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How to Design a Scandinavian Kitchen

The Scandinavian Farmhouse style kitchen has a very calm + relaxing feel to it as well as being practical and functional. Here are some ideas to design your own Scandinavian kitchen.


A scandinavian kitchen design with flat panel cabinets, a light countertop, greenery, wood tones, and neutral hues
Credit: blanco.us

Open any design magazine, and you will likely see a Scandinavian kitchen. Known for its clean lines, light colors, and natural textures, this design has become more popular for its "less is more" philosophy. Scandinavian kitchens prioritize functionality over flashy, excessive details.


What is a Scandinavian Style Kitchen?


In the 1930s, Nordic countries began advocating minimalist kitchens that emphasized simplicity, comfort, and functionality steering away from overly-exaggerated designs. Today, the Scandinavian design is highly sought after.


The hallmark of this design is light colors, an airy feel, and the reflection of the Scandinavians love for nature. With its focus on clutter-free simplicity and practicality, the Scandinavian kitchens centers its attention on people rather than the kitchen itself.


Colors


The Scandinavian kitchen usually features a limited color palette focusing on whites, neutrals, wood tones, and accents of blue and green. This palette provides a clean backdrop for Scandinavian's favorite focal points, contemporary art.


A scandinavian kitchen with black fixtures, flat panel cabinets, artwork, and minimal dishesist
Credit: blanco.us

Cabinets


Flat panel cabinets are the most common feature of a Scandinavian kitchen. The simple, clean lines with handle-less design evoke minimalism. They can be in varied light colors like white, cream, beige, and even light sage green.


Natural wood is used to bring warmth and texture into the space. It is used as an accent color in the kitchen or as a base that will be painted a light color.


Innovative organization systems are used in the kitchen to optimize functionality and keep clutter at bay. Examples of these systems include vertical dividers to store baking sheets, lazy susans, lift ups for mixers, and pull out drawers.


A black farmhouse sink and flat panel cabinets in a scandinavian modern kitchen
Credit: blanco.us

Shelving


Scandinavian kitchens incorporate open shelving for functionality and display. Minimalistic dishes, mugs, vases, and other stylish objects are admired on floating shelves. The shelves are used as a focal point, therefore you can make them in a different color that is also present in the kitchen elsewhere to tie the kitchen together.


ideas for open shelving in a modern organic kitchen
Credit: blanco.us

Flooring


Flooring is very important in a kitchen as it acts as a foundation for the rest of the colors in the space. The Scandinavian kitchen normally features light, warm wood tones. These colors complement the neutral hues found in the rest of the kitchen. MSI has a great line of warm wood hardwood floors as well as vinyl floors that fit perfectly with the Nordic aesthetic.


a modern flat panel kitchen with wooden and white tones
Credit: blanco.us

Countertops


The countertops in a Scandinavian kitchen are most commonly white with minimal veining/design. The most popular material is quartz as it is low-maintenance and has a consistent design throughout. Scandinavian designs sometimes feature butcher block countertops.


A center island made of quartz with wooden cabinetry
Credit: blanco.us

Backsplash


The backsplash in a Scandinavian kitchen features white tiling or white brick to keep the space looking clean, bright, and simple. The absence of color in the backsplash allows for the texture to stand out without appearing too busy in the kitchen.


a paneled fridge and tile backsplash in a modern kitchen
Credit: blanco.us

Fixtures


The sink and fixtures in a Scandinavian kitchen are minimal and modern. The Nordic mindset values functionality therefore fixtures have ergonomic handles, pull down spray heads, and more features that simplify daily tasks.


A wooden flat panel center island in a modern kitchen with an integrated black sink
Credit: blanco.us

Greenery


Scandinavian culture is rooted in nature, therefore plants are very important in a space that they spend every day in. Potted plants can be placed on open shelves or on the counter. A herb wall is a unique element that can also function as an indoor garden.


black fixtures in a modern kitchen
Credit: blanco.us

Final Thoughts


Simplify your lifestyle by embracing the clean and minimalist design of the Scandinavian kitchen. Take the less is more approach and prioritize function in your kitchen to reduce clutter and optimize daily kitchen routines.


Remember, the Scandinavian kitchen is not just about aesthetics but also about creating a warm and inviting space for family and guests. By using natural materials, light hues, and clever storage solutions, you can design a kitchen that is not only beautiful but also a reflection of everyday living.

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