Decorating The Perfect Nordic Style Living Room – 6 Tips For Achieving The Look

Choosing a home design that suits your style and budget can be an overwhelming experience. However, incorporating a Nordic style living room is one of the best decisions you can ever make. The Nordic interior design is perfect for those who aspire for a minimalistic, cozy, and inviting living space.

Creating the dream Nordic style living room is easier than you think, it requires a few key elements to achieve the desired effect and soon you’ll have transformed your home into a sanctuary that will be as inviting to others as its relaxing for you.

We’ll be taking a look at the components of Nordic interior and how you can create the perfect Nordic style living room that will make you want to spend all your time there.

What is a typical Nordic style living room?

Nordic style, similar to Scandinavian interior originated in the Nordic countries. Be sure to explore the key differences between the two in our deep dive into Nordic vs Scandinavian Interior Design. Nordic interior has gained popularity for its clean, minimalist approach that creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

Very much stemming from the popular term, Hygge, a Nordic style living room will consist of more rustic furniture that is hand made, using forest materials with softer, earthy tones. This is essentially to create a feeling of being cozy with nature, like you are huddled, nice and warm underneath the forest canopy. 

This does not mean the living room becomes traditional and out-dated. In fact quite opposite, a modern aesthetic is still the typical look they go for, with the key being that the room keeps to the basic minimalist and functional design concepts that embodies that Nordic lifestyle.

This is exactly what makes designing a Nordic style living room so popular, you tap into the desirable look that the modern, clean lines offer whilst retaining the cozy, relaxing hygge vibe created by the natural materials and darker colours. A similar design choice to consider is Japandi where you are also getting the benefits of combining interior principles from different regions.

Take a look below at an example of a contrasting style and the impact a nordic style living room can have on how inviting a house can be.

Both living rooms here are beautifully designed, however its clear the monochromotic black and whites from the Scandinavian living room gives a more formal, chic impression. Whereas the Nordic style living room brings warmth through the wood and unique furniture that, while still modern and stylish is so much more cozy and begging for someone to curl up with a hot chocolate and a good book.

How do I make my living room look Nordic?

Understanding the Basics of Nordic Style

Before you start creating your Nordic style living room, it’s important to understand the basics of this style. The style is inspired by the Nordic landscape, which, as mentioned before, is why it often features elements such as wood, stone, and earthy tones. Nordic style also prioritizes functionality over excess, so you’ll see a lot of emphasis on storage and organization.

Selecting the Right Color Scheme

When it comes to a Nordic style living room, choosing the right color scheme is crucial. Nordic style tends to favor neutral, muted colors like gray, brown, and dark wood. These colors create a calm and serene atmosphere that is perfect for unwinding after a long day. However, you can also add pops of color to your Nordic style living room by incorporating different textures or patterns. Just make sure that the colors you choose complement each other and don’t clash.

Incorporating Natural Materials

This is probably the standout element for achieving the nordic style in your living room. This means choosing furniture made from materials like wood, leather, and linen. Choose pieces that have a minimalist design, and opt for sustainable materials like teak or oak. Wooden floors and exposed wooden beams are also particularly popular in Nordic style living rooms. And don’t forget about cozy textiles like wool and fur blankets to add warmth and texture.

Adding Functional Storage Solutions

Minimalism and functionality go hand in hand, especially for a nordic style living room. In order to maintain that clutter-free and comfortable design, the few pieces that will be in the room need to manage the storage effectively. This means that storage solutions are a key element. Incorporate plenty of shelving, cabinets, and storage baskets to keep your space organized and clutter-free. You can also choose furniture pieces such as side tables or coffee tables with built-in storage to maximize space.

Accessorize and Decorate

This is what elevates the room from a well designed living space to that next level, nordic style living room. Choose wall art in neutral colors that evoke feelings of calmness or nature. Decorate with personal touches such as handcrafted ceramics and natural woven baskets. And if you’re looking for a statement piece, consider a large rug with geometric patterns or natural tones to tie the room together.

Consider incorporating plants into your living space. Not only do plants add natural beauty and a spot of vibrant color to a room, but they also help purify the air. Choose plants that thrive in low light, such as snake plants, peace lilies, and rubber plants. Group several plants together in varying heights to create a statement piece.

Lighting. Lighting. Lighting

All the above steps will be for nothing if we don’t absolutely nail the lighting. Any hygge enthusiast will tell you the ambiance can be make or break based on the lighting choice. But fortunately it does not require expensive elaborate fixtures to achieve. In Nordic style living rooms, natural light is preferred, so a few well placed light window treatments can make a big impact. At night be sure to add layers of lighting, including floor lamps, table lamps, and pendant lighting to help create a warm and welcoming ambiance, particularly during long winter nights. And don’t forget the bulbs themselves, find warmer whites and yellows to prevent a harsh light ruining the mood.

Creating the perfect Nordic style living room can transform your home into a beautiful, inviting, and cozy space. And by incorporating natural materials, warmer colors, functional furniture, and the right lighting, you can easily achieve the Nordic look for your living space. Don’t forget to add meaningful touches through decorative pieces. If you take these tips into account while designing your nordic style living room, you will create a true Nordic haven – one that is both beautiful and inviting.

It’s time to take back control of your interior design journey, go forth and experiment. Make the space your own!