Bring the simplicity and functionality of Scandi design into your nursery or kids' room. Opt for a limited colour palette (including plenty of white, of course) and practical surfaces, then add lots of storage, a dash of texture and a few cute details. It's the perfect recipe for a beautiful room for your little one!
1. Start with white
An all-white scheme gives a fresh, airy feel to any space. Warm it gently underfoot with pale wooden boards and make sure good curtains or blackout blinds are fitted to prevent your child being woken early by the sun shining on those fresh white walls.
2. Introduce cute animals
Woodland creatures, from bears and wolves to owls and foxes, make for welcome visitors in a Scandi-inspired kid's bedroom. Choose them in muted tones to preserve an airy, white and grey scheme.
3. Remember tactile touches
Texture is a huge ingredient of any Scandinavian scheme and adds subtle detail and warmth. Go for tactile materials such as woolly blankets and hand-woven pieces. In this room, a cosy sheepskin hide rug and blond timber stool are great additions to a simple room in white and contrasting midnight blue.
Add a rocking chair to your nursery
4. Put up pegs
Hooks and pegs are the hard-working stalwarts of any Scandi scheme, providing storage and display space in one. They work well in a child's bedroom, creating simple and useful decoration, especially with a handy shelf on top, for a plain white wall.
5. Go fresh and folksy
Scandi interiors don't always have to be pure white; they often contain pattern and colour. Think patchwork, polka dots, painted furniture and cheery florals in retro bright shades – just the job for a child's room.
Find the perfect bed linen online
6. Add bursts of colour
Punctuate a fresh white Scandi scheme with a few dashes of brightness. Rather than introduce them on furniture or walls, weave them in on playful details, such as paper decorations, mobiles, artwork and bunting.
7. Design with space in mind
Think beyond the colour scheme when introducing Scandi inspiration: channel the Nordic love of great design and clever interiors solutions, too. In this child's room, a raised bed liberates space below for a desk and shelving, while two neat benches provide seating. Consider going bespoke to make the most of the space, particularly if it's a small one.
Explore a range of floating shelves
8. Keep it ordered
Kids' rooms can become untidy quickly, so lots of child-friendly storage is essential. Think low shelves, boxes with lids, baskets and crates that can be slotted under the bed. Then, for an older child's room, add a desk for drawing, colouring or homework. Check out the String modular storage system, a Swedish design classic.
9. Fade to grey
Sophisticated grey and white frequently pair up in a Scandi scheme and work just as well in a nursery as in the rest of the home. Mix in plenty of white in the furniture, fittings and accessories to keep the look fresh and bright.
10. Pick out panelling
Many Scandinavian homes feature panelled walls which, thanks to the repeating vertical lines, still manage to look interesting when painted plain white. So try adding panelling to a child's room to work in extra detail.
By Joanna Simmons
