25 Inspiring Scandinavian Kitchen Design Ideas
The Scandinavian style is a popular choice for many. Here is how you can incorporate it into your kitchen.
Scandinavian kitchens are all about simplicity, functionality, and minimalism. This style is characterized by clean lines, natural materials and a neutral color palette. It is a popular choice for homeowners as it creates a bright and airy feel, making it a perfect space for cooking, entertaining, and spending time with family.
In this post, we take a look at various Scandinavian kitchen design ideas to help you with choosing the one that works for you. Whether you're planning a complete kitchen renovation or just a few updates, these kitchen design ideas offer inspiration to create a welcoming and functional space.
Elements of Scandinavian kitchen design
The Scandinavian style is popular because of its clean, simple and uncluttered aesthetic. Spaces in this style are easy to maintain and feel spacious and inviting. This is particularly appealing in the modern era, where people are increasingly looking for areas that are not only beautiful but also promote well-being.
Elements of Scandinavian design create beautiful and functional spaces that are both stylish and practical. Some of the most popular ones include natural wood accents, neutral color palettes, sleek and modern appliances, minimal decor and plenty of natural light. Let's take a look at them in more detail.
Natural wood accents
One of the key elements of Scandinavian kitchen design is the use of natural wood and wooden accents. Wood is a very sought-after material in modern and minimalist interior designs as it adds warmth and coziness to any space. From cabinetry to flooring, the warm tones of wood add a touch of nature which works well in this type of design.
Neutral color palette
Another popular element of Scandinavian kitchen design is a neutral color palette. White, gray, brown and other neutral colors are often used to create a clean and uncluttered look, making the kitchen feel spacious and open. Additionally, neutral colors are a great backdrop for pops of color, such as a colorful backsplash or a colorful piece of artwork.
Sleek and modern appliances
Modern and sleek appliances are also a popular element of Scandinavian kitchen design. Stainless steel and other modern finishes are often added to create a polished and sophisticated look. Additionally, these appliances usually have a practical and simple design, which is in line with the overall aesthetic of the style.
Minimal decor
Minimalism is a huge element of Scandinavian kitchen design. It means that the focus is on the functionality of the space rather than the decor. However, minimalist doesn't mean that the room has to be completely devoid of decor. It simply means that the decor is kept to a minimum.
Plenty of natural light
Lots of natural light is another critical element of Scandinavian design. Large windows and skylights are often used to bring natural light into the space. Additionally, this natural light helps to create a bright and airy feel, which is often sought after in modern and minimalist interior designs.
Scandinavian interior design styles
The great thing about Scandinavian design is that it blends well with other styles. You can mix Scandi with elements from other styles to create your own unique look.
Farmhouse elements
Scandinavian kitchen design often features natural wood accents, such as wooden cabinetry and a wooden island. You can add farmhouse design elements, like a large farmhouse sink, shiplap or wrought-iron pendant lights, to create blend these two styles together.
Country vibe
Country is a popular design for kitchens, and adding Scandinavian design elements is a great way to update your kitchen. Using rustic elements like brick backsplash, chandeliers and vintage furniture is a great way to personalize your Scandi kitchen using a different style.
Danish Modern
Danish modern Scandinavian kitchen design often features clean lines, modern appliances, and a neutral color palette. Additionally, this style often features pops of color, such as a colorful backsplash or a colorful piece of artwork. Danish modern design often incorporates industrial elements, such as exposed brick or concrete, for a unique and contemporary look.
Swedish Traditional
Swedish traditional design incorporates classic design elements, like a farmhouse sink or apron-front cabinetry. It features a neutral color palette, plenty of natural light, and natural wood accents that create a warm and inviting space.
Wood in Scandinavian design
Wood accents
As mentioned earlier, the use of natural wood accents is a key element of Scandinavian kitchen design. Wood brings warmth and coziness to the space while also adding an organic element to the design.
Limed wood for added charm
Limed wood is a popular material in Scandinavian kitchens. This type of wood has a light, whitewashed finish that adds a unique charm and character to the space. It is often used for cabinetry, flooring and other wood accents in the kitchen.
Reclaimed materials
Reclaimed wood and metal are also popular in Scandinavian design. These materials can add a sense of history and character to your space while also being eco-friendly. This appeals to people interested in reusing materials in their designs and repurposing items that might otherwise be thrown out.
Wood flooring for warmth
Wood flooring is a common element in Scandinavian kitchen design. It brings warmth and coziness while also being durable and easy to clean. As Scandinavian countries are cold in winter, wooden floors add warmth to interiors while also making them look warmer and more inviting.
Color schemes for Scandi style kitchen
Scandi design uses a neutral palette, so think of colors like gray, brown, black, blue and lots of white. Scandinavian blue, a more muted shade of blue mixed with gray, is especially popular in Nordic countries. You can use any of these colors or a combination of them to create a clean, welcoming and attractive design that works well in any kitchen.
Tips for creating a Hygge kitchen
Minimize upper cabinetry
To create a clean, simple aesthetic, consider minimizing your upper cabinets. By eliminating cabinets above the sink, you create an airy feel and give your kitchen a more open feel. If you have windows, consider forgoing cabinets on that wall.
Use of flat-fronted and handless cabinetry
Flat-front cabinetry is another popular element in Scandinavian kitchen design. It creates a clean and uncluttered look while also being easy to clean and maintain. Cabinets without handles also look more modern and streamlined.
Balance natural and artificial light
It is important to balance natural and artificial lighting in Scandinavian kitchen design. This combination helps create a bright and cozy feel in the space, making it easier to see and work in the kitchen.
Add decorative wall tile
Another great way to add visual impact and create a welcoming atmosphere is to use decorative wall tile. It’s a natural material that is also easy to clean and maintain.
Large table and plenty of chairs
Create a seating area by adding a large table and plenty of chairs. This creates a space for family and friends to gather and enjoy meals together. Alternatively, you can use turn your kitchen island into a seating area to create a more intimate eating area.
Wooden bar stools
When choosing chairs and bar stools, opt for those made out of wood. As we already mentioned, wood is a popular element of Scandinavian design, and wooden furniture, like bar stools, will add warmth and coziness to the space while also being easy to clean and maintain.
Rugs and soft furnishings
Fabrics like rugs, throw pillows, and towels can also add warmth to your kitchen. Choose natural fabrics for that Scandinavian touch. You can change them out for different seasons or add some accent color to your kitchen.
Eco-friendly kitchen design
Sustainable design
Scandinavian design has a tendency to focus on sustainability. Eco-friendly and natural materials are the main features of this style, and this makes them a popular choice for people who want to create more sustainable and healthy spaces.
Eco-friendly materials
Wood, bamboo and cork, have become increasingly popular in kitchen design, including flooring, cabinetry and furniture. These materials are not only sustainable but also durable and easy to maintain. Scandinavian manufacturers are also embracing this trend with more sustainable manufacturing processes.
Practical storage solutions
Every kitchen needs storage. You can opt for reusable glass containers and ready-made solutions to keep your pantry and appliances organized. Maximizing your storage is also a great way to remove clutter and keep things out of sight.
Conclusion
The Scandinavian design style is a popular choice for kitchens. This style favors natural materials, clean lines and neutral colors, making it easy to create for most people. So, whether you're planning a complete kitchen renovation or just a few minor updates, these Scandinavian kitchen design ideas will inspire you to create a beautiful, functional, stylish and practical space.
Not sure if a Scandinavian-inspired kitchen is for you? No problem. With Planner 5D, you can try out different design styles, colors and finishings before you start any actual work. You can even use our kitchen planner to try out different layouts and configurations till you find the one that works for you. Preview your new kitchen in 3D and do a virtual walkthrough before you finalize anything.
FAQ
What makes a Scandinavian kitchen?
Simple forms, functionality and minimal design, characterize Scandinavian kitchens. They feature clean lines, natural materials, such as wood, and neutral color palettes. Additionally, they often incorporate plenty of natural light, sleek and modern appliances, and minimal decor.
What is a Danish kitchen?
A Danish kitchen is a type of Scandinavian design. They focus on functionality and simplicity, as well as using natural materials, such as wood. Additionally, Danish kitchens often incorporate modern design styles, such as industrial elements and pops of color.
What is a Swedish kitchen?
A Swedish kitchen is a Scandinavian kitchen that incorporates elements of Swedish design, including natural materials and a neutral color palette. Swedish kitchens often include aspects of traditional design, such as farmhouse sinks and apron-front cabinetry.
What are the principles of Scandinavian design?
The principles of Scandinavian design include simple, functional and minimalist spaces that use lots of natural materials. They tend to incorporate bright and neutral colors, and lots of natural light. Scandinavian spaces emphasize a warm and inviting atmosphere.
What is Scandinavian interior design?
Scandinavian interior design is a design style that originated in the Nordic countries of Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland. It is characterized by its simplicity, functionality, minimalism, and focus on natural materials.
