Scandinavian living room design has become increasingly popular in Singapore, as it offers a clean and minimalistic look with a focus on functionality. This Nordic style emphasises simplicity, natural light, and a cosy atmosphere.
If you're interested in incorporating this interior design into your HDB or BTO space, it can be overwhelming to choose from the many options available.
We’ll provide you with some charming Scandinavian living room design ideas to help you create a beautiful, functional space that reflects your personal style. We'll also cover everything from cosy textiles to sleek furniture choices, so you can make confident design decisions.
What is Scandinavian Interior Design?
Scandinavian interior design originated in the Nordic countries of Europe, such as Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. It is known for its simplicity, functionality, and focus on natural light and cosy textures. If you're browsing for Scandi-inspired HDB and BTO spaces, you will notice a lot of white or light-coloured walls, sleek and modern furniture, and warm textiles like wool or fur. This design style creates a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere that's also aesthetically pleasing.
If you're a fan of minimalism and cosy vibes, Scandinavian interior design is for you!
Elements of Scandinavian Interior Design
When furnishing and decorating a Scandinavian living room, it's vital to acknowledge essential elements to successfully create a cosy and functional space. Take note of these elements of Scandinavian interior design.
Natural Light
Natural light is crucial. The more sunlight you can let in, the better! It helps create a bright and airy atmosphere that's quintessential to Scandinavian design.
Neutral Colour Palette
Another important aspect is using a neutral colour palette. This keeps things looking clean and simple, allowing other design elements to really stand out.
Cosy Textiles
To add warmth and texture, cosy textiles like wool, fur, and sheepskin are often incorporated into the Scandinavian design. You can use them as blankets, rugs, or even as upholstery on furniture.
Minimalism
Scandinavian design is known for its minimalistic approach to decor. This means that clutter is kept to a minimum, and only essential pieces are included in a space.
Natural Materials
Natural materials like wood, stone, and metal are heavily emphasised in Scandinavian design. They add a touch of warmth and texture, bringing the outdoors in.
Functionality
Lastly, functionality is key. Every piece of furniture or decor should serve a purpose, and there should be plenty of storage solutions to keep clutter at bay.
Scandinavian Living Room Ideas
White and Bright
A crisp white or soft shade of grey can work wonders in creating a spacious and inviting atmosphere.
If you're not quite ready to commit to painting an accent wall or investing in new furniture, why not try adding some colourful throw pillows to your seating area? By choosing a bold shade like emerald green, sunshine yellow or oceanic turquoise, you can bring in a fun focal point that really brightens up the room.
When feeling a bit more daring, bring in a colourful area rug with an interesting pattern or texture. This can be a great way to add some personality and depth to your Scandi-inspired space, while still keeping things grounded and cohesive.
Minimalist Furniture
Scandinavian design is known for its sleek and simple furniture, so look for clean-lined and functional pieces to furnish your HDB or BTO space.
To start, opt for a streamlined sofa with a neutral colour like grey or beige. Keep in mind that you want to avoid anything too bulky or ornate, as this can take away from the minimalist feel.
For a coffee table, a wooden option with a simple design can be a great choice. Look for something with clean lines and a light finish, such as birch or ash. You can also find a coffee table with drawers or shelves to help you stay organised.
When selecting chairs, it's best to choose a few modern pieces that complement the sofa and coffee table. Look for chairs with clean lines and a neutral colour like white or black. If you're looking to add a pop of colour, consider an accent chair in a bold hue like yellow or blue.
Cosy Textiles
To create a warm and inviting Scandinavian living room, adding cosy textiles is a must. Sheepskin rugs, chunky knit throws, and fluffy pillows are great options to consider.
Chunky knit throws are particularly popular as they add a handcrafted feel to the room. You can choose a neutral shade like cream or grey, or opt for a bold colour like red or blue to add a pop of vibrancy to the space.
Fluffy pillows are also a great way to add texture and comfort to your Scandi-inspired space. Look for pillows with a soft, plush texture and a neutral colour palette. You can mix and match different textures and hues to create a cosy and layered look that fits your personal style.
Natural Materials
Bring a touch of nature into your living room with natural materials like wood, stone, and leather. Wood is a popular material in Scandinavian design and can be used in various ways. A wooden coffee table can serve as a focal point, while a wooden accent wall can add depth and character to the space. The use of natural wood can also help to create a sense of warmth and cosiness, which is essential in Scandinavian design.
Stone is another natural material that can be used to add texture to a living room. Whether as accents on walls, flooring or furniture, the natural texture and earthy colours of stone can create a calming and grounding atmosphere in the space.
Leather is also a popular material in Scandinavian design, often used for armchairs or sofas. It can add sophistication and elegance to your space while providing durability and comfort. A leather accent piece can also add a natural element to the room with its warm, earthy tones and natural patina.
Plenty of Light
If you're looking to create a bright and airy HDB space, it's important to let in as much natural light as possible. But, don't stop there! Adding artificial light sources, like floor lamps or pendant lights, can take your Nordic-inspired room to the next level.
One way to maximise natural light is to keep windows unobstructed. Say goodbye to heavy drapes and dark curtains, which can block light and make your space feel small and stuffy. Instead, choose sheer curtains or blinds that you can adjust to control the amount of light entering the room.
Incorporating artificial light sources is crucial for creating a dramatic feel in your Scandi space. Floor lamps, table lamps, and pendant lights are great options that can help to create a warm and inviting atmosphere while also providing functional lighting for tasks like reading or working.
Nordic-Inspired Gallery Wall
Gather a mix of framed pieces that reflect your personal style and aesthetic. Consider using frames with clean lines and a simple design to maintain the minimalist feel of Scandinavian design.
Black or white frames work well with most colour schemes, but you can also mix in some natural wood frames for a warm and inviting touch.
Functional Storage
Let's face it - a cluttered living room can be a major source of stress. This is why many people in Singapore opt for the clean and uncluttered look of the Scandinavian design. The key here is getting the right storage.
One option for functional storage is built-in shelving. This can be a great way to create a statement piece in the room while providing ample storage space for books, decorative items, and other belongings. If you're looking to maintain a sleek and modern aesthetic, consider a design with clean lines and a neutral colour palette.
If you're looking for something more versatile, a storage sofa is your answer. This multi-functional piece of furniture provides seating and storage space for blankets, pillows, and other items.
Keep smaller items organised and out of sight by using baskets, bins, or boxes - it'll make a world of difference in keeping your living room tidy. This is especially helpful for items like remote controls, magazines, or other small trinkets that can easily clutter up your living room.
Contrasts
Playing with contrasting textures, colours, and materials can add visual interest and depth to your space, creating a dynamic and exciting atmosphere that reflects the modern Nordic aesthetic.
One way to play with contrasts is to use a mix of materials and textures. Incorporate smooth, sleek surfaces with rough, textured ones. For instance, pair a sleek leather sofa with a chunky knit throw, or a smooth marble coffee table with a shaggy rug. Mixing textures can create a tactile experience that's both visually appealing and inviting.
Mixed Types of Wood
Combining different types of wood can create a dynamic and interesting Scandi-inspired space. While it's common to stick to light-coloured woods like beech or birch, adding in darker woods like walnut or oak can create a striking contrast that adds depth and texture to the room.
You can also experiment with different wood finishes, such as matte or glossy, to create even more contrast and interest. For example, a glossy finish on a dark wood coffee table can really pop against a matte-finished light wood floor.
Undone Look
The idea is to create a space that feels lived in and comfortable, rather than overly polished and perfect.
Achieve this is by incorporating natural materials like wood, linen, and leather into your Scandi-inspired living room. Look for pieces with visible imperfections and textures, such as rough-hewn wood tables or linen curtains with a slightly rumpled look.
Open-Plan Living Room
If you're like many of us, you might be thinking, "But what about privacy? What about noise? What about...the mess?" And those are all valid concerns. Open-plan HDB living spaces can be a bit perplexing because they challenge our traditional ideas of how a home should be laid out.
When done right, open-plan Scandinavian living spaces can be incredibly versatile, comfortable, and stylish. For one thing, they make it easier to socialise with family and friends while you're cooking, or to keep an eye on the kids while they're playing in the living room.
Less is More
The Scandi-inspired living room aesthetic focuses on clean lines, simple shapes, and a pared-down colour palette. That means no clutter, no unnecessary decor, and no extraneous furniture.
But just because there's less, doesn't mean it's less interesting. In fact, by stripping away the excess, you can create a space that's more inviting and engaging. Instead of overwhelming the senses with an abundance of patterns and colours, a Nordic living room relies on a few well-chosen pieces to make a statement.
Start with the basics: a neutral wall colour, a simple sofa, and a coffee table. Then, add a few accent pieces that complement the room without overwhelming it. A colourful rug, a textured throw pillow, or a piece of statement art can add just enough interest to keep the room from feeling sterile.
Styling Your HDB Living Room the Scandinavian Way
Creating a Scandinavian living room is about simplicity, functionality, and natural beauty. By embracing these principles, you can create a warm, inviting, and stylish space that promotes a sense of calm and relaxation.
If you're ready to start designing your Scandi-inspired living room, be sure to check out Megafurniture's range of furniture in Singapore. We offer a special curation of beautiful and functional pieces to create a Nordic living room that's both stylish and comfortable. Start creating your dream living room today!