Scandi Chic: The Latest Scandinavian Interior Design Trend

Hygge is a Danish practice defined by a feeling of coziness and a pursuit of life’s simple pleasures. It’s a tradition that encompasses atmosphere, harmony, comfort, and togetherness. And naturally, it’s a feeling that often begins at home. In the winter months, many of us aspire to bring a sense of hygge to our own homes. Cozy blankets, warm fires, and glowing candlelight are simple ways to embrace the seasonality of hygge. However, incorporating a hygge influence into the core of your home’s design can inspire this feeling of warmth and togetherness year-round. 

Long before hygge became the Oxford English Dictionary’s Word of the Year in 2016, Scandinavian culture held a distinct influence on the American home. Since the 1950s the clean lines and simplicity of Scandinavian interior design has spurred several aesthetics with the latest coined “Scandi Chic” for its mix of minimalist, vintage, and hygge design cues. But before we explore the details of the Scandi Chic style, it’s important to understand the foundation of Scandinavian design and its impact on American culture. 

StruckSured Interiors creates cozy, Scandi Chic style in this Hood River, Oregon home. 

Key Elements of Scandinavian Interior Design  

Danish architect and furniture designer, Kaare Klint, if often credited as the father of Scandinavian modernism and established the hallmarks of the movement: 

• Clean lines
• Superior craftsmanship
• Quality materials 

The aesthetic is a form of modern design that focuses on function without sacrificing beauty or comfort – sensibilities that make a lasting impression in any room of the home. The overall feel emphasized sustainability, natural materials, and simple profiles with minimal embellishments. 

Linn’s Prestige Kitchens and Baths incorporate Scandinavian interior design principals in this Destin, Florida home. 

Establishing Scandi Chic Style at Home

The concept of Scandi Chic maintains the minimalism of traditional Scandinavian interior design while holding extra space for personalization and comfort. The Scandi Chic color palette pulls from the dark contrast of the Nordic landscape combining icy blues, shades of gray, deep browns, and blacks. Clean lines and functionality are maintained while invoking a welcoming and intimate effect. Vintage or personal items find welcome space within the Scandi chic home although their display is often minimized featuring one or two special items rather than an eclectic collection. 

Wood-Mode Cologne doors with Matte Oxide stain create Scandi Chic appeal when paired with Belwith Keeler brushed nickel hardware and deep blue accents.   

Much like Scandinavian interior design, Scandi Chic style is rooted in quality materials and sustainability. At Wood-Mode, this philosophy is built into the custom cabinets and products you bring into your home. Our cabinets are crafted by hand using sustainably sourced wood from local regions. Plus our energy-efficient manufacturing and low-waste product development mean every step in our process is intentional and designed for a gentler impact on our environment.     

By Design establishes functional and inviting Scandi chic style in this beautiful Davis, California kitchen. 

Getting Started on Your Home Design

Whether you are continuing the design of your dream home or just beginning your journey, interior design is an important reflection of your personal style and how you want your home to feel. Do you crave the cozy, inviting feeling of hygge or the minimalist appeal of traditional Scandinavian design? Or do your sensibilities lie elsewhere? However, you envision your home’s design, our team of celebrated interior designers can help you bring that vision to life. Request a Wood-Mode Idea Book or visit a showroom near you to get stared.