How To Do Rustic Decor The Scandinavian Way

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What comes to mind when you think of the countries Sweden and Norway? We’re guessing images of nature: the cool breeze, the blue sky, the emerald sea… Ah, so lovely.

Rustic decor in Scandinavian Style mimics the typical Nordic environment. This style is based on natural wood with combinations of blue and white colors,  antique and worn trunks, as well as many other accessories. It is not difficult to succumb to the charm of rustic decoration while enjoying the Scandinavian’ minimalistic approach. Want a style that is both durable and classy? Scandinavian’s your best bet.

Here’s is a quick overview of both Rustic and Scandinavian styles.

Embrace Nature With Scandinavian Style

Never underestimate the popularity of the Scandinavian style – it has been in trend for several years, and is expected to continue doing so. Its main advantages are minimalism and functionalism. The Scandinavian style proves that sometimes, less is better than more. The basic raw material is wood, which is often painted in subdued colors and without any unnecessary decorations. Subtle colors like black, white, and shades of gray have a calming effect, making a space look cleaner and more cared for.

Relieve The Good Ol’ Times With Rustic Style

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Rustic decor style mixes rural simplicity and sophistication. It focuses on nature, vegetation, and warmth of the home, visible in wooden elements, the smell and the color of lavender. In contrast to the Scandinavian style, the rustic decor style features decorations, accessories (tablecloths, napkins, curtains, bedspreads) and strong, fresh colors. If you like homely vibes, it is definitely worth choosing the Rustic decor style.

How To Do Rustic Decor The Scandinavian Way?

Using rustic decor for a Scandinavian aesthetic is not difficult. Simply follow these 5 guidelines:

1. Bet On Blue Or White

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The base color of Scandinavian decor style, blue brings luminosity and serves as a great base for experimentation with other colors. Opt for black, gray and beige as the second layer and reserve pastel colors like pink or green for filling in details with.

2. Use A Variety Of Materials

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In the world of rustic decor, wood is the color white’s best friend. It is usually the material chosen for furniture and small details. Decorative bowls, photo frames or plant pots are just a few such examples.

Other materials such as industrial furniture, carpet, marble, wicker or cork will give the desired Scandi touch as well.

3. Choose What Is Natural

Forget about shrill curtains or duvet covers with too many drawings – these have no place in the Scandinavian aesthetic. When choosing furniture and accessories, choose those in soft colors like beige or pastel shades, and which are made of cotton or linen.

4. Say ‘No’ To Excess

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Rustic home decor is also a way of life. In line with the Scandinavian style, spaces must be clean, with only furniture and objects that are really needed. Interestingly, this rule/principle is also one which the minimalistic interior design style goes by. 

5. Fifty Shades Of Green

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The best way to complete the rustic look of a Scandinavian-styled house is by adding plants. Indoor plants such as the delicious monster, the ficus or the Euphorbia cactus are some excellent options to consider.

Elements For A Rustic Space

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Apart from imparting warmth, rustic decor also gives a romantic and nostalgic air to any space in your home. And as mentioned above, one of the basic elements in Scandinavian Rustic Style decoration is wood. Wood, of every kind and color, is the rustic material par excellence. Its durability and beauty make it essential for decorating any space.

In the case of the living room, wood usage can be extended to the floor, walls and ceiling… especially wood in natural tones. The walls can be lined with wood up to medium height, on only one wall, or all walls. Of course, this also depends on factors such as the effect you want to create, and also the type of wood (e.g. white, natural) that is used.

One of the many options available is wooden paneling. Not only will wooden panels give you that rustic look you are looking for; they will help insulate the room as well. Or, how about a false ceiling with wooden beams? This will help transform your living room into a more natural and cozy space – one you’ll want to spend time in.

1. Stick To A Mostly Neutral Palette

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Wood should be present in a multitude of decorative accessories such as paintings, furniture, lamps and all kinds of accessories. Opt for vintage furniture combined with some industrial furniture artifacts. Add objects and vases with soft colored flowers that let nature into your living room. Also, bet on natural patterns and earthy colors. The latter can refer to green or blue in carpets, curtains, sofas, chairs, and so on. Put all these pointers into practice, and you will have yourself the perfect countryside home in no time at all.

2. Fireplace For Some Quality Bonding Time

Another of the key elements for a rustic living room is to include a fireplace that becomes a focus of heat, home and meeting point. This idea will help you create a truly endearing and unique corner.

#TBT the serene and enveloping atmosphere of the houses of our grandparents’ villages. Fancy a rustic fireplace for your Scandinavian home!

3. Wall Decor To Complete The Look

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Rustic wall décor is another important element that will help you in your house transformation. Get an antique-looking clock from your nearest thrift store, or put up a vintage mural. Wall decor can be affixed to a single wall, the fireplace area or the entire living room. Ultimately, it all comes down to the effect you want to create.

4. Floral Decorations To Instantly Brighten Any Space

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Floral patterns reflect the most romantic side of rustic decor in Scandinavian style. Provided they don’t clash, florals can be combined with other rustic patterns and decorations. Try floral vases, earthenware vessels, porcelain dishes or colorful covers with floral patterns for sofas or cushions. These bring a touch of contrast to this simple and discreet style of decoration.

Remember, we can also play a little with the looks and floral decorative elements. Just try not to overwhelm the entire room with florals from top to bottom. If not, this calm and simple style can easily become chaotic and wild.

5. Experiment With Different Patterns

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The rustic design is all about patterns. Cushions, blankets and sofa covers do not have to have only floral patterns. To complete the rustic look, use fabrics and wallpapers with square patterns and straight lines. These fine lines adorn blankets, curtains and all kinds of furniture/accessories that you can use to decorate your home.

6. Decorate Your Garden

The garden is undoubtedly an important part of our homes. It provides us with a sense of well-being and comfort, and allows us to enjoy nature. A fabulous garden isn’t hard to achieve: just follow a few simple steps, such as adding small decorative elements. Antique brass teapots, a romantic garden chair,  a wooden table or some other kind of fun accessory: take your pick from these, and more!

A Rustic x Scandinavian crossover evokes feelings of peace and tranquility. Materials like wood, and colors like blue and white, will bring all the beauty of the rustic decor to your house in Scandinavian style. Now, if you’ll excuse me – be right back cozying up to a cup of coffee in my Scandinavian house.