It’s impossible to make a mistake with Scandi Mid-Century Modern. This style merges the cosiness and modernity of uncluttered, straightforward designs and neutral colour tones. Fusing these two aesthetics results in a classic and distinctive appearance, and understanding how to achieve it is the first step.
After this article, you will be a pro when it comes to the Scandi Mid-century Modern look, and your home will completely transform.
What is Scandi Mid-Century Modern?
The Scandinavian design emphasizes the use of natural materials, light colors, sustainability, and clean lines. At the same time, the midcentury style favors geometric designs, bold colors, a clean style, and lots of man-made materials.
The two styles offer a harmonious balance and work together to maximize your entire space. To create the look, you need to work with dark and light and fuse them together to create a look that is streamlined and sleek.
The two styles both include natural wood finishes, organic forms, similar design touches, and a focus on form and function.
How to Get the Scandi Mid-Century Modern Look
Simple and clean lines
The goal is to create a space that looks clean, clutter-free, and bright. You want your space to look and feel calm, and the use of simple and clean lines can do this for you.
Create a space that uses light colors, has wooden floors, tons of natural light, and uses modern or Scandinavian influences when it comes to the furniture you go for. You could go for chairs or tables with curved or tapered legs.
It is crucial to understand that less is more with this style.
Neutral but bold carpets or rugs
Statement lighting and minimal furniture are not complete without a patterned and bold carpet or rug. It warms the space up. When choosing a color, stick with the neutral palette you decided on, but choose a rug that contrasts the rest of the room.
Bold rugs are a significant part of the Scandi Mid Century style, and you could opt for one with big geometric prints on it or something a bit more textured or with a hint of color.
Textures and colors
It is best to use colors that are similar. Pre-make a neutral palette to get a good idea of the color combinations you would like to use; it will make all of your other design choices look curated and much more curated.
Various textures and colors can unite your entire space. It ties it all together and completes the look. You should also add some fabrics, metals, and wood. For example, you could pair a minimalistic duvet cover with some beautiful olive-green or neutral-toned curtains.
Or match your drawer pulls with a gorgeous brass table lamp to tie things together. Duvets in solid colors can also be very striking. Minimal is always better.
A gorgeous faux fur carpet or blanket can also add some texture, and you can’t go wrong with a colored ornament or light piece.
Remember the 80/20 rule
The 80/20 rule means that you should make 80% of your pieces one design style and the remaining 20% the other style. You can use these pieces to make a statement and to be your focus.
Use the same colors and materials in all rooms in your house. The same style should reflect in your bathroom, door handles, or kitchen hardware.
You can also use artwork, ornaments, or cushions to bring in your other style; you could have a minimalistic sofa with some striking throw pillows. You could either do 80% Scandinavian and 20% Mid-century modern, or vice versa.
It all comes down to personal preference, but either way will be just as unique and stunning.
Include natural elements
The whole look does focus on the use of neutral tones, a decent splash of color is needed, but it must also be intentional. It is best to use colors that work with and fit into a neutral palette.
It could be earthy greens, watery blues, sunny yellows, or any colors that pair well with white, black, and white walls or furnishings. You can also add various plants; this creates more color and warmth.
You can also create warmth through the use of candles, throws, rugs, and blankets. The space should feel cozy and warm, so a lot of natural light is also needed. Avoid going overboard with the natural elements as well. Minimalism and simplicity are key!
A splash of flared wooden legs
Flared wood legs on upholstered furniture on tables are a classic part of Scandinavian design. It can give the room or house a sophisticated and timeless feel to it. It is much better to use real wood.
You can easily tie natural wood finishes into your home by including a lovely coffee table or some armchairs. And then complement the table with a simple ornament, or opt for a solid color armchair with a striking throw on it.
Focus on the Similarities Between Mid-Century Modern and Scandi Styles
Look at the elements that Scandinavian design and Mid-century modern have in common, and use them to create a space that is cohesive. When you go shopping for decor and furniture, look for items that share a common ground and that work together.
It is best to use pieces that are simple, clean, and minimalistic. You could use mirrors to open the space up, and faux fur is a huge part of the Scandinavian style.
Scandinavian elements
- Furniture that is simple, clean, and not very detailed
- Natural elements, like leather, faux fur, rattan, cotton, wool
- Focus on light and use loads of natural light
- Plants for color
Mid-century modern elements
- Geometric patterns could be on a rug, pillows, wallpaper, or a piece of art
- The use of sculptural and iconic furniture pieces
- Use color
- Always remember, less is more. Do not go crazy with ornaments. Use decor that is functional, and uses simple lines
- You can add touches of some man-made materials and avoid heavy drapery
The differences
The main difference between the two styles is their surroundings. Scandinavian-style interior design favors pale tones, pillows, and rugs of various textures and then a few pops of color with a much more rustic feel.
While Mid Century Modern furniture and interiors love bold prints, patterns, and colors, it also favors the use of teak, and lots of open space, glass, and natural light.
You do not need to have a background in interior design in order to create a beautiful and stylish home. There are tons of online sources you can use, and understanding the basic elements of the design styles you want to make use of are a great start.
In order to get the Scandi Mid-Century Modern look, you will need to do some pre-planning and decide on colors and certain pieces first – this will make adding other elements much easier.
Mixing Scandinavian and Mid-century-modern will give your house a brand new look, feel, and much more personality! Getting the look is relatively simple once you know what you are supposed to be doing and looking for.
Always remember simplicity, light, form, function, and color when creating this look.
