Redecorating Your Home? Go Nordic!

Nordic-inspired interiors are having a moment. Echoing traditional Scandinavian design, the Nordic theme can lend a sense of balance and beauty to your home—and you can achieve the look without spending designer dollars.

To embrace the Nordic trend:

Start with a Clean Slate – When building the foundation of Nordic design, it’s important to select the right hue of white for the walls. Take a cue from colors inspired by natural, fine-textured stone. Alabster, for example, is a natural, flattering white suited especially for bedrooms, bathrooms, living rooms and kitchens.

Turn on the Light – Long, dark winters in Nordic countries foster a desire for natural light. Take advantage of the daylight you do have—and create an ethereal effect—with sheer window treatments. Incorporate transparent, shiny and reflective elements, like paper lanterns or copper pendant lighting, to maximize “lightness” when the sun goes down.

Mix in Natural Tones – Nordic design favors natural, live-well tones. To achieve this look and feel, use earthy, natural materials, such as Carrera marble, in the kitchen or bathroom. Add birch or maple cabinets and furniture to help balance stone grays and blush petal pinks of the natural elements.

Sharpen the Details – Complex shapes, angles and patterns in vibrant colors are also present in Nordic décor. Hang boxy frames or multilevel, open shelving units for symmetry, and include a strategically-placed, whimsical element, like zebra-striped pillows, multicolored candleholders, or red counter stools.

Reprinted with permission from RIS Media. (c)2016. All rights reserved.