Black & White Scandi Trend - 8 tips for chic, clean & clear spaces that ooze style

 There's just something about this simple aesthetic home décor trend that draws me in every time.  All I want to do is update my own home, right now.      

It is also a design style that is perfect for spaces that need to be relatively neutral. For example creative office spaces, Air BnB rentals that have a design buzz, contemporary boutique hotels.   It is timeless, peaceful and the design effort never goes unappreciated.   

If you do not want it to look sparse, or soulless, then perfecting this sought-after trend isn’t quite as easy as it looks. Here are a few learned tips on how you can introduce the black and white Scandi trend into your home. 

 

1. Introduce glass & steel room dividers & black windowpanes into your space

Due to the rise in popularity of open-plan living, introducing statement-making partitions and black windowpanes into modern spaces has become a sought-after interior design trend. It also introduces an industrial edge and contemporary feel.   When designing spaces with my clients, we factor this into phase 1 of the renovation, as it provides such a beautiful focal point after which all other furnishings can develop later.  

2. Use storage as décor statements

Because of the functionality aspect of Scandinavian design, using storage pieces that double as stylish décor items is a great way to introduce this design trend into your living spaces. Basket accessories for wood, blankets and magazines, or vintage suitcases are all great ideas to achieve this look!

3. Introduce botanicals & greenery

Scandinavian design is known for its chic simplicity and therefore doesn’t involve a whole lot of bright colours. However, if you’re looking to brighten up a space without sacrificing , plants can do just the trick. By introducing greenery in the form of big leafy style pot plants, monster plants, snake plants, palms and succulent pot plants you’re able to bring an earthy element to the already natural look. Pairing it with beautiful wooden accents like storage racks, coffee tables and dining tables works extremely well. 

Don't know what to plant for indoors ? No worries, here is a great blog post for you we published a little while back - with a super secret tip on how to keep your plants alive with kitchen waste !  Read indoor plant guide blog post here 

With clients that feel they just do not have green fingers, there are some wonderful faux options available now days. It is worth the investment. 

4. Add tan leather accent chairs

Tan is an interior design staple colour that is trending again - we have a dedicated blog post to it here ,   it nearly provides an earthy pop of colour to monochrome spaces.   Shop tan leather items here

 

5. Herringbone pattern floors to compliment your Scandi design

 

While wall-to-wall carpeting is a definite no in Scandinavian design, Herringbone/wishbone pattern rugs and wood floors works very well with this look. 

 

 6. Wood storage accents & natural materials

If you have monochrome clean spaces, it is wise to introduce focal points that draw attention.  Creating a focal point is the way to do that.  Use chunky custom made pieces in reclaimed timber or from rustic cants.  Not only does this give your room some eye candy, it also makes your design look more expensive. 

At Vintage-etc we custom-make a variety of furniture pieces to suite your exact style and size requirements.  You can see our extensive gallery here 

7. Introduce relaxed cluster hanging lights at different heights

Lighting can make or break a space.   Introducing black and white hanging lights hung at different levels is therefore a great way to incorporate it into your Scandi design.If however your space is feeling a little harsh, then consider textured lighting (like wicker or cane) to soften it up. See our new arrivals for textured lighting options here 

 

8. Add darker features and accent walls to spice up your Scandi design

Introducing a dark accent wall, wallpapers with bold botanical patterns and darker shades, or painting your ceiling black are all great ways to shift your chic Scandi design over to the darker side. 

Think out the box and consider moving your accent wall to the ceiling while keeping your walls crisp and light.  You can see more examples on this trend in a prior blog post here

 

 

We certainly hope these ideas inspire you to create your chic, sophisticated Scandi-style spaces. And if you're looking to add any custom-made furniture pieces to complement or elevate your space - @vintage-etc can make it for you. If you can dream it, we can make it. 

 We make custom-made furniture personalised to your exact size and style requirements. As well as directly from photographs. From sharing tables and benches, kitchen islands, shelving, coffee tables, media units, bathroom vanity units and shop fittings – we can do it all! Delivered straight to your door within a few weeks nationwide in South Africa Visit our Made To Order page and send us your wish list of furniture items.

 For any interior consultations or furniture quotes contact us on info@vintage-etc.com or feel free to browse our range of New Arrivals furniture items to complement your living spaces.