The Nordic style has always been close to my heart because it’s calm, clear, and connected to nature. There is nothing more grounding and inspiring to me than a neutral living space with a few colors as accents - think rust red, terracotta, green or dusty rose. But in 2025, Scandinavian design feels a bit more rebellious, but also more bold, young, and free-spirited. This direction of Scandinavian design is increasingly being influenced by emerging creatives and young artists, shifting the spotlight away from the major furniture houses of the past that were influencing how the world saw Nordic design. Today, even the major brands are becoming more interesting. They are hiring new names and fresh-out-of-school rebels who are ready to mix things up.

This new wave of designers, from Norway to Denmark, are redefining the look we’ve come to know, infusing it with more color, playful shapes, and organic warmth. Some are even bringing in an edge, which makes me think of Signe Knutson ceramics… And while the traditional Nordic aesthetic is rooted in minimalism, clean lines, and functionality, the new wave embraces a softer, more expressive approach - but with more in a space vs. less. Rounded corners, unexpected hues and color mixes, stronger hues, and hand-crafted details are replacing the once-dominant sharp lines and cool palettes. You don’t see a lot of gray, but you also see less and less of stark black and white these days - something that was huge in Scandi design back when I started this blog in 2006. I remember all of the design bloggers from Sweden and beyond, who were into Scandi style, had black and white everything on their blogs. Back then, it was refreshing, edgy, and clean. Today, less so. The evolution we’re seeing currently reflects a deeper shift: a move away from perfection and what’s expected, and move toward spaces that feel lived-in, fun, and emotionally resonant. Spaces with character that have a heart and soul but a little wink to playfulness, too.

Scandinavian design is no longer just about simplicity either, it’s about mood and bringing all the senses into the home. It’s less about strict minimalism and more about soulful, comfort-driven living. There is a lot more color. I don’t see all-beige minimalism and clean lines as the only hallmark of Scandinavian design anymore.

I see Scandinavian design now in two distinct, but equally influential, lanes - one is more colorful, brash and cheeky - more bold and fun and the other, wabi-sabi, artsy, handmade, neutrals. It’s honestly always been this way if you think about early IKEA and Marimekko vs. Ferm Living and TineKHome. Yet, nowadays, people equate Nordic style with beige and natural wood tones, linen and wool rugs, and lots of ceramics and wabi-sabi vibes. Predominately, at least. Yet, that’s not what I’m seeing over here in Europe as a front row guest, as I live in northern Germany bordering Denmark - and have plenty of access to design up north. The look, well, it’s evolving quite a lot. Check out Swedish design duo Bernadotte & Kylberg for instance, along with Teklan and Layered rugs (lots of color), Helle Mardahl (lots of personality), or Danish design brand HAY (long known for its use of color).

If you’re craving a refresh or a break from all the beige, or just want to bring more character and warmth into your home, here are 10 easy, inspiring tips to channel the new Scandinavian spirit in 2025.

1. Let Comfort Lead
Choose furniture that hugs you. Things that are actually comfortable to sit on! I learned this during Covid, from being home constantly… A lot of my Danish furniture was very uncomfortable - though it looked great and cost a lot of money. Nowadays, I’m looking for comfort and style. Think curved sofas, plush armchairs, and pieces that invite you to slow down, not just look beautiful.

2. ENERGIZE Your Color Palette
Trade an all-beige room for warm creams, dusty rose, terracotta, muted olive, and earthy ochre. Think chalky, not shiny. Lilac with army green is a great pairing. If your home is all-beige, add color as an accent or paint a cabinet in a color, like a deep terracotta.

3. Embrace Texture, Not Clutter (but skip the bouclé!)
Layer natural textures like wool, linen, fur, and matte ceramics. Texture brings warmth without the need for excess stuff. Go easy on the bouclé - cream bouclé and beige bouclé have both had it’s day. If you go with bouclé, do it in a rust red, terracotta, or another deep, moody color.

4. Prioritize Natural Light
Keep windows as bare as possible. Use soft, flowing curtains or lined drapes pulled to the side by day. Light is essential to the Scandi soul, and creates a gorgeous moody vibe as well.

5. Add Stripes (Yes, Really)
Stripes are back! When in doubt, add something with stripes into the room. A bench, an ottoman, a rug or a sofa.

6. Layer and Build On Your Neutrals
Neutrals are still the base, but not boring and not only neutrals. Look for subtle tone variations: creamy whites, warm beige, soft clay, and stormy greys. Layer in deep, mood colors, or add some fresh accents of lilac or mustard, or army green.

7. Think Modular and Multipurpose
Scandi living is practical. Choose furniture that can adapt, like an ottoman that doubles as storage or a side table that moves with you. Modular sofas allow you to add or move away pieces are wonderful, I love building a sofa according to my needs and changing as I go.

8. Show Imperfections
Wabi-sabi meets Nordic charm remains a fixed part of Nordic style. Think handmade objects, uneven glazes, vintage finds… they all add personality and soften the sleek.

9. Create ‘Slow Zones’
Design corners or nooks that invite stillness, like a cozy armchair with a view, a tea table by the window, or a floor cushion by the bookshelf.

10. Bring In Your Vibe
Scandinavian style isn’t about copying or creating an “Instagram-perfect home” or something from a catalog. It’s about aligning your space with what you need. Try to make sure you start any design scheme with a mood board and a palette of your favorite colors and textures, patterns and favorite accents (like that lamp you love or the cabinet that came from your grandmother). The foundation of your home should be those favorite, cherished things.

What do you think? Do you see Scandi design moving more and more into the personality-rich, sensory home zone? I see it and say YES - I’m ready for more soulful living vibes from the north.

Love,

Holly

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