Scandinavian kitchen design features
People usually describe the Scandinavian kitchen style as cozy, practical, and functional. This attracts the attention of those interested in kitchen renovation. Fresh and laconic interior, nothing extra, but with zest. Elegant, graceful, and simple at the same time.
Scandinavian style can easily absorb elements of other styles without setting rigid frameworks and conditions. It can also adapt to personal character and habits. Such a combination of rules means you should know where and how to break them properly.
Besides individual style elements, the choice of kitchen furniture also determines the kitchen design. After all, this is the first thing you choose at the beginning of the renovation. The kitchen look begins to take shape with the choice of cabinets, their design, and color.
Which cabinets are suitable for a Scandinavian-style kitchen? Let's find out in today's article.
Types of Scandinavian Kitchen Cabinets
The main characteristics of Scandinavian kitchen design are minimalism and simplicity. Therefore, modern Scandinavian kitchen cabinets should reflect these qualities while maintaining a comforting sense, of lightness, and sophistication.
Let's look at all the cabinets that can fit perfectly in a Scandinavian kitchen design.
Frameless (Slab) Cabinets
These cabinets have smooth, flat panels with no decorative details or frames. Most have a modern, minimalist design that is ideal for contemporary kitchens. Finishes can be glossed or matte. Frameless Scandinavian kitchen cabinets create a clean, flat look that draws attention to materials and colors. Handles are usually hidden or absent, giving the cabinets a more laconic but attractive appeal.
Framed cabinets (Japandi style)
These cabinets combine Scandinavian simplicity with Japanese aesthetics and naturalness. There are frames around the edges, but they are not typical frames. They are parts of the cabinet body that are visible because of the structure. The design itself is restrained and elegant.
The materials for Scandinavian-style kitchen cabinets are often natural: wood veneer or plywood. Colors are usually neutral—light wood, white, beige, gray. This is a good choice for creating a warm and cozy atmosphere emphasising the natural materials.
Slim Shakers
These are a modernized version of the classic Shaker cabinets. They still have a frame around the edges, but it is much thinner and more subtle, making the cabinets more modern and pleasing to the eye. This type of Scandinavian design kitchen cabinet is perfect for those who want something classic with a modern twist. Slim Shaker cabinets are often used in transitional or contemporary interiors, paired with modern handles and hardware.
Glass-front Cabinets
This type of Scandinavian kitchen cabinet has glass inserts that can be clear, frosted, ribbed, or tinted. Glass fronts allow you to see inside the cabinet, adding visual lightness and depth to the room. They are often used to display beautiful china or decorative items. Glass fronts can be paired with wood, metal, or frameless doors for a contemporary design.
Fluted Front Cabinets
These cabinets have fronts with vertical or sometimes horizontal ribs. The rib pattern can be subtle, delicate, or more pronounced, creating an interesting texture and dynamic look. These Scandinavian-style kitchen cabinets bring visual interest to the cabinets and add a great accent to the kitchen decor. Materials can range from wood to milled MDF boards, the ribs can be wide or narrow. Fluted front cabinets are often used in contemporary or transitional interiors, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication.
Scandinavian Kitchen Cabinet Features
We have learned what types of Scandinavian-style kitchen cabinets can fit into a kitchen interior and we have learned through visual examples, similarities and differences.
Is there something that can unite all these types of cabinets? And we answer yes
Scandinavian kitchen cabinets have several features that go into their manufacture and construction, along with design features that complement their overall style. Let's examine them as well.
Wood veneer fronts
Wood veneer fronts are the perfect option for Scandinavian-style kitchen cabinets because they emphasize naturalness and simplicity. Special embossing and varnishing make veneer resistant to rot, mildew, and moisture. Its ecological purity makes it completely safe for people and the environment. The wood veneer also is very durable.
The most common types of veneer for Scandinavian design kitchen cabinets are light oak veneer, stained oak, or American walnut. Light oak gives the kitchen a light and airy feel, which goes well with the minimalism of Scandinavian design. Stained oak adds depth and an element of individuality. American Walnut adds sophistication and elegance to the interior with its rich and saturated hue.
Handleless fronts
Handleless fronts are a popular choice for Scandinavian design kitchen cabinets because they are the quintessential expression of minimalism. They create clean lines and visually simplify the space, making the kitchen more harmonious and spacious. These fronts open easily, are easy to use, and give the kitchen a very contemporary look, thanks to specially integrated mechanisms.
A popular mechanism for opening cabinet doors without handles is the push-to-open mechanism. It allows doors and drawers to open by simply pushing on the front. This means that when you lightly press on the door, it opens smoothly and the drawer slides out.
Wooden handles
If you still prefer a classic approach, such as installing handles on cabinet doors, you should consider wooden handles. They will harmonize with the design of cabinets made of wooden materials, thus creating a finished piece of furniture. Such handles will highlight the design of Scandinavian kitchen cabinets while maintaining the natural aesthetics of the kitchen. They can be made to match the tone of the fronts or contrast with them, adding personality and emphasizing attention to detail.
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Finger-pull handles
Finger pulls are an elegant solution that works well with minimalist Scandinavian design kitchen cabinets. Instead of a traditional handle, a special notch or projection is made on the edge of the front that can be comfortably grasped with the fingers to pull a door or drawer. Finger pulls provide ease of use without overpowering the look of the furniture, giving it a restrained and elegant look while maintaining clean lines and overall neatness.
Open Shelving
Open shelves are a key element of Scandinavian design, as they create a sense of openness and space and bring variety to kitchen cabinets. This makes them a great addition to Scandinavian-style kitchen cabinets. On such shelves, you can place beautiful cutlery, plants, or decorative elements that highlight the chosen style of the kitchen. In addition, open shelves are a practical solution for keeping frequently used items within reach, which is another step towards practical storage.
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Integrated Appliances
Intergrated appliances help keep kitchens clean and organized. Placing appliances such as a refrigerator or oven in a cabinet frees the kitchen from clutter and makes the room feel wider and more spacious. This emphasizes the minimalism and functionality that characterize the Scandinavian style.
Appliances are often built into tall cabinets that include shelves and drawers, creating a multi-functional pantry. Because practicality is so important in Scandinavian kitchens, appliances, and essentials are concentrated in one place and are easy to find.
Modern Scandinavian kitchen cabinets can be of different types, either more traditional or more contemporary. However, regardless of the choice of type, color, or size, their main purpose remains the same. That is to be as spacious and comfortable in their use as possible.
Choosing Scandinavian kitchen cabinets will bring not only aesthetic pleasure but also practical benefits. Thanks to the materials selected, such as wood veneer, the drawers and mechanisms installed, and proper use, these cabinets can be renewed once a year and replaced even less often.
If assistance is needed, the Corner team is always available to provide services including cabinet design, material selection, and installation.
F.A.Q
1. What are the main characteristics of Scandinavian kitchen cabinets?
Scandinavian kitchen cabinets are known for the use of natural materials, particularly wood. They usually have a minimalist design with clean lines and a muted color palette.
2. How do Scandinavian kitchen cabinets differ from other styles?
Scandinavian kitchen cabinets are primarily characterized by simplicity of design and practicality. This means that the emphasis is on storage organization rather than on different decorations.
3. Can Scandinavian kitchen cabinets be used in small spaces?
Absolutely! The minimalist design and functional layout of Scandinavian kitchen cabinets make them an excellent choice for both large and small kitchens.
4. Are Scandinavian kitchen cabinets eco-friendly?
Scandinavian kitchen cabinets typically contain wood veneer, which is often made from sustainable materials.
