Scandinavian Style Kitchen Ideas

Now more than ever, if you’re investing in a kitchen you want it to last for years to come. This doesn’t just mean that it’s well built and durable – it also applies to the style that you choose. Fresh, modern, yet with classic charm that will look as good today as it will in decades and beyond, the Scandinavian style kitchen ticks the timeless style box for me. Here’s how to get the look:

Choose crisp white furniture

There’s a whole host of white kitchens on the market but to really channel the Scandi feel, pick your doors carefully. A little detailing will give you more of a Shaker vibe but columns and ornate beading will make a design look too traditional. In-frame cabinetry is one alternative but for easy maintenance and simplicity, flat fronts are a good option. A tactical matte or painted finish is best but if your kitchen is compact, glossy doors will help to reflect light around the room. If white feels a little stark, a muted shade of grey will bring warmth.

Image Source: B&Q

Wow with wooden worktops

Timber tops aren’t for everyone – they’ll need regular oiling to stay watertight and stain-free – but they’ll bring the Scandi look home every time. However, there’s no need to have them as the only surface in your kitchen. Twinned with a more robust material, such as pale granite or stainless steel, around the sink and hob, you can still enjoy the beauty of wood as a breakfast bar, prep area or adjoining dining table. This hand-painted Frillen design uses timber topped with stainless steel, showing off the grain at the edge, while providing a more practical surface around the hard-working areas.

Image Source: Sola

Bring in some colour

Adding hints of red as your accent colour is typically Nordic as is pretty gingham fabric but if scarlet isn’t your shade, never fear. Some natural mid-tone shades will work just as well, so think leafy greens, sunny yellow and knocked-back watery blues alongside the white and wood. You can accessorise either a little – with upholstered seats, blinds and ceramic tiles – or a lot – using colourful chairs, a rustic table and a freestanding piece of furniture, such as a pantry cupboard. It’s best to opt for a subtle floor like bleached wood, painted floorboards or elegant large-format porcelain tiles.

Image Source: John Lewis

Add beautifully designed accessories

Aged wood finishes and natural materials suit a Scandinavian style kitchen, making it feel instantly homely and welcoming, but too many and the scheme starts to have a coastal atmosphere. Keep it sleek and smart with some classic pieces of furniture, oversized pendant lights in enamel or industrial metal finishes and simple white crockery on display, with a freestanding butcher’s block if you have space. This won’t just prove a thoughtful design touch but also a practical extra surface when you’re preparing food. If you have an open-plan room, you might also want to consider a stove in the living area as a nod to real Scandinavian rooms, where the kitchen is the centre of the home. Finally, add plenty of faux fur or knitted throws and cosy cushions that bring layers of tactile texture.

Image Source: Plain English

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