What does Scandinavia teach us about design and wellbeing?

Scandinavian design is known around the world for its effortless blend of beauty and functionality. More than just a style, it’s a way of living that nurtures calm, connection, and a sense of ease within the home. By paying close attention to certain elements, Scandinavian interiors show us how simple design choices can directly support our wellbeing. Here, we explore five key areas and share how you can bring a little Nordic wisdom into your own home.

Comfort

Comfort sits at the very heart of Scandinavian living. Inspired by the concept of hygge, it’s less about what you see and more about how a space makes you feel. Interiors are layered with natural timbers, soft wool throws, tactile rugs, and furniture that invites you to slow down. Clutter is dialed back, but never at the expense of cosiness, ensuring an ease and warmth to spaces. When we design for comfort in this way, homes become both practical and nurturing. It’s a reminder that the details we choose should not just look beautiful but also feel good.

Connection

Scandinavian homes are designed with people in mind. Whether it's gathering around the dining table, curling up on the sofa, or pausing for coffee in a quiet nook, these spaces are intentionally created to encourage connection, with others and with ourselves. Open-plan layouts support flow and conversation, while thoughtful furniture arrangements make room for shared rituals and meaningful moments. It's about designing spaces where people feel seen, supported, and at ease. A focus on locally made pieces, natural textures, and handcrafted details also brings us closer to the world around us. In every detail, the home becomes a gentle reminder to slow down and reconnect.

Nature inspired

Scandinavian interiors are deeply inspired by nature, not just in colours but in material choices such as timber, linen, wool, stone, and ceramics. The Scandinavian palette is all about restraint and balance, with colours chosen to soothe the senses. Soft whites, gentle greys, and earthy neutrals create spaces that feel open and calm, while muted greens, blues, or blush tones add character without becoming overwhelming. The result is a timeless interior that feels restorative and grounded.

Lighting

With long, dark winters, Scandinavians have mastered the art of leveraging lighting design to enhance wellbeing. Spaces maximise daylight through the use of large windows, sheer curtains, and pale surfaces that reflect and amplify light. When the sun sets, layers of warm lighting take over, as pendants, floor lamps, wall lights, and even candles create depth and atmosphere. This soft approach not only makes rooms inviting, it also helps to support the body’s natural rhythms. Using this philosophy in our own homes lets us move away from harsh, singular lighting and instead create comfortable spaces that promote wellbeing.

Rituals & Daily Living

The best Scandinavian interiors aren’t just designed for beauty, they’re designed to support the rituals of daily life. Whether it’s a warm spot for morning tea, a reading corner bathed in natural light, or a bath that feels like a mini retreat, these spaces make everyday moments feel special. Whilst Scandinavian design can be seen as pared-back, it's never cold. It’s about being intentional about how you want to live and having fewer but better things, to make room for what truly matters.

The beauty of Scandinavian design lies in its simplicity, which means you can easily bring these elements into your own home. Start by softening your spaces with natural tones, and layering some textures for comfort. Then, choose furniture and fittings that are the right scale for the space, avoiding pieces that overpower. Finally, focus on lighting by maximising daylight and adding layers of warm, ambient glow for the evenings. These steps will help transform your home into a space that not only looks beautiful, but also actively supports your comfort and wellbeing.

Thank you for taking the time to read our blog post. Have a wonderful week!

Nina xx