Modern Scandinavian interior design is a particularly popular aesthetic around the world at the moment. It embraces the beauty in simplicity, functional design, and neutral and natural elements. There is an underlying sense of comfort and familiarity, which is reflected in the Scandinavian term, ‘hygge’, which works very well for a home! 

One style that has emerged from the combination of Scandinavian ideas and Japanese aesthetics is Japandi interior design. Japan’s design demonstrates just how well Scandinavian and Japanese design ideas merge together. However, embracing a modern Scandinavian interior design will also work by itself in a Japanese home. 

If you would like to learn about what makes up the basics of this style of interior design and how you can incorporate them in your Village House apartment, please read on!  

1. Craftsmanship 

An appreciation of craftsmanship is one of the prevailing elements of modern Scandinavian interior design. Things that are made by hand are favored over things that are factory-made. Similarly, things built to last are favored over more trendy pieces which will often get replaced. 

Focusing on good quality craftsmanship above trends will likely make your home more sustainable since good craftsmanship makes furniture more durable, allowing you to keep using items for longer. The best place to look for well-crafted furniture is at small boutique furniture stores and your local makers rather than at large chain shops. Another benefit of investing in furniture built by local makers is that you are also helping your local economy! 

Good craftsmanship does come at a higher cost; however, it is often seen as an investment since it will last for longer. Please bear in mind that although it may be a higher upfront cost, you may end up saving more money in the long term! Some unique furniture even retains its value so you could sell it if you’d like. 

2. Functional Pieces 

Similar to Japanese traditional design, functionality plays an important part in modern Scandinavian interior design. You’ll rarely come across clutter because the idea is to cut it out and avoid anything that may be unnecessary. Modern Scandinavian interior design is minimalist in its essence, however, manages to convey a cozy and creative atmosphere due to the functional well-crafted design. 

Instead of decorating your home with items purely for decor, focus on making the furniture you need into more of a decorating feature of your home. For example, invest in a dining table made from beautiful wood.  

Small decorative items can also be functional. Think about your lamps, cups, mugs, plates, and bowls, these functional items can also be displayed creatively in your home to add some decor and character. 

3. Textures 

Patterns and bold colors can be fun and exciting, and they are often used to add a unique feel to a place. However, these can make a room feel too busy, or even cluttered. Instead of patterns, textures are commonly used in Scandinavian design to create interest. One of the most well-known Scandinavian concepts is ‘hygge’ and the importance of comfort and coziness. A variety of soft textures can be incorporated into your home so that you can harvest this sense of hygge, that is so crucial to Scandinavian design. 

You can incorporate textures into your apartment through textiles; think about curtains, blankets, cushions, and tea towels. Textures are often very personal, so make sure to find a variety of textures that feel at home to you! 

4. Clean Lines 

Although one of the core elements of Scandinavian homes is hygge and a feeling of softness and comfort, structure is still very crisp and straight. Clean lines in architecture are an important part of Scandinavian interior design. Simple straight shapes are a way of keeping to the idea of crisp lines. 

Consider bold and simple square or rectangular frames for any photos or more boxy shapes for furniture items such as lamps. You could even consider the shape of the shadows that a lamp will cast onto nearby walls or furniture, trying to keep clean lines and simplicity.  

5. Natural Design 

Similar to Japanese aesthetics, in Scandinavian design nature is key. Any way nature can influence your home is likely to work well. Natural design can be through neutral colors, neutral materials, and natural light. When thinking about colors, neutral tones such as creams, beiges, and browns are popular, as well as earthy oranges, and forest greens. 

Having optimal natural light is also a good way of cultivating natural design. It can be maximized by placing a mirror tactically on a wall opposite a nearby window to brighten up the room. Let natural light in by investing in lightweight privacy curtains that still let the light in, instead of using blinds that block out all natural light. 

A big part of natural design is also the use of natural materials. Wood, cotton, wool, and glass are all great natural materials to incorporate into your home for a textural natural design. 

Have you discovered any ideas of Scandinavian design that you’d like to try? These tips would work well in our Village House apartments and other Japanese homes because of the overlaps between Japanese and Scandinavian design. We hope you enjoy getting creative!