Design of a kitchen-living room in a Scandinavian style - a sunny interior for a cloudy climate

Style Features

Scandinavian cuisine is always presented in light colors. It is the white color that creates that feeling of cleanliness and comfort that many housewives strive for. There are a few simple rules that will help create the right atmosphere in a Scandinavian kitchen.

Minimalism

The style is dominated by the principle of minimalism - it is better to get rid of excess furniture, appliances, even dishes in order to create a feeling of space and freedom. This design feature also includes the laconicism that is characteristic of Scandinavian interiors.

Clear but simple geometric shapes and strict lines are welcome here.

Lighting

Lighting plays an important role in the Scandinavian kitchen, because in the Nordic countries the weather outside is often gray and gloomy, which counterbalances the use of many lamps in the house. Zoning with lighting will look very impressive. You can combine different types of lamps: chandeliers, sconces, spotlights and much more.

The light is neutral or warm to create a cozy atmosphere.

Contrast

Deep color contrast is the basis of the Scandinavian style, emphasizing the purity and simplicity of white. But there should not be too much contrast, otherwise there is a high chance of dispersing the Scandinavian “magic”.

Ideal for accents: highlight one wall or choose original decor.

Naturalness

Scandinavian peoples advocate unity with work. This is expressed both in the materials from which the furniture is made, and in its simple shape and outline. You won’t find plastic here, but a wooden floor, a stone countertop, and fresh flowers will create an incredibly cozy atmosphere.

Functionality and ergonomics

Scandinavian style looks simple, but behind the external simplicity lies a lot of work on careful interior planning. Every occupied centimeter of space must be justified and serve a specific function. Utensils in plain sight, as in Provence, are not welcome here - everything must be hidden.

It is worth understanding that you will have to pay well for natural high-quality materials. The desire to save on materials will immediately be evident. But such a high-quality kitchen will last a long time, and cooking on it will be pleasant because of its functionality, so the investment made will pay off with interest. Let's list the other pros and cons of the Scandi style.

Scandinavian style as symbiosis

The Scandinavian style appeared thanks to the mixture of cultures of different peoples and countries, including Norway, Finland, Denmark, Sweden and others. Each country has brought something of its own to the ideal Scandinavian interior.

Norwegian brevity

Norway is a country of stunning fjords, mountains and waterfalls. Splashes of water create a feeling of lightness, naturalness and simplicity, a feeling of peace appears. For such simplicity and a sense of freedom in the Scandinavian style, we must thank Norway.

It was this country that was the first to use brick, wood and stone in the interior, and after that natural materials moved into the Scandinavian style. Light curtains are also permissible here - not even plain ones, but with a pattern. The furniture is characterized by a cozy wear and tear. And for the entire design as a whole - minimalism. Norwegian style can be called an echo of Scandinavian cozy country.

Norwegian brevity in the kitchen 7 sq.m.

Comfort in Swedish

Hygge is a concept that is quickly gaining popularity. It is quite difficult to translate and explain it in Russian, since it is a purely Scandinavian state of integrity, comfort, safety and familiarity. There is another - not so popular - Swedish concept: “fredagsmys”, which means “Friday comfort at home”.

On Friday evening the whole family gathers in the kitchen-dining room and cooks. Warm light shines from the floor lamp, and sometimes candles are lit. In the dining area, soft chairs and a sofa with a warm blanket and pillows are required.

Finnish geometry

Finns love modern technology, but at the same time honor traditions - it is thanks to this union that a unique style emerges. A Finnish-style kitchen must have a lot of flowers: on the windowsill, in hanging flowerpots, in drawers on the floor. Only here you can find modern geometric shapes combined with traditional Scandinavian patterns.

Scandinavian cuisine area

Housewives of small kitchens often worry whether the design they like can fit into their small space. The Scandinavian style is suitable for this without any problems, because practical and economical Swedes, Norwegians and other peoples also make small-sized kitchenettes, since square meters are very expensive. It is because of the feeling of lightness, functionality and harmony in a small space that the Scandinavian style has spread throughout the world.

Scandinavian style kitchen decor

If the decoration is characterized by simplicity and a minimum of details, then the decor is just the opposite. Expressive decor will refresh a slightly boring “cool” design. Bright details will make the kitchen a little more mischievous and colorful. By diversifying the interior with cozy textiles, stylish beautiful posters or paintings and other unusual little things, you can create an impeccable design. The main thing is that everything should be in moderation and decorated with taste.

In addition, in a small kitchen you can play with details that will overlap in different parts of the room. Decorative pillows of the same cut and color, cute rugs in opposite areas of the kitchen, a “living” corner with plants, original wall clocks - you can imagine endlessly.

Color palette

The basis of the design, without a doubt, is white or light colors. For a small kitchen this is generally an excellent solution, because in this way:

• space expands;
• there is a feeling of “air” and freedom in the interior;
• the room will visually become larger.

It is not necessary to use white; light pastel colors can be its analogues, for example:

• pistachio;
• pale lemon;
• light gray;
• light blue;
• mint;
• lavender;
• beige and so on.

In contrast to this color, add dark contrasting shades like:

• wenge;
• chocolate;
• golden reflections of the sun at sunset;
• malachite or coniferous forest;
• blue lakes;
• black and others.

The main thing is to look for colors that are closest to natural ones.

Gray

The landscapes of the Scandinavian countries cannot be imagined without mountains, steep cliffs and light haze. This is where gray is born. Gray surfaces can be different:

• have a glossy or metallic sheen;
• be rough and matte.

It is this diversity that allows you to combine color in the interior, using it in different options: furniture, walls, appliances or a dining table.

Gray matte set in a studio apartment.

Blue

Endless lakes and seas are another integral part of the Scandinavian landscape. Deep blue tones most often act as a contrasting background for light-colored furniture. But in a small kitchen it can also play the role of an accent in the form of furniture, decor or even dishes.

Deep bold blue color in a 10 sqm kitchen.

White

A white Scandinavian-style kitchen is a classic. The main thing is not to get hung up on one shade, but to use a full variety of tones:

• creamy;
• lactic;
• ivory;
• cream;
• cold snowy;
• baked milk and so on.

The play on textures will be very beautiful: matte and glossy, rough and smooth. To prevent the interior from looking too simple, it is worth adding interesting details:

• fresh flowers;
• textiles with geometric or floral patterns;
• unusual ceramics, perhaps of an unusual geometric shape.

But white color also has one not very pleasant feature - it is very demanding on the material. If wood is the best, if stone is only natural. If you try to save on materials, they will quickly wear out and repairs will be required again.

Finishing

Scandinavian style is ideally built on the contrast of white and dark deep shades. But in a small kitchen, such a combination will look too heavy and will further make the room smaller, so it is better to give preference to light materials in decoration, and adding contrast to the decor is a win-win option for the interior.

Ceiling

Simplicity and white color are two principles that you should focus on when choosing finishing for the ceiling in a Scandinavian-style kitchen. Massive decorations and stucco will look completely out of place, especially in a small kitchen, for example, in a Khrushchev-era building. The maximum you can afford is a small, plain, straight plinth around the perimeter of the ceiling.

The ideal modern solution would be a regular matte white stretch ceiling - it will create the effect of a simple whitewashed coating, which is so valued in a Scandinavian kitchen. In addition, PVC tension fabric has a number of advantages:

• quick installation without dirt;
• durability;
• ease of care;
• moisture retention when flooded from above;
• does not burn;
• not afraid of high humidity or temperature.

The ideal solution for the kitchen. In addition, any lighting ideas that play such a big role in a Scandinavian kitchen can be incorporated into such a ceiling.

Floor

The classic option is wood. It can be either natural or high-quality imitation. Now on the market you can even find linoleum, which you can’t immediately distinguish from wood - the texture looks so natural! But the kitchen is a high-activity zone, where things often crumble and spill, and splashes just fly from the frying pan, so we must take into account the practicality of the coating.

A good option would be tiles. The main thing is to take into account its color features:

• on a dark floor all the crumbs and even water stains will be visible;
• light tiles of a cool shade will be a much more advantageous option, on which small debris will not be so noticeable.

It is imperative to install a “Warm Floor” system under the tiles, otherwise being in the kitchen will not be comfortable. If you want to avoid such expenses, you can take a closer look at laminate, but it must be of a high wear resistance class (32, 33) and moisture resistant.

Walls

The Scandinavian style does not make any serious demands on the walls - this could be patterned wallpaper, monochrome paint or brickwork. But it’s worth considering the size of the room: all the decor on the walls will narrow the room, so it’s best to avoid it in a small kitchen.

If you want to add “beauty,” it is permissible to make one wall an accent wall - with a pattern or brick, and the rest in monochrome. In this case, it is important to monitor the compatibility of colors.

But it’s worth remembering that sophistication is not about the Scandinavian style. On the contrary, he advocates the simplest possible design, which is why paint or plaster remains one of the most popular coatings.

Correct windows and doors

The rule regarding door and window openings is: the bigger, the better. This applies not only to quantity, but also to size. Moreover, even a large window should have a minimum number of partitions. It is advisable not to hang curtains.

The doors are removed. If this is not possible due to noise or a gas stove, then choose only light (even white) options with minimal decor. The permissible maximum is a volumetric panel. If you want to hang a door with glass, choose only matte options without patterns or bezels.

Furniture

The advantages of the Scandinavian style are that the interior is fresh and elegant. Which does not raise any questions when decorating a kitchen-living room, to which it is customary to invite guests. Furniture for this purpose can be selected depending on preferences.

Wardrobes, chests of drawers, bedside tables and other cabinet furniture are white or gray. In some cases, the participation of black is also possible, but not in large quantities, for example, black door handles are the most striking example of such an accent.

A white kitchen is another stylistic accent that signifies Scandinavian style at its best. At the same time, it also has eye-catching details. A wooden countertop in a natural color goes well with white, as it adds coziness to the kitchen space. A matching table and chairs for the kitchen will enhance this effect.

Cabinet furniture should not be made of plastic or other artificial materials. Only wood or natural veneer will create a genuine sense of style.

Upholstered furniture in Scandinavian design tends to be modern. This means that sofas and armchairs with a rectangular, angular look are welcome. For the living room of the living room, in order to give more coziness and color, the color chosen is beige, brown, blue or gray.

Furniture and appliances

After finishing, first of all you need to think about the furniture that will be in the kitchen. The main principle: “Nothing superfluous!”

Furniture

The main thing is not to forget about the Scandinavian style’s love for natural materials and natural colors. The simplest solution that comes to mind: a white kitchen set made of wood, diluted with a dark contrasting countertop.

The dining area also does not require frills: a regular square kitchen table with simple comfortable chairs. To prevent the furniture from looking too simple, it is set off with a metal set without gilding.

Here are the characteristic features of Scandinavian cuisine:

• spacious closets;
• technology is built-in;
• the facades are smooth and monochromatic.

If it is not possible to integrate the equipment, then it is better to choose it in white or silver tones.

Set

Of course, the most common color for a Scandinavian-style kitchen set is white. Whitewashed wooden facades will create a homely atmosphere of warmth and comfort. The surface most often chosen is matte or semi-gloss, since other options do not look natural.

But there is one option when mirror-glossy white facades will look good - a very small kitchen. But one thing is correct - the facade is smooth, without decoration or cut-out patterns.

There is another fashionable solution from the Scandinavians - open top shelves. This option will come to the rescue when it is not possible to create enough comfort in the kitchen: beautiful dishes are placed on open shelves - and the problem is solved. Moreover, the shelves themselves should be selected as simple as possible: without decoration or carvings.

The handles of the kitchen set should also be as simple as possible. Rails, brackets or Push-to-open mechanisms are suitable.

It is worth noting that a white set is not a mandatory requirement. You can use other colors, the main thing is that they are restrained and deep:

• black;
• blue;
• green;
• grey;
• beige or pastel of these colors.

A combination of tones will look great when the bottom is one color and the top is another. But in this case, you need to carefully select colors. A win-win option: leave the top or bottom in a neutral color.

We bring the atmosphere of Scandinavia to the interior of the kitchen-living room with the help of decor

The Scandinavian style cannot be called minimalistic, but there will not be an excess of details.

Since the design concept is to create a prosperous atmosphere that gives a feeling of happiness, those items that bring joy to you and your family are used as decor:

• First of all, these are traditional Scandinavian blankets - knitted with a coarse knit, plain and with an unobtrusive pattern, textured, large and fluffy - very different, but most importantly - warm, cozy, soft, which can always be seen in a Scandinavian-style kitchen-living room.

• Textiles in general - rugs, runners, fluffy skins, pillows - literally all of this is present in such a room.

• Wall decor usually includes several paintings (one or two, if space allows) and/or a series of family photos. They can not only be hung, but also placed on shelves, sideboards, and bedside tables.
• Living plants that make the white composition cheerful and fresh.
• Vintage items . This could be furniture, vases, and lamps.

Despite certain rules for arranging an interior in the Scandinavian style, there is still room for individuality and experimentation. Finding your option is actually not that difficult, because the purpose of such an environment is to feel happiness: you just need to leave in sight those things that are dear to you, make you happy, give you warmth and comfort.

Work zone

The concept of a work area usually includes a tabletop, appliances and an apron. The main requirement for it is to be comfortable and functional. At the same time, you should not forget about style, since often this three serves as the frame for the design and decoration of the kitchen.

Technique

Metal surfaces can continue into kitchen appliances. They will dilute the simplicity and add style to Scandinavian cuisine. It can be chrome plated:

• kettle;
• fridge;
• plate;
• microwave.

An additional advantage of metal surfaces is their shine, which expands the space of the room.

Apron

An apron gives room for imagination. Here you can afford almost any idea, for example:

• imitation brick or wood;
• glass;
• mosaic;
• tile.

Don't forget about practicality. For example, grease will be absorbed into imitation brickwork, especially gypsum, and it will be very difficult to wash it off. The textured surface is also not conducive to thorough cleaning.

Mosaic is a beautiful option, but again it is not practical due to the large number of seams into which dirt will get clogged. Very quickly the seams will lose their presentable appearance and will spoil the picture. There are two ways to deal with this:

• epoxy based grout;
• make the seams initially darker than the mosaic.

Glass and the usual tiles are the two most popular and good options for an apron in a Scandinavian kitchen.

There are only two color options:

• white;
• contrasting.

Of course, a white apron looks great, especially in small kitchens. But this is not at all a practical option, since every speck of dust and droplet will be noticeable on such a finish. In such cases, it is better to make color transitions from white, for example, to green.

A good solution would be to choose an apron that matches the tabletop or is a couple of shades lighter. You can also duplicate the color of the floors - this will create a feeling of harmony in the room.

Tabletop

There are many materials for countertops, but they all vary greatly in cost, so the main factor here is budget.

The best option is a table top made of solid wood. The color of natural wood will fit perfectly into a light interior, and will make the room warmer and more comfortable.

If you want to add more contrast, a gray or black stone countertop would be a great solution. But this will affect your wallet.

A budget option is considered to be a countertop made of waterproof chipboard: the film on the veneer protects from moisture and very realistically imitates stone.

Unusual loft-style lamps in a Scandinavian-style kitchen.

We create Scandinavian design in Khrushchev

For example, let's take a 2-room apartment of 45 square meters, with 1 bathroom and a ceiling height of 2.5 meters. Suppose that a young couple plans to live here, who do not yet have children, they work a lot, love to travel, love a noisy city, but prefer that their home be simple, calm, comfortable and cozy. They do not want to divide the space into any specific and obvious zones, so the hallway, living room, and kitchen will be a single space. Such integrity can be achieved through a single color scheme - white or as light as possible.

Furniture in the Scandinavian interior of Khrushchev

Here it is important not to clutter the rooms and plan the space in such a way that there is a place for storing things, for relaxing, for working at the computer or with papers. Modern furniture systems that combine various shelves and drawers for storing different types of things and objects are suitable for this.

It can also be a kitchen set in a minimalist style, a simple and spacious sofa in the living room, a comfortable good-quality bed in the bedroom, or a small coffee table.

Finishing facilities

Here you can use classic painting or fine-grained decorative plaster. Use a soft gray shade with white flecks. As an additional decor or zoning element, you can use a small white brick masonry. Plaster or whitewash can be used in almost all rooms.

It is better to choose parquet for the floor, and decorate the walls below with a wide plinth several shades darker than the floor or walls. This will give the room completeness. Similar skirting boards can also be used, for example, in a bedroom to unite spaces. In the bathroom, use black and white tile squares laid in a checkerboard pattern.

Lighting system

Take care of a complex lighting system, when you can turn on several lamps at once or choose one above a specific area, for example, above the dining table. Use different lighting options: spotlights in plasterboard panels, wall sconces, chandeliers, ergonomic table lamps.

Textiles and decorative elements

A prerequisite is a maximum of natural materials. It will be easier and more comfortable for you to live with objects that are of natural origin, you will gain energy and strength from them. Use linen, cotton, wool, wood, glass, ceramics, stone. Do not overload the space with an abundance of decor, let it be functional items: unusual lamps, a mirror in an original frame, posters, photographs.

Plants in the Scandinavian Khrushchev

This attribute of Scandinavian design must be present in the design. Let it be herbs in small pots in the kitchen, a palm tree in a wooden box in the hallway, a few flowers in a pot in the bathroom.

Dinner Zone

The most important characteristics of furniture for a Scandinavian kitchen are simple, regular lines. Yes, the classic table is made of bleached oak, but you can also afford more modern lightweight designs. A stylish move is the combination of tones of the dining table and countertop.

If the kitchen is small, then it is better to abandon the massive classic table and add an extendable or simply compact breakfast table. Bright chairs will serve as a pair for him.

If there is a catastrophic lack of space, you can replace the table with a bar counter.

An original chandelier and a beautiful combination of table and apron in a 12 sq.m. kitchen.

Chairs are a separate matter for a Scandi-style kitchen; most often they are a source of pride. They can be wooden or plastic. Designer chairs, for example, “Ant” by Arne Jacobson, will also look great in this style.

Tips for designing different layouts

Scandinavian style will fit perfectly into any room. But still, different room sizes or shapes can introduce some restrictions and features. It's better to think about them in advance.

1. Small kitchen

Any interior can be created without any problems in a spacious room, but when it comes to a small kitchen, most often you have to look for a compromise between beauty and convenience. Scandinavian style is this compromise. There are several secrets on how to fit everything even into a small kitchen:

• abandon the standard stove and replace it with a small hob with 2-3 burners;
• abandon the usual refrigerator and replace it with a single-chamber built-in unit;
• abandon the oven if there is no great need for it, and replace it with a microwave oven with a grill function;
• take a closer look at special narrow household appliances, for example, a dishwasher.

Before drawing up, and even more so approving, a design project, it is necessary to draw the arrangement of all household appliances, which in no case will compromise comfort. This is exactly what residents of Scandinavian countries do.

1. Kitchen-living room

An excellent solution would be to connect the kitchen and living room, for example, in a private house or even in an ordinary apartment if the kitchen is too small. The created space will immediately become more dynamic and filled with life.

As for the color scheme, monochrome is extremely rare. Typically the following two scenarios are used:

• using different shades of the same color;
• use of contrasting tones.

A thoughtful combination of colors looks impressive. For example, the color of dishes or chair covers matches the tone of the walls in the dining area.

1. Corner

The corner layout is the height of practicality and functionality in the kitchen, which is so appreciated by the Scandinavian style. It is this option for arranging furniture that makes the most useful use of small kitchens possible. Often in a corner kitchen, upper cabinets are made right up to the ceiling - this stretches the room, and at the same time creates a lot of new space for storing kitchen utensils.

Storage in plain sight is not about Scandinavian style.

To separate two zones, bright accents are usually used, for example:

• a light lampshade above the table, eye-catching with its color;
• or a stylish move, seen in the series “Friends” - the use of different chairs.

In addition, you can always use lighting. It is in the corner kitchen that you need to approach it with all responsibility, since the corner is the most frequently used area in the kitchen, but also the darkest.

The best option would be to run an LED strip along the bottom of the upper headset.

1. Vacation home

The kitchen in a country house differs only in its size. Most often, outside the city, they make a kitchen combined with a living room to make it more comfortable and convenient to receive guests. A large and massive table is placed in the center, and chairs with high backs are placed around it.

Some elements from a classic or country style will look good. For example, the curtains are not monochrome, but with a small floral pattern. This will add a touch of rustic comfort to the interior, which is so necessary in a country wooden house.

It is better to keep the color scheme in white and light pastel colors, adding dark shades in very measured doses.

Let there be light!

In a Scandinavian style, the kitchen should be well lit. This will also benefit small rooms, which will appear larger due to the light. Style dictates several rules:

• if possible, it is necessary to expand the window - the larger it is, the better;
• remove the curtains - this solution will allow the maximum amount of light to enter the room through the glass;
• if it is not possible to remove the curtains, then light, airy fabrics in light colors are used;
• The more lighting sources, the better - they can even be built into the floor.

But at the same time, it is important not to overdo it, since the Scandinavian style stands for minimalism and reasonable functionality.

Each light source should serve a useful function, and not illuminate the top surface of the cabinet, which no one ever uses.

The design and materials of the chandelier are also extremely important. Often it is the lamp that brings the entire interior to a single concept. In the Scandinavian kitchen you can find chandeliers of various types:

• with elements of wood - this will emphasize unity with nature, and at the same time there will be a connection with the wooden tabletop;
• metal in a lamp can fill a room with light and air, and also serve as a tribute to modern designers;
• Crystal is also a natural material, so crystal lamps will be appropriate. They fit best into a Scandinavian kitchen with classic elements;
• The simplest lamp is an incandescent lamp on a long wire. Usually several such lighting sources are combined into a group and with their help they zone the space;
• LED strips can be used both around the office of the room and as lighting for the work area under the upper set.

When choosing lighting for a Scandinavian-style kitchen, you can use your imagination on a grand scale. The only rule is to add light in the required amount, without sparing it.

Real photo of a kitchen 6 sq.m. in Scandinavian style.

Lighting

One of the most important functional systems in such a room is lighting. In the Scandinavian style there should be a lot of light, so there will also be a lot of lamps in the kitchen and living room. This is one of the main features of this design.

Traditionally, above the center of each functional area there is a main lamp, which has a simple shape - cylindrical, classic soft oval or round. Although non-standard solutions are also appropriate here - it is the shape of white lamps in Scandinavian design that can become a decorative component of the composition.

You should definitely take care of lighting, additional sources - sconces, floor lamps, table lamps. To make the interior look the same as during the day, it is advisable to choose a white spectrum for lighting, otherwise the snow-white space will take on a not-so-pleasant yellow tint.

How to choose decor?

The main thing when choosing decor for a Scandinavian kitchen is not to overdo it and maintain a unified style. A favorite decorative touch among Scandinavians is a large number of posters in the same theme on the wall. These could also be photographs of the family. The main thing is to choose frames in the same style.

The new trend in kitchen decoration is chalk boards like in school. They can be compact or occupy the entire wall and even the apron area.

It’s very easy to make such a wall, even with your own hands: you need to purchase special graphite paint and apply it in two or three layers - and the highlight of the interior is ready.

Textile

Pillows, towels, and chair covers made from natural fabrics will look great in a Scandinavian kitchen. They can be selected in both light colors and contrast. But if there are already contrasting elements in the kitchen, then it is important not to overdo it.

If there is a need for a rug, then it must be a rug or carpet knitted with a large loop. Another standard Scandinavian option is long-haired hide.