How to get a Scandi look living room for Interior Design
I was asked by ITV’s This morning to do a Scandi style interior makeover on their green room this week. Live on TV!It was a super fun experience and yes I can report, Holly and Phil are as lovely as you’d expect them to be in real life. You can watch the piece by clicking here, or read on for more insight on how to get the full low down.
As an interior stylist I’m used to be asked to pull decorating schemes together, at short notice, and over the past 20 years I’ve become a master of applying my skills to different looks. And I’ve been asked to do the Scandi thing a few times as its such a timeless classic. It’s so not my look though, but I do kind of love it. I’d imagine if I was a willowly blonde yogi sipping on my wheat grass in my Scandi weatherboard clad cottage in the woods I could live with the all neutral woodiness. It’s minimalist ideals giving me the air to breath as I sit on my mat chanting my Oms. There’s something very calming about the Scandi look. Well their just so blimmin’ organised those Swedes- on an epic Ikea proportion. Now I’ll admit that Scandinavian design covers a large area of northern Europe (technically Sweden, Denmark and Norway but lets include Nordic Finland in there too) and years of great design heritage. I chose to draw on the current fashion for a very soft and neutral colour palette which is perfect for working in with interiors latest fascination with grey. But oh so much more than just ANOTHER neutral pale and interesting scheme by adding in some iconic Scandi designer pieces is what gives this look its modern edge. There are some great designers from the 50’s like Saarinen and Arne Jacobsen who have now become highly collectible and really inspire the mid century modern nudge to this look. The good news is the great British high street are great at giving us the look at a price we can afford. Over all, unlike my own, it’s a very quiet and understated look. But this means it’s rather easy to pull together. Without too much frou frou you can focus on buying a few well-made and functional items of furniture. Items made from natural materials like wood, stone, wool, are particularly key to getting this look. It’s also essential to celebrate the handmade so ceramics that are loosely glazed or hand thrown, carpentry which celebrates the joinery details and raw woven textiles are all on point. As with any neutral colour scheme, you need to layer up the textures people to add the interest. Just follow theses guidelines
The Scandi living room set within the iconic ITV studios
The colour scheme is predominantly whites and pale greys
Flooring is always wooden with rugs to soften
Furniture with simple clean lines. Fifties mid century modern designs are on trend
Items made in natural materials like wood, stone, and wool, linen, metal, glass
Layer up the textures. This could be scatter cushions on the sofa or layer up textured and flat weave rungs on the floor
Look for items that are visibly hand made. Joinery details in carpentry and hand thrown ceramics look the part
Simple patterns, geometrics work well.
The over all vibe should be minimal and relaxed.
Arrange a collection of mirrors on the wall to help reflect the light back into the room
Sleek airy style furniture is key to this look
While the overall look is minimal its a good idea to create a display for interest. Group a selection of accessories in natural materials
For more inspiration check out my Pinterest board on Scandi style
Sheepskins or deer skins are a real motif of the Scandi look and a great way to add warmth and texture
SHOP FOR THE LOOK
DECORATION
Geometric wood paneling wallpaper, £15.98 a roll, Wallpapers Direct
Inox emulsion, £45 for 2.4 ltrs, Little Green.
FURNITURE
Copenhagen Sofa in grey £1099, M&S
Villstad armchair, £140, Ikea.
Lude sheepskin, £30, Ikea.
House by John Lewis knitted pouffe, £90, John Lewis
Verona floor light £199, M&S
Harpsden coffee table with nesting side tables, £750, John Lewis
Brunel stool, £95, Heals
Brunel wide lean shelves £355, Heals
Renane set of two natural storage boxes, £70 Habitat
RUGS
Flokati 170x240cm rug – £450 Habitat
Stockholm Rug £100, Ikea
WALL ACCESSORIES
House wall clock, £25, John Lewis
Copper strap round mirrors, £45, £60, £100, John Lewis
CUSHIONS
Steele cushion, £20, Habitat
Bojagi cushion, £60, Habitat
Axel cushion, £30, Habitat
Patterned cushion cover, £6.99, H&M
patterned cushion cover in anthracite, £3.99, H&M
Moss knit blanket £49.99, anthracite grey, H&M
Faux fur cushion, £25, Marks and Spencer
ACCESSORIES
On coffee table
Black stoneware mugs £3, John Lewis
Swedish candle stick, Hus and Hem
Marimekko teapot £67, Heals
On shelves
House cork candle, small £8, and large £18, tall £12, John Lewis
Large wire baskets £12.99 and £7.99, black, H&M
Copper metal candle stick, £7.99, £6.99, H&M
Hexagon tealight holder £12, House of Fraser
Black round glass vase £4.99, H&M
Mini Ede bud vase in Taupe £8, House of Fraser
Mini Ede bud vase in Grey £8, House of Fraser
Ingrid grey bottle, £25, House of Fraser
Ombre ceramic jars, £16, £18, £20, House of Fraser
Ingrid white bottle, £25, House of Fraser
Ceramic vase grey £16, House of Fraser
Ceramic vase cream £32, House of Fraser
Geo vase £25, House of Fraser
Kelsom chevron patterned white vase, £20 Habitat
On side table
Abaya tall vase, £15 Habitat
Fernanda criss cross vase, £35 Habitat
Fernanda patterned vase, £30 Habitat
