Get the look – Scandi kitchen
Give the heart of your home the Nordic treatment and embrace functionality, clean lines, and an overall less-is-more approach with a Scandinavian design.
Characterised by minimalist design, and a white and natural-toned wood colour palette, Scandinavian inspired kitchens make your space appear brighter, lighter and all around more sophisticated. Here’s how you can get the look.
Choose a neutral colour palette
White as a kitchen colour scheme underpins Scandinavian design, and this goes for cabinetry as well as the walls. To avoid erring on the side of clinical, choose shades of white that carry subtle peach, pink, or yellow undertones and warm up the space with wooden flooring and countertops.
Choose light coloured wood like beech or ash and make sure to avoid stained or varnished woods for countertops – the raw, natural, untreated look is much more in-keeping with Scandinavian style. Finally, bring in some houseplants to add colour and welcome the outdoors in.
Cabinetry makes a difference
One of the primary elements of a Scandinavian kitchen is the cabinetry. A Scandi-style kitchen can work with various types of cabinetry, but a plain door really speaks to the cleanliness and simplicity of Nordic design. Opt for push-to-open mechanisms or finger pulls over door handles to preserve that streamlined look.
Image by Everlong Joinery
Lighting is king
The days in the northern hemisphere are extremely short throughout winter meaning there’s only a few hours of daylight. Unsurprisingly, the use of light is very important in Nordic design, with many interiors focusing on creating bright, well-lit spaces.
To achieve this, a variety of different light sources should be used including dimmable LED downlights, task lighting under cupboards and pendant or overhead lighting over dining areas. You won’t use them all at once, but each play a crucial role at some point. Remember that a layered lighting scheme is always preferable to a single source in any style of design.
This kitchen has a mix of pendant, under cupboard and downlights
Add warmth with metallic accents
To add some warmth and contrast, include some metallic accents in your design. This can be via cabinet handles, kitchen accessories such as kettles and tapware.
When choosing a tap for your Scandi kitchen, a kitchen mixer with a minimalist design is key. Our Vivid Slimline Pull Out Sink Mixer is a great option with it’s refined, slender profile and thin, elegant, fixed pin lever. For the finish, brushed gold will elevate the warmth in the sink area or you could go for a more classic look and choose a chrome finish.
Another contemporary option that would work well in a Scandi kitchen is our new Axia Hob Sink Mixer Set Gooseneck in chrome.
Image by @blendedinteriorsanddesign. Pictured: Vivid Slimline Gooseneck Sink Mixer
Pay attention to the details
Functionality is important in Scandi style, but form comes a close second. When considering furniture for your kitchen, pieces should be pared back to their simplest form. Whether it’s a table, a dresser, a kitchen chair, or a storage unit, look for items that have clean-cut lines and a simple, elegant aesthetic. Avoid anything overly ornate or with lines and features that detract from the otherwise minimalist design of the room.
