The timeless, spacious appeal of Scandinavian design continues to draw homeowners and interior designers alike from around the globe. Norwegian interior design principles, which are essentially a subset of Scandinavian design, mix functionality with decorative appeal and bring the beauty of Norway’s landscapes into the home. To integrate Norwegian interior design into your home, reach out to one of the top interior design firms in your local area to get covered everything from the best hardwood flooring option to kemper cabinets and elegant wardrobes.
First, It’s important to differentiate between Scandinavian design and Nordic design because the use of colors and patterns in interior design varies by location. Norway, Sweden, and Denmark are all considered Scandinavian countries, while Nordic countries include all above listed places, plus Iceland, Finland, and the Faroe Islands. Therefore, Norwegian design is considered to be both a Scandinavian and Nordic design style. Because Norway is Europe’s northernmost country, it has a handful of practical design elements that make it somewhat unique from these other broader styles.
The most common misconception regarding Scandinavian interior design is that its modernity makes it feel cold and unwelcome. Rather, these design principles keep the open space and sleek edges of modern interiors while creating an area that’s comfortable and practical. The Danish principle of “Hygge”, or feelings of comfort and relaxation, is important to create a space that makes it authentically Scandinavian. Let’s look at a few of the ways in which Norwegian interior design differentiates itself from the style of its neighboring countries.
Designing for Country Living
Norway features a beautiful range of fjords, forests, and open landscapes, with plenty of accessible nature for the country’s citizens and visitors. With one of the lowest population densities in Europe, there’s plenty of opportunity for living far apart from the country’s major cities, such as Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, and Trondheim. To accommodate for this form of living, many of Norway’s interior design principles include practical features for living out in the Norwegian countryside.
Classic brick or stonework fireplaces or standalone radiators and furnaces help keep the home warm and comfortable, no matter what the weather is outside. Rustic accents, with light wood finishes and furniture pieces, are exceptionally popular throughout the space, whether it’s a modern home or a cottage. Mudroom entryways for the home are a popular addition to this interior design style, servicing the homeowner in keeping the elements outside the home. Plants and other greenery are another popular decorative element for the home’s primary gathering spaces, like the living room and the kitchen.
Balancing Black and White
Whereas Scandinavian interior design often uses brighter colors for decorative effect and contrast, the Norwegian interior design color palette is notably simpler- at least for the country’s modern structures and boho dorm rooms. A balance between black and white gives the space a simplistic comfort while maintaining sleek edges and understated contrasts. White is the primary color for walls, and window frames, while furniture pieces, furnaces, and wall decor often add back the darker colors, with black and a natural slate grey. The finishing effect of this simple color contrast is an organized appeal for all of the home’s interior spaces.
Wood Floors and Area Rugs
Carpeting is highly unusual for any Nordic home, whether it’s an oceanside cottage in Iceland or a modern apartment in the heart of Copenhagen. Lighter wood floorboards and laminate panels continue the home’s sleek, contemporary appeal while forming the foundation for a clean, minimalist look. Homes with carpeting, by contrast, often feel overly stuffy or crowded, particularly in the home’s smaller spaces, like the bedrooms and hallways.
In replacement for carpeting, area rugs with simple, straightforward patterns keep the space from feeling too cold. Area rugs beneath bed frames, couches, and other similar furniture items are a must-have for preserving the comfort of the home’s most relaxing spaces. Like other items within the home, the interior designer will stick with black, white, or other natural colors for these essential items.
The Importance of Natural Light
As Europe’s northernmost country, Norway often utilizes interior design elements that prioritize sunshine and natural light. Large, floor-to-ceiling windows with minimalist borders and frames are exceptionally popular for Norway’s country homes where there aren’t as many neighboring homes in close proximity. The A-frame architecture of most free-standing Norwegian homes often makes room for windows that reach the peak of the roof, rather than cutting off where the roof begins to angle upwards.
In Tromsø, at the Northern edge of Norway and well above the Arctic circle line, the sun doesn’t rise for six weeks during the winter. Because sunshine and natural light in these regions are so limited, it’s crucial to build as many ways as possible for this light to enter the home. Increasing natural light within the home is a spacious look and feel with an airy, lightweight appeal.
Bringing the Outdoors Indoors
The decorative elements of the Norwegian home often help to highlight the natural beauty of Norway. Artwork and photography are popular decorative centerpieces that help bring the fjords, rivers, lakes, and Northern lights into the home and make it feel comfortably organic. This paired with a high volume of natural light and light wood accents for furniture and flooring, make the entire space feel both modern and rustic- a perfect blend for the country of Norway.
Merging Functionality With Design Appeal
Regardless of their country of origin, all Scandinavian interior designs prioritize interior design elements that balance functionality and decorative appeal. Furniture items are practical and straightforward, leaving plenty of open space that keeps the entire space airy and pleasant. Natural color tones, alongside a balance of black and white designer elements, create a cool color contrast rooted in Norway’s surrounding nature.
If you’re planning a remodeling project for your home’s interior in the near future, you might want to consider Norwegian or other Nordic design elements to make your space feel both modern and comfortable. Speak with a professional interior designer in your local area to learn more.
