How to Design A Happy Scandinavian Kitchen with Natural Wood Cabinets?

Flying through the LAX airport, Sheila had casually picked a copy of "Better Homes and Gardens", only to stop flipping through the pages mid-air. She couldn't take her eyes off a double-spread image of a gorgeous Scandinavian kitchen! "I gotta get this thing for my home", she thought to herself.

Well, we can all relate to Sheila, right?

Despite having a knack for all things beautiful, not many know how to design a Scandinavian kitchen. But that's about to change today.

In this article, you will learn what is a Scandinavian-style kitchen, why you need natural wood cabinets, how to incorporate hygge elements, and more. Keep reading!

What Does A Scandinavian Kitchen Design Look Like?

Scandinavian kitchens became mainstream across the US and Europe during the 20th century. Their clean lines, minimalist look, and timeless functionality made them take the lead. But it wasn’t about aesthetics alone.

At the center lay natural wood kitchen cabinets, contributing to a warm and cozy atmosphere. Plus, the neutral palette and less-is-more approach made Scandinavian kitchen designs stay in vogue over the years.

Best Options for Natural Wood Kitchen Cabinets In A Scandinavian Kitchen

Natural wood kitchen cabinets have been the cynosure of Scandinavian kitchen design for years. That's why it makes sense to pick the right kind of wood. Here are your top options.

• Oak: When it comes to durability for natural wood kitchen cabinets, oak tops the list. The distinct grain patterns impart a light hue, matching the vibe of a Scandinavian kitchen. So, you get warmth, coziness, and style without having to do much.
  
• Maple: Known for its smooth, even texture and subtle grain, maple kitchen cabinets bring a modern and sophisticated touch to a Scandinavian kitchen. The light color of maple enhances the clean, minimalist look characteristic of Scandinavian design.
  
• Birch: Crave for a refined look? Choose birchwood that has a staring, uniform grain. As a bonus, it's also resistant to dents and dings and can last long.
  

Pro tip: Whether you choose oak, pine, or birch, the wood should align with the overall aesthetics of a Scandinavian kitchen. If in doubt, go by the wood grain variations, the depth, and the character.

How to Design A Functional Scandinavian Kitchen?

Minimalism is the first checkpoint in designing a Scandinavian kitchen. However, it doesn't mean you sacrifice style. Instead, you're expected to keep it clutter-free and choose simplicity over sophistication. Here are some expert decor tips to get you going.

• Have a streamlined cabinet design: Install natural wood kitchen cabinets at the center of a Scandinavian kitchen with minimal ornamentation. Simple knobs, handless designs, and pulls are a go-to-option.
  
• Open shelves: No matter how chic natural wood kitchen cabinets are, they can be a tad bit monotonous. Opting for open shelves helps break the mood at places, especially when you've got a cool crockery collection to display.
  
• Choosing the right layout: The key to a happy kitchen space is the layout style. Whether one chooses an L or U-shaped layout, it should never hinder accessibility and movement.
  
• Keep it eco-friendly and sustainable: Ensure that the natural wood kitchen cabinets for a Scandinavian kitchen use sustainably sourced wood.

How to Incorporate Hygge Elements Inside A Scandinavian Kitchen?

Hygge, a Danish decor concept, is all about elevating comfort and coziness. It's an integral part of Scandinavian kitchen design, trickling down to kitchen decor.

And guess what! Natural wood kitchen cabinets are the perfect backdrop for incorporating hygge elements. Popular options include:

• Greenery: From potted herbs to small indoor plants, a touch of nature in a Scandinavian kitchen makes things more inviting.

• Textiles: To uplift the comfort vibe throughout a Scandinavian-style kitchen, use linen curtains and cotton dish towels, preferably in neutral tones.
  
• Warm Lights: While natural lights are always welcome, ambient warm lights should also be on your list for hygge decor. Pendant lights with wooden accents can be used to highlight the beauty of natural wood kitchen cabinets.

Don’t Forget Your Personal Touch

Scandinavian-style kitchens dote heavy on minimalism. However, you can still stylize your space to your liking. In fact, with natural wood cabinets at the center, you have more than one way to impart a personal touch.

• Keep it elegant: Choose simple, decorative items like wooden bowls, ceramic vases, and glassware that readily complement natural wood tones.

• Bring in functional accessories: From minimalist spice racks to wooden chopping boards, there are multiple accessories to boost the usability and aesthetics of your kitchen space.

• Say yes to art: Hang an artwork or photograph that you like on the kitchen walls. Choose simple wooden frames that complement the tone of natural wood kitchen cabinets.

Time to Design Your Dream Scandinavian Kitchen

Scandinavian kitchen decor has natural wood kitchen cabinets right at the center. So, from choosing the right wood to embracing natural light and incorporating hygge elements with personal touches, things can be game changer.

If you're building a kitchen in a new home, it’s a great idea to consult with a well-experienced cabinet manufacturer to add a professional touch.

At Cabinet DIY, our exclusive range of hardwood kitchen cabinets can perfectly complement your Scandinavian design, enhancing both style and functionality. Let us help you decorate your cooking space with our custom cabinets that reflect your personal touch.