In modern homes, the bathroom has long ceased to play a purely practical role. It is decorated on a level with a living room and a bedroom, trying to maintain the stylistic unity of space. You can go to the side of functionality or sacrifice it, focusing on the decor. The design of the bathroom in the Scandinavian style will be the "golden mean" that combines these two components of the interior.
Style features
Beautiful and functional items should be accessible to the middle class, and housing should have a friendly, comfortable atmosphere. On these principles, the Scandinavian style arose in Northern Europe half a century ago, in our time, to spread to the rest of the continent. It is not necessary to be a rational Swede to appreciate them.
It is difficult to draw clear boundaries between styles, when even historical trends are transformed under the pressure of the needs of the modern world. Scandinavian has its own visual image, which is at the junction of minimalism and Nordic country. It creates a feeling of cleanliness, openness, comfort in the interior and consists of the following elements:
1. Light and space. The harsh northern climate rarely pleases with the sun, so a light interior compensates for this drawback.
2. Monochrome. It should be comfortable at home - this, apparently, means the absence of stress. The color scheme from neutral shades, characteristic of the direction, does not oblige to anything, does not put pressure on residents, but gives a feeling of freedom.
3. Functionality. Furniture has practicality, internal content and is aimed at making life more convenient.
4. Minimalism. The space must be integral and not fragmented by numerous objects. Beauty comes from smooth lines, geometric shapes, textures, color combinations. Vivid accents only emphasize the overall composition.
5. Naturalness. In the northern countries, where industrialization was a little late, craft traditions managed to take root more deeply. This is one of the reasons for the popularity of natural raw materials as the basis for furniture or decoration. Another lies, of course, in their natural beauty and vibrant energy, thanks to which wood occupies a leading position in the interior.
In the bathroom it is more difficult to follow design canons, as specific conditions and a relatively small area dictate their own rules. But the Scandinavian style perfectly adapts to the space, bringing Nordic freshness along with homeliness.
Scandinavian style bathroom colors
A bathroom of any size will look spacious if you choose a concise palette of shades. The presence of windows and natural light will only enhance the effect, and artificial lighting will give a modern look.
White color
Frosty freshness and snowy distances are an invisible companion to the interior, inspired by Scandinavian landscapes. White can act as a color center or a link between other shades. It is used to decorate walls and ceilings so often that it has become an unwritten rule. You can diversify this coating with the texture of the material, as well as a combination with other options for cladding.
In a Scandinavian-style bathroom, white concentration is increased by plumbing fixtures. The sensation of purity that creates this color is fully consistent with the purpose of the space.
Bright accents
Do not think that the Scandinavian style is monotonous.Its monochrome can be diluted with saturated, but not “flashy” shades embodied in fine details. Given the dominant position of universal white, creating a harmonious combination here is not difficult.
Cool or light shades of blue, green, less often orange and yellow, are perfect for such an interior. The black color, which is characteristic of the Finnish style variation, will help in creating the boundaries of space.
For the implementation of bright accents, decor or textiles are mainly used. The flooring, which in any room should be several tones darker than the wall, can also become the center of contrasting combinations.
Natural shades
In the Scandinavian style, natural colors are determined by the presence of natural materials. This is another reason for the comfortable atmosphere in such interiors: the more they are closer to nature, the freer they feel.
Light or dark wood is present in the form of furniture filling, and stone is used for decoration. Such details “enliven” the bathroom and break the stereotype of the “sterility” of the design.
Finishing and materials
Surfaces in the bathroom often come in contact with water and are also exposed to high temperatures. In this regard, finishing materials are selected taking into account their characteristics and only after that - visual qualities.
Floor
Here it is better not to experiment, stopping on ceramic tiles. It is presented in a wide range of colors, patterns, textures, has strength and durability.
You can choose plain products to create a more rigorous design, or choose a product with a geometric ornament. The direction involves the use of ethnic Nordic motifs, the stylization of which looks good on the floor.
Walls
The tile is also used for wall cladding, and sometimes it allows replacing natural stone with high-quality imitation. Hexagonal shapes resembling honeycombs are very popular.
Spacious bathrooms can combine tiles with other materials. For example, cover walls with stucco or wood paneling in areas with less moisture. For a built-in shower, a mosaic is often used.
An interesting alternative to the tile will be the finishing white brick. Just need to worry in advance about applying a moisture-resistant coating.
Ceiling
The Scandinavian-style bathroom ceiling does not require much - it should be even and bright. If the original surface does not have noticeable drawbacks, you can do with ordinary putty and white paint, choosing moisture-resistant options.
In a room with high walls, single-level stretch ceilings made of PVC film look ideal. This design does not deteriorate from moisture, and is also very durable. It is suitable for installing recessed fixtures. The main disadvantage is a thin canvas that can be damaged by piercing objects.
Bathroom Furniture
Scandinavian-style furniture should be as functional as possible, simple and compact, and the layout should include spacious areas for movement.
A furniture set for a bathroom can include only the most necessary items, which are sometimes limited to storage places. These include wall or floor cabinets that are installed under the sink. Often there are built-in designs. For bathrobes and towels, it is recommended to purchase hanging hooks, as well as stepladders.
In bathrooms with a large area, you can organize a small relaxation area with chairs or benches. Such a decision will create a comfortable, relaxing atmosphere in the interior.
Furniture design is minimalistic, symmetrical and geometrically correct. If the decoration of the room with a matte surface, for contrast, wooden objects can be varnished, and vice versa.
Plumbing
When buying plumbing fixtures for a bathroom in a Scandinavian style, the main question pops up: a bathtub or shower? The answer depends on the needs of the owners and the size of the area. If space allows, you can place both objects. But in the case of limited quadrature, rational inhabitants of Northern Europe will prefer to have a shower, since, for reasons of hygiene, it is better to wash under running water.
Whatever option you choose, the design of the plumbing should match the style. An acrylic bathtub can be with a bowl of a triangular or rounded shape, although standard rectangular models also do not lose their relevance. Built-in showers look the most organically compared to detached modern designs.
To save space and create the effect of weightlessness in the room, hanging sinks, toilets, bidets are used. Plumbing elements are usually made of metal, which is seamlessly woven into the natural atmosphere of the bathroom.
Decor and lighting
The minimalist Scandinavian style does not mean a complete lack of decorative elements. They simply stand out less and often combine a practical function.
Textiles will help diversify the Nordic bathroom: towels with initials and rugs with geometric patterns. Even dressing gowns put on public display should fit into the design.
According to the rules, mirrors with a carved frame are not allowed, but for decoration it is worth experimenting with their shape: round, triangular, diamond-shaped.
A feature of the Scandinavian-style bathroom is that even the laundry basket can be the center of attention. Wicker, textile containers or sets for sorting clothes by color look good - in the spirit of rationalism.
Nothing complements the natural atmosphere like potted plants. They can be placed on the floor and other horizontal surfaces.
To evenly illuminate each part of the room, it is necessary to consider a multi-level lighting system. It includes the central part (fixtures, sconces built into the ceiling) and the local part (lighting above the mirror, in the shower).
Scandinavian style small bathtub design
Scandinavian style focuses on the needs of people, making it suitable for decoration of spaces of any size and layout.
Its characteristic white color visually expands the interior. Compact furniture does not take up much space. Laconic forms do not split the design, as well as decor elements.
To abandon the bathroom in favor of a shower will be a practical solution for a small size. Instead of cabinets with facades - open shelves. Large mirrors and gloss visually add volume to the room.
Scandinavian style bathroom design - photo
Calming and harmony brings a simple contemplation of the Nordic interiors, not to mention living in them. We have prepared a whole photo selection of beautiful Scandinavian-style bathrooms and we hope that they will inspire you to make the right decision. Enjoy watching!
Video: Scandinavian Style Bathroom - Interior Ideas