5 simple Scandi living rooms – to inspire a minimalist makeover

We thought it had been too long since we had done a Scandi-inspired gallery, especially as it's everyone's fave style going into autumn. So we have pulled together five really easy looks that you can copy and adapt for your living room to give it a bit of a Scandinavian spruce. And don't worry they aren't all uber-modern, minimalist spaces, we have found a nice balance between the typical stark Scandi living room design and the wintery, cosy take on the look. 

Make sure you also check out our living room ideas feature if you are after more inspiration. 

1. Keep your colour palette to a minimum 

No matter what Scandi style living room you are going for, be it the minimalist vibe or the hygge thing, keep your colours to a minimum. Stick with neutrals like creams, grey and whites and you can always add in a few muted colours like the green and the pink you can see here. 

If you want more Scandi inspiration for the rest of your home, you need to take a tour of this Victorian country cottage. 

2. Layer up the textures instead 

Since in Scandi living rooms you tend not to go bold with the colours, you need to add interest somehow and that is done with textures. Especially going into the colder months layer up lots of different materials in the form of blankets and cushions. Throw down a rug or two too and get lots of wooden elements in the space to add a really soft, natural feel. 

3. Make sure your living room is clutter free

This space is more from the contemporary school of Scandi design, lots of clean lines and chic furniture. The key in this living room is that everything that doesn't add to overall look is stored away, creating a space that still has lots of personality but is free from clutter. The best way to achieve this look is good living room storage – pick pieces that have both open and closed storage so you can hide away unaesthetically pleasing stuff but keep some decorative pieces on show.

We love String for Scandi style storage and Ikea have some nice bits too.  For more living room storage ideas check out our gallery. 

4. But still curate interesting displays

But creating clean and tidy spaces doesn't mean your living room has to be free of interesting decor and displays. Look at this gorgeous room – nice simple colours but loads of texture and quirky prints, definitely a look to copy. Check out Desenio for some simple, Scandi inspired prints. 

5. Go all out Hygge for a Scandi-style living room 

And there it is, the word you all knew was coming. This is by far the easiest way to add a dash of Scandi design ideas to your home – dim the lights, grab a blanket and light all the candles you own. Obviously get a crackling fire going, even it is just on the TV like in this log cabin. If you love this space, you should check out the rest of the space, it's as Hygge as a home comes. 

Read more:

• Real home: a first time buyer's Scandi-style house renovation
• White living room ideas: 18 stunning looks for a chic, minimalist space
• Scandinavian bedroom: 13 cosy ideas for long winter nights