The perfect kitchen will combine simplicity with practicality and style, so a Scandi-inspired refurb offers plenty of options. Let’s take a look at some of the features you could incorporate into your kitchen design to give it that Scandinavian vibe.
What is a Scandi-inspired kitchen?
Scandi style started to be noted around the world in the 1950s, influenced by interior traditions stemming from Nordic nations such as Norway, Iceland, Denmark, and Sweden. It is linked to the idea of hygge, referring to cosiness, and focuses on creating comfortable and functional interiors. You can read more about hygge here on visitdenmark.
Colour palette
The colours chosen for a kitchen refurb are a major part of Scandinavian interior design, so think light and calming hues. For a kitchen, you could consider using off-white shades such as ivory, vanilla, cream, or eggshell tones. Diversity can be added with the use of pastels.
Lighting
Lighting is a major feature of Scandi kitchen design, meaning that one central ceiling light will simply not be enough. Think about adding accent lamps and dedicated lighting for work areas for a truly Scandinavian feel.
Minimalism
Minimalism is an integral feature of Scandi design, ranging from the aesthetics to the cabinet organisation. Accessibility and simplicity should be the key to any design, whether created by you or by a specialist such as www.thekitchenrefurbishmentcompany.co.uk, and everything should have its purpose and place in the kitchen.
Natural materials
Natural elements are traditionally incorporated in Scandinavian kitchens, with wood being a particular feature. Oak, ash, walnut, and beech are all popular choices.
Open shelving
Open shelving is common in Scandi-designs and offers the perfect way to show off everything from glasses and plates to ornaments. Open shelving is traditionally paired with top cabinets to provide balance and diversification.
Flat panel cabinets
Cabinets are an important factor in Scandi kitchen refurb designs due to the need for organisation and functionality. Flat panel cabinets are a great option, offering practicality alongside a sleek look that fits well with minimalist styling.
Getting the Scandi look on a budget
A Scandinavian kitchen does not have to be expensive. The style leans on light tones and clean lines to brighten the dark winter months, but an all-white room can feel stark. Warm whites help, and breaking them up with wood, or a flash of grey or black, keeps the space feeling cosy.
Flooring makes a big difference. If your floorboards are in good condition with no gaps, sanding them down is an option, though it is messy and time-consuming. Good quality laminate is easier to lay, looks the part and suits a smaller budget.
Scandi design is practical at heart, so open shelving and free-standing units work well for storage, with a few carefully placed objects on show. Layering complementary colours over a neutral base adds warmth, as do textured textiles. Plants are an inexpensive way to bring in colour and texture, and they help to freshen the air.
Carrying Scandi style through to the dining area
Many kitchens open on to a dining space, and the same Scandinavian principles work there too. Start with neutral walls and floors in white, pastels, pale grey or cream, and keep walls clear of dado and picture rails. Simplicity and muted tones are at the heart of the look, with warmth added later through texture.
Keep the wood light. Pale oak suits the table, shelves and sideboards far better than dark timber, keeping the room bright and airy, and any wooden flooring should stay in pale oak or grey tones.
Comfortable chairs encourage people to linger over a meal. Mismatching the chair colours stops the room looking too uniform and gives it a relaxed, bohemian feel. Bring the neutral scheme to life with soft rugs, woollen blankets and animal print accessories in colder months, then add colourful plant pots and quirky pictures in summer. Because the basic design is so minimal, it is easy to build on with pieces that reflect your own taste.