Scandinavian kitchen design ideas

Kitchen cabinets & storage

Fitted kitchens or just bottom cabinets and open shelving – the choice is yours with this look. Scandinavian style is all about functionality and simplicity. Make the most of our innovative storage solutions. you’ll not only be able to keep more in a smaller space, you’ll be able to get to everything quickly and easily.

Our fitted kitchen range includes the Pasilla (pictured) in matt white for a clean, minimalist design. Or if you prefer a gloss finish, our Alisma has a streamlined style that will look perfect with a pop of colour.

If opting for base cabinets only, select top shelving to match the walls, or break up the colour scheme with a bright wood like beech, birch or oak. Stack your crockery and glasses neatly and add the odd herb pot or a pot of lavender for a punch of colour and scent.

Kitchen worktops

When it comes to worktops, a wooden option adds warmth to the very neutral palette. Choose from solid wood or one of our laminate alternatives.

A solid wood worktop will deepen in colour over time and needs to be regularly oiled or stained. Alternatively, laminates can cleverly imitate the warmth of natural wood. They require hardly any maintenance and make a great choice for those working on a budget. Whichever material you choose, be sure that it has a square edge for a contemporary look.

 

Kitchen sinks & taps

Like everything else in the minimalist kitchen, your choice of sink and tap should blend in seamlessly to allow your feature points to stand out. For a truly streamlined look opt for an undermount sink. These are sunk into the worktop so they can't be seen from the side. They're available in single or 1.5 bowl options and in round or square shapes to suit your space. Depending on the rest of your look, consider different colours and materials. We offer white ceramic, as well as greys, blacks and metallics.

It’s also simple when it comes to tap choices – the Scandi look is all about monobloc or single lever taps. Both have a single spout, curve over the sink and only require one tap hole - look for black ones to match a black sink.

Kitchen appliances, cookers & hobs

Cooking and eating together are the cornerstones of a Scandinavian kitchen. However, the look is all about keeping things simple and functional. Because of that, built-in ovens and ceramic or induction hobs look best. Built-in ovens - available as either singles or doubles - sit discreetly amongst the kitchen's cabinets and drawers, while the hobs fit on top of a worktop and are minimalist and unobtrusive.

Continue this approach with other appliances - look for built-in models and hidden storage solutions. Dishwashers, fridge freezers and washing machines can all be integrated into a fitted kitchen – and even bins can be kept out of sight. If you do have appliances on display, select ones that coordinate as seamlessly as possible with the rest of your colour scheme.

Kitchen walls & floors

The Scandinavian look is all about white surfaces, creating a clean and bright effect. This is then injected with pattern and texture - great ways to add interest to a white space without using too much colour. Create texture with paintable wallpaper. With its raised patterns, you can paint it your chosen shade of white. It still adds character and depth to your look.

Scandi style isn't completely against colour - it just prefers to use dramatic flourishes in a handful of shades rather than a rainbow of colours. If you're feeling arty, get handy with a paint brush and create some geometric shapes on the walls. Or, if your walls are off limits, add a colourful splashback for a bright pop that will draw the eye.

Moving from the wall to the floor, it’s common for the Scandinavian kitchen to have either a pale wooden floor or monochrome tiles. Both of these looks can be created with our vinyl flooring available in sheet form, self-adhesive tiles and planks. Vinyl is comfortable underfoot, cost effective and easy to install and remove when you redecorate.

Want the real deal? Check out our range of solid wood flooring made from natural products or floor tiles in various sizes, materials and styles.

Kitchen lighting

Statement lighting is a popular look with the Scandi kitchen. Use pendant lighting to bring colour into the white space. Alternatively, add light and colour with counter and cabinet lighting. We love Philips Hue smart lighting - available as light bulbs, strip lighting or portable lamps. Not only can they change colour, but you can control them through an app on your smartphone or tablet. The strip lighting can be cut to fit any size and attaches to any surface with the tape supplied. Place under your cabinets or shelves and enjoy the colour sequences lighting up your white walls.

Kitchen accessories & finishing touches

Accessories are all about bold colours or geometric prints. If you’ve gone for white walls and floor, introduce colour with a rug - one of the style staples of the Scandinavian look. While your wooden flooring is also warm in texture, a rug adds an extra level of softness and comfort and helps zone the space. For narrow kitchens, add a runner down the centre of the room, while in bigger kitchens place the rug in front of the oven or sink for an unconventional way to protect your floor from splashes. Our black and white Harrieta rugs which combine classic Scandinavian and geometric design are also available as a door mat and runner.

For smaller touches, add geometric cushions to kitchen chairs or benches. Cushions not only add colour but also soften the look and make your kitchen a more comfortable space for you and your guests.

And lastly, finish the look with the odd brightly coloured vase, fruit bowl or lantern. If you've chosen open storage options, remember that your cooking and dining utensils will be on show, so opt for ones in eye-catching, decorative shades.