(BPT) – As homeowners look for ways to refresh their spaces, Scandinavian style has become ever more prominent and popular among designers and interior decor experts. The clean, modern, minimalist aesthetic shows up in interiors and exteriors, from streamlined furniture to low-maintenance landscaping. Here’s how to achieve a Nordic look in your own home:
‘Slow design’ and minimalist decor
Perhaps the most common association with Scandinavian style is minimalist decor. Less is more when it comes to decorating, and the concept of ‘slow design’ focuses on fewer, higher quality pieces collected over time.
Melding indoors and out
Scandinavian style incorporates materials that meld indoors with outdoors – natural woods, slat walls, leather accents and greenery. ‘Cottage culture’ architecture style draws on these influences and makes interiors feel like cozy cabins in the woods.
Functional furniture: Storage and good looks
Another key aspect of the Nordic style is hardworking, functional furnishings. A piece can be beautiful and also have utility – like eye-catching shoe racks and shelving, or built-in bed storage that creates a unique frame.
Cool, natural tones and light woods in flooring
Scandinavian style incorporates natural tones of whites, grays and light browns. Pale wood and whitewashed floors create a clean, spacious look. That look can be achieved with oak and maple styles, as well as wood-look tiles and laminates with wood graining. Retailers like Lumber Liquidators, who regularly publish seasonal trends reports, have an array of cool-toned flooring options to choose from, such as Dream Home X2O Misty Morning Oak, a water-resistant laminate with a soft seashell tone and realistic oak graining.
If homeowners want to be on trend with Scandinavian style in their home, the key is updating with clean, modern and light-toned accents. Functional furniture will help you organize your space and efficiently use the room. Finish off the room with sunny wood grain flooring and your Nordic look is complete.