Are you thinking of giving your home a breath of fresh air? Then you might be thinking of all the different types of interior design styles that are out there. And let’s face it, they’ve multiplied over the years, with more than we know what to do with. However, as overwhelming as it can feel, the good thing is this gives you plenty of choice. You won’t be restricted to anything and you have room to stretch and experiment. Nowadays, interior design is not so much a chore, but a fun activity to indulge in.
A very common crossroads for people is knowing they want a change, but not knowing which direction to head in. So a good place to start would be to update yourself about all the different types of styles. When researching, you’ll find that some of these are more fleeting with others timeless classics. Neither choice is wrong. It’s all about what feels right for you. After all, you’ll be living in it!
Of the various options available, some have stood out more than others recently: Contemporary, minimalist, and mid-century modern. Interestingly, we’ll be looking at Scandinavian design here, which shares a lot in common with these three. So even if the term seems foreign to you, chances are you already know quite a bit about it.
1.What is Scandinavian Décor Style?
Perhaps what really stands out about Nordic spaces is how they’re instantly recognisable. They not only look the part, they give off an unmistakable aura that immediately transports you to another time and place. Envision yourself walking into a space that’s light and airy, yet cosy. This is borrowed from the Danish ‘hygge’ concept, which means cosiness. Its deeper meaning is all about cherishing the little things in life and creating a warm atmosphere at home. So it’s little surprise that that’s exactly how you feel when you walk into a place that’s been designed the Scandinavian way. It fully intended it!
Like the contemporary and minimalist design styles, this too is all about being clutter-free. They all share a love for open-plan living, which in recent times has grown in popularity. The aim is to foster well-being and happiness, which in turn improves mental health. So think simple, plain floors such as wood or tile, neutral colours on the walls and slimmed down furniture. No embellishments or anything as such.
Another key feature of Scandi design is maximising light. While windows would ordinarily be left bare in the rawest form of this style, it’s not exactly practical. So window furnishings are a must. And the good news is that you can still honour this trait, so long as you pick the right pieces. Let’s take a look at some window furnishings that’d suit best.
2. Roman Blinds
The golden rule for window furnishings in this theme is that they must be well-fitted. They need to sit neatly at the window, without sagging or looking out of place. Otherwise, with windows being a key feature, they will detract from the overall effect. Trust us, it’s not something that can be hidden.
Roman blinds are a beautiful and unique option to consider. Made out of a single block of fabric, they look fabulous on their own and also play well with others. They easily fit the requirements and are often paired with curtains in complementing colours. Because of their modest nature, they’re not only ideal for Scandi design themes but also contemporary. They are also a great way to create a style statement without going overboard.
For an extra something, you can customise the design of the blind. Think flat fold, plain and hobbled fold to get started. The fabric panels are designed to stack on top of each other when raised too. This creates a crisp, elegant look that other blinds simply don’t have when pulled up.
You can also opt for a light filtering or blockout fabric, which features a lining at the back. Not only does this help hide away the strings, it also helps with insulation.
3. Venetian Blinds
Wood is a material that’s commonly found in Scandinavian/ minimalist design themes. Aside from creating a warm and inviting effect, it also plays into connecting with nature. And if you have wooden floors, wooden blinds will look absolutely stunning. However, not all environments are suited for timber and they are tough to maintain over the long-term. Especially in areas like the bathroom or kitchen which have water.
Don’t be disappointed though, because now premium wood-look is a popular option. So you can opt for something like timber-look Venetian blinds, as they embrace that natural aesthetic. They also perfectly tie in with a cosy atmosphere and have a calming effect, improving your well-being. They’re low maintenance too, and can be fitted anywhere in your home with peace of mind. All this because they’re made from durable PVC, finished off to perfectly resemble that timber look we love.
They are so different from other blinds that you might wonder if they’re blinds at all. Their individually controllable slats will have you thinking they’re shutters. They’re very much blinds though, and a great alternative to a more permanent fixture like shutters. They deliver in terms of both looks and functionality, and are one of our personal favourites.
4. Roller Blind
Roller blinds are as minimalist and Scandinavian as they come, perfectly fitting the ethos of maintaining clean lines. They’re loved for their no-fuss personality and simple charm, and are an absolute delight. However, in the interest of honouring the Scandinavian vision, patterns like florals and the like, are a no-no. Try to stick to plain colours, and if you would like to break things up, think curtains or Roman blinds. It’s a good way to opt for subtle patterns for some variety in aesthetics, without drowning out the theme. You can use patterns such as minimalist vertical stripes to create the illusion of height and space as well. Typically, bright colours don’t feature in this design setting, so remember to go for neutral choices.
Roller blinds are suited for any space in your home, and if you want to improve them, why not consider double-roller blinds? They incorporate a light filter/ sunscreen fabric as well, so you have two different fabrics in one unit. This allows you to maximise light, as well as block it out when needed.
5. Things to Consider When Choosing Materials
When choosing materials for your Scandinavian décor, remember that simplicity is key. It’s all about keeping things natural, light and open. If you’re pairing your window furnishings with curtains for instance, keep the heavier fabrics to a minimum. Of course you can add blockout curtains for extra privacy and insulation, but be strategic about it. You want a good balance between light and privacy, and there are a range of options available to do this successfully. Also consider the size of your windows when choosing materials. Panel glide blinds for instance, are best suited for larger areas like sliding doors. Roman blinds are great for smaller windows and a great alternative to curtains. The architecture of your home definitely has a role to play here as well.
On that note, when choosing items for purely aesthetic reasons, go for subtle pops of colour. You can do this with a bright rug or vase in a room, or an artwork you really love. Don’t stuff the room with a range of colours, it takes away the whole vibe.
We can definitely put you on the right path when it comes to the decision-making stage. Let us know what you have in mind, and we’ll share our advice, tips and tricks for the best result. Be sure to get in touch with our team for any assistance you may need throughout the process.
