How to Design a Scandinavian Kitchen

The Scandinavian Farmhouse Kitchen style has a very calm & relaxing feel to it. Here are some kitchen ideas to help give you a great Scandinavian kitchen.

Scandinavian kitchens are designed to meet the needs of daily use while providing a warm space

Open any design magazine and you’ll likely see a Scandinavian style kitchen splashed across the pages. Characterized by clean lines, light colors and natural textures, the design has gained popularity due to a less-is-more functionality rather than flashy bells and whistles. Bright, practical and beautiful, Scandinavian kitchens are designed to meet the needs of daily use while providing a warm, comfortable gathering place for friends and family.

What is a Scandinavian Style Kitchen?

During the 1930s, Nordic countries began to promote a minimalist kitchen style that favored simple living, comfort and function over fancy, trendy features. Now, Scandinavian kitchen design is one of the most popular styles and a favorite of both professional and amateur designers alike. The look is light, bright and airy, and mirrors the Nordic love of the outdoors by incorporating natural textures, plants and rustic elements into the space. The focus on clutter-free practicality, simplicity and function in a Scandinavian kitchen places an emphasis on the people in the space rather than the space itself.

Scandinavian Kitchen Design Elements

Here are the most important elements to consider when creating a Scandinavian style kitchen:

Colors

A Scandinavian kitchen incorporates a limited color palette. Whites and neutral hues blend with light, natural wood tones, while pops of blue and green bring the colors of the outdoors inside. The simple palette provides a clean backdrop for a piece of contemporary art — a favorite focal point in a Scandinavian style kitchen. BLANCO SILGRANIT® sinks, and are available in nature-inspired hues and a variety of designs to bring the Scandinavian color palette to life in your kitchen.

Cabinets

Flat-panel cabinets are a common feature of Scandinavian kitchen design, thanks to their simple, clean lines. When it comes to cabinet colors, wood, painted, two-toned and white hues are all popular options.

Shelving

As an alternative to a Scandinavian kitchen cabinet, opt for shelving instead. Open and floating shelves are also common in a Scandinavian kitchen and allow stylish yet minimalistic dishes, mugs and other objects to be admired. Follow the Scandinavian aesthetic of having a place for everything to avoid clutter.

Flooring

The flooring in a Scandinavian kitchen normally features light, natural wood and warm tones. These colors expertly complement the neutral hues of the rest of the space while allowing pops of color to make an impact.

Backsplash/Wall

White tiling, white brick or other white shades are a common feature of Scandinavian kitchen design, keeping the backdrop clean, bright and simple. Minimal color allows for texture to stand out as another visual element without appearing too busy.

Furniture

Tables, chairs, stools and other Scandinavian kitchen furniture is made of warm, light-color redwood, keeping the space bright and airy. No flashy pieces here — the furniture is sleek, minimal, well-designed and functional.

Fixtures

Sink and faucet fixtures in a Scandinavian style kitchen are modern and minimal, blending contemporary shapes with subtle finishes. With function in mind, fixtures often simplify daily tasks with features like ergonomic handles, pull-down sprayheads and more. The LINUS faucet’s sleek and timeless design fits seamlessly into Scandinavian-inspired interiors.

Plants

Scandinavian culture is rooted in a deep love of the outdoors. Potted plants on shelves, counters, islands and other surfaces bring the outside in to a Scandinavian kitchen. Walls offer a blank slate for greenery as well — an herb wall, for example, provides unique decor that also functions as a culinary tool.

Bottom Line:

Simplify your lifestyle — and create a stylish environment — by embracing the cleanliness and natural textures of Scandinavian kitchens. Take the less is more approach to design and prioritize optimal function in the heart of the home.

ABOUT BLANCO

For over 100 years, BLANCO has served as passionate kitchen experts delivering premium products backed by industry-leading German engineering. Our niche is transforming how you use the water zone with the BLANCO UNIT, the seamless integration of our sinks, faucets, accessories and organization systems into one smart solution. Everything you need to drink, prep and clean is all in one place.

We are utterly obsessed with improving the heart of the home and want to impart our decades of residential kitchen knowledge to those embarking on their kitchen reno journey or considering an upgrade.

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