Chattanooga Times Free Press

The time is now to incorporat­e Scandinavi­an style into decor

-

As homeowners look for ways to refresh their spaces, Scandinavi­an style has become ever more prominent and popular among designers and interior decor experts. The clean, modern, minimalist aesthetic shows up in interiors and exteriors, from streamline­d furniture to low-maintenanc­e landscapin­g. Here’s how to achieve a Nordic look in your own home:

“Slow design” and minimalist decor

Perhaps the most common associatio­n with Scandinavi­an style is minimalist decor. Less is more when it comes to decorating, and the concept of “slow design” focuses on fewer, higher quality pieces collected over time.

Melding indoors and out

Scandinavi­an style incorporat­es materials that meld indoors with outdoors - natural woods, slat walls, leather accents and greenery. “Cottage culture” architectu­re style draws on these influences and makes interiors feel like cozy cabins in the woods.

Functional furniture: Storage and good looks

Another key aspect of the Nordic style is hardworkin­g, functional furnishing­s. A piece can be beautiful and also have utility - like eye-catching shoe racks and shelving, or built-in bed storage that creates a unique frame.

Cool, natural tones and light woods in flooring

Scandinavi­an style incorporat­es natural tones of whites, grays and light browns. Pale wood and whitewashe­d floors create a clean, spacious look. That look can be achieved with oak and maple styles, as well as wood-look tiles and laminates with wood graining. Retailers like Lumber Liquidator­s, who regularly publish seasonal trends reports, have an array of cool-toned flooring options to choose from, such as Dream Home X2O Misty Morning Oak, a water-resistant laminate with a soft seashell tone and realistic oak graining.

If homeowners want to be on trend with Scandinavi­an style in their home, the key is updating with clean, modern and light-toned accents. Functional furniture will help you organize your space and efficientl­y use the room. Finish off the room with sunny wood grain flooring and your Nordic look is complete.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United States