The Scandinavian style of kitchens and interior design is renowned for its emphasis on simplicity and minimalism; however, this doesn’t mean one has to create a sterile, clinical atmosphere. Instead, character should be at the forefront, and this can be achieved by incorporating a range of textures. These can come in the form of industrial lights, wooden furniture, metallic fittings, and vintage stools.
Those who are dedicated to tradition may not approve, but Marketa is of the opinion that Scandi kitchens are changing to suit the individual tastes of their owners: “It is important to include a personal touch. If you suspend a cup or tools on a wall, or even if you just display a selection of family pictures on a counter, these details will bring a special Nordic flair to the space.”
We will explore the 10 trends that will influence Scandinavian kitchen design in the year 2024.
1. Organic substances
Interior designer Rudolph Diesel recommends utilizing natural components like wood, rattan, and woven fabric for accents to add texture and dimension to a room. He suggests adding black or bronze accents to small details such as door handles and fruit bowls to finish the look.
Sarah Jane Nielsen, an interior designer, prefers working with lighter woods such as beech, ash and European oak. She explains that these are all native to Scandinavian forests, widely accessible and cost-effective, and are often used in furniture and other finishes. Nielsen claims that the grain of these lighter woods is key in achieving the iconic Scandinavian look in a kitchen.
Lee Trethewey, interior specialist from Sustainable Furniture, has called to attention the importance of metal in Scandi design: “We can often see different hued metals in Scandi-style kitchens – matte black faucets, black chair legs, or white pendant lights, for instance. Normally, only one metal is used as a contrasting shade in the design.”
2. Color combinations with a strong dramatic impact
Tom Rutt, founder of TR Studio, observes a trend towards a darker and more intense color palette in 2020. While some may think of Scandi style as being dominated by whites and greys, he notes that a lot of dark charcoals and navy blues are being used in this style.
Furthermore, Scandinavian design often combines various textures, so don’t be scared to mix up big stainless-steel machines, with delicate brass embellishments, glossy marble and mid-century illumination; all of these components will collaborate seamlessly in a modern, Scandi style.
If you prefer a more subtle design, Lotte Fynboe, founder of OYOY Living Design, suggests a combination of neutral tones, natural materials and a splash of color to bring warmth to your home. Wood cabinetry and furniture can be contrasted with earthy hues and rustic textures to create a timeless aesthetic. Accessories and tableware, such as the Yuka series in brown, yellow, pink and off-white, can help to make the home feel more welcoming and nourishing.
Gareth Coxall, a creative director at a textile and blinds company, suggests incorporating a soft pinkish palette to achieve a modern Scandinavian-inspired interior. He advises using neutral tones like beige and off-white for the main structure of the kitchen, and then to add pops of pastel pink through paint, appliances and other decorative elements.
According to Rudolph Diesel, to achieve the ideal equilibrium between sleek minimalism and natural materials, keep the color scheme basic. Utilizing hues such as white, light gray or very faint blue on the walls will create a tranquil atmosphere and one can then juxtapose this with darker shades of navy blue or forest green for the cabinets or work surfaces.
3. Biophilia in all its beauty
For the past two decades, biophilic design, inspired by nature, has been incorporated into home interiors. It first started in Scandinavia, with the use of sustainable materials and natural light, as well as plenty of houseplants. According to Scott Thomas, managing director of homewares company Ivyline, it is now an integral part of the design.
William Durrant, who owns Herringbone Kitchens, is a big advocate of clutter-free Scandi kitchens and suggests the use of floating shelves to display plants: “Floating shelves, made of either oak or stone, are very popular in 2023, particularly when paired with a stone splash-back. These shelves are a great way to add personality to your kitchen, while also giving it a sense of openness, particularly if you have tall units or cabinets up top.”
4. Put emphasis on furniture
The Scandi look is grounded in a few basic, functional pieces of furniture and takes cues from nature. An eye-catching item like a Hans Wegner Wishbone chair can be a great way to kick off the style.
Nick Atkin, co-founder of furniture and homewares firm Atkin & Thyme, indicates that a popular approach to establishing a Scandi-influenced design is to utilize a piece of furniture as a focal point.
He proposes selecting a dining table with streamlined, unadorned designs, made from light or painted white wood: “Keep the accessories straightforward and practical, and top off the look with an overhead lamp featuring an exposed bulb.”
It is important to keep the entire design in mind. Generally, lighter woods work better with warmer fabrics and intricate textures, while darker woods are most complementary with cooler hues.
5. A hearty greeting
Homes from the Scandinavian region are renowned for their welcoming atmosphere, and the kitchen is no exception; it is often used as a place of socializing and conversation, much like the living room.
Rudolf suggests that this year, you should create a kitchen atmosphere that’s welcoming and relaxed, with seating options that invite your guests to hang out with you while you cook. He suggests bar stools around an island, or if you have the room, a banquette is a great option for filling up empty spaces. Then you can add some hygge touches with sheepskin throws and embroidered cushions.
6. Allow Illumination
Sarah Jane Nielsen explains that drop pendants, now so popular in so many kitchens and dining rooms, have their roots in Scandinavia, and they don’t appear to be losing any of their appeal in the year 2023.
Rudolf Diesel affirms that in order to combat the dimness of Scandinavian winters, a kitchen with a Nordic flair should have plenty of lighting. He proposes pendant lights as a great way to hang over dining areas or islands to produce a pleasant and comforting atmosphere, as Scandinavian style is all about uncluttered, straight lines and making the most of the light.
He still prefers the classic look of glossy white kitchen tiles to bring light and brightness to the area. He suggests going with thin rectangular tiles in a chevron pattern to add a touch of style. Coloured grout is in vogue for 2023 but for this design, he recommends using white grout to keep it from becoming too intricate and ornate.
7. Fabrics that invoke pleasant feelings
Textiles are increasingly significant in kitchens that are inspired by Scandi-style, such as a bright rug on a wooden floor, linen napkins with a subtle tint or cushion covers with classic Nordic motifs that exude coziness.
Sarah expresses her fondness for textiles, noting that they bring coziness and a beguiling tactile quality to an interior. She further mentions that these materials are often produced by artisans and small businesses in Scandinavian countries, which adds an interesting element of heritage to the scheme.
Gareth Coxall reminds us that window dressings are an important element when it comes to fabrics in a Scandi kitchen. According to him, you can take it up a notch by choosing roman blinds in neutral linens.
8. Hold on to the basics
Sarah Jane Nielsen outlines the use of wooden flooring in Scandi kitchens as a comfortable and complimentary addition to the simplistic decor. As a practical alternative, she suggests sisal or tiles. Additionally, rugs woven from fabric or wool are often used to bring in colour and pattern to the interior design.
According to Carolina Hansson, head of design at , the ‘less is more’ principle still applies in Scandi-influenced kitchens. “Wooden flooring is still the most suitable option for this style of design,” she states. “Engineered wood flooring with warm oak tones, like Elgin Magnolia Oak, is both practical and helps to keep the room bright and spacious. For small spaces, it can give the illusion of a bigger area.”
Maintaining the original style of straight plank flooring is an excellent selection, according to her, as it accentuates the length of the room and the natural knots of the wood become more pronounced, creating a natural atmosphere without diverting attention.
Tom Rutt underscores how a ‘herringbone’ pattern for wooden flooring can produce a classic Scandi look: “In a bigger kitchen, this will bring a real sense of refinement. In a limited space, though, it may be too dominating.”
9. Characters with no excess
Creating a kitchen with a Nordic vibe can be difficult. The most active area of the home can often become a chaotic jumble instead of a tasteful Scandinavian look.
Chris Dance suggests that when designing a Scandinavian kitchen, every decision should be purposeful, including storage solutions. He inquires whether a pantry, larder, or wall-hung rack are necessary for storing spices, herbs, utensils, and other smaller elements within easy reach.
In the Nordic design, simplicity is the main component, so having a counter filled with clutter will not fit the look. Rudolf Diesel explains that tall cupboards are an efficient solution for storing appliances like microwave ovens, coffee makers, and kettles. If the budget permits, these cabinets can be customized with pull-out shelves, spice compartments, and even secret worktops.
Rudolf suggests decanting ingredients and kitchen utensils into glass storage jars or stoneware pots. He explains that glass jars will help to boost the light in the area, as well as fit in with the 2023 organic trend. Whereas stoneware pots are a simple choice that will add rustic texture to the space.
10. Minor Details
To finish the design with finesse, Chris Dance opts for atmospheric lighting: “glowing under-shelf lighting to brighten dark winter evenings and provide a tasteful extra to your primary lighting”, in order to set the perfect mood.
Rudolf Nielsen has a passion for illuminating the corners of his kitchen with small candles or lamps placed in suitable spots to make it both bright and cozy.
Sarah Jane Nielsen expresses her fondness for adding scent to her surroundings. She mentions, “Absolute Linen” as a nice fresh scent. During the colder months, she suggests looking for aromas that are inspired by forests, such as Nordic pine and spiced fruits, or fresh berry fragrances for a more authentic Scandinavian ambience.