We’ve already talked here about the minimalist and Scandinavian styles of decoration. These two ways of thinking about interior design have been widely disseminated on social media, and you’ve probably seen many posts in your feed praising one or the other, or both. But do you know the differences between them?
Many people confuse the minimalist and Scandinavian styles. This happens mainly because both work with a reduced color palette, spacious and organized spaces, and the intelligent use of materials.
In fact, they can be combined to better adapt to your needs, possibilities, and available resources. After all, it doesn’t make sense to acquire products or invest in materials that are not part of your reality, in order to conform to design trends that advocate, above all, simplicity and sustainability.
However, there are some basic differences that you need to know to better apply them in your projects. And to understand these differences, let’s think about these styles in a deeper way than just ways to decorate the house.
Minimalist thinking![]()
Minimalism is, above all, a philosophy of life.
It primarily involves rethinking our daily consumption. Take a moment to reflect on everything you buy at the supermarket, your furniture, how you get around the city, and how you use natural resources.
In all these aspects, you will certainly find ways to reduce the impact of your choices on the environment, and in turn, you will discover ways to live a simpler life.
In our home, this applies in several ways. By making better use of natural light, it directly impacts your electricity bill, reduces water consumption, increases the lifespan of your plants, and introduces clarity and lightness to the rooms.
Similarly, choosing furniture that facilitates organization is a way to reduce the number of objects in your field of vision, giving greater clarity to your thoughts, and helping you not to waste so much time when working from home.
The Scandinavian lifestyle
Scandinavian decor, on the other hand, is based on the lifestyle of the Nordic people.
Accustomed to the cold climate, Scandinavians tend to spend a lot of time indoors. A cheerful people who enjoy entertaining friends, they need spacious, airy, and comfortable spaces. Furthermore, they value natural light, as they experience dark winters.
Thus, the Scandinavian style is based on the concept of hygge – the Danish word for “enjoying the pleasures of life.” This translates into environments conducive to good times among friends, and that prioritize organization and comfort.
The differences between minimalist and Scandinavian styles
We can divide the differences between these styles into three main areas:
- Philosophy of life
- Relationship with spaces
- Use of materials
Philosophy of life
Minimalism is, above all, an ideology that comes as a response to the advancement of modern life and consumer society. It promotes cutting out what is not essential, to clear the view of distractions.
In it, the “emptiness” of environments with neutral colors and few decorative objects gives space for creativity. Here, everything has a symbolic meaning, which can sometimes bring a “heavy” tone to the decor.
The Scandinavian style, on the other hand, is pragmatic, in the way that the same “emptiness,” represented mainly by white and earthy tones in spacious areas, seeks to fill the view with a sense of lightness that brings calm and peace.
Like minimalism, this style is a response to the desire for a simpler life, but it is more democratic, as it allows you to play with light colors and more extravagant objects, as a counterpoint to the delicacy of the environments.
The relationship with spaces
For minimalists, the decor enhances the architecture of the spaces, as well as bringing greater contact with nature. It’s common to see, in projects that follow this style, references to industrialism, and a strong focus on functionality.
The Scandinavian style, on the other hand, places less emphasis on the space itself, preferring to focus on how we inhabit it. It’s an effort to achieve inviting comfort in environments that inspire relaxation.
The use of materials
In minimalism, it’s common for designs to incorporate heavier materials such as metal, steel, chrome, concrete, and stone.
Those who favor the Scandinavian style, on the other hand, tend to opt for wood, fabrics, and natural fibers.
In both cases, the materials appear in their most natural forms possible, without excessive treatment, staying far from artificiality.
Now that you can differentiate between the two styles, how would you apply them to your project? Bring your ideas and come create your ideal environment with us!