There are many different kitchen styles, and sometimes they become so numerous that some styles give rise to others. While these new styles retain most of the features of their predecessors, they gradually develop a character and personality of their own.
Nordic kitchen design is a term not often heard in the interior world, but its connection to the Scandinavian style is unmistakable. However, can it truly be considered a distinct style? Does it have its individuality? Let’s take a closer look.
What is Nordic Kitchen Design?
Nordic kitchen design is rarely discussed separately. Instead, it's often linked to the Scandinavian style. And it's not surprising. They have common roots and principles, consisting of the desire for simplicity, functionality, connection with nature, and the search for harmony. Nordic style is also often considered one of the variations of Scandinavian style because of the common characteristics, named so rather to emphasize its nature.
Nordic kitchen style draws inspiration from the design principles of the Nordic countries of Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Finland. It emerged as part of the broad Scandinavian modernism that took shape in the early and mid-twentieth century. Its history lies in the combination of Nordic handicraft traditions, natural surroundings, and modern ideas. As in the case of the Scandinavian kitchen, the main characteristics of the Nordic kitchen are minimalism and functionality. It allows you to create a spacious, airy space that tends to show its practicality as much as possible, which makes it suitable for kitchens.
The similarities between Nordic and Scandinavian Kitchen Designs
Since the Nordic kitchen style has many similarities to the Scandinavian style, we'll take a look at the basic design principles that are common to both.
Natural Materials
Scandinavian and Nordic kitchen designs use wood as the primary material. Floors, cabinets, and other furniture are manufactured from different types of wood. However, preference is given to those that have undergone a certain treatment but retain their basic characteristics, such as strength, flexibility, and natural appearance. Oak, walnut, and ash are the most commonly considered materials for kitchen designs.
Other natural materials may include stone for countertops, such as granite, marble, or quartz. While wood is the epitome of nature in kitchen design, stone adds a sense of natural stability and elegance. If there are curtains or drapes in the kitchen, they are typically made of linen or cotton. Decorative accessories can be made of ceramics or clay.
In the Nordic and Scandinavian styles, it is important to remember that natural materials should be the basis and not overload the space.
Simplicity
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Simplicity in design is also often associated with minimalism. Every piece of furniture and every object has its place in the room and its purpose. There are no unnecessary details or items that clutter the clean space. If you ever wonder why this is, it has a certain historical and geographical explanation.
In the harsh northern environment, access to natural resources was historically limited. And the winters were long and cold, forcing materials to be used as rationally as possible. This had a major influence on the fact that Scandinavian furniture was produced in simple forms, with an expectation of functionality and a minimum of decoration, as unnecessary decorative elements were considered wasteful. Also, most people in the Scandinavian countries had relatively small houses and apartments, which prompted the simplification of the interior to maintain a sense of space and order.
The thing is that simplicity is not just minimalism. It is also harmony and natural beauty when the kitchen is decorated by the furniture itself and not by additional decorations. It is the functionality that equips the kitchen without overwhelming its appearance while making the most of its usefulness.
So don't rush into thinking that simplicity is trivial. In both Scandinavian and Nordic kitchen designs, it's a way of focusing on what's important and unlocking its potential.
Sustainability
This design feature is also influenced by the fact that the Nordic countries were historically resource-poor. With limited access to certain materials, the same furniture was made to last for many years. Although the Nordic countries no longer face such problems, the aesthetics reflected in the design have remained. Therefore, Scandinavian furniture is famous for its durability, does not break, and does not wear out over the years. And that is why it has become the centerpiece of kitchen designs.
When it comes to sustainability, we can also remember that natural materials play a very important role. First of all, this shows a deep respect for nature, as trees are cut down as little as possible and the resulting materials are not wasted. This also means that there is minimal damage to the environment. It is also a fact that a piece of furniture can last for years and that wooden materials can be recycled, thus reducing the amount of waste.
So sustainability in Nordic and Scandinavian kitchens is not something that needs to be followed for the sake of the environment. It is a deeply rooted principle that has been around for years and has already become an integral part of the style tradition. Durability, practicality, and respect for nature make Nordic and Scandinavian kitchen designs one of the most environmentally friendly and responsible approaches to interior design.
The differences between Nordic and Scandinavian Styles
Although Nordic and Scandinavian kitchen styles are rarely considered separate, if you take a closer look, you will find that there are differences between them. Let's try to dive in and understand these nuances.
Regional Origin and Influence
Scandinavian style is more commonly associated with the three main countries that make up the Scandinavian region—Sweden, Denmark, and Norway. These countries influence the style, its changes, and its philosophy. For example, the Hügge philosophy, which originated in Denmark, often accompanies Scandinavian design in its longing for comfort and balance.
When we talk about the Nordic style, it is more territorially widespread and includes countries such as Finland and Iceland. As such, it can encompass more diverse design characteristics. Nordic kitchen design is considered to be more organic, with more natural elements and a much greater emphasis on simplicity and natural materials.
Color Palette
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Scandinavian kitchens are known for their neutral palettes, which often include many light colors such as white, beige, light gray, and various pastels. White is often the dominant color and is used as the main color to maximize light in the space. Not only does it help fill the kitchen with natural light, but it can also visually expand the space, making it feel more spacious.
A neutral color palette is also used in Nordic kitchen, and it's not without bright colors. However, this style is also open to darker and more subdued tones such as earth tones, browns, charcoal gray, navy blue, or forest green. These colors are inspired by northern landscapes. When contrasted with light colors, these dark tones add depth and dramatic effect to the kitchen design.
Decor and Accessories
As we mentioned above, minimalism is an integral part of Scandinavian kitchen design. And although it was mentioned that unnecessary decoration only weighs down the style, this does not mean that you should abandon it altogether. Decorative elements can include artwork, ceramics, or objects that serve as splashes of color in a neutral palette.
Nordic kitchen designs are simpler in this regard. And because they have a strong emphasis on functionality, the decor is chosen with a dual purpose: aesthetic and practical. It can be wooden dishes, plant pots made of clay or stone, or wicker baskets. This type of decoration strengthens the link between kitchen design and nature, emphasizing the usefulness and beauty of handmade products.
In general, the Scandinavian-style kitchen aims to create a space for comfort and relaxation. Since the kitchen is a place of work, such an atmosphere will improve the attitude toward the work process, get rid of tension, and leave room for relaxation. Light and spaciousness help to create this atmosphere.
Nordic style kitchen is more about expressing harmony with nature. Such a space reflects the northern character—harsh in appearance, but balanced and natural. This atmosphere allows you to have a new, yet familiar world in your kitchen.
Nordic Kitchen Collection
Corner's range of kitchen designs includes a Nordic kitchen collection, and it is largely based on inspiration from northern European countries.
The kitchen is designed in the Japandi style, which incorporates elements of the Scandinavian style and emphasizes minimalism with smooth lines and symmetries. The material used for the cabinets is American walnut wood veneer, which, with its deep brown color, brings a natural element to the design and highlights the natural beauty of the wood fronts. The kitchen island is finished with a countertop made of Dekton Arga, a material composed of quartz and other natural minerals. In this way, the Nordic kitchen design combines stone with wood, which is part of the same color palette and brings balance to the natural image of the kitchen.
The functionality of the Nordic kitchen includes built-in appliances in the pantry and on the kitchen island. The appliances on the surfaces of the cabinets and shelves are decorative. Everything else is hidden behind the fronts of the kitchen cabinets. Thanks to the carefully thought-out storage solutions, the kitchen remains clean and tidy.
This kitchen design often attracts a lot of attention because it embodies what has made Scandinavian, or should we say, Nordic, kitchens famous.
As a result, although the Nordic kitchen design is a variation of the Scandinavian style, it can be quite independent and unique. Like its counterpart, it combines functionality with the beauty of natural materials to create a space that is both practical and pleasing to the eye. After all, a kitchen is not just a place to cook; it is also a place to relax. And what better place to relax than in nature? And you can create that nature right in your home.
