An emerging design trend, Scandi Rustic has its roots in the pared back Nordic style we all know and love, but this new, improved version boasts softer tones and rougher edges. You might say it is where country cottage meets Scandinavian chic. 

If there were a spectrum with clean, all-white Nordic at one end, and traditional, rustic style at the other, this would be the mid-point: a careful balance of the two. 

Scandi Rustic retains that calm, uncluttered feel of traditional Scandinavian design, where every item has a purpose and there is plenty of empty space. Whereas pure Nordic aesthetics eveloped in response to a particular climate, where little sunlight throughout the winter months gave rise to predominantly white interiors to offset the persistent dark – version 2.0 did not. Rather than white walls, surfaces and window treatments, Scandi Rustic favours softer earthy tones – browns, greys, dusty pinks and ochres – that are still soothing, but offer a warmer backdrop. 

As with all Nordic design, wood is key – but in this case a bolder style of timber. Rather than perfectly finished pieces in pale pine, this new interpretation of Scandinavian style embraces solid, hand-crafted wooden furniture: hardwood tables, countertops and shelves, live edges, rougher finishes, and pieces made from reclaimed, salvaged and distressed woods.

Added to this base layer is a rich mix of organic materials – leather, rattan, wicker, rope and more – in contrasting textures. Thus, soft throws and fluffy rugs blend with polished metallics and rough ceramics, creating a scene that is both visually attractive and tactile.  

Common features of a Scandi Rustic kitchen and living room might include a big, solid wooden dining table for friends to gather around, a large, comfortable armchair that invites you to sink into it, metallic pendant lights over a kitchen island, open shelves made from reclaimed wood, and styled with a mix of copper pots, earthenware dishes, and carved wooden bowls.

When adding a rustic accent to your Scandi décor include:

• earthy toneS

• natural, distressed or reclaimed wood

• large, comfy chairs

• hardwood dining table

• a mix of textures

• soft throws and rugs

• natural materials

• metallic accents.

Scandi Rustic is something home-makers anywhere in the world can embrace by simply softening the edges of cool.