By Sherry Nothingam

The beauty of Scandinavian design is such that you might already be enjoying its many benefits without actually realizing that you are adopting this timeless style. Born out of rough Nordic winters that demand simplicity, efficiency and a sense of cheerful elegance, it has been combined with other local eccentricities across the globe to create a fabulous array of new decorating styles! Yet, at its heart, it still showcases a clean-lined, minimalistic setting that also embraces a hint of color, warmth of wood and textural beauty. This makes the Scandinavian style perfect for the modern kitchen.

Scandinavian style kitchens are all about seamless blend of form and functionality wrapped in an inviting ambiance. Cutting across budget constraints and themes, it fits in with almost any style that you already have going in your home. The 50 gorgeous Scandinavian kitchens on showcase today will not only tempt you to give your kitchen a quick revamp, but will show you ways to streamline design and maximize space.

1. White & Light Hues

Think of Scandinavian style and the first thing that comes to mind is the color white. As we alluded to earlier, the harsh winters that shaped the style dictated this color choice as homeowners wanted an interior that was airy, cheerful and moved away from the chill and gloom outside. White is the obvious choice as it maximizes the available natural light on offer even while keeping the visual fragmentation to a minimum. Since white is already a popular hue when it comes to kitchen design, most of us will have little hassle in switching styles.

Clever lighting enhances the appeal of the chic kitchen

Rustic touches coupled with Scandinavian style inside this London home [Design: Blakes London]

White Scandinavian kitchen with a flood of natural light and herringbone floor [From: Sven Fennema – Living Pictures]

Contemporary kitchen with Scandinavian minimalism [Design: Libby Winberg Interiors]

But having a white kitchen does not make it automatically ‘Scandinavian’ and you need additional elements such as soft wooden tones, lovely lighting that drives away any dark corners and a hint of color to achieve the transformation. Clean straight lines, a clutter-free environment and smart organizational solutions help in achieving that fabled Scandinavian look.

2. A Hint of Color

Adding color to your Scandinavian kitchen is a lot simpler than in case of living rooms or bedrooms that adopt the same style. Chic kitchenware with flower patterns, pastel hues that also usher in a breezy summer charm and pops of bright yellow or green that standout thanks to the neutral backdrop are the most preferred options. If you have an all-white subway tiled backsplash, then think of another section in the kitchen where you can add colorful, geometric tiles or even some wallpaper to break the monotony.

A splash of mint green for the cool kitchen [Design: Emma Persson Lagerberg]

Ingenious use of kitchenware to bring color to the Scandinavian kitchen [From: Chris Snook Photography]

Wonderful use of geometric pattern inside the kitchen [Design: int2architecture]

Lighting fixtures enhance the style and appeal of this kitchen [Design: OPEN RUUM]

It is generally the ‘summer colors’ that agree with this style, but stronger hues also seem at home when used with restraint. Remember that whether it is pattern or color, moderation is a mantra that you need to stick to when it comes to the classic Scandinavian look. Cabinets in gentle green or light aqua along with matching chairs in the adjacent dining space take the appeal to a whole new level!

3. Small Scandinavian Kitchens

If you have a small kitchen (which is the case with most of us) and need to make complete use of every inch on offer, then your search ends with Scandinavian style. Unlike many other styles, the Scandinavian look works elegantly both in case of ultra-small utility kitchens as it does in lavish, catalog creations! Since minimalism, frugality and organization are an inherent part of the style, you will never have a problem while working with it. Modular wall-mounted cabinets, sleek floating shelves and ergonomic worktops that put efficiency over form make up the core of Nordic-inspired kitchens.

Small and stylish Scandinavian kitchen with breakfast nook and floating wooden shelves [Design: Studio Cuvier]

Attic kitchen in white and gray with Scandinavian style [Design: All & Nxthing]

Scandinavian kitchens fit into even the tiniest of spaces [Design: Egue y Seta]

Small Scandinavian kitchen idea [Design: Nest Architects]

In case of the small kitchen, there is obviously little room for anything other than what is an absolute must and this is an idea that sits well with Scandinavian style. Despite this ‘back to the basics’ approach, try adding a potted plant or a lovely vase just to give the kitchen a personality of its own!

4. Go Bold and Dark!

Are you bored with the traditional all-white look? Maybe you want your kitchen to standout from the pack. Even though black might not be used extensively in the Scandinavian kitchen, you can still employ it in a clever and creative fashion to delineate spaces, highlight architectural features, anchor the light, bright kitchen and create visual contrast. Black kitchen range, cabinets, hood or even island can instantly shape a fascinating focal point in an otherwise neutral space. If black seems too heavy visually for your kitchen, try darker shades of gray or even deep blue instead.

Black and pink inside the cool Scandinavian style kitchen [From: Holly Marder]

Add some black to the narrow Scandinavian kitchen [Design: Texas Construction Company]

Who says black does not work for the Scandinavian kitchen! [Design: Vipp]

Fascinating Scandinavian kitchen with a dash of black

5. Cheerful, Airy Ambiance

While some homeowners love to combine a rustic look with Scandinavian style, others prefer a more contemporary approach to kitchen design. No matter what your idea of a lovely Scandinavian-inspired kitchen is, make sure that you get the lighting of the space spot on. It is lighting that makes or breaks the look of the Scandinavian kitchen. Large windows are a trademark feature of this style and a flood of natural light is always welcome here! Couple this with smart pendants (cool metallic designs are currently the trendy option) and warm ambient lighting and you have the ideal setting.

Kitchen island on wheels for the stylish modern home [Design: Sustainable Kitchens]

Subway tile is a classic that never fails in the Scandinavian setting [Design: Bask Interiors]

Try out the brick wall instead of traditional white one in the Scandinavian kitchen [Design: Affleck Property Services]

Fabulous kitchen in Paris Apartment makes smart use of space on offer [Design: Tatiana Nicol EURL]

One of the benefits of Scandinavian style is that it does not really force you to splurge whenever you want to remodel or renovate that kitchen. Its neutral backdrop, crisp form and effortless functionality will let you switch styles and themes with ease down the line. But once you are hooked on Scandinavian it will be hard to shake it off!

You’re reading 50 Modern Scandinavian Kitchens that Leave You Spellbound, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

Source:: http://www.decoist.com/2015-07-20/scandinavian-kitchens-designs/