Thinking about installing Scandinavian flooring in your home?
Choosing the right flooring for your home is perhaps one of the toughest decisions you’ll make regarding interior design. There are so many different options out there that all look fantastic.
For example, Scandinavian design is growing more and more popular. The great thing about Scandinavian interiors is that there are some general rules to follow for guidance. But, despite these rules, there is a lot of room to play around with the details.
Today, we’ll be breaking down what exactly Scandinavian design is, as well as how to choose the perfect Scandinavian flooring.
Table of Contents
The Essence of Scandinavian Design
Natural, sustainable, minimalistic, and functional. These four adjectives together perfectly encapsulate what Scandinavian design is all about.
Natural – natural wood is at the heart of this type of design. It’s all about using natural tones, light, and materials that blur the line between the outside and the inside. Plenty of Scandinavian homes will also feature plants to add some greenery to space.
Sustainable – People in Nordic countries truly appreciate the outdoors and nature. For this reason, many of the materials in their homes will be sourced ethically and sustainably, as well as be void of harmful chemicals.
Minimalistic – Scandinavian homes are very minimal when it comes to details. That’s not to say they are completely void of features, but they are very intentional with what details they choose. Scandinavian design utilizes clean lines that pull together the room in a simplistic and satisfying manner. The interior will have minimal clutter overall. It’s not uncommon to also see white walls with furniture, flooring, and other features acting as accent pieces to add life to the rooms.
Functional – Functionality is essential for Scandinavian design. This ties directly into the minimalist characteristics, with the idea being you only include features that you’ll use often and that the space is designed for everyday living.
Scandinavian Characteristics to Look For
If you’re looking to bring Scandinavian style into your home, you will want to showcase these key characteristics to bring it all together. Let’s look at some of the top characteristics you should be keeping an eye out for when deciding on the wood flooring for a Scandinavian home.
Wood and Wood-Style Flooring
For a truly Scandinavian-inspired home, wood floors are a must. This goes back to the natural characteristic that these homes will incorporate. A wood floor is a great way to add warmth to the interior, and they look beautiful, especially when including minimalistic design. You can also use wood-like tiles which possess the beauty of natural wood flooring but are much easier to keep clean and maintain. If you desire to utilize natural hardwood floors, white oak and other closed grain woods are great in terms of durability and style.
Pale and Lighter Colored
So, wood and wood-like tiles are the way to go. But there are so many variations, so how do you choose the right one? While you can mix and match with the cabinetry in your kitchen to find the right type of wood and color, the general rule of thumb for Scandinavian homes is the lighter and paler, the better. Whitewashed wood floors, in particular, are an excellent choice—specifically whitewashed pine floors. Many other light wood species like white oak are heavily embraced in Scandinavian style.
Wider Planks
When it comes to the floor style you choose, wider planks are generally considered more in line with Scandinavian style. However, you can definitely play around with this principle to create an interior that works for you and your preferences.
Matte Finish
In addition to natural materials, Scandinavian style also leans towards matte finishes. This is no surprise given most natural textures have a matte like finish. Granted, this does not mean there can be no glossy or semi-glossy finishes in your style, matte is simply another characteristic.
Choosing the Best Scandinavian Flooring for Your Home
There are a lot of variables in Scandinavian design ranging from the materials, finishes, and layout. But don’t let a specific characteristic get in the way! What matters most is that you end up with a new floor that you love. If you are looking to embrace Scandinavian style throughout your space, you would love Puustelli cabinetry. Our cabinets are the epitome of Scandinavian design with natural materials, stunning color palettes, and beautiful finishes to complement your space. Feel free to reach out to us to learn more about embracing Scandinavian style in your home!