Scandi kitchen ideas – how to work the cool and calm Nordic aesthetic Nordic interiors are synonymous with the chicest styles. While their good looks and minimalism work throughout the home, Scandi kitchen ideas will be some of the most beneficial to keeping things cool, calm and collected. Scandinavian style kitchen ideas are the perfect combination of comforting and stylish. This type of design is characterised by sleek lines, simplicity and minimalism. However, don’t be fooled into thinking that minimal means cold. Thanks to clever lighting and the use of wood and other natural material, Scandinavian-style rooms are filled with warmth, which has helped fuel their popularity. Scandi style is all about making a home feel calm, cosy and inviting. Most Scandi schemes start with fresh white walls and simple wooden flooring to create a clean backdrop for colourful displays of homeware. Scandi kitchen ideas Explore the soothing colour palettes, clean lines and natural touches which make Scandi kitchen ideas so universally appealing. 1. Bring the outside in Image credit: Future PLC Scandi kitchen ideas – and, for that matter, Scandi style in general, celebrates the beauty of nature. Make this work in your space by brining as much of the outdoors into your home. Plant in your garden strategically, so you’re looking out at abundant greenery and textures. Inside, reflect this with pale green touches on cabinetry and, of course, fresh flowers and foliage. 2. Embrace neutrals Image credit: Gunter & Co/Mary Wadsworth At the core of Scandi kitchen ideas is the theme of neutral spaces. Stick to a restrained colour palette for a sophisticated and Nordic inspired theme. Tonal shades will add interest to the look without adding jarring colourways to take it away from the Scandi style. 3. Make it socialable Image credit: Future PLC/David Parmiter Nordic homes are inherently inviting and sociable spaces. In your kitchen, you want to create a room where everyone feels welcome and one way to achieve this is through seating. Include bar stools at your island so guests can gather around while you cook. A dining table gives even more seating, making sure the space is inclusive to everyone. 4. Let the light in Image credit: Future PLC/James French Scandi summers are full of light, while the winters have very little sunshine, so their homes are designed to let in as much light as possible year round. Take this on in your kitchen by opting for a glass-topped side return, or row of skylights. The back of the kitchen could have sliding or bifold glass doors. Mirrored and glass surfaces are a welcome addition, to help bounce around even the lowest of light sources. 5. Combine woods and black shades Image credit: Future PLC/James French For the most contemporary take on Scandi kitchen ideas, go for a combination of strong, linear blacks and natural woods. Although technically opposites in terms of style, the two marry together beautifully and perfectly combine the modern vibes of Nordic living with the back to nature vibes of the area’s history. 6. Use natural materials Image credit: Future PLC Add texture and interest to your kitchen by using a variety of natural materials and finishes. Rattan, weaves and glass all embrace simplicity, while adding depth to potentially otherwise flat and glossy space. 7. Make a feature of canisters and glass jars Image credit: Future PLC/Douglas Gibb Simple Scandi kitchen ideas include making a feature of the everyday essentials, as shown above. Add interest to open kitchen shelving by decanting dried goods, such as flour, pasta and rice, into clip-top glass jars and lining them up on a shelf. Storing fruit and veg in natural hessian baskets is an affordable way to add relaxed country style to your kitchen. Try adding colour by growing herbs in zinc pots, too. 8. Stick to a white colour palette Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles You can’t go wrong with a white kitchen when creating your own Scandi-style kitchen. ‘For Scandinavian kitchen interiors, a cool light colour palette is advised to create a sense of purity and calmness,’ says Darren. This makes it perfect for making the most out of small kitchens. Add warmth to the space by pair the white with wooden and copper accents. In a small kitchen, space is at a premium so make the most of every inch with open shelves for everyday items above the sink, as seen in this kitchen. 9. Cast a warm glow with pendant lighting Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole Light is incredibly important in Nordic design due to the long dark winter days. Scandinavians tend to create pools of light with low hanging pendant lights. Be playful with your kitchen lighting ideas with a slick design or splash of colour like these lovely pale turquoise shades. They will be at eye level, after all. Muted blues and greens are oh-so Scandi. 10. Add warmth with oak Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole A Scandi scheme can instantly be warmed with the addition of natural surfaces. Oak worktops, freestanding furniture or an open shelving unit will add character and lend a laid-back country vibe. Of course, open shelving is ideal for storing glassware, kitchen tools and cookbooks – a great way to add colour and a vintage look to your neutral Scandi kitchen ideas, too. Use houseplants to add colour and welcome the outdoors in. 11. Make space for a dinner table Image credit: Future PLC Gathering together for meals as a family is incredibly important in Scandinavian culture. Make space for a dining table or breakfast bar to ensure the kitchen is the heart of the home. A dining area is also a great space to add warmth through texture and colour. Opt for a wooden table, soft furnishings and fresh flowers to add depth to an open-plan kitchen. 12. Display items you use everyday Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole Nordic countries are famous for their minimalistic and streamlined style. However, this couldn’t be achieved without a few clever storage solutions. Keep…

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