Corner Renovation

Modern Scandinavian Kitchen Amidst the Michigan Forest

There comes a point when the noise and bustle of the city become unbearable, and the urge to be surrounded by nature grows stronger. Artem’s house is on the outskirts of the city, almost in the forest, yet he still wanted to bring a touch of nature into the interior, particularly in the kitchen.

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Trees encircle the house, their branches creating a peaceful, secluded atmosphere, as if stepping deep into the heart of the wilderness.

The Scandinavian-style kitchen gleams in brilliant white, echoing the winter outside, with natural accents peeking through the light-filled space.

Artem, originally from Ukraine, has been living with his family for several years in an area away from the hustle and bustle of Rochester, Michagan. Choosing to be near the forest was no accident. Artem shared that he hesitated for a long time before making the move.

“I wasn’t really a fan of nature before, but then I realized that picnics are easier to arrange this way,” he jokes. “But seriously, it's always fresh air, the smell of pine needles... In the city, it all gets lost. Here, it's in its purest form.”

The house is a modern architectural structure, giving the impression that Artem and his family brought a piece of the city with them. He agreed with that thought and also spoke about the other benefits of living near nature.

“It’s winter, not exactly the time for picnics,” Artem said. “But that doesn’t make the forest any less beautiful.”

Sometimes the best way to decorate the branches of a fir tree isn't with ornaments or lights, but with a handful of freshly fallen snow.

The beauty and strength of trees are embodied in this multifunctional wall pantry design. Behind its wooden veneer fronts lies a thoughtfully arranged storage system that seamlessly blends practicality with natural elegance.

A white Scandinavian kitchen can feel more dynamic with the right décor. Practical elements like small kitchen appliances, coordinated dishware, and lush green plants add both style and functionality.

Artem's home has evolved over the years, with the kitchen design being the most significant change. His vision was to create a communal space, open and inviting for gatherings.

"Views like this with nature are meant to be shared," Artem said. "We wanted to host friends for parties, but we decided to renovate the kitchen first, then the parties."

Though they opted for a modern design, nature became the main inspiration for the kitchen’s aesthetic.

"We researched Scandinavian style and its connection to nature, and decided that was the direction we wanted to take," Artem explained. "We had already chosen a white kitchen and trusted Corner to bring it to life."

In a true Scandinavian kitchen, light fills every corner. The natural brightness of winter outside pours in, while the white cabinet fronts reflect the glow, filling the space with serenity.

The durability and aesthetic of the wood flow into the wall pantry, where pull-out drawers increase its spaciousness and turn it into a central storage area for the kitchen.

Artem had a clear vision for his kitchen: a spacious, open space where both decorative and natural materials could take center stage. He knew the design had to be minimalist to bring this dream to life.

“If you make the space white, an excess of things will spoil it,” Artem shared, reflecting on his thought process. “Spaciousness matters not just for walkways, but for surfaces too. I wanted my kitchen to feel free, uncluttered.”

This vision led to a joint layout process, where every detail of functionality was considered. Together, they discussed the placement of storage solutions, built-in appliances, and how to best arrange everyday items.

Minimalism shines in this Scandinavian kitchen, where sleek surfaces and the absence of unnecessary details highlight what truly matters—practicality and comfort.

Nature, especially forests, often inspires Scandinavian-style kitchens. The strength and beauty of wood become key elements in the design.

This design stays hidden at first glance but unveils itself to those sitting at the kitchen island counter—fluted fronts that showcase the beauty and versatility of wood.

In every corner of the Scandinavian kitchen, practicality takes center stage. Artem carefully selected materials that weren’t just of high quality but also easy to use and maintain. The white fronts of Niemann cabinets, with their matte, soft-touch surface, stand as a perfect example. And the integrated handles? They make opening the cabinets effortless—no need to search for handles, just a smooth pull.

“It’s nice to feel the comfort of everyday things rather than burdening,” Artem shared. “Then the routine doesn’t feel like a chore. Now I can see why Scandinavian interiors are so popular.”

But the thoughtfulness doesn’t stop at the surface. Behind those sleek fronts, drawer systems with organizers and dividers keep everything in its place. Each item has its own designated spot, and every space is proportionally filled. It’s an organized order that extends beyond just the visible surfaces, creating harmony inside and out.

To preserve the minimalist look, a Gola profile—a type of recessed handle—makes it easy to open the doors while keeping the focus on the attractive wooden patterns on the fronts.

Whether on the way out for a walk or heading home, it's easy to be captivated by spectacular combinations of colors and details—even if it's just the snow-kissed greenery along the way.

The new kitchen design sparked a wave of excitement and joy in Artem’s home. As he stepped into the space, he couldn’t help but notice how much brighter and more expansive it felt.

“It felt like the kitchen was filled with light,” he said with a smile. “Maybe it’s the cabinet fronts or the large windows, but the effect is incredible. And there’s so much space now.”

Now, another source of light brightens Artem's home, glowing from within. The Scandinavian-style kitchen brings the dazzling brightness of winter indoors, but also fills the space with warmth and comfort. The kitchen isn't just a place to gather anymore. It is a true haven, a sanctuary that welcomed everyone who entered.

The winter outside will fade, but the white kitchen will remain, a constant reminder that even the coldest seasons hold their own unique joys.

At the end of the day, the greatest warmth in the house comes not from the sun, but from the comfort and coziness thoughtfully crafted with care and attention.