Scandinavian kitchens: 6 inspiring projects

Posted on 13th September 2023

Scandinavian style is clean, neutral and inspired by nature, making it ideal for kitchens. Hands up, who doesn’t want a calm and beautiful design?

Personally, I love Scandinavian kitchens. My dream design would be minimalist, focused on white, with plenty of natural wood. But if you are a lover of colour, fear not – you can also infuse bright shades into this type of style.

To show you how you can use Scandi style in different ways, I have spoken with six brilliant designers about some of their latest projects. Let’s get into the inspiration, shall we?

Bright and natural

Olive & Barr leans into the essentials of Scandi design by using light-coloured, high-quality wood to create their new Ash collection. This design uses white on the run of cabinetry and has natural ash wood on the island. To finish off the look, veiny marble dresses the worksurfaces, splashback and shelf.

When it comes to styling this type of scheme, opt for house plants, wood platters or cutting boards, and minimalist jars for decanting your favourite goods.

Scandi Olive and Barr kitchen with light wooden island and white cabinets along the back wall. — The Ash collection. Kitchens from Olive & Barr start from £12,000.

White kitchen with marble backsplash and ash island. — The island has built-in storage to keep the space clear of clutter.

large open-plan kitchen with natural sunlight coming from the window. — The wood tones of the island match the bar stools and the dining room chairs, offering a sleek look.

Fluted wood

Scandinavian style is often understated, allowing the materials do the talking. In this design by Wood Works Brighton, the wood is the focal point with charming details, such as the fluting on the sides of the island.

The designers originally thought that the oak could be too overpowering, but the beauty of the natural wood means it really shines. Statement stone used on the splashback completes the scheme.

Natural oak kitchen with marble splashback with pink accents. — Wood Works Brighton kitchen, price on application. Photography: Bee Holmes.

Oak fluting on the side of the kitchen island — This kitchen features beautiful detailing such as the fluting on the sides of the island.

Oak floor to ceiling cabinets in a open-plan kitchen. — Appliances would have stood out too much in this simple design, so integrating them was the best option.

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Practical Scandinavian kitchen

If you love a white kitchen but are worried that it will look too clinical, try adding Scandinavian elements. This design by Brandt Design uses natural beams and matches them to the wall cabinets. Julia Steadman, commercial director at Brandt Design, says: “The enduring popularity of the white kitchen is enhanced with the latest wood-effect finishes and intuitive appliances for a calm and practical Scandi vibe.”

Simplistic Scandi design in a old farm building — Urban furniture collection, from £25,000, Brandt Design.

The kitchen has a white worktop as well as white doors that contrast the wooden wall-cabinets. — Hidden functionality is key in Scandinavian design such as this practical under-mounted sink.

Natural wooden floors and wood beans contrast the white kitchen. — The high ceilings and huge expanses of white walls help create a wide, open space.

Black and white

The owners of this home told the team at Sola Kitchens that they wanted clean lines, with no appliances or wall-mounted units in sight. The solution? The ovens are hidden under the island and the large floor-to-ceiling cabinets hide the fridge-freezer and a generous pantry.

The kitchen mixes dark traditional Shaker-style units with a classic Scandi fluted design on the wooden units for a more contemporary look.

White kitchen design with contrasting black storage unit on the back wall. — Sola Kitchens start from £60,000. Photography: Chris Snook.

Scandi kitchen with fluting on the drawers and open shelves. — The open shelving offers space for plants and accessories, perfect for adding a homely feel.

Large black pantry with internal wood elements. — Hiding clutter is a common theme in Scandi design, and this large pantry works perfectly.

Classic Scandi kitchen

Using hues of whites, off whites, charcoal and brown helped Sheraton Interiors to create a calm and relaxing space. This design focuses on natural elements, like wood and marble, which are very common in Scandinavian design.

Large Scandi kitchen with island, waterfall worktop and wooden pantry. — The kitchen, plus utility room, costs around £30,000. Photography: Nick Smith.

Kitchen with a mix of open and closed shelving. — The matching worktop and splashback create a unified design.

The same wood on the large floor to ceiling cabinets are also on the island. — The functional parts of the kitchen are hidden, like the integrated fridge-freezer in the left hand-side corner.

Extra-large family kitchen

This kitchen by Simon Taylor Furniture features the classic clean lines and minimalist look of a modern Scandinavian kitchen and is the perfect base for a modern and large family space.