Nordic style: learn to decorate with harmony and balance

Nordic décor is a trend derived from Scandinavian style. Its distinctiveness lies in selecting the right and necessary materials to create, with very little, a simple, natural, and functional interior design. It brings an equilibrium and harmony that most people aim to imbue in their spaces.

Because if someone asked you about the house of your dreams, you would probably answer that you’d like every square inch of it to exude comfort and well-being. And Nordic style is precisely one of the trends that excels at achieving both of these sensations.

Simplicity is appealing, and open spaces captivate with their beauty. But far from feeling excessively cold or dull, Nordic style includes the perfect dose of elements to contrast minimalist environments with details that transmit warmth, proximity, and coziness.

It’s a style that goes far beyond clear, minimalist rooms with neutral colors, surprising with a simple and functional aesthetic focused solely on creating spaces as comfortable as they are inviting. The most important factor for successful Nordic décor is finding the perfect balance between simplicity and elegance. And what a combination!

Because having just the right elements, without making decorating your spaces a headache, while achieving a style so beautiful you can’t take your eyes off it, is something only Nordic influence can accomplish.

Its growing popularity is due to its exquisite blend of simplicity, neutrality, natural elements, and brightness. These essential ingredients act as the ideal seasoning to create homes that are as inviting as they are relaxing. Isn’t it a dream come true?

The origins of nordic style and why it influences décor

Nordic interior design originated in the 1950s in Nordic countries like Sweden, Norway, and Finland. At the time, architects and decorators in these countries sought a design approach that reflected the cultural identity of the region and adapted to the cold climates characteristic of the area.

Countries defined by harsh climates and limited sunlight had to prioritize creating cozy and pleasant spaces. These atmospheres needed to provide enjoyment while being highly functional, ensuring that every square inch was optimized for use and comfort.

The result was a style of décor characterized by the use of natural materials like wood, leather, and linen, the choice of neutral tones, and a design approach focused on simplicity and functionality.

Over the years, Nordic interior design has gained popularity worldwide and has been adopted as a decorative philosophy beyond the Nordic countries, which faithfully embody its essence.

Today, the foundational idea of this style is still characterized by a fusion of traditional Nordic aesthetics with decorative elements that incorporate natural materials, a neutral color palette, a focus on simplicity and functionality, and an emphasis on natural light.

Its simple beauty and practicality in the constant pursuit of a style that is as elegant as it is functional have made Nordic style one of the top choices among professional decorators. And after reading this, we’re sure you’ll want to infuse your home with its influence, too.

The keys to nordic style: 5 basic decorative tips to achieve it

As incredible as it may seem, the simplicity of Nordic style is not only reflected in the elements that make up its appearance but also in how easily it can be applied to every space. It’s a decorating approach that makes transforming your home into a personal refuge effortless, thanks to simple yet effective tricks.

You’re just 5 steps away from infusing every corner of your home with the purest Nordic essence. Absorb these ideas and enjoy the balance and harmony that characterize Nordic interior design. Ready? 3, 2, 1… take note.

1. Be simple: "less is more"

Simplicity in interiors is an essential characteristic of Nordic style. In other words, it is a way of decorating based on removing anything that causes visual clutter or feels unnecessary. To achieve this, it’s important to keep spaces as uncluttered as possible, helping to preserve and enhance their purity.

Put differently, it’s a way of decorating based on minimalism. In fact, one of the fundamental principles of Nordic design is the concept of "less is more," a philosophy that becomes increasingly attractive not only to decorators but also to individuals who seek a warm, welcoming feeling in their spaces without much effort.

So, if you want to start incorporating Nordic décor in your home, begin by asking yourself and deciding which elements in your home are essential and which are not. Then, select the furniture and objects you like most or that best reflect your personality and, more importantly, meet your needs.

Keep your spaces clean and organized! And remember, in Nordic style, beauty and functionality go hand in hand.

2. Use lighting creatively

Natural light is very important in Nordic décor, but artificial lighting is equally vital. It’s super important to enhance the entry of natural light through the windows. For this reason, closely tied to the previous point, you should choose furniture that doesn’t obstruct this light source.

Hence the importance of selecting furniture with simple, basic lines that isn’t too tall, so it doesn’t block natural light from the outside. If you choose blinds, they should be very simple and in neutral colors, to ensure lighting always remains a key element.

Additionally, the artificial lighting in each room should be soft and warm, as this helps create a cozy atmosphere in contrast to the minimalism and simplicity that globally characterize the Nordic style.

There are also ways to play with these light sources to highlight certain corners or areas of your room, making them uniquely and originally decorated. For example, you can choose a lamp or spotlight and direct its light towards a specific part of your room, either to make it stand out or to create a distinctive atmosphere.

In any case, make sure your space has enough light to provide warmth, closeness, and coziness, as this is one of the most important elements for creating truly inviting and comfortable places.

3. Wood is the best ally of nordic style

That said, make sure it is obtained through sustainable or, at the very least, eco-friendly or recycled sources. Wood dominates many styles of décor and is particularly popular in this Nordic trend. Today, it’s also essential to prioritize environmentally friendly materials.

The texture of wood combined with the simplicity of Nordic style is one of its main charms. It creates an interesting contrast between cool and warm, resulting in spaces that are as inviting as they are simple. In doing so, it achieves one of the key fundamentals of contemporary beauty.

4. Neutral colors: the true essence of nordic style

When you think of Nordic style in décor, it’s inevitable to associate it with the use of white as the dominant color. This association includes walls, floors, and furniture, all of which reflect the purity that defines this decorative style. And what a pleasure it is to perceive spaces as pure, relaxed, and welcoming.

However, on the other hand, you might worry (and it’s completely normal) that the dominance of white could make your home feel excessively cold, dull, or monotonous. But don’t worry—this won’t happen.

The charm of Nordic style lies in the ability to combine white with other neutral tones, creating visually interesting relationships. Colors like beige or grey can be used to create a solid base for the décor, bringing a sense of calm, tranquility, and relaxation to every corner of your home. Could anything be more pleasant?

Use these touches of color in furniture details, textiles, or other decorative elements to draw attention to specific areas of your home, giving them an extra dose of charm and personality. You’ll find yourself captivated by their appeal.

5. Inspiration from nature through textiles and textures

Nordic countries are characterized by their stunning natural surroundings. Landscapes dominated by the beauty of nature, with scenes reminiscent of forests and fields, standing out against the industrial components of cities. This connection to nature is also reflected in their décor, making Nordic style unique.

For this reason, a connection to nature is one of the key pillars of Nordic style. Evoking nature is another way to bring warmth and coziness to your décor, helping to ensure spaces don’t feel overly monotonous.

Wool, cotton, and natural fibers are excellent for creating a cozy and natural ambiance. This is highly representative of Nordic style, but these materials are also common in many other types of décor. After all, who doesn’t have wicker baskets in their home?

Decorating with textiles and textures is an ideal way to enhance your home without overloading the space. And remember, this is fundamental in this type of décor. Plus, it’s remarkably simple.

You can include wicker or raffia elements in your details but also use them for rugs or other textiles. Wool and cotton are perfect for cushions and throws on your sofa or bed. It’s simple, effective, and adds the touch of warmth that defines Nordic décor, creating spaces that are both inviting and completely natural.
Because simplicity is charming, and Nordic-inspired décor is as easy to achieve as it is appealing. Plus, it’s affordable. Who could ask for more?

Microcement: one of the most inspiring materials in nordic style

If you’ve read this far, it’s because you’re determined to let Nordic style infuse every area of your home.

Thanks to Smartcret, you’re now a true expert in this style and have internalized the tricks to achieving it easily and effectively. But that’s not all—we have one more thing to share with you. There’s a material that is the crème de la crème for incorporating Nordic trends into your home décor. That material is microcement.