The Nordic retreat style is the perfect way to start fresh this January, with its warm minimalist approach trending towards sustainable and grounding elements in interior design.
This style, heavily influenced by nordic design, embraces imperfection by incorporating rough elements of wood, stone, and concrete into its floors, walls, and furniture. So, how do you achieve this effortlessly elevated look in your interior design? We’ve gathered four tips for you to get started on the nordic retreat-style house of your dreams.
Lean into Warm Minimalism
Orchard Dawn Matte/Satin Porcelain by Emser Tile
The first step towards achieving a nordic retreat-style home is to lean into your warm minimalist tendencies. Since nordic retreat stems from Scandanavian design, it uses a blend of minimalism with soft textures and hues to provide a warm and modern space. Less is more when it comes to nordic design, so think clean lines, practical furnishings, and simple decor.
Embrace Soft, Natural Materials
Natural Drapes by Graber
Incorporate soft, natural materials through wool blankets, sheepskin rugs, silk sheets, and natural drapery. These materials add texture to your space and give your home a lived-in, authentic feel through their organic elements. Nordic retreat-style utilizes a lot of rougher materials in its foundation of flooring and structure like wood, leather, and concrete, so it’s important to balance this out with cozy pieces such as throw rugs and round furniture pieces to invite in warmth.
Use Concrete-Look Floors to Your Advantage
Bee Hive in Grey by Daltile
If you’ve been paying attention to flooring trends throughout 2021, you won’t be surprised to hear that concrete floors are increasing in popularity. In fact, some new homeowners have taken ripping out their old floors and pouring new concrete with unique stains and finishes. Not only is concrete incredibly strong and durable, but it's waterproof too. Concrete makes the perfect floor for a colder climate as it works well with radiant heating and its surface absorbs heat to cut down on energy bills. This floor will give your space a chic industrial look that can be easily dressed up or dressed down with area rugs and polished or acid staining.
Think About Adding Natural Wood Finishes
Raku White Gloss Ceramic by Emser Tile
Top off your nordic retreat style with simple wood finishes. Wood furniture and wood accents rooted in craftsmanship and functionality play a big role in nordic design. Furniture that has hidden storage, modular shelving, and flexible designs is key. You can also tie in wood structurally with wooden beams, cupboards, and shelving or by installing new hardwood floors. However big or small your project may be, incorporating wood elements into your design is key to bringing your nordic retreat-style to life. Remember, light woods like beech, ash, and pine will work well to complement the bright aesthetic of Scandanavian design.
