
The choice of Scandinavian style for the kitchen is not a tribute to fashion and not following fleeting trends. Simplicity, minimalism, functionality - the basic principles of Scandinavian aesthetics, which from year to year allow it to remain popular and in demand.
Content:
But the very concept of the Scandinavian interior is not conveyed only by laconic forms and natural materials. This is, first of all, the atmosphere of the special northern comfort. This is the promise of happiness and well-being that lies behind the popular Danish word "Hugge."
The harsh climate and the amazing beauty of nature serve as inspiration, determine the interior chips and the most optimal solutions. Landscapes of Denmark, Sweden, Norway - these are hidden by haze of fog snow-covered mountain peaks, winding fjords and rivers. The sun in this region is a rare guest, which is why all bright frosty hues are so popular. They fill the house with light and freshness.
The lack of natural lighting is compensated by the abundance of glass, mirrors, glossy and chrome parts. These surfaces reflect natural light, as well as the glare of numerous lamps and spotlights. And yet the main focus of the house is the kitchen!
5 principles in the design of Scandinavian cuisine
If I were asked to single out 5 signs of scandi cuisine, I would note the following:
The motto of the Scandinavian interior perfectly conveys the words of the Finnish architect Alvar Aalto: “The task of the designer is to make life more convenient.” The idea of such a philosophy - the interior of the kitchen should be practical. Therefore, Scandinavians prefer simple things that make life easier, concise solutions.
return to menu ↑Layout options
The question that many people care about when choosing a style direction is whether the scandi style is suitable for a very compact room or, on the contrary, a kitchen combined with a living room. My answer is unequivocal - it fits perfectly! This is a truly universal option. It emphasizes the size and volume of a large space, visually reveals small rooms.
return to menu ↑Small kitchen
The reality is that in most apartments there is no huge kitchen with a chic dining area. In this case, the Scandinavian style becomes a loyal ally, offering a lot of non-standard solutions:
- White on white
Original business card of scandi-interior - white color. It is the love of light, the abundance of white helps to create additional volume due to different textures, glare surfaces and illuminated details.
- Accented window openings
Freedom is one of the main values of such an interior. Often there is no small kitchens curtains and curtains. And the space under by the window continues a small worktop or well located working zone, in the most bright place of the room.
When it is necessary to hide from prying eyes of neighbors, linen or cotton curtains in the color of the walls will be appropriate.
- Light as decor
All sorts of floor lamps, chandeliers, bras are designed not only to highlight the room. They are an important focus in the Scandinavian interior.
The unusual design of lighting devices is a bright sign of the Scandinavian style. It is the abundance of light that gives a feeling of space and freedom.
return to menu ↑Kitchen-living room
What about the Scandinavian style when combining a small kitchen with living room? A smooth transition from one room to another is a simple technique that helps Scandinavian designers create interactive, life-filled spaces.
Often, the kitchen, combined with the living room, is distinguished by different shades of the same color. The commonality of the room is created by the uniform motifs in the decor and textiles. The dining area is accented with lint-free carpet from jute or natural sisal. Its color or geometric print is repeated in ceramics and other kitchen utensils.
On large squares, you can get away from a single color, play on the contrast of shades of walls and furniture. Take a look at the spectacular combination of white walls with black facades. Convincing evidence that monochrome can look fresh and very bright.
Corner
Corner kitchen layout helps to use a limited area with the greatest benefit. This technique is in many ways consistent with the spirit of Scandinavian interiors - everything is very compact, functional.
Accents help to separate the working and kitchen areas. The light shade above the table attracts attention with its color, unusual shape or material. Tree, metal and geometric motifs are leading here.
Also popular is the reception - different chairs, combining them with small sofas or armchairs, if space permits.
The layout of the kitchen is the basic point, but still it does not define the style. The mood sets the main color of the room, the right materials.
return to menu ↑Inspiration by nature: the color of the kitchen
If you associate Nordic design exclusively with white walls and the same furniture, then a pleasant discovery awaits you ahead. Scandinavia can be bright! This direction is not alien to experiments with color, and a neutral base color serves as an excellent background.
This style is very natural, close to nature. Therefore, the palette of colors and textures of the northern European landscape looks especially harmonious in the interior:
- shades of coniferous forest;
- marble patterns of stones;
- the mysterious blue of the lakes;
- golden glare of the warm rays of the sun at sunset.
Perfectly look "difficult" tones that change during the day depending on the lighting. So play many shades of beige, soft gray, the color of baked milk.
return to menu ↑Gray
Norwegian landscapes filled with shades of gray. These can be rocks, sheer cliffs, foggy mist and evening darkening forest.
In the interior, gray surfaces may have a glossy, metallic luster, or, on the contrary, be completely matte, slightly rough. Gradation of shades, the difference of textures allow you to combine color in decoration, furniture, technology and decor.
In pastel colors
Romantic play of the northern lights look spectacular as decorative accents. The snow, illuminated by the purple-pink rays of the sunset, creates an atmosphere of a winter fairy tale.
Blue
The sea surface against the snow-white peaks is another idea broadcast in the Scandinavian interiors. Deep blue the color serves as a contrasting backdrop for a white or wooden kitchen set. Or, on the contrary, he himself becomes a bright accent in the form of furniture, decorations or ceramics of a cold blue tint.
return to menu ↑Tree: home color
Wooden texture - the trend of the last seasons in the decoration of the premises and the most traditional northern material. Lightened wood does not set the contrast, makes the interior of the kitchen more comfortable and homely..
In the color of oak, pine and spruce, you can arrange the facades of the headset, countertop, parquet floor, door leaf, window frames or even beams on the ceiling.
return to menu ↑White - a tribute to tradition
And yet the main color of Scandinavian interiors is white in all its diversity. This is a gentle creamy, milky, cold snow, a shade of ivory, melted milk, white sand or eggshell.
The white interior becomes more vibrant when it is filled with interesting details - indoor plants, posters with clear geometric motifs, textiles and beautiful ceramics.
The bright kitchen has only one drawback - high complaints about the quality of materials. Saving on quality facades or material for wall cladding will lead to rapid wear, fast re-repair. It is unlikely that this is in your plans.
return to menu ↑Finish
Creating a cozy living space and aesthetic design does not tolerate trifles. In traditional northern interiors, texture and the quality of finishing materials are of paramount importance.
return to menu ↑Floor
Despite the variety of modern materials, the choice of the Scandinavians is obvious - natural wood. Most often this material covers the floor throughout the house. Shades of wood are always light, whitened. Cold subton makes the room wider, fills it with light.
Wide engineering board and parquet - common, but expensive options. In relation to our conditions, the restored wooden floor in the old "Khrushchev" looks even better than good. laminate flooring.
However, waterproof laminate is convenient in the kitchenstudios. In order to expand and combine space, they make the same floor in the dining and kitchen areas. Scandinavian style is characterized by a high baseboard (12-15 cm.) In the color of the wall.
When practicality is a priority, the board, parquet or laminate is replaced with porcelain stoneware, ceramic tiles. The color of the tile can be any: from cold shades of gray and beige to contrast blackdarkbrown.
Apron
Within the Scandinavian style, there are two main trends when choosing a kitchen apron:
- traditional white;
- color option.
White
I think you have no doubt that the classic color of the apron in Scandinavian cuisine is white. This solution helps in creating the effect of "light cuisine". Shades of walls and tiles in this case must match.. The feeling of volume is achieved by the difference in the texture of materials.
Fashionable solution for a kitchen apron - ceramic tile "Metro" or masonry imitating bleached brick. A more modern option - wall cladding tempered white glass.
Absolutely white interior looks advantageously on small squares, where the spirit of Scandinavia brings the elements of kitchen decor, traditional textiles.
On a wave of contrast
An alternative to white is a contrasting, eye-catching apron. Handmade tiles with unique patterns will be appropriate. A more affordable option is a patchwork ceramic tile or a bright mosaic.
Wood, tempered glass, various facing panels. They are interesting in that they create an integral smooth surface and are easy to operate.
A practical and beautiful solution when the apron is matched to the tabletop or lighter than it by a couple of tones. When the same shade is repeated in the color of the floor and decorative trifles, a feeling of integrity, harmony of space is created.
return to menu ↑Walls
Scandinavian design does not welcome delights. The simplest design of the walls creates an excellent base. Neutral background favorably emphasizes designer décor and other furnishings.
A very popular wallcovering is paint. In new buildings it is more practical to stick wallpaper for painting on non-woven base. They will hide small cracks from shrinkage at home. In this case, glass wall mills, which additionally strengthen the walls, are also convenient.
Another suitable wall material is plaster. To emphasize its distinctive texture, designers choose sophisticated shades of beige and light gray.
In the Scandinavian interiors, the method of highlighting one wall with accent wallpaper with an interesting ornament or beautiful deep color is popular. Such a design move gives the room a more informal look, dilutes the uniformity of the room.
Of course, the leaders in the production of such wallpapers are Scandinavian manufacturers, such as ECO wallpaper or Borastapeter. Colored wallpaper can replace the real picture on the wall or textured wallpaper with authentic Swedish design.
Most often, the accent becomes the dining area, bright wallpaper located near the table, uniting the whole family.
return to menu ↑Ceiling
The interior in the spirit of traditional Scandinavian houses does not imply a complex ceiling. Unless open beams remain visible. In this case, you should carefully choose the color of the tree, so as not to add a touch of country style to the room.
Yet the most relevant solution for the ceiling is painting in white. A more modern version - matte stretch film.
return to menu ↑Lighting
In northern latitudes, there is always a lack of natural light. Therefore, a variety of additional lighting - an important element of any interior scandi. A chandelier in the geometric center of the room is not as important as thoughtful lighting over the dining table, additional spotlights and floor lamps.
The design of the fixtures is extremely important. Often it is the lighting that becomes the accent that helps to bring the entire interior to a single concept. Chandeliers with elements of wood support the idea of environmental friendliness, perfectly complement the wooden countertop.
Chrome or copper lamp shades of wire - a tribute to modern designers, the desire to fill the kitchen with air and light.
In the interior of the studio apartment you can see a crystal chandelier above the dining area. Overflows of expensive glass play beautifully in the light, creating additional glare. Such a chandelier will fit into a scandi interior with a touch of classics.
The simplest retro version of the lamp is a decorative incandescent lamp with a simple black wire. Such lamps are often combined into groups: linear above the table or located in a room in a chaotic manner.
Diverse lighting - one of the distinguishing characteristics of the Scandinavian interior. LED strips and spot LEDs are mounted in the kitchen set - an economical and beautiful solution for additional illumination of the workplace.
It will be interesting to you:
Furniture and equipment
In the design of the kitchen Scandinavian style is recognizable by the small amount of furniture. Even in spacious rooms, only the most necessary remains to add airiness, fill the house with light, create a feeling of freedom.
The main principles of the Scandinavian interior - simplicity and functionality, can be traced in the choice of furniture. Everything should be as concise as possible:
- comfortable roomy cabinets;
- mostly built-in appliances;
- smooth monochrome facades.
Thinking of Scandinavian furniture, the first thing that comes to mind is the Swedish company IKEA. The corporate identity of this company spread the idea of interior scandi around the world. Their catalogs are a source of ideas and inspiration in the arrangement of the kitchen.
return to menu ↑Kitchen set
Kitchens with wooden or painted facades give the Scandinavian interior home comfort and warmth.
Another option - high top cabinets, reaching to the ceiling. So the space is visually stretched and not broken into pieces. The issue of storage of various kitchen trifles is solved.
Scandinavian interior can be with notes of classics. Then frame facades with minimal milling and handles with buttons become relevant.
The share of rural romantics will be introduced by the Hitarp facades from IKEA. Handles-shells, a pair of braided jewelry and Scandinavian style acquires the mood of country music.
return to menu ↑Table top
The choice of table top determines, as a rule, the budget.
- The most successful option is a tabletop from an array. The color of natural wood fits perfectly into the overall light tone of the interior, making it more warm and cozy.
- When a brighter contrast is required, a solid black or gray stone tabletop will do.
- The budget equivalent for low-cost headsets is a table top made of waterproof chipboard. Natural veneer can easily replace an array, and a special film imitates metal or stone.
Dinner Zone
An important difference between Scandinavian furniture is the correct and simple lines. Here you can find traditional wooden furniture and lightweight designs made of modern materials. Thin legs of such tables set the dynamics with their unusual geometry.
Classic wooden table made of solid bleached oak, pine or beech. Its color maintains the shade of the table top or the legs of the chairs.
Often the tree is painted white, gray or anthracite. The high contrast with the rest of the furniture draws attention to the dining area. Monochrome is a good base for bright decorative elements.
In the small kitchen there will be an appropriate table-book or a compact breakfast table in the Scandinavian style and a pair of bright chairs. Often the table is replaced by a small bar counter along the wall.
Arrangement of a comfortable dining area is unthinkable without high-quality chairs and compact sofas of neutral or bright color. Decorative pillows on them will combine all kitchen textiles and complete the composition.
Chairs in the scandi kitchen is always a matter of pride. They can be wooden with a curved back in the spirit of retro or emphasized modern plastic and metal. Often chairs are the only color accent in the kitchen; it looks very fresh.
Not uncommon and legendary designer chairs. The Ant chair by Arne Jacobsen or the bright, conceptual chairs of the Eames spouses.
return to menu ↑Decor
The imprint of the harsh northern climate can be clearly seen in the reserved Scandinavian interior. However, due to the unusual decor calm Nordic design acquires a special warmth and bright wayward character.
return to menu ↑Textile
When everything is almost white, the eye has nothing to catch on. Therefore, the Scandinavians appreciate bright textiles. Striped carpet on the floor, pillows with geometric print napkins and towels — all of these details add variety to the whites and create an individual style.
Replacing just a couple of small things, you can drastically update the interior.
Pictures and posters
Posters are an integral part of Scandinavian design.. In the kitchen, they are most often located in the dining area and attract attention with their color, ornament or inscriptions.
In winter, an alternative to posters is air mobili from scrap materials. Colored branches are assembled into a single structure, decorated with cones and hung near the table or in the window opening.
Potted plants
Alive plants very refreshing light interior. Useful edible greens can be found on the table in the work area. Rosemary grows on the windowsill, resembling coniferous branches, and near the dining table you can see a large rubber plant in a wicker basket.
return to menu ↑Ceramics and kitchen stuff
When the kitchen has a couple of open shelves, hiding beautiful dishes in the closet is a real crime. Stylish glossy ceramics, handmade cups or pot - all this deserves a better place in the mind.
return to menu ↑Chalk boards
Chalk boards captured modern kitchens and have become a real mainstream. They can be compact, stand in a row of posters and paintings, or they can cover an entire wall and leave room for daily creativity.
Often they are used in studio apartments as a unifying element, an unusual decor. The black background of the chalk board is supported by chandeliers, chairs and small household appliances.
Interesting little things enrich the interior, make it truly personal and cozy. The main thing in the process of decorating is not to overdo it, but only to add a couple of expressive strokes to the kitchen.
Scandinavian style
We update the interior
Great and beautiful design look! It is a pity that he is associated with the mentality of the Russian people! We like to keep old unnecessary trinkets, and this is not compatible with this style!