors and even shades on lamps in shades of wood - this will all be your highlight.

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

A Scandinavian-style wooden kitchen is 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

Let's repeat and focus on this - there should be a lot of light. In the original version, the issue is solved by huge windows from floor to ceiling. And in urban apartments, natural light can be replenished with artificial sources.

There are so many different lighting options available to suit any style, so it's time to move away from the archaic central chandelier. You can opt for low hanging creamy lights that will give your corner a distinctive character while also being much brighter than normal lighting. Or choose a unique floor lamp that will find its place in the corner of the room.

And remember that everything must be functional, including lighting.

Bold black

We talked so much about white as mandatory condition... But what if you want creativity? Use black elements to stand out from most templates while staying within the specified style. Of course, you should not aggravate and arrange a total black party, but the competent use of dark will make your interior unique.

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

If black looks too dark for you, consider variations with dark blue. A Scandinavian-style gray kitchen is also a great idea.

Details

The northern interior is considered fashionable along with modern art. Therefore, you can often find houses where these two phenomena coexist.

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

For small rooms

Surely you think that 20 sq. m it 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 skillfully manages space and fits perfectly into even the smallest 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, smart shelving fill every centimeter efficiently. You can skillfully beat corner kitchen and it will in no way be inferior to large analogues.

Outcome

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

The delights of minimalism, functionality and luxurious simplicity are conquering more and more hearts. Often, having realized Scandi in the kitchen, gradually the rest of the apartment takes on the notes inherent in the dwellings of northern peoples.