How to Design a Scandi Style Home That Doesn’t Look Like an Ikea Showroom

So you love Ikea and Scandinavian designs, but don’t know how to embrace the style without copying and pasting an Ikea showroom?

We collected ideas from Scandinavian homes on Instagram:

Minimalistic design and clean lines are a signature feature of Scandinavian style homes. To offset and complement such minimalism, add texture to the home.

Do it with architectural additions like a wainscot wall:

 

A post shared by Calvers + Suvdal (@calverssuvdal) on Jul 15, 2016 at 10:47pm PDT

…or with decorative pieces like furry pillows, fluffy rugs, knitted throws, and other fabric décor.

 

A post shared by interior & styling | Susanna (@shnordic) on Feb 15, 2017 at 10:52am PST

 

A post shared by Showhomegirls (@showhomegirls) on Feb 15, 2017 at 4:15pm PST

Diverge from a 100% Scandinavian look by adding a star, contrasting-style piece to the room. Shop for a piece that really reflects your personality so that the room goes from showroom to special.

#Scandistyle room with a rustic side table.

 

A post shared by K A T I E (@halfway_wholeistic) on Feb 15, 2017 at 4:05pm PST

Vintage designs add instant charm.

 

A post shared by Design Salvation (@designsalvationwithlaura) on Feb 13, 2017 at 3:20pm PST

…and so does a modern chandelier.

 

A post shared by @scandimylove on Jan 13, 2016 at 2:15pm PST

With “minimalistic and clean” as its main descriptors, Scandinavian designs often feel light and airy. Counter this with an interior design trick – anchoring – add some solidity (and character) to the room.

Do this with a deep wall colour.

 

A post shared by Dagmara Fajks (@roomor_) on Feb 15, 2017 at 4:35am PST

…or a feature brick wall.

 

A post shared by Cozy Home?? (@nordic_design_) on Feb 9, 2017 at 10:38pm PST

Oversized art works too.

 

A post shared by Retrojan Designer Furniture (@retrojan) on Feb 12, 2017 at 12:07am PST

Ornate patterns also contrast minimalism well. In every Scandi-style room, dedicate one or two ornate furniture, décor, or architectural elements.

 

A post shared by Kristin lagerqvist (@krickelin) on Sep 21, 2016 at 11:10pm PDT

That wall, that rug, that table cloth, and those pendant lamps take this dining room from meh to magic.

 

A post shared by TING Retro inredning (@tingretro) on Oct 28, 2016 at 3:26am PDT

Ikea designs use plenty of white, black, wood stains, and bright primary colours. Balance those with soft colours – it adds a sense of cosiness too.

Keep your basic pieces neutral and save the colour for changeable décor pieces like art, sheets, and flowers.

 

A post shared by Brent Rosenberg (@brentrosenberg) on Feb 14, 2017 at 1:45am PST

Or soften the modernity of your Scandi home with a soft, grey wall.

 

A post shared by Carole Decombe (@galerie_carole_decombe) on Dec 18, 2016 at 7:50am PST

Get free quotations from Malaysian interior designer firms and give your home the makeover you deserve. You can also check out other local interior design portfolios for makeover ideas.