It's no secret that the Scandinavians know what's up when it comes to interior design, so it only makes sense to take a cue from them when it comes to decorating your bathroom. So today, we're sharing ten of our favorite bathrooms with a Scandi style vibe, along with a few tips on how to get the look yourself.
Have you ever considered dark paint when painting your home's exterior? Here are ten amazing homes that showcase dark paint as a worthy choice for your home's exterior.
When I think of wall treatments, wallpaper usually comes to mind. Or paint. But sometimes I forget that you can paint a wall to actually look like wallpaper. Here are some unbelievable examples of hand-painted walls. You'll be inspired, I promise!
When we moved into our current apartment, we decided to mount our TV on the wall. Mainly, this was because our cats liked to stand in front of it, but we also just liked the look! Now, it's over a year later and there's nothing on that wall except a TV, which is the eyesore of the room. I'm a BIG TV fan, but I don't like the look of a giant black screen singled out on my wall. Because I was in need of some eye candy myself, I rounded up my favorite ways to decorate around your TV to incorporate it into your decor, or completely transform it into a hidden TV. Now I can't wait to finally decorate around my TV to make the room look a million times better!
Those Swedes sure do love to organize. Flip through any edition of the IKEA catalog, and the first impression you'll likely get is: a place for everything, and everything in its place. But don't our cluttered, modern, go-go-go lifestyles make it seem impossible to live up to this standard? Most especially in that most dreaded place in our homes --- the closet. Chances are, if you're a Curbly reader, you love organization just as much as we do. And you may need a little help figuring out how to make your closet system work for you. That's why today we are talking all about how to design the closet of your dreams using IKEA closets.
It's that time of year again... when we stock up on storage containers and root through our house with the hope of getting organized. So today we thought we'd share some organized home workspaces with you, to help get your organizational juices flowing.
No matter how many trends come and go, there are a few classic home decor elements that never go out of style. Think of a simple round mirror, the Eames lounge chair, a quality Persian rug - designers come back to these pieces again and again.
Another essential decor item that every interior designer seems to have in their back pocket? White curtains. Versatile and classic, well-tailored white curtains can dress up literally any room; no matter the style. And here's the secret - we've noticed a lot of designers are getting their curtains at IKEA!
A DIY daybed can be a great way to add some comfortable lounging space to your home. Check out these great examples.
We love having guests over for long weekend visits. And now that we have a guestroom, I throw out the invite to family and friends regularly! Prep your guestroom or patio with one of these gorgeous daybeds that are either made from scratch or just include simple and cheap updates!
Searching for the perfect mosaic tile backsplash for your kitchen be overwhelming. The sheer number of options is mind-boggling, which means that figuring out a unique style that fits your personality can be difficult. So today we're sharing some inspiring mosaic tile backsplash ideas that will help you pin down the look you're going for. Bits of china and tile have never looked so beautiful. Here are a few mosaic back splashes that just might make you start breaking dishes. Opa!
It can be easy to pay less attention to your outdoor space... you probably spend less time there than you do in your living room. But it deserves just as much attention as any other room in your house! And you can approach it the same way, by layering textiles and adding decorative accents. So today we're sharing some inspiration to get your creative wheels turning. Here are ten of our favorite eclectic, boho chic outdoor spaces.
I thoroughly enjoy woodworking, and I know that I'm not alone. There are tons of women out there that enjoy the craft! Spoil your mother or the lady in your life with one (or all!) of these cool tools!
There is something about bright and airy Scandinavian design that just calls to the senses.
The soothing use of color and light; the negative space that allows the gaze to wander and breathe; the layers of cozy, natural textures that invite you to curl up with a good book; it's no surprise that Nordic style is so popular. If you're thinking about a Scandinavian-inspired room makeover, want to know what the heck "hygge" is all about, or are curious about where Scandinavian design comes from, this is the post for you!
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Before we dive into all the ins and outs of what defines Scandinavian design, let's make sure we know what exactly is meant by the word, Scandinavia. Time for a mini geography refresher!
"Scandinavia" refers to the countries making up the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Strictly speaking, this means the countries Norway and Sweden. But in the design world, Denmark, Finland, and Norway are grouped into this region as well, due to their linguistic, historical, and especially cultural connections.
Together, these five countries have shaped what we think of as "Nordic style," with their accessible and timeless interior furnishings and decor.
The Scandinavian design movement began appearing as early as the 1930s in Northern Europe. Known as "Functionalism" in its origin countries, it evolved as Scandinavia's own flavor of the Modernist ideals that were sweeping through the art and design scenes at the beginning of the 20th century.
This was a volatile time period for the world, which saw the beginning of the Machine Age, two World Wars, and the Depression. Artists and designers of this time period were intent on overthrowing "old world" values and traditions, and focused instead on experimentation and democracy.
It was the emphasis on democracy that helped Functionalism take a foothold in Scandinavia, thanks to the efforts of regional artist groups and institutions, such as the Swedish Society of Industrial Design. These designers believed that good design should be accessible to all. Affordability was important, as was practicality.
In addition, the Nordic interior designers responded to their harsh winters and short days with open spaces that maximized light, emphasized function and simplicity, and took inspiration from nature to help create a cozy, yet bright, domestic retreat.
Scandinavian design made its American debut in a 1954 design show, aptly named Design in Scandinavia, which traveled throughout the U.S. and Canada. This tour showcased the region's belief that design should improve daily life with products that are beautiful without being heavy-handed, and functional without being stark. By the 1960s, Scandinavian design became all the rage on the North American continent, and continues to be immensely popular today.
Scandinavian design has spanned decades to capture our attention, and our Pinterest boards, because its core principles -- functionality, simplicity, and improving daily life -- are so universally appealing. We hectic 21st century busybodies yearn to find balance and calm, and we can see the promise of a quieter life in Nordic style homes.
At its heart, Scandinavian design is about the art of living well.
Designers of this style strive to create a comfortable domesticity in their homes, through the use of multi-functional decor, negative space, rich but casual textures, and LOTS of organization.
All of these elements serve to create space for an unencumbered lifestyle, that is about time spent, and not things purchased.
"Minimalist" and "Scandinavian" have become somewhat interchangeable words these days. And while these styles do share the ideals of simple living, open concept spaces, and practical furnishings, they do have some differences.
Scandinavian design achieves an open look by drawing inspiration from nature, with flowing forms and natural materials.
Minimalism, by contrast, is more industrial, using stainless steel, lacquered wood and plastic, and harder angles. Black and white is a common color palette, although today's minimalism is generally softer than its origins.
Furnishings should be practical and unobtrusive; decor should be uncomplicated and limited to well-loved pieces.
Designers of this style are inspired by nature, and demonstrate this love through the use of natural elements, like light-toned wood, stone, linen, and leather.
Rooms are structured to maximize natural light, with tall windows, sparse window dressings (or none at all), and subtly neutral color palettes, such as white, black, and gray, or light, muted pastels.
Craftsmanship and quality are valued, but so is accessibility. Scandinavian style frequently mixes old and new pieces together.
Can't decide if Scandinavian style is right for you? Take one of these interior design quizzes to find out!
If you've even glimpsed a photo of a Scandinavian home, you've seen the legacy of one of these iconic Scandinavian designers. These men and women shaped Scandinavian design through their well-known and timeless works.
Greta Magnusson-Grossman, Sweden, 1906-1999
One of the few women designers to be given recognition during this time period, Grossman made her mark on the Los Angeles Modernism scene.
Arne Jacobsen, Denmark, 1902-1971
One of Denmark's most renowned architects, Jacobsen's influence over Scandinavian interior design continues to inspire designers today.
Poul Henningson, Denmark, 1894-1967
This Danish modernist was best known for his lighting fixtures from the 1920s.
Armi Ratia, Finland, 1912-1979
Ratia was one of Finland's first women entrepreneurs, and the founder of the acclaimed Marimekko brand. This printing firm is best known for its radiant patterns, still seen in many Nordic interiors today.
Hans Wegner, Denmark, 1914-2007
An integral part of the "Golden Age" of Danish furniture design, thanks largely to his legendary chairs.
You just can't read about Scandinavian design without coming across the term, "hygge." This Danish and Norwegian concept has become so trendy in the past few years that it's practically a buzzword. But unlike a lot of internet fads (I'm looking at you, unicorn frappuccino), hygge is actually really, really good for you.
So what exactly is hygge?
Hygge (pronounced HUE-guh) is a Danish word used to acknowledge a special feeling or moment. It can be alone or with friends, at home or out, ordinary or extraordinary, but it is always cozy, charming, or special.
From hyggehouse.com
More than a word or something you can buy, hygge is a mindset found by slowing down to enjoy the simple daily pleasures of life. It is about creating intimacy, mindfulness, and contentment, both in social gatherings and private moments. Stepping into a hot bath at the end of a long day; sharing laughs with a friend over a pot of tea; roasting marshmallows by a summer campfire; these are all moments infused with the cozy warmth of hygge.
In design, the ideal of hygge translates into crafting spaces and furnishings that bring simplicity and calm to the home. The Nordic design mantra of "beautiful things that make life simpler" is very applicable here.
There is no "hygge look" -- it's a feeling, not a design fad. But, there are some simple things you can do in your home to make hygge moments more likely.
The Nordic look has become so popular and widespread, it's no wonder there are many variations on the minimal, functional theme. Here's a closer look at some of our favorites:
More rustic than its predecessor, cottage Scandinavian style pulls inspiration from traditional farmhouse living. Weathered wood, classic textiles, and vintage details combine with light and airy palettes to create this look.
This look combines the light wood finishes and natural textures of Scandinavian decor with industrial factory elements and metal details.
This is the one for me! Scandibo style, or Scandiboho, pairs Scandinavian and bohemian aesthetics for a look that is clean and minimal, while also being more "full" than traditional Scandinavian design. It's a bit of a maximalist minimalism, if you will. Natural textures are taken up a notch, with lots of 1970s inspired macrame and weavings. Color is a little more playful. And most of all, this style is all about plants, plants, and more plants.
Do you love design blogs? You're on Curbly -- of course you do! We've got some fabulous ones about Scandinavian design that will keep you inspired and wanting to embrace all things Scandi.
One of my personal favorites, blogger Niki Brantmark made it into the best books AND best Instagram accounts lists below too, thanks to her impeccable eye for style and gorgeous home tours.
2. A Merry Mishap
Stylist Jennifer Hagler writes with "a passion for Scandinavian design and minimal aesthetics," and shares inspiration not only in interior design trends, but lifestyle as well.
3. Trendenser
This Swedish design blog runs a "Weekly Interior News" feature for all the juicy design things happening in the world. So much better than reading the actual news, don't you think?
4. Stylizimo
Hailing from Norway, blogger Nina styles most of the stunning scenes on her blog herself. You'll love her use of earth tones and airy furniture, and oh-em-gee this closet.
Katarina Dima, a Grecian living in Norway, originally started her blog to document her home renovation. It has since flourished into a space for design tips and inspiration in the Nordic style, with influences from contemporary American and industrial styles.
No list of best Scandinavian design blogs would be complete without Ingrid Opstad's blog, chronicling her efforts to stay in touch with her Norwegian roots while living in Italy.
Not only is Sarah's blog filled with the most crisp, luscious home tours you can imagine; she also sells original prints and photos in her online shop, so you can take home your own Scandi-inspired artwork.
If you're looking to learn more about Scandinavian design, or just show your friends how stylish you are, these are the books you've got to keep on your coffee table:
Scandinavian Design, by Charlotte and Peter Fiell
A comprehensive guide to Scandinavian design and its history, you'll find in-depth information on more than 180 influential designers in this volume.
The Kinfolk Home: Interiors for Slow Living, by Nathan Williams
The homes featured here may span the globe, but they all evoke the Scandinavian aesthetic and lifestyle.
Scandinavia Dreaming, by Angel Trinidad
You'll find this book as beautiful to hold as it is to read!
The Scandinavian Home: Interiors Inspired by Light, by Niki Brantmark
Written by the author of My Scandinavian Home blog, this book is brimming with light and bright spaces from the Scandinavian region. Bonus: check out Niki's book Lagom, too -- I own it and it's just a lovely read!
New Nordic Design, by Dorothea Gundtoft
This beautiful book profiles Scandinavian designers practicing today, with examples of their works, interviews, and loads of inspiration.
We all know we're really in it for the pretty pictures. Good news for people who want to fall down the Instagram rabbit hole: there are so. many. fantastic. Scandinavian inspired Instagram accounts. Get ready to double-tap!
1. My Scandinavian Home @myscandinavianhome
Niki Brantmark is the author behind this stunning Instagram account, and blog by the same name. You'll go crazy over the Nordic style home tours she features on both platforms.
2. Scandinavian Homes @scandinavianhomes
This interior styling firm hailing from Stockholm just nails Scandinavian style. Minimal, functional, and cozy all at once, wouldn't you say?
3. Klara @kajastef
Warm wood tones contrast perfectly with stark white furnishings in the home of photographer and stylist Klara.
4. Sandra / Wolle Hoch Drei @wollehochdrei
Knitter and stylist Sandra's home is filled with comfy, bright spaces that make hygge possible every day.
5. Friederike Weid @friederikchen
This young influencer's home epitomizes the Scandibo look with her lavish use of plants, macrame, and 1970s craft-inspired textures.
6. Tabita Aundal @tabita_aundal
Blush lovers, you will adore Tabita Aundal's calm blush-infused home with a classic Nordic aesthetic.
7. Stadshem @stadshem
This is the Instagram account of a Swedish real estate firm. In case the significance there didn't sink in...this Instagram account shows absurdly gorgeous Scandinavian homes that are actually for sale. Anyone else thinking of emigrating?
There is so much beauty in Scandinavian interior design, and its attention to both function and form means there is something for everyone. Have you ever considered decorating in the Scandinavian style? What is something about this look that you love?
Looking for even more Scandinavian style inspiration? Check out our post on Scandinavian design ideas to copy!
Perusing online tours of beautiful Scandinavian homes can be an addictive, and envy-inducing, pastime. Though you may not be able to import their high ceilings, period features, or masonry heaters (those cylindrical white corner fireplaces that I endlessly covet), you can certainly create your own replica of the Scandinavian look with the right furnishings. Figuring out where to find certain pieces can be tricky, so I'll round up some popular Scandinavian-style pieces, and tell you where you can buy them in the US.
The distinct colors, shapes, and textures of the 1970s give interiors from that era a unique energy. Currently, the decade's distinct vibe is coming back, and influencing current trends in a big way. Yes, 70s style might be considered over-the-top now, but comb through examples from that era and you will find pieces and inspiration that will bring new liveliness to your space all while fitting in to your current decor. Keep scrolling for some rad eye candy!
Hunting for a rental apartment is just about the worst thing about modern urban life. Not only do you have to contend with application fees and sketchy brokers, compete with other prospective tenants, and traipse through one messy, half-packed living room after another; but once you finally find a place that you can afford and that doesn't have literal holes in the walls --- you have to move in and actually LIVE WITH all the ugly, outdated apartment features that you tried desperately to ignore as you signed the lease and handed over your entire month's income.
Unless, of course, you are a DIYer.
The only thing we DIYers have to live with is our penchant for hoarding supplies (politely known as "being prepared").
So roll up your sleeves, guys, because today we are going to tackle one often-ignored rental eyesore: the kitchen backsplash. Keep reading to see how these temporary and removable backsplash ideas will make you love your apartment kitchen, without sacrificing your security deposit.
Yes, that jaw-dropping white subway tile backsplash is a DIY. Designer Abby from Daily Disco used this peel-and-stick tile from Amazon to transform her kitchen. Ok, she clearly did a few other things too (helloooo, amazing pink rug!), but the removable backsplash alone makes a huge difference, and you don't have to be a professional contractor to do this yourself.
Peel-and-stick tile is definitely the easiest way to DIY your kitchen backsplash. If you can wrap a present with somewhat straight lines (admittedly a challenge at times), you can install peel-and-stick tile. It comes in an almost overwhelming array of styles. And, most importantly for our purposes, the "tile" can be removed when you move on to your next heinous rental apartment. Inexpensive and renter-friendly!
Check out some more peel-and-stick tile DIY backsplash ideas:
Melodrama's DIY backsplash makeover with peel-and-stick tile is another example of how you just can't go wrong with the classic, white subway tile look.
This removable backsplash redo on RoomMates shows that you can get a completely different look and style using peel-and-stick tile.
While not quite peel-and-stick, Sincerely Sweetpea's renter-friendly backsplash makes use of a similarly removable product, Facade Backsplash Panels.
And my personal favorite of the bunch: the bloggers behind Atelier de Curiosite made over their Parisian kitchen using white hexagon peel-and-stick tile. Can a rental kitchen get any dreamier??
Look out: there are two types of products on the market both called "peel-and-stick tile." For the removable kind that's good for renters, you want 3D sheets that look like tiles; NOT individual tiles that require additional glue. Check out these links for some options!
We live in a truly magical age. An age where things can be sticky, and not sticky, as we wish.
That's why this other peel-and-stick trick, removable wallpaper, is another great DIY renter-friendly backsplash idea. You can simply stick it over your hideous backsplash for a year or two, and pull it up when it's time to go!
Chasing Paper has a truly endless selection of removable wallpaper prints to choose from, and inspiring images to get your ideas rolling (Sorry not sorry for sending you down that beautiful rabbit hole).
Botanical removable wallpaper makes a bold and beautiful statement in Apartment Therapy writer Anna Spaller's rental kitchen.
This mid-mod removable backsplash only cost $30 thanks to peel-and-stick wallpaper.
Our own M.E. used removable vinyl wallpaper to update her kitchen backsplash!
This inventive blogger shows how she was able to make her own custom temporary wallpaper using contact paper. Seriously the smartest use of contact paper I've ever seen.
Guess what: Contact paper is just cheaper removable wallpaper. Mind. Blown.
Love the look of marble, but not the price tag? Contact paper to the rescue!
Including "paint" in this roundup might be cheating a bit, since not all landlords will allow their tenants to paint. But for you lucky renters who are allowed to paint, you will just die over all the ways you can makeover your kitchen backsplash using paint (like the DIY herringbone tile backsplash above!).
If your landlord is hesitant about you going at the kitchen backsplash with a paint roller, offer to paint back over it when you move out. OR, you can always try the "ask for forgiveness, not permission" tactic, just don't hold me liable if you don't get your security deposit back.
And for those of you who can't paint in your apartment, don't worry, I've got a workaround for you later on!
I know the chalkboard look has been fading in the design scene, but I will never ever tire of a well-executed chalkboard kitchen backsplash. And it's such an easy DIY! As in the example above...
...or designer C.S. Valentin's charming version.
Here's a DIY renter-friendly backsplash idea which doesn't even require you to break out all the brushes and rollers. A Beautiful Mess created this DIY herringbone tile look with just a paint pen and a ruler (and, a lot of patience).
Try using cement tile stencils in a muted palette to paint your DIY backsplash.
Or follow this ambitious DIYer's faux glass tile backsplash tutorial!
And did you know you can actually paint over existing tile?
Renters who fall into the woefully tragic category of Being Unable to Paint, rejoice! You can still make a custom DIY painted backsplash using this workaround: paint -- or even tile -- a removable panel instead.
Food 52's Alex Kalita created her renter-friendly backsplash above by tiling a small plywood board. She then mounted the board to the wall with a French cleat. All very accessible, and very temporary.
This rental hack of creating a backsplash on a temporary board or panel can be customized in so many ways. Take a look at some of these removable backsplash panels:
Anna Dorfman puts this technique to creative use with her graphic painted backsplash in her rental kitchen on Door Sixteen.
This unique and colorful backsplash is made of painted peel-and-stick tile. To make the project removable and renter-friendly, you can stick the painted tiles onto a panel cut to size, instead. And, use removable Velcro strips to keep the panels in place!
I am beyond obsessed with all things copper, which led me to discover these amazing copper sheet rolls on Amazon. I used them to create a magnetic copper inspiration board, and have been itching to recreate the project on a larger scale.
Can you imagine a brilliant, shiny, patina-rich copper backsplash in your rental kitchen? It would be totally renter-friendly if you applied the copper sheet rolls onto a board attached to the wall.
You can adapt the same idea using tin tiles from the hardware store, as the DIY Network did here.
Shiplap is having a major moment, and the panel trick can make this stylish look possible in a rental too. Just use the tutorial from A Beautiful Mess, but combine it with Door Sixteen's panel backsplash.
Or, go totally wild and create a custom mosaic backsplash! If you make the mosaic on a single, smaller board, such as for just behind the sink or stove, you can even take the project with you for your next rental kitchen.
Alright, DIYers, I want to hear about your own rental kitchens. Do you have an eyesore apartment backsplash that's in need of some love? Would you try one of these temporary DIY backsplash ideas? We'd love to hear your thoughts and stories in the comments!
