The less-is-more kitchen will always be loved.
Scandinavian décor first gained traction in the 1950s, when countries like Norway, Iceland, Finland, Sweden, and Denmark began making kitchens that put simple living first.
Nordic designs gained recognition throughout the 50s and 60s, inspiring homeowners to cut down the clutter and go back to basics. With its classic monochrome palette, the Scandi style has remained one of the most accessible of all time.
Stick with Rehome to learn more about the key elements of Nordic kitchen design.
1. Monochrome palette
Scandinavia’s colours, whites, blacks, greys, and soft neutrals, are a core part of the nation’s signature style. These colours mirror the Scandinavian landscape, where long winters and low light make reflective shades necessary.
Bright and off-whites, especially, can help designers play with space. Cabinets or walls in these colours maximise natural light, and they’re also great for establishing an uncluttered look (another tenant of Nordic design that we’ll visit later!)
The absence of more dominating colours allows for a curated space that feels intentional. Yet, this neutral colour scheme can still be surprisingly cheerful.
Though predominantly subdued, these natural tones align with the Scandinavian principles of simplicity. Whether whitewashed wood cabinets or light grey backsplashes, monochrome is peacefulness personified.
If you’re looking for design inspiration, our black kitchens from brands like John Lewis and Roundhouse are some of the best around!
2. Clutter-free
As inherently active spaces, Scandinavian minimalism gives even the busiest of kitchens a chance for calm. Keeping your kitchen clutter-free is less of a design tip and more of a practical lifestyle change. It reflects the Nordic tradition of giving everything a home, where nothing distracts from the overall feeling of order.
Little ways to improve your kitchen cleanliness include clearing your cabinets.
Storing small appliances like toasters and kettles out of sight helps keep items hidden but accessible. You can even extend this principle to lighting.
Recessed lighting or subtle pendant lights, instead of bulky fixtures, can make the room feel more open.
3. Minimalist hardware
The understated nature of minimalist hardware adds a subtle, Nordic touch to kitchens. Incorporating basic fixtures like taps, knobs and handles directly aligns with the core tenants of Scandinavian design. These kitchens favour metals like steel and chrome, which complement traditional Scandinavian monochrome colour palettes. Like white walls and cabinets, basic fixtures are also an excellent way to reflect natural light.
Kitchen taps with clean lines reinforce the Nordic tradition of functionality by avoiding unnecessary detail and maintaining focus on the essentials. At Rehome, we have plenty of silver mixer taps, pillar taps, and spray taps in simple Scandinavian styles.
4. Natural wood and white
Scandinavian style isn’t all about monochrome!
In predominantly white kitchens, you’ll often see wood accents peppered throughout the room. The warm atmosphere of honey-coloured oaks and the reddish hues of beech, when combined with white, are a match made in heaven. This colour combination is often employed in Scandinavian homes, where a cosy interior can mitigate the often cold and dark climate. Most homeowners focus on light wood cabinetry or flooring paired with white walls or worktops.
It’s this mix that keeps your kitchen looking fresh and inviting. Alternatively, white cabinetry with wooden worktops can create an equally lived-in feel.
5. Open things up!
Terms often associated with Nordic design are ‘open’, ‘airy’ and ‘spacious’: words we’ve used ourselves! The link with expansion is part of the open-concept kitchen. The goal of these rooms is to create a ‘flow’ between the kitchen and the rest of the home. Guests should be able to weave in and out, cooking, socialising, chatting.
While creating an open-plan kitchen may involve some structural changes (particularly if you have a small home or a dividing wall), the end result will be worth the effort.
However, if this isn’t feasible, there are other small steps you can take to open up your kitchen. Visually, you can expand the kitchen by trading in upper cabinets for open shelving. In larger homes, a central kitchen island can act as a great gathering spot for eating and cooking. You can also create visual continuity by selecting dining or coffee tables that match the kitchen worktops in colour.
6. Integrated appliances
We’ve covered all the major aspects of Nordic kitchen design, from the room's layout to the nitty-gritty of hardware. But what about appliances?
Thanks to their flush appearance, integrated fridges and freezers, ovens, and wine coolers are common in Scandinavian homes. These built-in products are discreet and, if the correct measurements are made, should not jut out beyond your cabinets.
By upgrading to integrated appliances, you can increase functionality while staying in line with the Nordic philosophy of minimalism.
Shop for ex-display kitchens with Rehome!
Scandinavian style is here to stay. At Rehome, we’ve got white kitchens, black kitchens and ex-display kitchens, all inspired by classic Nordic designs. Transform your home with these spectacularly reduced kitchens, and put our design tips to the test!