Create a Scandinavian home with Instagram profile - @haus_tannenkamp

1. NATURAL MATERIALS

At the heart of Scandinavian design lies a deep appreciation for nature. Scandinavian homes embrace the use of natural materials such as wood, stone, leather and wool, all of which add warmth to your space.

For me, a Scandinavian home means an oasis of calm where my mind and eyes can rest. Timeless design classics, neutral colors and natural materials give me a feeling of calm and stability, in which I feel particularly comfortable.” Says Sarah.

Sarah uses hard wood floors and exposed wooden beams to ground her home in nature. Furniture crafted from light toned timber and even rustic stone creates a sense of organic beauty and by incorporating natural fibres in neutral colours, such as beige linen, creamy cotton and grey wool she is able to create a cosy and inviting atmosphere that works in harmony with the home’s natural aesthetics.

2. FORM AND FUNCTION

Scandinavian design is renowned for its emphasis on form and function. Avoid clutter and choose furniture and accessories with clean lines.

Sarah has adopted a restrained approach to design that allows the beauty of each piece to shine through.

My furnishing style is a cozy and warm Scandi style, which goes in part in the slightly rustic direction of Wabi-Sabi to match our old building on the edge of the forest.” She says.

In your Scandinavian home select pieces that serve a purpose and add value to your everyday life. Strive for simplicity and invest in pieces that are not only visually pleasing but also highly functional.

4. NATURAL LIGHT

Maximising natural light is crucial in Scandinavian homes. Allowing in as much natural light as possible creates a sense of space and serenity and opens the home to the nature that surrounds it.

Keep window treatments minimal or even non-existent as Sarah has done here and opt for sheer curtains or blinds that can be drawn to provide privacy while also allowing the light to pass through.

A strategically placed mirror can reflect light, while the traditionally neutral Scandinavian walls allow as much light as possible to bounce around the room.

5. MIX AND MATCH

Whilst Scandinavian homes certainly have many recurring features, it is, of course important to inject some personality into your home. Mix and match different accessories and styles to suit your mood. Play with textures, patterns and little pops of colour to make your Scandinavian home stand out from the crowd.

Pair minimalist furniture with rustic accents like Sarah or keep your walls bright and neutral but add colour with bright accessories. The key is to strike a harmonious balance that reflects your personal style.

Where does Sarah find inspiration for her Scandinavian home, you may be wondering. “My coffee table books on interior design and Scandinavian magazines are my favorite inspiration. Apart from that, I also find ideas and inspiration for my own home in the collections of my favourite designers and on Instagram.”

The most important thing is to pick items you love and that bring you joy. Make your home personal to you.

Creating a Scandinavian home is all about embracing simplicity, the beauty of nature and of course functionality. By incorporating natural materials, focusing on form and function, blending old and new, maximizing your use of natural light and experimenting with different styles you can transform your living space into a serene and inviting Scandinavian sanctuary, wherever you are in the world.

Photography: Sarah von Heugel