The beauty of Scandinavian kitchen 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 s seamless blend of form and functionality wrapped in an inviting ambiance. Cutting across budget constraints and themes, Scandinavian design 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 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.

But having a white kitchen does not make it automatically ‘Scandinavian.’ For a true Scandinavian kitchen design 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 the 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 stand out 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.

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 the case of ultra-small utility kitchens, as well as 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.

In the 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 stand out 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. A black kitchen range, cabinets, a hood or even an 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.

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.

One of the benefits of Scandinavian style is that it does not really force you to splurge whenever you want to remodel or renovate the 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!