Thanks to Ikea and Scanteak, most of us probably know a thing or two about the Scandinavian home interior design in Singapore. However, the style has more to offer than just floating plank shelves and paper lantern lights. Popularised at the beginning of the 21st century, it often features nature and functionality as its key characteristics. Simple, clean and minimalistic, the Nordic design is known for its white walls, wood floors, and modern furniture with striking shapes.
In this article, we shall take a look at the fundamentals of the Scandinavian design, using some of Starry Homestead’s completed home interior designprojects as inspirations.
What is Scandinavian Interior Design All About?
Scandinavian interior design is all about creating a space that feels airy, light, and clutter free. The style emphasises functionality without compromising on aesthetics, making it a perfect fit for modern homes. Characterised by clean lines, minimalist furniture, and a neutral colour palette, Scandinavian interiors are designed to make the most out of natural light. Wood, particularly light-coloured varieties like pine and beech, is a staple in this design, adding warmth and texture to the otherwise simple interiors.
At its core, Scandinavian design is inspired by the need to maximise comfort and practicality, especially during the long, harsh winters typical of the region. This is why the interior design often includes cosy elements like soft throws, rugs, and cushions, contributing to an overall feeling of hygge—a Danish term for a mood of cosiness and comfortable conviviality.
Scandinavian Interior Design Ideas
1. Simple & Functional
The beauty of the Scandinavian approach lies in its “less is more” principle while still managing to bring out an amount of warmth and cosiness to the living space. The interiors are free from over-the-top design, excessive furnishing or embellishments, and usually employ a simplistic, scaled-down style, yet allowing it to be stunning by mixing patterns and textures in a space.
2. Bright & Airy
The conventional Scandinavian design celebrates a bright, open and airy interior and prefers natural light as its backdrop. Fortunately, we have an abundance of sunshine in Singapore for us to leverage! By letting the light in, a warm and welcoming feel is instantly created in an otherwise restrained living space.
3. Wood Flooring
As the design has emerged from a region where wood is vastly available, hard wood floor has become one of the quintessential elements of the Scandinavianinterior. Here, light-toned wood is our favourite pick, although other types of flooring options such as laminates or light-coloured tiles can also draw attention to the clean and sleek style.
4. Hint of Texture
In addition to wood floors, the Scandinavian aesthetic also uses natural materials such as wood finishes and stone feature walls generously to give the space more texture. One of the more popular choices in many homes these days is stones, such as craft stones, stone veneers or exposed bricks. Not only do these light-coloured materials offer timeless, nature-like beauty to the interior design, they also have calming and relaxing effects on the state of minds of the residents. Rich, cognac-toned leather pieces or textile furniture can also be added to accentuate the warmth and cosiness in the home.
5. Muted/Monochrome Colours
Low contrast, earthy colour schemes such as white, beige and grey are the Scandinavian design choice colours, which are used to emphasise the natural light. However, occasional pops of strong hues, design elements or furnishing are added to contrast the neutral palettes. If you wish to remain faithful to the Scandinavian style, but need something to liven up the interior, home plants are effective and natural decorative elements that would do just the trick. A dash of dark brown in an otherwise neutral-coloured design gives the bathroom a Nordic yet contemporary look.
Furnishing Ideas to Scandinavian Interior Design
1. Incorporate Natural Textiles
Natural textiles are an important aspect of Scandinavian design, bringing a sense of warmth and authenticity to the interior. Materials like linen, cotton, and wool are favoured for their comfort and durability, as well as their ability to add texture and interest. These textiles can be used in various ways, from soft throws and cushions to curtains and upholstery, enhancing the overall cosiness of the interior.
2. Bring in Indoor Plants
Indoor plants are a popular addition to Scandinavian interiors, providing a fresh, natural element that complements the minimalist design. Greenery introduces a vibrant contrast to the neutral colour palette, adding life and energy to the space. Whether it’s a large potted plant in the living room or a collection of smaller plants on a windowsill, incorporating greenery is an easy way to enhance the Scandinavian aesthetic.
3. Use of Vintage Elements
Vintage pieces can add character and uniqueness to a Scandinavian-inspired home, blending seamlessly with modern design. Vintage elements can also add warmth and texture, contrasting beautifully with the clean lines and minimalist forms of Scandinavian design, and contributing to a more layered and interestinginterior.
4. Choosing Curved Furniture Pieces
Curved furniture pieces are becoming increasingly popular in Scandinavian design, adding softness and elegance to the interior. Sofas with rounded edges, pond mirrors, and barstools with curved backs introduce gentle, flowing lines that break up the rigidity of straight lines and angles. Incorporating curved pieces is a subtle way to add a touch of modernity to the timelessScandinavian interior design.
5. Embrace Hygge Style
Hygge is a Danish and Norwegian word that embodies a feeling of cosiness and contentment at home. The concept of hygge is central to Scandinavian design, emphasising cosy, comfortable spaces that promote relaxation. To create a hygge-inspired interior, incorporate soft lighting, plush textiles, and inviting nooks for unwinding over simple pleasures like reading or sipping tea. More than just decor, hygge embodies a lifestyle that values comfort, simplicity, and the joy of being present in the moment.
6. Keep Appliances Out of Sight
In line with the minimalist ethos of Scandinavian design, it’s important to keep appliances and other functional items out of sight. This can be achieved through the use of integrated storage solutions or cabinetry that blends seamlessly with the rest of the interior. By hiding these everyday items, you can maintain a clean, uncluttered look that enhances the overall aesthetic of the space. This approach not only contributes to the visual appeal but also promotes a sense of order and calm.
What Makes Scandinavian Interior Design Style Popular in Singapore?
Scandinavian interior design has become one of the favourite styles in Singapore for several reasons.
- Calming Vibe: The use of neutral tones, natural materials, and simple lines creates a serene and peaceful atmosphere, allowing homeowners to unwind and relax in their personal space.
- Adaptable: One of the standout features of Scandinavian interior is its adaptability. Whether you reside in a compact BTO flat, a spacious resale HDB, or a modern condominium, the principles of this design can be easily tailored to fit various living spaces.
- Minimalist: The minimalist nature of Scandinavian interior design is perfect for those who prefer a clutter-free living environment. By focusing on essential and durable furnishings, this style eliminates unnecessary items, promoting a sense of order and tranquillity in the home.
- Timeless: Scandinavian design is known for its timeless appeal. The clean lines, understated elegance, and enduring materials used in the interiors ensure that the space remains stylish and relevant for years to come.
- Practical: Practicality is at the heart of this style. Every element is carefully considered to balance aesthetics with functionality. From multi-purpose furniture to thoughtful storage solutions, Scandinavian interiors are designed to meet the practical needs of everyday life.
These qualities combined make Scandinavian interior design a popular and enduring choice in Singapore, allowing homeowners to create spaces that are not only visually pleasing but also functional and adaptable to their lifestyles.
Differences Between Muji vs Scandinavian Styles
If you are into clean, minimalist, and functional interior design, you must also be familiar with the Muji style. Due to their design similarities, Muji and Scandinavian styles are often confused with one another. Both styles have garnered considerable attention for their airy, minimal, and homely interiors, a feature particularly appealing in Singapore, where homes are increasingly becoming smaller.
What makes these styles unique, and what are their differences? Find out more below.
Design Philosophy
Both Scandinavian and Muji interior design styles emphasise simplicity and functionality, utilising minimal design elements that complement the interior while serving a purpose. Homes designed in these styles avoid redundant furniture or decor, requiring thoughtful consideration for each piece, even small decorative items, to ensure they enhance the overall aesthetic.
Despite their similarities, both syles are significantly different. Scandinavian interior design style, emerging in the early 1900s, is a modernist style incorporating modern and contemporary elements. In contrast, Muji design is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and the zen lifestyle, which prioritises mindfulness, serenity, and high-quality living. This approach often features natural materials and raw elements, embracing imperfection and creating a calming atmosphere.
Colours
Muji interior design often features neutral colours like brown, beige, cream, and natural wood tones, reflecting the serene Japanese zen lifestyle. This approach promotes calm and simplicity, avoiding vibrant or contrasting colours that could overwhelm the senses and disrupt tranquility.
In contrast, Scandinavian interiors embrace highly contrasting colours that complement one another, set against neutral backgrounds like white, grey, or cream. Common combinations include yellow and blue with grey or turquoise, green, and beige against a cool white. Additionally, while Muji designs typically showcase whitish wood flooring with medium-brown furniture, Scandinavian interiors usually feature medium-brown floors paired with lighter wooden furniture, though personal preferences may vary.
Furniture
Muji interiors emphasise natural materials like cotton, linen, wood, and rattan, focusing on quality and practicality. This style often incorporates raw, natural aesthetics with uniform designs featuring linear and simple geometric shapes, necessitating more wooden carpentry.
In contrast, Scandinavian design embraces a mix-and-match philosophy, allowing various materials as long as they adhere to simple and functional principles. Accent furniture can also add character to Scandinavian spaces, showcasing a more eclectic approach.
While these styles are distinct, blending elements from both Muji and Scandinavian interior designs can create a home that truly resonates with you. Merging elements from both designs can result in a unique living environment that resonates with you, blending the serene simplicity of Muji with the functional charm of Scandinavian aesthetics.
Whether you prefer the zen-like serenity of Muji or the modern simplicity of Scandinavian interior design, Starry Homestead can help bring your dream home to life. We specialise in home interior design in Singapore. From ideation, spatial and layout planning, renovation, and customised furniture and fixture construction to purchasing furniture and accessories, we bring your dream homes to fruition. What are you waiting for? Contact us today to speak to one of our experienced interior designers in Singapore. Alternatively, explore our articles on creating a Wabi-Sabi home and designing a modern luxury space for more inspiration.
