It’s hard to resist the effortlessly cool style of Scandi kitchens. Rooted in the principals of Scandinavian design, this look blends simplicity, functionality, and comfort to create bright, calming spaces that never go out of style. With their clean lines, natural materials, and a focus on light, Scandi kitchens offer the perfect balance of modern minimalism and everyday warmth.

*A Scandinavian-inspired kitchen in Sussex.*

What is a Scandi Kitchen?

Key Features of Nordic Design:

Light & Neutral Colour Palette

Scandinavian kitchens are defined by their calm, neutral colour palettes. Crisp whites, soft greys, and gentle taupes set the foundation for a light, airy look. To add personality, consider subtle accents - pale pastels like blush pink or powder blue, or deeper muted tones such as forest green and earthy terracotta. These shades keep the space feeling warm and inviting without disrupting the clean, minimalist aesthetic.

Natural Materials

Wood is at the heart of Scandi style. Whether left natural or painted in soft tones, its subtle grain and organic texture bring warmth and authenticity to the kitchen. For worktops, pale stone or additional wood surfaces enhance the look, adding a tactile, natural quality that feels both timeless and homely. Whilst ceramic or terracotta crockery and art are ideal for decorating your finished kitchen.

Clean Lines & Minimalist Design

Scandi kitchen cabinetry is all about simplicity. Flat-panel doors with minimal or no handles create a clean, streamlined look that feels effortlessly chic. Our ‘Stick Frame’ style adds a subtle architectural detail, bringing structure and depth to modern designs, while overlay doors work beautifully too - perfect for achieving that sleek, contemporary Scandinavian aesthetic.

*Our Stick Frame Kitchen design in ash -* *find out more about our kitchen styles.*

Functional Layouts With Smart Storage Solutions

Functionality is a defining feature of Scandi kitchens. These spaces are designed not just to look beautiful but to make everyday living easier, with layouts that improve workflow and movement. To maintain the clean, minimal aesthetic, incorporate clever storage solutions - think hidden drawers, integrated organisers, or even bench seating with lift-up compartments that keep clutter neatly out of sight.

Maximised Natural Light

Whether through large windows or clever design tricks, the goal is always to make the space feel brighter and more open. Features like glass-fronted cabinetry and pale stone surfaces help reflect light around the room, enhancing the airy, uplifting atmosphere that defines the Scandinavian look.

Comfort & Hygge Elements

While “hygge” has become a buzzword in recent years, it’s still central to Scandinavian design. At its core, hygge is about creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere - a sense of comfort that makes a space feel lived-in and inviting. This balance is what makes Scandi kitchens so appealing: they combine modern minimalism with a homely, human touch. No one wants a kitchen that feels cold or sterile; the goal is a space that’s stylish yet genuinely cosy.

*Wood and white - a classic Scandinavian combination that is both simple and inviting.*

Scandi Kitchen Colour Palettes

Classic White Scandi Kitchens

*Wimborne White & Schoolhouse White by* *Farrow & Ball, oak cabinetry and Carrara marble worktops.*

Layering soft whites with natural wood accents is the ultimate way to nail a classic Scandi kitchen look. But let’s be honest, choosing the right white paint can feel overwhelming (there are just so many!). To keep things cosy rather than clinical, lean towards warmer whites with a touch of yellow - Wimborne White and Schoolhouse White by Farrow & Ball are two of our go-tos. Pair them with creamy marble and natural wood for added warmth, and don’t be afraid to mix different shades and textures. The trick is to stay neutral, but keep it layered and interesting so the space feels calm, not flat.

Taupe Scandi Kitchens

*Limestone and True Taupe by* *Little Greene* *paired with pale ash cabinetry and quartz worktops.*

Ditch the stark “millennial grey” and embrace softer, more sophisticated tones like greige or taupe. These shades bring a subtle depth and warmth to your space - moodier and more atmospheric than white, yet still calm and versatile. Pair them with pale ash cabinetry and light stone worktops to create a look that’s unmistakably Scandi while feeling fresh and modern.

Nordic Blue Scandi Kitchens

*White 02 and Grey 08 by* *Lick* *with beautiful oak accents and a sleek Fenix worktop.*

For a modern twist on Scandi style, try a Nordic blue palette. Inspired by icy fjords, this palette focuses on muted grey-blues rather than anything too bold. Although this doesn’t just mean pale shades, deep navy blues add drama and sophistication, grounding the space without feeling overpowering, while the lighter shades keep the overall look balanced and serene. Use darker blues on cabinetry or an accent wall, and offset it with pale grey walls, stone worktops, and wooden accents to maintain that signature Scandinavian warmth. The result is a space that feels contemporary, cocooning, and effortlessly chic.

Earthy Green Scandi Kitchens

*Slaked Lime Mid & Serpentine by* *Little Greene* *and Nomad by* *Coat, paired with oak worktops.*

Earthy greens are a beautiful way to introduce depth and character into your kitchen while staying true to Scandi’s nature-inspired roots. These tones bring a sense of calm and connection to the outdoors, making them perfect for creating a welcoming space. If full wooden cabinetry isn’t your style, opt for painted units and pair them with natural wood worktops.

*Combine painted cupboards with wooden accents to create a beautiful Scandi kitchen look.*

Materials That Define Scandi Kitchens: Wood, Stone & Textiles

When you think of Scandi kitchens, pale woods like ash usually come to mind - but the look isn’t limited to light tones. Darker woods such as oak or even walnut can work beautifully, especially if you’re leaning towards a more Japandi-inspired style (more on that later!).

An oak worktop is a timeless choice that, with a little care, will last for decades. Stone surfaces are another perfect match - marble and quartz both bring a natural elegance to the space. Opt for a honed finish if you want a softer, organic look, or choose polished stone to reflect light in smaller or darker kitchens. For a more contemporary feel, Corian, Fenix and similar composites also work well. What you’ll want to avoid are very dark materials like granite or slate, as these tend to create a more traditional looking kitchen.

And don’t forget to add soft textures - think rugs, runners, and lightweight curtains, they will help to create that cosy hygge atmosphere.

*Ash is the ultimate Scandi choice - light and airy with a subtle grain that adds just the right touch of natural beauty.*

Material Picks for a Scandi Kitchen:

Woods

Pale woods like ash and birch for a classic Scandi look
Oak for a timeless, versatile option
Walnut or darker tones for a Japandi-inspired twist
Painted cabinetry paired with wood accents for warmth

Worktops

Oak worktops are a classic
Marble or quartz for natural elegance
Honed finishes for a soft, organic look
Polished finishes to bounce light in smaller spaces
Corian or similar composites for a sleek, contemporary style
Avoid heavy dark stones like granite or slate, which can feel too traditional

Textiles & Finishes

Soft rugs or runners to warm up hard floors
Lightweight curtains to filter natural light
Natural fabrics (linen, wool, cotton) for a cosy hygge vibe
Matte finishes for cabinetry and hardware to keep the look understated

Scandi Kitchen Trends in 2025

Japandi Kitchens

The perfect balance of calm and cosiness, Japandi kitchens have firmly secured their place on Instagram feeds and design wish lists in 2025. This style combines the effortless minimalism of Scandi design with the atmospheric feel of Japanese interiors. Think darker woods like walnut, deeper earthy tones, and a softer, moodier colour palette that creates a serene yet inviting atmosphere - perfect for those who love the clean lines of Scandinavian style but want a little extra depth and character.

Japandi kitchens aren’t just a fleeting trend - they’ve become a design movement. As Vogue notes, Japandi style “shows no sign of stopping,” with its calming, curated aesthetic continuing to dominate interiors in 2025.

Learn more about Japandi kitchens

Wood-drenching

We’ve all heard of colour drenching, but what about wood-drenching? This trend is making waves in 2025, and for good reason. Wood’s versatility means it can wrap around every surface – from floors and walls to cabinetry, worktops and even ceilings – creating an immersive, calming and beautifully textural environment. Homes & Gardens highlights how this approach “transforms interiors into warm, cocooning sanctuaries,” bringing natural beauty and depth into modern homes. While it can nod to retro mid-century interiors, you can keep it unmistakably Scandi by choosing ash or pale oak.

*Hidden drawers are a smart storage solution - maximising space while keeping the exterior sleek and simple.*

Sustainable Scandi Kitchens: Eco Materials & Energy-Saving Design

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword in 2025 - it’s a design essential, and Scandi kitchens are leading the way. The focus is on natural, responsibly sourced materials like FSC-certified timber, recycled stone composites, and low-VOC paints that are kinder to the environment and healthier for your home.

Energy efficiency is also front and centre, with induction hobs, smart appliances, and LED lighting helping to reduce energy consumption without compromising on style. What makes this trend so appealing is how seamlessly sustainability integrates into the Scandi ethos - clean lines, timeless design, and a respect for nature.

*Pull-out drawers make finding what you need effortless. No more rummaging in the dark corners of your cupboards.*

Storage & Organisation in Scandi Kitchens

To achieve the Scandi signature minimalist but highly functional style, clever storage is key. Hidden drawers, spice racks, and pull-out solutions are essential for keeping everyday items neatly tucked away. But minimal doesn’t mean empty. Open shelving offers the perfect opportunity to introduce a touch of hygge with a few carefully chosen pieces of crockery, glassware, or trinkets. A beautifully crafted hanging rack for handmade mugs not only adds charm but is incredibly practical too. Just remember: cluttered countertops are a no-go. Keep it curated, and storage becomes an effortless, organic way to style your home.

*Open shelving lets you style your kitchen naturally with your favourite cookbooks, ceramics, and everyday pieces.*

Scandi Kitchen Design: Let us help you!

If you need a little help, let us know! With years of experience designing Scandi kitchens, we can bring your ideas to life all for a simple fixed price. Find out how much your new kitchen would cost and if you’re happy with the price, we’ll book you in for a free design appointment with our expert team.

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Scandi Kitchens: The Complete Guide to Minimal, Modern Nordic Design