Channel the cosy Scandi way of life this autumn

Original ways to work the Scandi look

Encompassing a healthy lifestyle, the cosiness of hygge and the serenity of a clutter-free home, the Scandinavian approach to interior design is about so much more than just decorating. Still going strong after two decades at the top – our love affair with Scandi decorating is far from over but the look has certainly moved on from the early IKEA days of pale wood and colourless interiors. This year, expect more texture, richer colours and striking black accents. Click or scroll through and let's take a look at the trends that are shaking up Northern European style this year...

Friluftsliv is the new buzzword

Scandinavian design is always offering us new positive ways of living with buzzwords like hygge, lagom and lykke. The latest is 'friluftsliv' pronounced 'free-love-liv'. It translates to 'open-air living' but has more connotations such as spending time with loved ones amongst nature. Make your terrace an extension of your home with an outdoor room vibe. An interesting egg chair and string seating set this alfresco scene without cluttering up the look. A wood-burner adds to the homely ambience and will keep the terrace warm and toasty after dark. ​

Add luxe elements

2022's Scandi Luxe trend continues the minimalist clutter-free style that Scandinavian design is known for but brings opulence to the look. Team plush tactile fabrics such as velvet and boucle with snatches of shiny metallic finishes and you are all set. Here, pastel and chalk pots and vessels displayed on a circular gold tray with a touch of greenery looks simple yet refined.

Terracotta trend done the Scandi way

We've mentioned how warmer palettes are causing a stir in Scandi design so let's hone in. Soothing to the eye natural, organic shades are changing the way we perceive a traditional Scandi scheme. "Earthy tones such as terracotta are everywhere at the moment," explains Justyna Korczynstka, Crown's Colour Consultant. "Crown’s Powdered Clay takes inspiration from earth minerals and shell clay, and it’s a colour that evokes warmth and reassurance, creating a calming environment. For (Scandi) refinement, introduce metallics in either paint accents or small homewares."

Earthier colours

While we believe we will never truly say goodbye to a pared-back Scandinavian palette, colours are moving slightly away from neutrals for the time being, with warm new hues and darker shades working their way in. Teamed with darker wood grains and black accents, these colours have a grounding and cocooning effect that is irresistible. We're totally on board with this look.

Embrace sustainable style

Brands are working harder than ever to bring us décor made from sustainable materials, and according to Scandinavia Standard, sustainability is now integral to most Scandinavian design. Furthermore, "Nordic design principles of craftsmanship, quality, and enabling a better day-to-day are a natural bedfellow for sustainability, which naturally seeks to return to slow, local manufacturing of high-quality products designed to last". So, rather than 'fast fashion' fixes choose authentic pieces, which are made to last.

Scandi storage puts on a display

A large dresser with glass panels will create a timeless focal point to display artisan kitchen accessories and ceramics that are too beautifully crafted to be hidden away. @simplyscandikatie has carefully chosen a range of white china, galvanised metal and warm wooden pieces that layer up a typically muted rustic palette. 

Create hygge spots of cosiness

Like the Danish, feel comfortable doing nothing: create a cosy corner that helps you reconnect with yourself and find moments of peace at home. You are never far from nature in Scandinavia so surround yourself with similar natural materials such as rustic panelled walls and large indoor plants. Position a chair by a large window to watch the world go by. 

Spring greens go Scandi

Swap out grey upholstery with green alternatives for an invigorating living room that uses fresh spring hues. Cool leafy tones will help keep the space light and airy. Look for Scandi-style linear shapes with a Danish Bauhaus retro feel that are kept off the floor, with wooden or metal legs, creating a feeling of spaciousness.

Try the fusion Japandi style

As the name implies Japandi is Japanese meets Scandinavian design. Rooted in minimalist design principles, both have a respectful approach to nature and an appreciation of craftsmanship. So, they work so well as a team. Think warm palettes, natural materials such as wood, bamboo or wicker and rattan and functionality.​

Go chic with black accents

Contrast is big business in Swedish design, with the hallmark of furniture design mixing both straight lines and curves, according to Heals. Here, curvaceous furniture made from natural materials is given definition with black painted frames. We love how the look works with the signature neutrals, too. The warm tones suitably soften the monochrome vibe, combined with pretty blush walls. 

Muted pastels in the mix

"The Natural Scandi trend story combines harmonious design, simple materials and a crisp palette to create a sanctuary that’s as mindful as it is elegant", says a spokesperson at Johnlewis.com. Scandi design schemes tend to steer towards a cool colour palette but with interior trends opting for warmer tones right now, muted pastels make a happy compromise in the bedroom, where stark whites may not feel restful.

Carefully curated art

Gallery walls are going nowhere but to give yours a Scandinavian twist for 2022, choose interesting pieces in similarly toned frames in matching natural wood. Lifestyle blogger @aliceinscandiland has charmed her living room wall with a mix of geometric art and inspiring portraits. 

Bring in industrial lighting

When teamed with raw materials such as concrete and metal the minimalism of Scandi design can take on an industrial vibe. These minimalistic vibes are big in 2022 and lighting is key in creating such an atmosphere, especially in countries that spend an extended amount of time in darkness. Marketa Rypacek, Managing Director of Industville suggests: "Matt black designs are ultra-versatile and can complement any interior style – classic, contemporary, Scandi, mid-century, industrial and everything in between; it’s like a piece of jewellery that enriches and blends seamlessly within any décor."

Streamline with smart furniture

Scandinavian furniture is practical and functional, and multifunctional pieces that continue the minimalist vibe are hallmarks of the design ethos. This large clean-lined chaise sofa has smart sidearm storage for storing bits and pieces and has narrow raised legs, which creates an open and clutter-free feel, that perfectly embodies the aesthetics of Scandi design.

Craft a mindful WFH area

Beautifully designed wooden desks combined with functional lighting solutions continue to grow as remote working becomes the norm. Look for adaptable furniture pieces that blend perfectly into main rooms in the home and can then be transformed with just a few changes. We love this utilitarian yet stylish work desk which features Danish quality and craftmanship.

Call in curves

Kaare Klint, Arne Jacobsen and Greta Grossman were all widely regarded as great Scandinavian furniture designers with a love of curves in common. This design principle is showing no signs of straightening up in 2022 as we see furniture with curved edges and circular trunks taking over. In the dining room, round tables have the added benefit of being more social, too.

Free the kitchen of clutter

Scandi style is about clean and clutter-free looks and this includes the kitchen. Choose seamless upper cabinetry that melts into the walls or opt for open shelves instead. Then, embrace 'lagom' and keep surface accessories to an absolute minimum. A few textured chopping boards and clear glass storage jars are all that's required. 

Work in geometric patterns

Geometric shapes are one of the main aesthetics of a Scandinavian interior theme. Geometric wallpaper can bring a room softly to life with subtle tones. But to get a real zing, choose contrasting accent colours. @annako0 uses small appliances and fun retro accessories to create a sunny and characterful kitchen. 

Take a fika break

Fika is often translated as 'a coffee and cake break', but to Swedes, it is much more than that. It's a time to slow down and share a cup of coffee and a small snack with friends or colleagues. At home, the kitchen is a wonderful place to interpret this; set up casual feasting spots surrounded by utensils made from nature for guests to help themselves and invite friends and family to enjoy.

Accessorise with gorgeous glass

Learn the art of Danish display and bring beautiful glassware and ceramics to your surfaces. Mix up both coloured and clear vessels in various sizes and display greenery or shapely candles in amongst trays and small piles of books.

Stick with wooden floors

Wall-to-wall carpets have to go if you want to embrace Scandinavian décor. If you're lucky enough to have wooden floorboards, sand them back and stain for longevity, or whitewash for a fresh new look. Bring in texture underfoot with rugs. Layering two or three or circular versions in seagrass and jute are the go-to choices right now. 

Be inspired by the sauna

Scandi style works well in bathrooms and is a crossover that fully embraces the same minimalist style, neutral backdrops and luxurious bathtubs as showcased in this year's 'Spathroom' trend. For added rusticity, choose warm wooden bathroom furniture such as simple ladders, stools and caddies that display muted towels, apothecary toiletries and greenery. 

Take spa features into the garden

Being outdoors is ingrained into the Scandinavian culture. Therefore, they'll find fun and functional ways to enjoy the space that we may not have thought of yet. We love this sunken garden terrace bathtub built by @bare_byg that can be enjoyed all year round during both warm summers and cold winters.

Add global-inspired texture

Global Scandi style adopts a 'more is more' eclectic attitude. Stick with an organic backdrop and add impact with Aztec designs in earthy palettes. Cover floors with woven Berber-style rugs and layer soft textures, such as faux furs and cushions and wall hanging with plenty of tassels for a hygge vibe, which creates an atmosphere of warmth and comfort.

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