Home decor trend: Scandinavian interior design & warm minimalism

For years, Scandinavian interior design has been popular thanks to its bright, minimalist, inviting yet understated aesthetic. This is now being reimagined under the buzzword ‘warm minimalism’. Warm minimalism describes an interior design style that retains the basic features of classic minimalism but focuses on creating a warm and cosy atmosphere. In this article, we will tell you about warm minimalism and Scandi style and show you how you can implement these interior design trends in your restaurant or hotel.

Two green Gustav armchairs stand next to a round side table made of light wood.

Warm Minimalism and the history of minimalism

Warm Minimalism combines the clear, understated aesthetics of minimalism with the warmth of natural materials and colours. To understand the origins of this trend, we need to examine the beginnings of minimalism. The minimalist interior design style can be traced back to New York in the 1960s. Minimalism began as an art movement that was created as a counterpart to the abstract art that was prevalent at the time. The American artist Frank Stella is considered the pioneer of the movement. Minimalism – whether in art or interior design – focuses on the object itself and plays with the constantly changing perspective of the observer. Over time, minimalist art has developed into an architectural style and, with it, a minimalist interior design style. This style is based on the motto ‘less is more’: all objects have a purpose or bring a meaningful, personal touch to the room. The overall visual impression is clean and tidy.

Scandinavian interior design style: Where does the trend come from?

Scandi style and minimalism go hand in hand. The Scandinavian design movement emerged in the 1950s in Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland and, similar to minimalism, is characterised by its simplicity and functionality. Accessibility also plays a major role in Scandinavian interior design: thanks to inexpensive mass production and materials such as pressed wood, plastic and aluminium, as well as globally active interior design companies, the style has become globally viable. The timeless, minimalist yet cosy atmosphere of the Scandi style has also been popular on social media in recent years. The focus here is on elegant furnishings and sparse furniture, which makes rooms appear larger. The furnishings should appear casual and high-quality at the same time. The fact that Scandi furniture is generally inexpensive is not widely publicised, yet it makes the furnishings affordable for many followers.

Table made of light wood covered with two beige striped table runners, beige bowls, glasses and a vase with dried flowers

Combining Scandinavian interior design and warm minimalism

As can be seen from the descriptions above, there are many overlaps between minimalism and Scandinavian design. The new trend movement known as warm minimalism combines minimalist restraint with the unobtrusive cosiness of Nordic interior design. The following elements define warm minimalism:

The foundation: minimalism

This interior design trend has a clear focus on minimalism. That doesn't mean we're dealing exclusively with half-empty, white rooms. Rather, warm minimalism means doing away with unnecessary clutter. All objects in the room have a specific purpose, and great importance is also attached to high-quality and durable workmanship in furniture and textiles. Underlying this is the minimalist philosophy of using things for as long as possible to avoid waste and unnecessary consumption.

Organic shapes

While classic minimalism tends to favour straight, clean lines, Scandinavian interior design and warm minimalism show a preference for organic shapes. These include curves, but also asymmetry and flowing, irregular contours. This design language creates a clear connection to nature, ensures comfort and generates visual interest.

Natural materials

Light woods such as birch, oak or ash are typical of warm minimalism. These are complemented by accents of darker woods or stone. Popular textiles include linen, cotton, wool, rattan, jute and leather. If possible, avoid artificial materials such as plastic. Metals also fit in with warm minimalism – but you should opt for warmer metal tones such as gold, copper or brass to maintain the cosy look.

Outdoor area with Mando chairs in light wood and green, and a rectangular table in light wood.

Subtle colours

While classic minimalism often limits colours to black, white and grey, warm minimalism brings more shades into play which, as the name suggests, add a certain warmth to your rooms. The basis for this is neutral earth tones such as cream, ivory, beige and light brown, for example on walls, floors, carpets or larger pieces of furniture. Slightly more intense yet natural colours such as terracotta, dark orange, mauve, light blue or shades of green from sage to forest green are used to create specific accents.

Living room furnished in Scandinavian style with golden, organically shaped wall lights

Targeted lighting

Another important aspect of warm minimalism is a well-thought-out lighting concept. Warm light sources make even minimalist rooms appear inviting and cosy. You can also use individual lamps and candles to highlight specific pieces of furniture or decorative items.

Implementing warm minimalism and Scandi style

Scandinavian interior design and warm minimalism share the philosophy of ‘less is more’. In the hotel and catering industry in particular, this design creates a timeless aesthetic with a welcoming, warm and cosy atmosphere. With the right materials, shapes and details, these styles can be implemented perfectly. Wood, textiles and decorations play a central role in this.

Scandinavian furniture design

Although Scandinavian interior design is characterised by restraint, it is nonetheless interesting and inviting. Furniture with personality is a good way to make your rooms elegant and individual. Danish furniture and Scandi-style furniture are characterised by high-quality workmanship and functional details. Here, too, you should opt for soft, organic shapes for a light and modern overall look.

High-quality chairs and bar stools: Purchase chairs and bar stools made from materials such as wood or metal in warm shades. Green or brown upholstery creates a warm, inviting look.

Comfortable upholstered furniture: Comfortable armchairs and sofas with upholstery in natural colours are also ideal for the warm minimalism interior design trend.

Elegant tables and side tables: Wooden tables in warm tones go particularly well with warm minimalism Scandi styles. Low side tables are great additions to armchairs and sofas and are ideal for displaying unique decorative items.

Cosy textiles

In addition to Scandi-style furniture, textiles are essential for creating a cosy atmosphere in the lobby area, hotel room or Scandi-style living room. Cushions, blankets, curtains and matching table linen can be used here and can be individually adapted to your colour palette. With warm minimalism in Scandi style, there is no need to shy away from subtle patterns. Checks, stripes, understated scattered flower patterns or other decorations reminiscent of nature can be tastefully integrated here and add that certain something.

In the bedroom, the right bed linen is essential to make your Swedish interior design shine. Muted colours, subtle patterns and natural materials in interesting textures such as seersucker or muslin are a good choice here.

Tasteful decoration

In the Scandinavian interior design style, decoration is used sparingly but purposefully. Quality and uniqueness are also paramount when it comes to home accessories: individual handmade vases, subtle wall art, plants or Scandinavian wallpaper with nature motifs add accents without overloading the room. Individual table lamps, candlesticks and tea light holders also create a cosy atmosphere.

Scandi style and dining culture

Nordic interior design goes hand in hand with a special food and table culture that radiates calm, naturalness and cosiness. Similar to the Danish concept of hygge, it is not just about aesthetics, but also about an attitude to life: enjoying things together, feeling good and consciously experiencing the moment. A table set in typical warm minimalism and Scandi style is characterised by clean lines, natural materials and a harmonious colour palette. This creates an authentic look that creates a warm, inviting atmosphere both in everyday life and on special occasions – and reflects Nordic dining culture at its best.

Table linen such as tablecloths, table runners and cloth napkins made from natural fibres – such as linen or cotton – in muted colours such as sand, green, terracotta, blue or orange form the basis.
Matt cutlery, preferably with wooden details, looks high-quality and unobtrusive.
Tableware is dominated by simple, rustic shapes with subtle textures and natural patterns – for example, stoneware in white, grey or green.

Round table set with the Nagoya porcelain series

Our tip:

Discover the Nagoya tableware series from VEGA, which fits perfectly with the warm minimalism trend in interior design. This is thanks to the combination of subtle white and grey colours with the organic shape of the tableware, which is created by the irregularly broken edges of the plates and bowls.

Discover warm minimalism Scandinavian interior design – now at LUSINI

The combination of Scandinavian interior design and warm minimalism offers the hotel and catering industry a timeless design concept that combines style and comfort. With high-quality materials, soft colours and carefully chosen accents, you can bring the charm of Scandinavia into your rooms and make a lasting impression on your guests. Discover the perfect Swedish interior design – from furniture to textiles to decorations – in the LUSINI range now!