Small Kitchen in Scandinavian Style: 13 Tips for Decoration

Want to transform your small kitchen into a cozy Scandinavian corner? It's not as complicated as it might seem, if you follow our checklist of decoration tips.

1. Light Color Palette

Naturally, many interiors can't do without graphic black or colorful accents, but base tones are still light. However, it's not necessary to stick to pure white, contrary to popular belief. First of all, white has many variations, and secondly, gray and pastel tones are also quite appropriate in Scandinavian interiors.

2. Subtle Color Accents

Abundance of bright accents is not typical for Scandinavian style. A few careful and unobtrusive color touches are enough to 'dilute' the calm base palette.

3. Compact Dishwasher and Other Household Helpers

A Scandinavian-style kitchen is primarily functional and comfortable for daily cooking. Of course, it's impossible to imagine such a kitchen without modern household helpers. The most important of these is the dishwasher.

The question of where to find space for this appliance in a modest area is no longer relevant: modern manufacturers offer narrow models (width – 45 cm) that can fit even on a tiny kitchen.

By the way, having a dishwasher allows you to do away with bulky dish racks and save precious space on the countertop! Not to mention that this household helper saves your time, energy, and even reduces water consumption (because much more water is used for hand-washing dishes).

4. Open Shelves

Modern Scandinavian-style kitchens offer a complete or partial rejection of upper wall-mounted cabinets. Store your beautiful dishes in sight – and get maximum quick access to them.

However, keep in mind that any clutter on a small area instantly catches the eye, so you should maintain order on open shelves.

5. Railings

Continuing the theme of open storage and quick access to necessary utensils – railings. A practical and stylish element of Scandinavian kitchen decoration that helps gain a bit more space for additional storage in a small area.

6. Lighting

When arranging a small kitchen in Scandinavian style, ensure sufficient lighting. First of all, plenty of light visually makes a small room seem a bit more spacious. Secondly, preparing meals and hosting family gatherings on a well-lit kitchen is much more comfortable and pleasant.

7. Natural Materials

The Scandinavian style implies extensive use of natural materials. Wood, natural textiles, ceramics – try to move as far away from synthetics in kitchen decoration.

8. Textiles

Textiles, by the way, are traditionally quite abundant in Scandinavian interiors. Besides their primary functions, they can serve as an additional accent and add warmth to the space, making it feel more lived-in.

Moreover, textiles are a simple and fast way to update the interior if desired. Lay down a stylish rug on the floor, cover the table with a beautiful tablecloth, hang new towels – and the kitchen will instantly come alive.

9. Attention to Details

Any stylish Scandinavian interior is distinguished by attention to details. This point is especially important in small spaces: for example, in a small kitchen setting, poor-quality hardware and randomly selected utensils will be particularly noticeable.

10. Consistency in Style

When decorating your small kitchen, try to stick to the chosen Scandinavian style. This includes not only furniture and finishing materials but also other elements of the setting: household appliances, dishes, textiles, lighting fixtures, and all kinds of utensils.

11. Thoughtful Incorporation of New Trends

There is always a little space for something new and original in Scandinavian style. That's why the style is so popular and continuously evolving. Want to add brickwork, mixed chairs, or a patchwork apron to the decoration of your small kitchen? Why not!

12. Cozy Details

Cute little touches that make the interior more cozy and personalized are an important part of Scandinavian style. Posters with inspiring quotes, storage containers with labels, your personal mini-cookbook – add individuality to your kitchen.

13. Indoor Plants

Live greenery is what you can't ruin in a Scandinavian interior. If you think there's not enough space for indoor flowers on your small kitchen, consider hanging planters. Remember: plants not only add warmth but also regulate the microclimate in the room.