8 Hygge Scandinavian Interior Design Ideas (In Singapore 2023)
In the past decade, Scandinavian interior design has been very popular in Singapore. The Nordic simplicity of Scandinavian design will readily fit into any abode regardless of the space restrictions. The calming nature of having a large, light-filled space that is clean, warm and devoid of clutter, is partly why Scandinavian is the preferable choice of design for many different HDB flats (BTO and resale) and Condominiums.
Best of all, a Scandinavian style will quickly turn any home into an elegant and sophisticated living space. Focusing on blending functionality with simple aesthetics makes the interior design style very relevant even up till today, and a trend that is here to stay for the long haul.
Perhaps, you’re still reluctant to take the step and try something new. One of the perks of having a Scandinavian design is the low cost to achieve it. The pragmatism that this interior style exudes will help you achieve a full look in your abode without spending a fortune on renovation costs. Besides, you’ll love to have a home environment that establishes harmony with nature, promoting a sense of well-being and balance.
Get in touch with the Nordic lifestyle of hygge with the following tips to create the ultimate Scandinavian feel for you home.
What is Scandinavian Interior Design?
As Danes call it, ‘Hygge’ (meaning ‘cosy togetherness’) is the unique concept of creating a warm atmosphere while enjoying life. Known for its simplicity, functionality and attractiveness, the Scandinavian style of design seeks to combine functionality with beauty. Its clean and minimal approach to multifunctional and flexible designs fits perfectly with what homeowners and interior designers in Singapore are looking for.
Being all about clean lines, sleek deco, light clutter-free spaces, ample use of wood, beautiful elements of nature and neutral tones, Scandinavian design is a great way to add a touch of elegance and make the most out of your home spaces, whether it is your living room or bedroom.
As a result, homeowners get a straightforward and clutter-free home interior by incorporating a Scandinavian style that showcases only the essentials – the perfect balance between minimalist and contemporary aesthetics.
Key Elements to Help You Nail Home Scandinavian Design
By now, you should be aware that the concept of hygge focuses on functionality rather than intricacies and richness. This is a welcoming idea for those who are looking to save space and have a home that is practical and easy to maintain. A Scandinavian-styled HDB or Condominium will likely make your home look far more spacious than it is with its clean and straight lines!
If you have made up your mind and are open to trying out this interior design style, here are some factors for you to consider when building up your Scandinavian-themed home, whether it is your living room, kitchen or bedroom.
#1 - Establish an Airy Ambiance
Scandinavian living room at HDB Blk 353A Admiralty Drive - 4-Room Resale
First and foremost, it’s crucial to get the central principle and concept behind the 4-room HDB interior design style. In this regard, you must understand that simplicity lies in the details or of their absence. Here, creating an airy interior has a literal meaning, so you should maximise the breathing space of your interior. Scandinavian décor is all about beautifying your spaces without introducing any unnecessary clutter.
Opt for smart and space-saving furniture and refrain from choosing bulky ones. A good starting point is choosing elevated furniture with featherweight frames and designs. Also, purposefully place each piece of furniture and give them enough breathing space to further enhance the feeling of airiness in your home. All you would need is a few pieces to tie the entire look together. Complement the walls with neutral hues and finish off with paper lampshades for optimal effect.
#2 - Use Textiles from Natural Fabrics
Minimalistic Scandinavian HDB Design at Blk 228B Ang Mo Kio St 23, 4 Room BTO Flat
As already noted, the Scandinavian design’s primary principle is creating a warm and cosy atmosphere. One way to make your living space more inviting is by introducing textiles to add some different textures and warmth. Perhaps, they’re the missing link that will bring out the balance between natural materials and the warmth of hygge.
To achieve the feel of a Nordic Interior, go with wool, cotton or creased linen textiles. You can also experiment with velvet bedspreads or duvet covers, but make sure you avoid shiny silks and satins. After all, you’re striving for understated elegance. Don’t forget to complement everything with the rest of your interior to create a seamless transition of textures and colours.
If you have the funds, you can go further by adding animal hides, preferably sheepskins, or animal pelts. Throw them over the back of a chair or lay them out beside your bed as a soft-landing space for your feet in the morning. Another great idea is to utilise quilts and woven wall hangings as a form of art. Try not to mix an excessive amount of Scandinavian décor elements into a given space to prevent it from being overwhelmed and looking like you are trying too hard!
#3 - Install Hardwood Flooring
Blk 167C Simei Lane - Resale DBSS
If you ever see a flat with carpet flooring, it’s not an authentic HDB Scandinavian interior design. The reason for this is simple – carpeting is hardly used as a flooring option in Scandinavian design. Instead, hardwood is preferred and is the number-one flooring choice. Pale colours and bare floor planks are a typical sight in Scandinavian homes.
Complement your flooring with some dedicated rugs in neutral hues to match the concept of Nordic culture and bring the Scandinavian look together beautifully.
If your budget doesn’t allow you to buy hardwood, you can always go for Herringbone parquet or even laminates. Either way, you can safely implement this style of flooring throughout your HDB flat. The only place where you can make an exception is your bathroom. That’s the place where you should bet on tiles or a cheaper, vinyl flooring option.
#4 - Embrace Simplicity
Scandinavian Interior at 421 Clementi Ave 1, 4 Room HDB Resale Flat
Undoubtedly, there is a myriad of reasons why one would want to have a clean and clutter-free home. Even if you’re living in a 5-room HDB, you’d like to save as much space as possible. In this regard, a Scandinavian 5-room HDB design style will put simplicity as its number-one priority.
A smart way to embrace the concept is to eliminate all the clutter that you don’t need.
Pay attention to the small details like wires and cables, and make sure you conceal them properly. You can proceed to store any piece of furniture or decoration that you rarely use or do not naturally fit in with the rest of the interior. That way, you’ll let in as much air and light as possible to visually expand your home’s Scandinavian interior.
#5 - Focus on Wooden Elements
Scandinavian Living Room Design at Blk 308C Punggol Waterway, 5-room HDB Resale
Without a doubt, wood is the main element of every Scandinavian interior design. Used in the flooring, kitchen countertops, furniture and decoratives, it is all about the incorporation of wood. In other words, focusing on any other material would be a wrong move.
After all, the Scandinavians’ love for the outdoors is well known, where the Nordic hygge lifestyle relates almost entirely to the Scandinavian landscape of picturesque mountains and evergreen forests. Therefore, it is no surprise that wood is prevalent in this interior style. Go for pale stable wood species such as birch, spruce or pine. Alternatively, you can pick white-painted MDF as a more budget-friendly option
#6 - Bring in Natural Light
Scandinavian bedroom at 421 Clementi Ave 1, 4Room HDB Resale Flat
Nordic countries experience extensive periods in the absence of sunlight during the long winter months. Hence, lighting is an essential element in Scandinavian design. Employ the use of large windows with clear glass to bring in as much natural light into the interior as possible. An ample amount of natural light makes the space look bigger and gives the interior an extra bit of warmth and visibility.
While keeping the design simple and sleek to match the cozy mood, you may choose to add layers of texture and dimension to your interior by draping on floor-to-ceiling curtains. Be mindful of choosing sheer curtains with light pastel colours to not obstruct any natural light. By creating a nook just beside the windows, you can enjoy some me-time with your favourite books or enjoy a cup of coffee.
For additional light into your space, layering artificial lights works as a perfect supplement to natural lighting. You may consider light fixtures like overhead pendant lights, wall lights, table and floor lamps that complement the rest of your interior. It is all about the lighting style that suits and works for you, where the main aim is to add extra warmth and visibility.
#7 - Bring in Nature
Scandinavian Living Room at 31 The Lakeshore, 2 Bedder Condo
For a true Scandinavian touch, incorporating some elements of nature into your home in the form of indoor plants plays an important role. Indoor plants in the form of fresh flowers or natural plants add freshness and visual interest to your home spaces, and are beneficial to your mental health as well. As work from home has become the new norm, creating a relaxing environment at home with plants is one of the best ways to stay sane and enjoy nature.
You can add to the airy ambience of a Scandinavian design with indoor plants placed strategically all around your abode. Of course, you shouldn’t overdo the greenery – three or four plants are more than enough for a tiny room. Do not forget that the main purpose of the plants is to complement your home interior and fill in a small nook or corner in your house. Otherwise, you risk creating a full-on indoor jungle, which often equates to more clutter and straying from the principles of Scandinavian design.
#8 - Add Architectural Aesthetics
Last but not least, you’ll hardly ever match Nordic capitals’ architecture like Copenhagen and Stockholm. The historical buildings of these Scandinavian cities are often a couple of hundred years old. Usually, they feature high ceilings and large windows with some stunning and ornate details, including mouldings, panelling, and traditional stoves.
You can still mimic some of the concepts to make your Scandinavian-themed HDB or Condominium exude even more Nordic vibes. Try to pair all those intricate details with some modern and cosy furniture. Add warm textiles, and you’ll immediately see the astonishing contrast they create.
Inspirational Scandinavian HDB Interior Design Portfolios
Let’s go through some of our amazing Scandinavian HDB interior design portfolios that showcase all these mentioned design ideas and inspire you on how you can also achieve a similar look in your Scandinavian home.
BLK 128 GEYLANG EAST AVE 1, 5 ROOM HDB RESALE
This beautiful Scandinavian home is a treat for the eyes as it offers a striking fusion of elegance and beauty. The living room shows a wide and spacious area that is well-lit just like any Scandinavian interior should be. Bathed in a pastel color palette with off white walls and beige accents, the interior exudes sophistication like no other. Since a Scandinavian interior is characterized by lots of light colored wooden elements, we see a rustic looking wood dining table and leather sofas in beige color that add an earthly touch to the space. Although the flooring is not typical hardwood flooring, the color chosen for the tiled floors are beige to give the impression of an oak-wood colored hardwood floor. With a few plants and flowers in this living room, the overall ambience is of sophisticated, warmth, and coziness.
When we look at the kitchen of this Scandinavian condo, it follows a similar theme like the one seen in the living room with a little variation. Instead of a beige-dominant color palette, the kitchen walls are kept simple in a light gray hue that creates a striking contrast with the wooden accent wall and kitchen island. Although the wooden elements boast a slightly darker wooden shade than the one normally seen in the Scandinavian interior, this darker shade works perfectly well with the beige floors and light gray walls and add a touch of depth and personality into the interior. The kitchen island and wall hangings are further illuminated through track lights that highlight all the accents in the room. Also notice that the kitchen area has multiple windows to keep it bright and airy; one of the main requirements of kitchen Scandinavian interior designs. A few green plants have been added into the space to add a pop of color and balance in the environment.
Now coming to the cozy and relaxing bedroom of this Scandinavian condominium. Although small, the bedroom is just as functional and beautiful as one would want it to be. This can be an inspiration for people who are skeptical as to whether they can achieve beauty and functionality in a small room or not. This bedroom clearly shows that if designed and decorated properly, even a small room can offer you all the required functionality in a cozy and comfortable environment.
The floor is a traditional hardwood floor and the white walls create a smooth contrast with the floor. A sleek beige colored comfortable bed sits in the middle with a modern and sleek dressing table that takes very little space. Even a small dressing table stool sits in front of the table as there is plenty of room for it owing to the sleek design and structure of the furniture. The room even features a small walk-in closet with neatly organized compartments and shelves. This Scandinavian bedroom can be the dream of anyone who is fond of this design style and want to achieve a similar outlook in a small HDB or condo in Singapore.
BLK 356B UBI AVE 3 - 5-ROOM HDB BTO
Now let’s go through another amazing Scandinavian interior design portfolio that shows that your Scandinavian interior does not have to look plain and bland; you can easily spice things up in the space to create an interesting twist to the traditional Scandinavian interior.
This 5-room HDB BTO in Singapore showcases a beautiful mix of colors and textures that uplift this Scandinavian interior to new heights to create a unique and breath-taking view. The following image of the living room depicts a color palette that is slightly more bold with beige, brown, and hues of gray shade. The beige sofa complements the light beige floors whereas the dark wooden decorative shelves add a touch of texture and elegance to the space. The media wall with its distinctive marble-patterned outlook creates a harmonized balance with the trendy marble-top coffee table. The sheer white curtains on the full-length windows allow the room to be bright and well-lit. The second layer of gray curtains match the gray media wall to cover the windows when required. Through statement lighting, the interior’s ambience is enhanced manifold. Therefore, although this interior features a lot of colors, their perfect harmony help create amazing Scandinavian vibes in the space.
The bedroom follows suit with a similar selection of colors and materials so that it is not a traditional Scandinavian theme, rather a fun and elegant twist of it. A simple, comfortable bed takes the majority of space in the bedroom. However, the selection of colors for the headboard wall and the side walls create a deeper perspective to make even the small bedroom appear spacious. The headboard wall features a light gray and white marble patterned wallpaper whereas the bed’s headboard is actually a vertically-sectioned, tufted structure with metallic accents in between. The abstract design of this headboard acts as the main piece of attraction in the room. The side wall features a dark wood wall that creates the perfect contrast with the pastel-colored bed and headboard. Hanging lamps over the night stands and indirect lighting in the ceiling further add a modern and sophisticated vibe into the space.
Now coming to the kitchen of this HDB Scandinavian interior design. Just like the majority of Scandinavian homes, this HDB also adopts an open-concept layout for the living room and kitchen area. A contrasting color palette has been chosen for the kitchen with the lower cabinets being black with beige countertops while the upper cabinets are white. The kitchen island is also black with beige countertop and the similar theme is carried in the adjoining dining table and chairs. The designers have customized the kitchen a bit by opting for a white marble floor but that helps add elegance and sophistication in the space. Modern decorative chandeliers and other types of statement lighting create the perfect modern-Scandinavian interior.
315A PUNGGOL WAY 4-ROOM HDB BTO
Lastly, we discuss another breath-taking interior that is devoid of many colors but it exudes elegance like no other. A white classic beauty that looks simply luxurious and elegant with a general Scandinavian theme. Such an interior design shows you that you can take one particular interior design style and give it your personal touch using a particular color of your choice or by adding personalized items. Although, the interior would not be a true reflection of the particular design style but your personalized touch will make it interestingly unique.
Let’s start with this beautiful Scandinavian living room of a 4-room HDB BTO in Singapore. As can be seen clearly, the main color of the theme is white which is further enhanced by the addition of gold accents. Although a true Scandinavian interior features colors like off white, cream, and beige, the white creates a beautiful spin-off of this style to create a breath-taking luxurious-Scandinavian interior. The walls, sofas, coffee table, and console are all white with gold metallic accents for the console and table. The floor is a very light gold-beige hardwood floor that sticks to the general color palette. Even the center rug is a luxurious plush white fur carpet with gold detailing. True to the Scandinavian theme, the living room window is huge with sheer white curtains to allow maximum light inside. Although you can add warm lighting to such a white-dominant interior, the designers have chosen white lighting for the room. This further adds a bright and clear ambience in the already white interior.
The kitchen is the epitome of elegance and sophistication in this Scandinavian HDB. The wise selection of white and gray colors for the walls, cabinets, and counters in the kitchen creates a spacious and airy vibe. Also notice that although the living room featured white with gold accents, the designers stuck to gray and silver for the kitchen. This adds a unique touch to the space. The high-gloss, gray lower cabinets with white countertop along with the white glossy upper cabinets all add a sense of class and luxury to the space. The addition of white and gray marble backsplash further accentuates the modern look of the kitchen. Finally, spotlights and accent lighting highlight and illuminate all the significant features to create a desirably beautiful kitchen.
Similarly, the bedroom of this HDB exudes a modern and luxurious feel that is easy to achieve and maintain. Instead of spending on very high-class and luxurious items, the designers have chosen certain fabrics and elements that give a rather luxurious look without the insanely high expenditure. The bed is a light-gray tufted bed that itself looks classy and luxurious. With the addition of silk bed sheets and comforter, the luxury aspect is further enhanced. Similarly, right next to the bed is a simple and sleek dressing table with a modern, fur upholstered dressing chair. This dressing chair and the silk curtains create a luxurious Scandinavian interior design theme in a small bedroom to give amazing interior design goals. And all this can easily be achieved even in a small budget. This beautiful Scandinavian 4-room HDB interior design theme is a great inspiration for anyone who wishes to create a luxurious and exotic environment but have a tight budget. By using a few specific colors and techniques, you also can achieve a similar luxurious-Scandinavian outlook in your HDB or condo.
Amazing HDB Scandinavian Design Portfolio
Scandinavian interiors are the epitome of sophistication and functionality. Characterised by muted colours, bright well-lit spaces, and an abundance of wooden elements, this interior design style should be your go-to style if you wish to create an elegant, minimalist, and bright space. The following award-winning Scandinavian portfolio by Swiss Interior can inspire you and motivate you to design your HDB home in Singapore along the same lines and get a comfortable and cosy abode in 2024. Let us go through this design portfolio’s features and key elements to see how you can incorporate the Hygge style into your HDB.
Starting with the living room of this HDB, we see that the space immediately hits you with a splash of freshness and brightness. Comfortable, cosy space, lots of natural light, muted colour palette, and the use of wood are all distinctive characteristics of the Scandinavian theme and this is adopted beautifully in this living room. The curtains and sofas have a light beige colour that flow harmoniously with the light oak-coloured wooden floor. A slightly different shade of wood is used for the TV console that adds an element of depth in the interior. The wooden, eclectic coffee table with the glass top is simple yet elegant. There are no unnecessary elements in the space making it functional and minimalist. The full-wall window ensures plenty of sunlight while the indirect lighting and spotlights further add to the elegance and style in the room.
Since a Scandinavian interior is characterised by a light and airy ambience, the dining area also depicts a similar layout. The floors are a continuation of the same hardwood flooring as that of the living room. The dining table has a classic wooden top with black metallic frame. The dining chairs have a wooden frame with light beige seats. This whole area has simple white walls with a touch of pastel blue colour on the cupboards to add a fun vibe to the space. On one side of the dining area are the cupboards whereas another wall comprises a set of upper and lower shelves. These shelves and cupboards add plenty of storage into the space to keep the area tidy, clean, and uncluttered. A simple door opening on one corner shows the entrance to the kitchen.
The kitchen, although not entirely an open concept one, opens into the dining area that flows seamlessly into the living room. This shows that you can have a separate kitchen and keep the living room and dining area in an open-concept layout. As the picture below shows, the kitchen features a light wooden ambience with the upper cabinets made from light wood coloured laminate. The lower cabinets and walls are all in hues of off-white that help create an airy and spacious ambience. The kitchen has been designed functionally with all the appliances built in into the cabinetry. At the far end of the kitchen is the laundry area that offers great functionality and ease.
The master bathroom of this HDB is a work of class and elegance in itself. Doned in light, muted hues of beige and grey, the bathroom is highly trendy and beautiful. There is a dedicated shower area with mosaic-style wall tiles in various hues of stone-grey. The shower area has glass partitions that help keep the bathroom dry as well as make it appear highly stylish. The floors are in light beige tiles while the toilet fixtures, sink, and vanity are in a light off-white colour. The floating vanity creates a modern look whereas the simple mirror cabinet provides storage space to keep everything organised in it. Notice, that the main element that elevates this bathroom’s ambience is the strategic use of modern lighting. Accent lighting, spotlights, and indirect lighting on the ceilings and beneath the fixtures create the perfect Hygge ambience to have in your HDB.
The picture below shows the Scandinavian bedroom that would inspire you to design your own bedroom in a similar way. This bedroom exudes beauty, elegance, and style that is bound to awe strike anyone and everyone. This gold and beige bedroom has a typical oak-wood flooring and a slightly darker shaded wooden bed. The bed has a simple yet plush headboard that matches the gold, silk bed linen. A highly stylish yet comfortable sofa sits on one side that offers functionality and also serves as an important decorative element in the room. The two-layered beige and sheer curtains allow light to brighten the space and can be drawn when privacy is required. The unique architectural design of this bedroom is further accentuated using accent lights, indirect lighting, and spotlights. All elements blend with each other in balance and harmony to create a calm, soothing, and serene Hygge bedroom.
The bedroom has an attached changing room/walk-in closet that offers a convenient and functional space for storage. The room is simple with plain white cupboards and wooden flooring. Track lights illuminate this area so that the space is well-lit. There is also a comfortable sofa in this space to provide an option of seating if required. Although the cupboards in this HDB have doors, you can even design them in a way so there are shelves visible either with no doors or with glass doors. When these shelves are lit up with spotlights and task lighting, the resulting ambience will be a must have for everyone.
Final Thoughts
Finally, it’s more than clear why so many people prefer Scandinavian design for their homes, whether they stay in HDBs, BTOs or Condominiums. Advocate the concept of less is always more, and that the beauty of hygge is not far from the truth. The simple concept of functionality and minimalism is a practical and budget-friendly alternative to modern interior design styles.
Still, it’s capable of inducing a sense of understated elegance and cosy well-being. Simply stick to the script and follow the main principles of Scandinavian interior design. As a result, you’ll make the most out of your HDB interior design without having to spend a fortune on your interior.
Swiss Interior provides home renovation and condo design services. We are also a highly recommended interior designer in Singapore. You can check out our interior design clients portfolios for more info.