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scandinavian home decor

HOME STYLING, SHOPPING FINDS

Get the Look: Small front entry with Scandinavian style

get-look-small-front-entry-scandinavian-style

If you have a small entry by your main door do not think that you cannot have a functional space with style. A recent client of ours was struggling with this dilemma of a small (almost not entry – as there was no defined entry space) and she needed a spot for keys, mail, last minute make up check before heading out and of course, a touch of style.  She is a huge fan of Scandinavian style with the function and minimal decor and in a small space this really works!

Small Front Entry Inspiration

Photo credit: Homeyohmy

When it comes to finding inspiration for projects – starting online is the best! There is an endless supply of styles, looks and overall ideas.  I stumbled upon this image and this was just perfect! A beautiful balance of style and function – just what our client was looking for in her entry.

We made a few tweaks to this look in order to suit her space….

Shop the look : Small front entry with Scandinavian style

If you do not have a front hall closet or really much closet space – you need to get creative.  a wall mounted hook is a perfect solution to hang up what you need – jacket, sweater, hat even a dog leash…


Beaton Wall Hook is unfortunately no longer available but here is a similar option
from: Wayfair

A narrow console table is a must in a small entry – it offers some great surface space for a small bowl for keys, loose change and mail – it’s also a great spot for some extra lighting or a touch of decor.


George Oliver Woodbury Narrow Console Table – this model is no longer available but here is a similar option
from: Wayfair

A mirror is a useful ‘tool’ at a front entry as it allows for last minute checks before heading out the door plus a mirror makes a space appear larger, so if you have a small front entry – this can really help open it up…..


Beachcrest Bonnie Coastal Wall Mirror
from: Wayfair

A basket is perfect for storing items that you still need regular access to – for instance mittens, hats, yoga mat, umbrella and pet supplies like toys….I love the natural texture that these woven baskets bring to the vignette.

DUFMOD Large Natural Basket

from Amazon

I love the texture and pop of colour that plants add to a space – if you don’t have a green thumb don’t worry! These preserved eucalyptus branches don’t need any extra care just add them to a vase and you are done!

Preserved Eucalyptus Branches

from Amazon

This fluted pure white vase is the perfect piece to hold your eucalyptus branches – I love the simplicity of this vase and of course you could use it for fresh flowers anywhere in your home.

White ceramic fluted vase

from Amazon

Some type of seating is really ideal by the front door….so this minimalist looking 3 legged stool is just perfect for anyone needing a spot to sit while putting on or taking off their shoes.  This one fits beautifully under the console so it doesn’t take up a lot of the space and I love the mix of natural unfinished wood with the dipped legs in black.

Small wood 3 legged stool

from Etsy

This look is so fresh and clean yet functional – I just love it and so does our client!


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SHOPPING FINDS, TRENDS

5 Best Scandinavian Rugs

scandinavian-rugs

Scandinavian Rugs…

If you have been following home decor trends no doubt you have come across Scandinavian inspired rugs.  Typically they are black and white and with some type of ‘tribal’ pattern.  The shapes and patterns look almost hand drawn. Many of these rugs have a shaggy texture adding to the character of this trend.

Photo credit : 79ideas.org

This hand woven rug is a great example of the Scandinavian rugs that are trending now.  These rugs add a bold pop of pattern in a space so for those of your that like a clean and minimal look but worry that it might be boring – this is a perfect option!

These rugs are versatile

Scandinavian inspired rugs also work well with industrial style – they are neutral, they add some texture and print into an industrial space plus the ‘hand drawn’ designs work with the imperfect nature of industrial style. The blend of minimal and clean Scandinavian style and the raw material industrial look have created a look known as Scandi-industrial

Photo credit : Kathy Kuo Home

Scandinavian rugs also work well with modern farmhouse – the subtle and neutral designs add visual interest to this farmhouse look –  we used a Scandinavian inspired rug in one of our recent model home designs – we love the subtle and soft pattern in the space.  The mix of textures and patterns in this room make this space interesting and deep.

Shop Scandinavian Rugs…

Love the look of these neutral pattern rugs? So do we! Here are some of our favourite Scandinavian inspired rugs …

This rug is a great find on amazon – we love the black and white motif and the pattern is visually interesting and has a ‘tribal’ inspired feel.

This rug is very similar to the one we used in our recent model home project.  This pattern is very subtle and the cool combination of grey and white is very one trend.

This rug is a great deal on Amazon (8 x 10 for under $300!) – has a bit more contrast with the ivory and charcoal tone and the pattern is so unique -which is why we love it!

More black and white …. the diamond pattern is popular in these Scandinavian rugs and this one has some amazing shaggy textures which brings some texture to the room.

This rug has such a unique pattern (imagine this paired with some reclaimed wood) – it’s like art on the floor!

We love what area rugs can do for a room…don’t you?

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HOME DECOR, TRENDS

What is ‘Scandi-Industrial’ Home Decor Style?

scandi-industrial-home-decor-style

What is ‘Scandi-industrial’ style?

Scandi-industrial style is a blend of two styles: Scandinavian design and industrial design.

Scandinavian design is best known for warmth, functionality, clean lines and simple elegance. Think of elements of natural, simple minimalism, neutral tones, and white walls.

Photo credit: Louisiana Laginappe

Industrial design style  is also known as ‘ the warehouse look’. Taking it’s inspiration from old factories turned into loft dwellings. This style mixes textures like wood, metal and concrete and keeping the ‘unfinished look’.

Photo credit: vintageindustrialstyle.com

Why do Scandinavian and Industrial design styles work so well together?

The blending of these two styles resulted in a whole new style called ‘Scandi-industrial’. These styles work so well together because they have some common threads – neutral tones, mixing texture and functionality. These styles appreciate the beauty of natural and raw materials without a lot of ornamental detail.

Photo credit: House Beautiful

How can you get the ‘Scandi-industrial’ look?

When it comes to blending styles in one room – you need to have a dominant style and then a supporting style.  A 50/50 mix will look and feel confused.  Because these two styles have some common threads, they are quite easy to mix together.  An example of mixing these style is to have a Scandinavian style as the dominant (furniture for instance) with white walls or a brick wall painted in white and add some industrial lighting.

Photo credit: decoholic.com

Because you are mixing styles – no two rooms will ever be identical! there are so many combinations and modifications of this style – so you will never be bored.  Just be sure to have those common treads in each room.

Scandi-Industrial inspiration:

Photo credit: domino.com

This dining room is another example of Scandi-industrial design.  The furniture is Scandinavian with minimal details and simple lines.  The contrast in this room and the absence of colour blend the two styles nicely and the industrial lighting is functional and simply beautiful at the same time.

Photo credit: damasketdentelle.com

This home office work space is another example of blending these two styles.  The modern furniture like this Eiffel chair fits with the simplicity and functionality of Scandinavian design.  The neutral colour palette brings both styles together and this painted wall has a rough texture with a slightly unfinished look like we would see in an industrial warehouse space.

‘Scandi-industrial’ pieces:

Black and white art is a staple in Scandinavian design. This piece is simple and would look great hanging in a gallery wall of individually.

This mid-century modern design chair is another staple in this style – it works as a dining chair but also as an accent chair is a small room or a corner of a room.  These come in many different colours and even ‘armless’ designs, too.

Scandinavian design embraces the beauty and texture of nature. So this wool throw pillow with the tribal inspired print really puts a modern spin on this Scandi-industrial look.  The black and white scheme works with the neutral-on-neutral decor.

Industrial lighting has a raw and gritty appeal and adds so much character to any room. This desk /table lamp adds some detail to the space without being fussy.

This reclaimed wood and metal bed from Laurel Foundry has a great mix of textures – the metal and the reclaimed wood add a richness and lots of character to a bedroom. The white bedding is a beautiful contrast in tone and in texture, too!

When you mix two styles together – you get a truly unique look !

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HOME DECOR

What is Scandinavian Style?

scandinavian-style

Scandinavia has a long heritage of beautiful home furnishings. Scandinavians are renowned for incorporating clean lines, using the color white like total pros, and emphasizing both function and form.

You might think that Scandinavian style is that famous yellow and blue store with ‘assemble yourself furniture’ that comes in boxes.  but Scandinavian style is more than that!

If you love a clean and minimal look that embraces natural elements, Scandinavian might be your style!

Scandinavian style includes…

1 – Light toned wood.

2 – A rug with one pop of colour…

Maybe…but usually they are neutral, black and white are often seen in this style of decor.

3 – Lots of white, and white on white

4 -Simplicity is key

When it comes to hardware in the kitchen and bathrooms, clean lines and minimal to no detail.

5 – Invest in classics.

Scandinavian style is very minimal so you will only have a few decor items, so it’s worth investing in them. For example, a glass vase by designer Alvar Aalto

6 – Signature ‘Scandinavian’ pieces

Furniture pieces that embrace the Scandinavian style like the Tulip Table

7 – Gallery walls with a monochrome colour palette.

Not cluttered at all – it’s a very clean look in a consistent and neutral colour palette.

8 – Pendant lighting is essential and an important decor feature in the room.

It is functional but also decorative. Plan the room around it

9 –  Plants.

Streamlined and clean in a simple planter or vase.  But every Scandinavian styled room has a plant.

10 – Wood flooring.

Think wider, lighter planks with visible knots and minimal to no gloss.

11 – Make a point of having and highlighting the fireplace.

In Scandinavian styled homes, we often see corner fireplaces and furniture plans are often designed around them.

12 – Open Shelving.

For functional items like dishes in the kitchen.  It’s about easy access and operating effectively.


Scandinavian style is all about simplicity, it is clean and minimal but has a signature look. Scandinavian style isn’t just IKEA…

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