These 5 cozy homes capture everything we love about Scandi style – from warm fireside comfort to cool and sophisticated minimalism

It's easy to assume that the global obsession with oh-so-cool Scandinavian style and interior design is a fairly recent phenomenon. Especially if the introduction to Nordic flair came from Swedish furniture store IKEA's affordable offerings or stretched back a little further to Scandinavia's iconic midcentury modern masterpieces.

However, the effortless, sophisticated, and cozy interiors of Scandinavia and the Nordic Region (that's Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland, as well as the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Åland, to be precise) have been appreciated for centuries, ever since elegant Gustavian style emerged in the 1780s, named after King Gustav III of Sweden.

We love Scandinavian style in all its guises, so when 5 top interior experts wanted to share their thoughts and design tips from their recent projects, we were only too happy to sit up, listen and take notes.

From a luxurious A-frame ski cabin in Whistler and a chic family home in California, to traditional North Broadway luxury in NYC, these 5 homes are the epitome of Scandinavian cool, all offering a unique interpretation of the look.

For all their differences, there's one thing these 5 beautiful Scandinavian-style homes have in common – they've got us wanting to copy their chic yet cozy style and bring it back to create our own cozy homes, wherever in the world we might be. Thankfully, the interior designers have shared their tips and insights below, to give us a head start.

1. A minimalist ski chalet in Whistler

'The integrity of West Coast materials in reflecting Scandinavian design lies in the shared principles of natural beauty, simplicity, and functionality,' says Cedric Burgers, principal architect at Burgers Architecture, who designed this contemporary multi-generational vacation home in Whistler. 'The home architecturally is reminiscent of the older cabins frequently designed in the area – the A-Frame cabin, which in West Coast modern design blends the rustic charm of a cabin with the sleek, minimalist principles of modern architecture.'

The interior aesthetic, says Cedric, is one of minimalism with warmth. 'The floor plan is typically open,' he adds, 'with the kitchen, dining, and living spaces flowing together. This creates a communal, family-centered atmosphere, perfect for retreat-style living.'

Leanne Leon who led the project's build team at E2 Homes, adds: 'This build draws heavily from the Scandinavian style. Clean lines, an emphasis on light, and a restrained yet warm palette were foundational. We also incorporated subtle, tactile details that bring depth without overwhelming the space.

'We worked with natural, textured elements like wood, stone, and wool to bring warmth and character to the home. Each material was chosen for its authenticity and ability to age gracefully over time. These choices reflect a deep respect for Scandinavian design principles, which prioritize quality and the interplay between form and function.'

'The focus on creating a connection between indoors and out – through large windows, open spaces, and natural materials – was particularly influential,' adds Leanne. 'This large, covered deck provides a heated outdoor escape and a tranquil retreat from the bustle inside.'

And it's a concept that borrows from Nordic living too, where the beautiful natural world outdoors is there to be enjoyed in all weathers.

'A sleek, minimalist home doesn’t have to feel stark or cold – it’s all about balance,' adds Leanne. 'By layering textures, incorporating warm tones, and emphasizing natural light, we were able to create a space that feels inviting and serene. Thoughtful design details, like plush layers of textiles and soft lighting, help offset the minimalism, ensuring that the home feels as cozy as it is stylish.'

2. A nod to midcentury Scandinavian design in North Broadway, NYC

Ask holistic design expert Gala Magriñá, what she understands by cozy Scandinavian style and she'll tell you 'Hygge is all about cultivating a happy and cozy life at home, but it means something different for everyone.'

Gala designed the interiors for this North Broadway apartment, where the dining room ideas hint at Danish midcentury modern influences. Dark stained dining chairs with cane backs, huge area rugs, contemporary statement lighting, all give a flavor of the golden age of Scandinavian design.

Based in Westchester, NY, Gala Magriñá Design's whole ethos could be straight out of the Scandinavian playbook. She aims to 'merge the cool and beautiful with the holistic and mindful to create modern, energetically balanced, healthy spaces that transform people’s lives.'

The designer adds: 'The first step is identifying what truly sparks joy and brings comfort, then incorporating those elements into your living space.'

The eat-in kitchen ideas showcase Scandinavian-style simplicity of furniture design, with plenty of natural light and textures to give a sense of well-being. With windows on two sides like this, you could be in a Swedish island home.

'For me, shag rugs, bright colors, plants, and a mix of playful art create a sense of Scandinavian-style warmth and happiness,' says Gala. 'In the evening, I love lighting a scented candle and dimming the lights to make my home feel like a big, warm hug – perfect for preparing my mind and body for rest.'

3. Form follows function in an updated 1950s ranch

Chitra Kashyap of Revival Interior Studio says the neutral kitchen she designed for a 1950s-built ranch in San Jose, CA, embodies Scandi style with its neutral tones and clean lines.

'It features flat panel cabinets which are so characteristic of Scandi kitchens, painted in a soft grey hue to amplify the airy feel in this kitchen,' she says. 'The glossy bright quartz countertop and backsplash reflects natural light and keeps the kitchen looking bright. Another key element in achieving Scandi style is the use of natural materials like wood - the wood kitchen island, open shelves, and the handmade wood pendant lights all bring oodles of warmth and natural texture that can’t be achieved with other materials.'

'At the heart of Scandinavian design is a respect for functionality,' says Chitra. 'The kitchen ideas here honor the form-follows-function principle with the utilitarian overhead spotlights that are also sleek and modern.'

'Clean lines continue in the master bathroom where a Scandi-style flat panel vanity in a warm wood is topped with a custom slab countertop. The bathroom floor features gauged natural slate tiles laid in a corridor pattern that adds interest while maintaining those clean lines. We added even more natural layers with the woven lighting on top of the mirrors. The vintage wood frame with the mustang photo print and the olive planter adds soul and character to the space.' says designer Chitra.

'Scandinavian design is often minimal and leans on distinctive materials to create quiet luxury. In the wet room, a slatted wood tile instantly calms and creates that spa feel,' adds Chitra.

4. Eclectic elegance in California

With Swedish roots, Anja, of Anja Michals Design, often references Scandinavian influences in her interior design, with streamlined spaces and lived-in comfort, infused with eclectic and thoughtful personalization. She likes to mix finishes, textures, patterns and styles.

In the kitchen of this Piedmont, CA home, Anja says: 'We specified custom cabinets in a combination of white oak and cabinets painted in Shady by Dunn Edwards which complement the Calacatta Monet stone beautifully. The end result is a lived-in, Scandi meets California vibe.'

'The banquette area in the kitchen features a mixture of wood finishes that create a visual texture and soften the space,' says Anja. 'We designed a built-in bench seat with cushions upholstered in a pretty patterned Peter Dunham fabric and finished the space with a plant fiber pendant from PINCH.'

'In the Great Room we embraced the large windows and natural beauty of the outside and created meaningful spaces for entertaining and spending time playing games as a family,' says Anja. 'In the formal living room we delivered an eclectic Scandi feel by mixing solid and patterned upholstery for the seating alongside varying materials for the coffee and side tables – marble, white oak, walnut and glass. We also played with shapes using curves to balance the straight lines of the marble fireplace and window panes.'

'In the dining room we delivered an elevated Scandi vibe by using shapes and textures, and mixing wood finishes,' adds Anja. 'On the walls, we used a soft geometric Serena Dugan paper weave wallpaper which delivers a gentle eclectic feel against the floral Zak & Fox drapes, Lawson Fenning double sconce chandelier and blue and white striped rug from Nordic Knots.'

5. Clean lines and natural materials balance calm and warmth

This open-concept living space in a family home in Illinois was one of five key spaces where interior designer Kate Marker lifted the space with some of her favorite elements of Scandi style. 'With its clean lines, natural materials, and neutral color palette it makes a relaxing setting for family time,' says Kate. 'The wood detailing on the walls adds warmth and texture, while the minimalist furniture creates a sense of calm and serenity.'

'This elegant walkway arch showcases the beauty of natural materials and minimalist design. The exposed wood beams add warmth and texture, while the clean lines and simple detailing create a sense of harmony and balance,' says Kate.

The overall feel of the dining space with its striped wallcovering and elegant furniture is that of a much more traditional Gustavian look.

'This inviting entryway sets the tone for the rest of the home. The exposed wood detailing adds warmth and character, while the minimalist design creates a sense of calm and order,' says Kate. 'The neutral color palette and simple furnishings complete the Scandi look.'

'This serene bedroom showcases the beauty of soft Scandi style,' says Kate. 'The neutral color palette, soft textiles, and minimalist design create a peaceful and inviting atmosphere. The plush fabric bed frame adds an extra touch of cozy, while the window seat offers a spot to relax and enjoy the view.'

This spa-like bathroom embodies the Scandi love for simplicity and functionality. 'We chose a neutral color palette, natural materials, and minimalist design here to create a serene and relaxing atmosphere,' says Kate. 'The soft, organic textures of the tile work add a touch of luxury, while the clean lines of the fixtures keep the space feeling modern and minimal.'

Like all five of these beautifully designed homes, it shows the perfect Scandinavian balance of great design, function and warmth.