Scandinavian style: when well-being moves into our homes

What exactly is the Scandinavian style? "Hygge" to the Danes (a cozy moment that brings well-being and confidence), "Lagom" (the principle of "just enough" to the Swedes), or "Koselig" to the Norwegians (a term evoking tranquility and comfort, equivalent to our "cozy"); while these words may not be new to us, it can sometimes be difficult to give them a precise definition. What do they have in common? A certain idea of well-being that comes straight from the Nordic countries. A philosophy of life that permeates even interior design, where simplicity, functionality, and warm materials dominate, helping to create a home where it's good to snuggle up (essential in countries where winters are long and light is particularly limited!). To bring a little of this Scandinavian spirit into your home, follow this guide.

Where does Scandinavian style come from?

To understand the spirit of Scandinavian style, you need to understand the environment in which its inhabitants live: due to vast wooded areas, Scandinavian homes are often surrounded by forests, which de facto provide the main building material (hence the abundance of wood in this Scandinavian decor style). The harsh climate, in turn, encourages the use of warm and soft materials, which warm both the atmosphere and the body. Throws, cushions placed directly on the floor, and thick knits are layered for an ultimately comfortable atmosphere. The short hours of sunshine also encourage Scandinavians to seek light everywhere: large openings, white walls to brighten rooms, a profusion of lighting fixtures and candles galore; everything is good for bringing a touch of clarity. Wood, light, comfortable materials: you have the essence of Scandinavian style. But in practice, how does it work? Rest assured, if Scandinavian style is so popular, it's also because, with a few tips, it's relatively easy to implement at home.

How to create a Scandinavian decor?

Whether it's furniture, accessories, or wall decor, Scandinavian style can be summed up in 3 words: simplicity, functionality, and authenticity. This decor style is indeed designed to give an impression of breathability: goodbye to heavy furniture, cluttered rooms, and dark colors, we want lightness!

When it comes to furniture, the Scandinavian interior is both minimalist and warm. Shapes are simple and clean: priority is given to furniture with light feet and openwork silhouettes that let light through, such as glass coffee tables, chairs with compass legs, and the famous nesting tables. Combining utility with pleasure, the Scandinavian interior is above all practical and functional. The ideal? Retro-designed furniture with good storage capacity: Scandinavian sideboards and buffets, coffee tables with drawers – all means are good to prevent clutter from settling in. As a warm ambiance is also a must-have, there's no skimping on cozy armchairs, large-knit footrests and poufs, and fabric sofas with curved backs (with wooden feet, of course). Your entire interior should invite cocooning.

As for accessories, sobriety still prevails, but you can allow yourself a few key pieces such as the timeless wave vase by Finnish designer Alvar Aalto or the iconic Panthella lamp by Danish designer Louis Poulsen. Beyond these few objects, accessories will primarily be textile-based: throws draped over the bed or sofa, chevron-patterned cushions, soft rugs (faux fur or semi-long pile - guaranteed cozy effect) and light sheer curtains (always to let in light). The goal: for you and your guests to almost want to walk barefoot... To finalize your Scandinavian space, opt for a medley of paintings and posters illustrating inspiring messages, geometric blocks or nature motifs, and you're all set!

And what about the color scheme? Always in search of light and warmth, the preferred colors for a Scandinavian decor are:

• white - the queen color - to be applied on walls to purify and visually enlarge the space, in furniture, or even on the floor with a choice of painted parquet, for example.
• Beige/cream tones, which have the advantage of white while having the merit of warming the atmosphere
• shades of grey (a grey sofa is often a prerequisite in Scandinavian design)
• pastel tones: water green, dusty pink, straw yellow... sweetness for all occasions!
  While the dominant colors are light, there's nothing to stop you from adding a touch of fantasy and originality with a feature wall or a few colorful accessories to contrast. The main thing in decor is to have fun...

Home fragrance: the little extra that will admirably complete your Scandinavian style

To help you design your Scandinavian interior, several products and scented creations are available. In terms of fragrance, the Linen Freshness collection is an obvious choice to extend this world imbued with purity and simplicity. This musky floral home fragrance instantly evokes the sensation of clean linen, freshly dried in the open air. Green and floral notes delicately intertwine with the enveloping sweetness of musk, creating a light, soothing, and infinitely comforting trail. Its olfactory identity, both fresh and soft, fits perfectly into the Scandinavian aesthetic, where every element invites you to slow down, breathe, and savor the simplicity of everyday moments. Like a home bathed in light, dressed in natural textiles and light shades, Linen Freshness diffuses a serene and refined atmosphere. In short, it's the ideal collection to invite softness and harmony, both in the air and in the spirit, and enhance your interior with a discreet and elegant olfactory signature.

With its soft pink color and powdery floral trail, the Iris Cashmere collection also presents itself as a perfect match for the Scandinavian style, both in its concept, evoking the comfort of cashmere, and in its olfactory universe combining floral notes, velvety apricot, and enveloping white musks. A concentrate of elegance and sensuality, ideal for the bedroom.

On the product side, the latest generation of Estéban fragrance mist diffusers, the Easy Living, also stands out as an essential for a cocooning atmosphere. With its textile covering that adds a warm touch and its large reservoir capacity (200ml) offering approximately 11 hours of continuous diffusion, tranquility and softness will settle in your home permanently!

So, when will your home be in Scandinavian style?