Scandiluxe: How to Create Contemporary Scandinavian Style

But trends evolve and this year sees hygge (the Scandi principle of simple cosiness) go next-level.

Meet Scandiluxe, a look that fuses classic Nordic simplicity with luxurious textures and elegant touches. It’s an aesthetic that’s both inviting and sophisticated – and one you’ll love coming home to.

Tempted to try it? Here are the seven key elements you’ll need to create the look.

1. Think beyond neutrals

Scandinavian style relies heavily on understated neutrals – cool greys, crisp whites and pale timbers. To elevate the look to contemporary Scandinavian, use these as your base and add in a supplementary colour drawn from nature, such as blush, warm nougat, terracotta or soft sage.

Use them as block colours on your bedding, sofa upholstery or kitchen joinery to add softness and an element of surprise to your interior. Then look to introduce touches of bold black in picture frames, steel furniture legs, shower screen frames and light fittings for a modern edge.

2. Up the comfort factor

Softness is a key ingredient in contemporary Scandinavian styling and makes your interior feel relaxing and cocooning. Seek out furniture that is durable and generous in its proportions and seating such as dining chairs, bar stools and office chairs upholstered in tactile, textured fabrics such as velvet, boucle and cord.

Introduce one or two glam elements, such as a plush velvet armchair into a room that’s dominated by simple lines and pale timbers or an upholstered ottoman in place of a traditional coffee table.

Soften the vertical surfaces in a room and add depth by lining a wall with blonde timber or applying a muted, patterned wallpaper.

And if budget permits, consider splashing out on a cosy fireplace that friends and family can gather around on those chilly, winter nights.

3. Luxe textures and materials

For next-level Scandi, think beyond timber. While the natural wonder is still likely to form the basis of your scheme in flooring, cabinetry and furniture, look around your home and you’ll find plenty of opportunities where you can up the glam factor with luxurious materials.

Embrace the terrazzo trend by adding it to your bathroom floors or walls or seek out a dining table with a terrazzo top or base. Introduce touches of striking marble to a kitchen through a benchtop or splashback, and add softness underfoot to the rooms in your home that are all about relaxation, such as the bedroom, living room and family, with felted wool carpet or cosy rugs.

Contrast is key; mix matte finishes with high-gloss touches in tiles and fixtures for a look that’s both layered and opulent.

4. Dark and dramatic touches

Whereas the classic Scandi look focuses on pale timbers, the latest, luxe version sees a layering of different tones. Pair beech flooring or furniture with one or two mid-tone and dark timber elements, such as a console table in mango wood or a feature wall in walnut, which takes your look from pure Scandi to one with hints of mid-century and industrial chic.

5. Maximise light

A connection with nature is crucial in Scandinavian design – and the Scandiluxe look is no different. Maximise views and let natural light stream in by keeping window furnishings to a minimum – think sheer linen curtains that create a soft, diffused light and pale, vertical blinds to patio doors that can be fully drawn back to create a generous opening onto a deck or balcony.

If natural light is in short supply in your home, position mirrors to bounce around what you’ve got and make your space feel lighter and brighter (as an added bonus, they will also make rooms appear larger).

Bold pendant lights above a kitchen island add drama and interest to your cooking space –choosing a style with diffuser will create a soft, welcoming glow that’s perfect for the hub of the home.

6. Smart storage

Clutter is a no-no in a look that’s all about calm and simplicity. Keep surfaces clear of mess by creating a place for everything with well-considered storage. Rather than an open vanity in the bathroom, select a style with storage to house shampoos, soaps and bathing paraphernalia; choose bedside tables with drawers to keep books and nighttime essentials; and ensure your living room remains a clutter-free zone with a built-in joinery wall where you can house the television and tuck magazines, kids’ toys and knick-knacks away.

If built-in storage isn’t an option, seek out multi-tasking furniture such as storage sofas and ottomans where you can easily hide mess away.

7. Add artwork and greenery

In keeping with the luxe, Scandi aesthetic, opt for simple, abstract artwork or black and white photographs in bold, black frames. Add softness and boost the natural feel with indoor plants and displays of fresh flowers.