Scandinavian Style in 2020 Trends — Surprising Solutions

If earlier Scandinavian style was mainly defined by a calm black-and-white color palette, today it focuses on combining textures, variety of forms, and bright colors. Warm shades have replaced clean white—ranging from cream to vibrant yellow, from sky blue to deep blue.

Designers are confident that the new wave of Scandinavian style development will become a real trend soon. Together with OBI experts, we share these interesting solutions.

Textured Walls

Now walls are not just a background but an independent part of the decor. Therefore, designers recommend using coverings that make the surface more interesting and pleasant to touch. Materials such as decorative plaster, microcement, and microconcrete are examples of such.

Another way to add texture to a Scandinavian interior is to decorate it with various fabrics. Curtains, sofa cushions, and rugs instantly make any space cozier. For example, in bedroom design, Scandinavian designers use multi-layered draperies and canopies.

Design: Yana Ukhova
Lucky Purchases:

Decorative Plaster ID le MAS de PROVENCE, OBI effectively masks small and medium surface defects and unevenness. It also prevents micro-cracks, which is relevant in new construction where natural settling of the building occurs.

Modeling Plaster OLIMP, OBI — a universal mixture for wall finishing, fully ready for use. It forms a fine-grained matte coating that can be shaped into any textured pattern.

Decorative Plaster ID EFFET ANTIQUE, OBI with an antique effect is easy to apply and has no unpleasant smell. Using a spatula, the coating can be given the look of canvas with even grooves or uniform texture.

OLIMP Plaster 'Fur', OBI — a universal mixture, fully ready for use. It forms a rough matte coating with a 'fur coat' effect. Such an unusual structured pattern is easily created using a shaped or foam roller.

Bright Furniture

In fashion, rich colors, various shades of yellow, green, blue, and blue are in vogue. To refresh the interior, place one vibrant sofa, chair, armchair, or any other piece of furniture. As an alternative option, consider patterned accessories with prints. But remember that the main principle of Scandinavian style is simplicity. Do not overload the room with too many details.

Design: Oleg Mints
Lucky Purchases:

Yellow Dining Chair with Polyurethane Seat and Wooden Legs, OBI

Decorative Linen Pillowcase with Zipper in Navy Color, OBI

Blue Bar Stool with Wooden Seat and Metal Legs, OBI

Yellow Wall Sconce, OBI

Grid Partition Walls

These partitions let light through while creating a feeling of intimacy. This trend has come into Scandinavian style from Japan. Grid partitions are used in bedroom or relaxation zone decoration and to define functional zones in small apartments. The slats are usually made from pine wood treated with protective compositions.

Design: Anna Morozova
Lucky Purchases:

Matte Lacquer Marshall PROTEX Yat Vernik, OBI forms a durable coating with protective properties.

Coniferous Planed Lumber, 18 x 31 x 2000 mm, OBI

Coniferous Rectangular Lumber, 40 x 60 x 2400 mm, OBI

Transparent Semi-Matte Ecoblu HUSKY Siberian, OBI can be used both inside and outside the room.

Together with designer Ludmila Danilovich, we explored OBI's new home product range.

The video contains many life hacks from the designer, and there are also two ready-made solutions for living room and dining room decor. Watch!

Abstract Prints and Feathers

Pay attention to abstract paintings, watercolors, portraits, and botanical prints with natural color tones. Mix them with unusual frames, group them by theme, or choose one element and focus only on it.

Feathers have begun to appear in decor — an American trend that has migrated into Scandinavian style. Feathers can be a decorative element by themselves or appear as patterns or embroidery on textiles and as appliques.

Design: 4kvadrata
Lucky Purchases:

Compact Vinyl Wallpaper 'Buro', OBI

Glass Pendant 'Feathers', OBI

Glass Candlestick 'Leaves', OBI

Felt Wallpaper 'Indigo', OBI

Minimalist Storage Systems

Open shelves, hangers, and baskets in industrial style can look great not only in lofts but also in Scandinavian interiors. Nearly all items of industrial decor—from factory shelves and organizers to metal lamps made from thick matte glass—can bring true Scandinavian flair to your interior.

One of the trends in bedroom decoration is compact open hangers instead of traditional storage systems. They look more minimalist than classic trunks or vintage suitcases.

Lucky Purchases:

Steel Floor Hanger with Shoe Stand, OBI

Steel Storage Box with Soft Lid for Seat, OBI

Steel Storage Box, 41 x 25 x 12 cm, OBI

Bamboo Clothing Hanger, 149 mm in Height, OBI

Large Room Plants

Don’t be afraid to overdo it—place plant pots wherever you want, as long as they match the overall interior concept. In spacious rooms, large plants in bulky pots look great. Small spaces can be decorated with compositions of small plants. Alternatively, consider dried branches and flowers or botanical prints on wallpapers.

Design: Denis Vasilyev
Lucky Purchases:

Planter, OBI, designed to hold four different houseplants. The metal frame does not rust or deform. Can be mounted on the wall.

Photo Wallpaper Ateliero 'Jungles', OBI

Planter 'Shoyrich Black Granite', Diameter 40 cm, OBI

Planter on Metal Stand, 55 cm in Height, OBI

Unusual Lighting

In the trend of decorative lights with natural motifs, such as tree branches or stone pieces. Also, large ceiling pendants that serve as a striking accent in the interior and immediately catch the eye.

Design: CARTELLE DESIGN Studio
Design: Irina Goryachko
Lucky Purchases:

Gold Ceiling Chandelier J-Light, OBI

White Ceiling Light Escada, OBI

Black Ceiling Chandelier J-Light, OBI

Black Pendant Agnes, OBI

Cover Design: Oleg Mints Project