Pictured: Skwad Shelf in white

What is the Scandinavian interior design style?

The term “Scandinavian interior design style” usually refers to the interior design traditions of Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland. It is characterized by simple, functional furniture, natural materials, and bright rooms. Scandinavian design gained international recognition in part through the exhibition “Design in Scandinavia”: Beginning in 1954, it showcased more than 700 home furnishings from the four countries and subsequently toured museums in the U.S. and Canada for about three years.

What types of wood and materials are typical?

The focus is on light-colored woods such as birch, ash, oak, or maple, often oiled or finished with a matte varnish so that the grain remains visible. These are complemented by textiles made of wool and linen, as well as ceramics and porcelain with matte finishes. Furniture tends to be light rather than bulky—with slender legs, open shelves, and minimal decoration.

Pictured: Hopper Watering Can in Matte White

What colors go well with the Scandinavian style?

The foundation consists of white, off-whites, and light shades of gray. They make rooms appear brighter—a phenomenon often attributed to the limited daylight during the Nordic winter. Accents are created with muted tones such as gray-blue, sage green, or delicate pink, used sparingly rather than over large areas. If you like, you can add a single bold pop of color, such as an “Olifant” in Light Blue.

What does “hygge” mean?

Hygge is a Danish word that the Duden dictionary defines as “coziness and comfort as a way of life.” When it comes to interior design, this means: warm lighting instead of harsh overhead lights, soft materials, favorite pieces instead of mass-produced items, and things you enjoy touching. Hygge isn’t a distinct interior design style in itself, but rather the philosophy behind many Scandinavian-style rooms.

Pictured: Spin Coat Hook

Light-Colored Wood on the Wall

The Spin coat hook by Andreas Kowalewski is turned from a single piece of solid wood at a woodturning workshop in the Münsterland region. In oak, it has a warm, lively grain; in ash, it is particularly light—thus complementing the light woods in the room. Place it individually next to the door or arrange them in a row to create a coat rack.

A wooden animal with a serene form

Wooden animals have a long tradition in Scandinavian design—Kay Bojesen’s famous wooden monkey, for example, was designed in 1951. The Olifant by Andreas Kowalewski is a unique, contemporary design. Crafted from light maple or oak, it complements a sideboard or shelf in a bright room.

Pictured: Solid Stool One in natural ash

A stool that doubles as a shelf

The Solid Stool by Andreas Kowalewski is made of ash—it can serve as a seat, a side table, or a shelf. In its natural finish, it complements light-colored floors and walls.

How can a Scandinavian-style interior avoid looking sterile?

A lot of white and light-colored wood can quickly make a room feel cold. These contrasts can help:

• Textures: Wool, linen, ceramic, and matte porcelain surfaces—such as the Hopper watering can in Sand Green or Matt White.
• Mixing woods: Oak and ash side by side look more vibrant than a single tone—for example, the Wave bowl in ash by Geckeler Michels next to a Spin in oak.
• A pop of color: an “Olifant” in Light Blue or a “Cat” in Moon Grey instead of lots of colorful small items.
• Plants and warm light: Greenery and indirect lighting make the room feel cozy.