How to achieve your perfect Scandinavian
style kitchen

However, Scandinavian kitchens don't have to be cold and bleak, they can be both homely and functional, with a consistent theme complemented by interesting accents.

In fact, one of the most popular Scandinavian concepts we’ve embraced in interior design, is ‘hygge. Pronounced ‘hoo-ga’, it refers to a Danish design 'feel' that blends sensory details to create a cosy atmosphere. As a rule, hygge integrates textures, colours, and other little touches to make a room stir up feelings of warmth, togetherness and happiness.

Imagine sitting on a fluffy rug next to a wood-burning fire, surrounded by your closest friends. You're wrapped in a cable-knit jumper, sipping a warm cup of tea and snow is falling outside. That's hygge.

So, whether you want to create a ‘hyggeligt’ effect in your kitchen, or embrace the minimalistic side of a Scandi style kitchen, there are several ways you can achieve it.

White as a kitchen colour scheme underpins Scandinavian design. Go for white cabinetry for a simple palette on which to base your kitchen. To achieve Scandinavian kitchen cabinets, pick handles that are subtle or non-existent, with as much hidden storage as possible to leave an uncluttered, seamless look. Lighter wood worktops and a bold floor can complement the cabinets and make them shine particularly bright.

To avoid erring on the side of clinical, incorporate shades of grey into your Scandinavian colour palette; or for a touch of hygge, use creamy pastels such as pink, purple or blue to add a pop of colour, whilst still making your space look soft and snug.

Throughout the winter months, the days in the northern hemisphere are extremely short, with only a few hours of daylight. Unsurprisingly, the use of light is very important in Nordic design, with many interiors focusing on creating bright, well-lit spaces.

Light coloured wooden kitchen floors and soft walls are perfect for constructing the illusion of lighter, larger and more spacious rooms, and would work perfectly in your Scandi style kitchen. Under cabinet lighting is a great way to brighten up the worktop areas in your kitchen, whilst overhead lights can add an abundance of style and sophistication to your dining areas.

With a heavy emphasis on the kitchen as a functional space, Scandinavian kitchens typically make room for a dining area for you to sit down and eat, however small your space may be.

Use this area to create warmth with colourful chairs, a light wood dining table or chairs, or interesting tableware for a clean yet lived-in feel. Statement pendant lights can act as a central feature to the space, bathing the room in a welcoming ambience.

Despite a minimalistic look, Scandinavian style kitchens shouldn't be mistaken for labs. Feel free to display items you would use every day to add a personal accent, and use bold colour choices. Can't start the day without a cup of coffee? Fit mug hangers to the underside of your wall cabinets. Love to experiment in the kitchen? You can attach a magnetic knife rack or a utensil hanger to keep your kitchen tools on display – the perfect kitchen storage solution.

Alternatively, you can add a splash of colour with bold textiles. Interestingly-patterned tea towels and oven gloves on display can inexpensively add a personal touch to your kitchen, or you can put a statement rug under your dining table to frame the area and distinguish it from the rest of the room, in true Scandi style.

The key to achieving a Scandinavian kitchen is subtlety. Think a simple basis, topped off with a smorgasbord of little features to give your kitchen a pop of colour and individual points of interest. Keep it simple and you'll capture a light and airy, laidback look in no time.

Whether you’re looking to replicate a Scandinavian kitchen design at home, or are looking at other far-flung destinations for inspiration, such as a French or Italian style kitchen, then get in touch. Book an appointment to visit your nearest Wren showroom, or try out our online kitchen planner.