Tour a Classic Nordic-Style Home in Iceland

It’s easy to see the appeal of Scandinavian design. Helga Jonsdottir’s home, located in the heart of Reykjavik, is a classic example of this wildly popular trend. An aesthetic that hails from the Nordic regions of Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Denmark, this style is all about functional minimalism, but it’s not so stripped down that interiors feel cold and uninviting. They’re balanced with a bit of warmth, too and the Swedish call this lagom, meaning "just right".

The limited amount of art and accessories in a Scandinavian inspired space means that each piece takes on added importance. The graphic quality of the art on Helga’s living room wall really stands out, whereas it may have gotten lost in the shuffle in a large gallery wall. Keeping larger furnishings neutral allows smaller, more colorful items to really be "seen" and have more impact.

The all-white aesthetic creates a wonderful sense of calm, but that doesn’t mean small doses of high-energy color are unwelcome. It’s just the opposite, actually. Highly saturated color used sparingly always feels a little optimistic when paired with a fresh, crisp white.

To ensure the white-washed interior of their kitchen didn’t feel overly sterile, the homeowners chose wooden countertops. It not only brings in a natural element, but the golden tones of the wood help warm up the space.

Adding color into a primarily white interior doesn’t mean you have to spend big bucks on a not-so neutral piece of furniture in a bold hue. Helga added a fun jolt of aqua to her kitchen via inexpensive folding chairs and a few small accent pieces.

Black and white have long been the go-to color combination in Scandinavian circles. Whether it’s a cluster of picture frames, an oversized light fixture or even something as simple as a planter, black acts as a neutral and has an excellent grounding quality in all-white spaces.

When a space is primarily white and clutter-free, simple everyday objects like a well-made chair or your favorite puffer jackets can become a colorful focal point. Less is more when it comes to Scandi style so choose what’s out on display carefully and you’ll love the final result.