Looking for Scandinavian kitchen ideas with earthy palettes, wood tones, and the less-is-more aesthetic? The Scandinavian interior design style can create a simplistic statement in your space, filling the interior with Nordic charm. In contrast to a completely minimalistic approach, Scandinavian kitchen interiors exude a warmer and cosier ambience. They incorporate various decorative elements that infuse warmth into the space, including soft textiles, soothing colour palettes, and the use of warm wooden materials.
If you're keen on embracing the Scandinavian style and wish to add a touch of Nordic charm to your kitchen, you've come to the right place! Book a chat with one of our Interior Design Gurus to discover Scandinavian kitchen ideas that can inspire your next kitchen project.
Scandinavian Kitchen Ideas: Warm Colour Palettes
According to Tom Rutt of TR Studio, many people are mistaken about the Scandinavian style, believing it is blankets of neutrals. In reality, this style is shifting towards pops of dark charcoals and inky blues over a warm base, such as cream or off-white.
If you prefer maintaining an understated look in your interior design, going for an entirely earthy colour palette can be a fantastic choice. Embrace shades of beige, brown, taupe, grey, and tan to create a harmonious and grounded atmosphere in your space. To enhance this natural feel, consider adding subtle earthy tones like forest green, inspired by the lush outdoors.
This approach not only connects your kitchen to nature but also creates a soothing and timeless aesthetic that can easily be complemented with wooden elements and natural textures for a warm and inviting ambience.
Artificial and Natural Light
The Scandinavian interior design style goes big on lighting. Instead of relying on a single fixture, it prefers multiple different light sources working in coherence to illuminate the space. This makes it essential to know how to light a room the right way by layering multiple different sources of lighting.
To achieve an authentic Scandi-style kitchen, consider incorporating sleek lighting elements like a minimalist chandelier, pendant lights above the kitchen island, and undercabinet lighting. Additionally, harness the power of natural light by installing large windows with minimal window treatments in true Scandinavian fashion. This combination of artificial and natural lighting will not only brighten the space but also contribute to the overall warm atmosphere of your kitchen.
Pro tip: Learn how to deal with lighting in kitchens facing in particular directions for effective illumination.
Natural Materials
According to interior designer Andy Briggs at Optiplan Kitchens, choosing natural materials for the kitchen countertop helps create grounded and relaxing energy. The same applies to other areas in the room: consider a stone or wooden top for the kitchen island, textured wood flooring, and exposed beams for the ceiling. These design elements enhance the cosy, rustic feel of your kitchen while maintaining a clean and minimalistic aesthetic, in line with Scandinavian design principles.
Another essential aspect of the Scandi style is incorporating plants. Using indoor varieties that thrive in kitchens can create a seamless connection between the kitchen interior and outdoor space.
Metallic Accents
Bold-coloured metallic finishes are often seen in Scandinavian kitchens. Typically, this is just one colour used around the space to tie it together — and, at times, act as the accent hue.
Here are some examples:
Matte black metal can be used for the chandelier and frame of a glass wall. It can also be used in the form of black taps and the legs of chairs.
Soft pastel hues like light mint green or soft blush pink can be used for kitchen accessories such as dishware, table linens, or small appliances.
Cool grey is best for cabinet finishes or countertops. Light or medium grey tones can bring a sense of neutrality and balance to the kitchen, creating a serene atmosphere in line with Scandi design principles.
Functional Furniture
Characterised by simplicity and function, Scandi-style kitchens have few but well-thought and functional pieces of furniture. Typically, this will be the cabinetry with essentials displayed on top. This may be complemented with kitchen islands (for extra storage, dining and food prepping space, etc.) in larger kitchens, and small dining tables in more compact ones.
And, of course, fully functional appliances that align with the needs of the homeowner are a must.
Textural Elements
It wouldn’t be wrong to say that the line between minimalist and Scandi-style spaces is drawn at textures. While minimalist kitchens can easily overlook textural elements, they must be incorporated into Scandi-style interiors. This is also one of their major secrets to being warm and inviting.
Natural elements, such as wood-front cabinetry, can aid in diversifying textures. Simultaneously, soft furnishings, such as rugs, can further enhance the space. If you have seating areas in the kitchen, pairing them with cushions and/or throw blankets is a good idea.
Our Final Thoughts
While the previously mentioned approaches offer relatively simple ways to achieve a Scandinavian kitchen design, for those undertaking a full kitchen renovation, there are more substantial changes to consider. You might explore a low-profile kitchen by forgoing upper cabinetry, creating a minimalist and open feel.
Another option is to incorporate decorative wall tiles as a striking backsplash, allowing you to make a bold design statement while staying true to the essence of Scandinavian style. These larger-scale modifications can significantly transform your kitchen's overall look and feel. By embracing these more significant changes, you can truly immerse yourself in the Scandinavian design ethos and create a kitchen space that is both functional and aesthetically captivating.
Looking for some Scandinavian kitchen ideas? Book one of our Interior Design Gurus for a 30-minute video call. Transforming your home into a space you love shouldn't be a daunting task. With HiiGuru you can save time, avoid costly mistakes and bring your goals to life with experts by your side.