I set out to do something about this most neglected room in our home two maybe three years ago and am finally feeling FANTASTIC about the way it’s coming along after making a bunch of regrets and having to start over twice and quitting/forgetting about it for months at a time. This room has gone through multiple identity crises, but with our last bedroom update on ruthlessly decluttering and reorganizing, the goal was to create a minimal yet functional space that screams relax and do nothing but also organize your stuff nicely in here without stress aah.
Along with keeping a mostly white palette, I stuck with a lot of elements in Scandinavian design and thought I’d share some tips with you on how to achieve that style. Back to what I mentioned before, having a decluttered space is the foundation for the simplicity of Scandinavian style, which can be really hard and take a long time like it did for me, but what you’re left with is a clean room filled only with things you absolutely need or find absolutely beautiful. It’s an amazing feeling that I didn’t know or think I could have, but yes it took work!
Since I only spent forever on trying these out myself, let me impart on you my five tips on how to achieve a minimal, Scandinavian interior.
Simple Color Palette
Keep colors neutral. They’re the clean slate backdrop to anything else that goes on in the room. It’s ok to have color, but keep it minimal and within the same family. At one transitional point this room had green, blue, and red going on, which isn’t “wrong” but it was very loud and chaotic.
You are likely more than fully aware of my love story with black and white, which happens to be the combo I find most calming and fresh, so no question they would be the main players in our bedroom and on second thought is what’s going on in our entire home anyway. White is the big guy in here and makes the room feel even more airy and spacious, which was definitely a big goal.
Simple and Clean Lines
Stick with simple shapes and straight lines for furniture, decor, or patterns.
The grid pattern on the bedding and basket, the sleek lines of the wall sconces, the simple patterns in the art on the left and right, the straight lines of his bedside table, I’m ALL about those clean lines.
Fun story, I asked O to style his bedside table to stay true to how he’d keep it, and minus the wallet I tossed inside his drawer because of course I intervened, this is what he came up with. It’s been under my nose this whole time: he’s such a minimalist, ha! Or just a guy, that’s probably more of it. Even all the decluttering that was done for this room was 99% my stuff, he was already living only with essentials. I’ve wanted to be like him all along, who knew.
Texture
An entirely neutral palette stays interesting with texture, which can also add warmth to the typically cool toned neutrals found in Scandi interiors. The wool pillow, sea grass basket, and knit throw are a few of my favorite factors at play here.
The rug, too!
Natural Elements
Plants are my favorite way to bring nature in and they also add color while still keeping the overall palette neutral. Wood is a really good way to do this as well, adding both to warming up the room and providing a little more texture.
Function
The way to keep up the simplicity of a Scandinavian interior is when function is present alongside the design, that way space is used efficiently and spaciousness can be maintained.
The highest functional value in our bedroom is definitely the external wardrobes. I love how they essentially look like an extension of the wall and of course that they store a lot of our clothes and belongings. The closet that came with the room was way too small for us to share so these wardrobes are basically making living here possible.
I use the ladder to plan and hang up my outfit for the next day, and I use the low gray table as a sort of catch all at the end of the day to throw my stuff on, usually my purse. This has been working out exceptionally well for me since prior to having this spot I’d not know where my purse was on a daily basis. No more!
Our dresser also holds a lot of our clothes and unlike the wardrobe allows for display of pretty things on top, like my baby concrete lamp, the candelabra, or my favorite mirror of all time.
The basket by my bedside is something I didn’t know how I’d use until I put it there. I wear a set of PJs for a few nights at a time and used to either throw them on the bed or throw them on the floor because I didn’t want to fold them back up into the dresser. Something as simple as having a cute basket to hold them in between wearings has given me so much peace of mind.
While I don’t need a drawer for my nightstand, O does since it practically doubles as his desk for small/short tasks, hence our mismatching bedside tables. I tell ya, he already had the minimalism thing down before I tried to overhaul the bedroom.
Part of what took so long to get here was not knowing how long we would be staying. We had lofty plans for a while of moving to a house, so we tried reasoning that there was no need to put too much effort into “finishing” the bedroom soon. That state of limbo makes it hard to feel at home and results in feeling anxious pretty much all the time, at least for me it did. Once officially deciding we’d be staying here a while, I felt a ton of relief, and this bedroom was such a huge win for positively changing how we feel about staying.
Like everything, I’m not calling this room done yet, though with this room there are specifics I wanted to complete but didn’t, mainly the bed! I actually hung up the art and sconces in anticipation of getting a bed with headboard, then changed my mind and didn’t get it, oops. Still holding out for a well priced low profile white upholstered bed (know anything?) but also holding out for my changing moods that might obsess over something else or want to continue keeping what we have now, who knows. I definitely want to play around more with bedding this upcoming season- I read somewhere that bed linens should be completely replaced once a year… I don’t think I’ll ever strictly follow that, but it made me think because some of ours are wayyyyyy past that timeline.
Do you follow that timeline?? Plus, any styling tips you’d like to add to this post? Leave them below in the comments!
This post is in partnership with All Modern.
LOVE your space and how minimal you were able to keep it all! It’s totally calming and I wish I could be that clutter free :)
Thanks, Abigail! I feel like it took me all 29 years of my life to learn how to declutter. It’s always been one of my biggest challenges so let me be corny and say that if I can, you for real absolutely without a doubt can too!
Your room turned out beautifully Amy!! I’m so in love with the minimal scandinavian style, so your tips are perfect for me! I’m totally pinning this as inspiration!
Thank you, Andrea!!
My fiance and I are currently redecorating our room and I’ve been referring to your blog for inspiration. Your bedroom is just perfect. We too are having a difficult time finding the perfect bed frame. How is engaged life??
So so glad you can come to this blog for inspo. Thanks, Jo :)
That engaged life is great. Hardly making progress on that wedding though… haven’t picked a venue yet and mostly have been looking at dresses, but otherwise I’d be fine if we were engaged forever :) Congrats on your engagement!
Love your space and how simplistic it looks! It looks so modern and clutter free. Great work!
Thanks, Eden!!
I seriously love your bedside table! I’ve also been eyeing a lot of Umbra and Menu products for a while now too. But that basket for your pajamas is genius!
Pajamas in baskets needs to happen. Thank you, Elysia!
I love your minimalist style! The bright whites make it look so comfortable and I REALLY love those sconces!
Thanks, Holly! I think the sconces are my fav part too ;)
Would like to know where the lights on the wall can be bought
Hi Sandra, you can find them here. I also have a “shop my home” page that links to everything in my home that’s still available here.
Lovely room! Love how relaxing it is!
The link to the grey table (by the ladder) isn’t working…
And what color white did you use on the walls?
Hi Liz! Thanks for letting me know, the link should be working now. The color is Dunn Edwards Swiss Coffee, and luckily the walls were already painted this when I moved in :)
Thanks! Love it!
Do you know – is the ceiling, trim, doors, etc all the same Swiss Coffee color? Curious how it compares to “white” white…
I’m pretty sure it’s all the same! While the walls are a flat/matte finish, I think the trim is glossier, but I barely see a difference.
Love everything about this!!! Can you share where you got the lamps by the bedsides?
Such a lovely bedroom! I love how fresh, minimal and clean it is!
To be honest, I’m always trying to declutter. One day I’m manage to have a bedroom like this!
Hope you are well and happy!
Lots of kisses
Angelina
Oh yea I don’t think the decluttering ever ends, but we’re finally at the point where it’s settling in and we’re thinking oh my god have we actually done it… It takes a long time! Be patient and persistent and you will get there <3
I love the scandinavian style – I’m from DK, so I guess it makes perfectly sense. It’s so fresh and clean. Love this space, it’s so gorgeous!
http://tealattewithstyle.com/
Thanks so much, Emma! I DREAM of visiting DK one day.
I follow you from time to time when you do a project for Michaels’ Makers. I like your room and mine is almost there as I’ve been reading & re-reading Marie Kondo;s two books. Perhaps you need to plan a honeymoon to DK? Copenhagen is lovely and so is the island of Fyn, where Hans Christian Anderson is from. Spend a couple of days in each area and if you’re a lego fan or your better half is then make your way to the third area of DK and go to Billund, home of Legoland #1. Truly a beautiful country in May, with all the flowers in bloom.
Breathtaking interior! How lovely.. This is a beautiful scandinavian room. Thank you for sharing :)
http://www.magholiving.com
I understand what you mean. That limbo feeling of “we’re moving so don’t invest” is the worst. My husband and I finally moved someplace we’re staying for awhile and now it’s like “don’t spend all your money now.” Because we’re so eager to do everything!
Yea I think no matter what the situation my fiance always sides with don’t spend money on anything haha! Can’t deny though that having a space you love and are proud of makes an immense positive impact on happiness. It’s worth the effort for sure, and as long as everything is something you ridiculously love, it will stay with you in the long run <3.
Your’e speaking my love language with this minimal space. I love the prints above your bed. Do you mind sharing the source? You have done such a lovely job with this room!
Thank you Pamela! Sources are linked in the post ;)
I love the idea of an open space, even if the room may not be that large itself. I definitely incorporated some of these ideas in my dorm room, although I tended to lean more towards black and white instead of all white! Nevertheless, you have a gorgeous bedroom! Great job on it! <3
Oh that’s so great to hear about your dorm room! I’m all for black and white, I think you already know this ;) Thanks for sharing, Heather!
Truly Beautiful! I absolutely lvoe the big mirror!!! Thanks for sharing the link!!
S
I am absolutely loving your space but even more so the prints above your bed!! Where did you get them?? So great!!
Thx, Ania
Thanks, Ania! They’re by Silke Bonde and I got them from The Poster Club.
Hi, I love the marble bedside table! Where is it from?
Thanks, Sara
Hi Sara! You can find it here
Amy,
Can you share the lamp at bedside where it from?
Thanks
do you know where i can fins the wall sconces?
love this space
so calm
<3
Hi Malena, you can find the sconces here. I also have a page where I link to the source of everything in my home here.
Lovely room and post! I’ve scoured it a few times but can’t find any source links for your planters (both the brushed metallic one on bedside table and white one on dresser) or the sheepskin-covered stool. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
Hi Jennifer! I wasn’t able to link those items because they’re no longer available. The planter was from Urban Outfitters, the stool was from Target, and the white planter was from a local nursery.
I think that this is a great photo set and that your bedroom has a very cool feel to it. Sarah & I are both really into the minimalistic scandinavian look right now- and that’s sort of the vibe we are trying to achieve with the remodel of our home. In your room I really like the art above the bed, the clean white aesthetics, and the green from the plants. Sarah loves that look too so I’m pretty positive we’ll achieve something similar once all of this work is finished.
Thanks for posting this, nicely done.
-III
Beautiful room! Love the nightstands.
Hello I love your design Amy :) you are so talented. May I ask where did you get your dresser for your room? The white dresser.
Thanks, Ronak! It’s from IKEA but it’s no longer available.
Love the whole room. Where did you get the wall lamps?
Hi Iqra, you can find them here. I also have a page where I link the source of everything in my home here.
I love your duvet/comforter. What brand is it/where did you get it from? Thanks!! Beautiful room!
Hi Becky! It’s from Brooklinen, you can find it here.
i’m in love with your lamps, where did you find them at?
Hi Janna! You can find the lamps here. I also have a page with sources to all the items in my home that are still available here, check it out!
Hey Amy it looks great! Where are your white drawers from?
Thank you! They’re from IKEA.
Hi! The ladder link seems not to be working. Any similar ideas? I need something like that for my “not clean but not really dirty” clothes.
Hi Kelli! I changed the link to a source where it’s available now. You can find the ladder here. Thanks for letting me know!
Hey, you have such a nice room, omg!! It’s such a great inspiration for me, thank you. I wanted to ask you where you got this carpet from. I can’t find such a thing. Kisses!
Hi Nele! The carpet was already there in our apartment before we moved in so unfortunately I don’t have any info on it.
Hi! Love your style! Where did you bought the Jacquard math with diamons that you have placed in your bedroom?
hi! how many inches is your mirror?
Hi! It’s 36″
hello! love all the elements that bring the room together! where did you purchase the dresser from?
Hi! Dresser is from IKEA.
Hi Amy – I have come across your room you have designed it lovely style . I am currently working my way through redecorating my Home. I am looking for carpet for the bedrooms and living the colour and style of yours it goes really well with the white look. Do you know the colour and brand by any chance? Thank you Nicki
Hi Nicki, thank you so much! We live in an apartment and it came with the carpet, so unfortunately I don’t have any information on it.
Hi! New to your blog and loving it! Where is your dresser from? Its perfect!
Hi Nikki! It’s the IKEA MALM dresser.
Hi Amy! I’m unsure if you’ll see this comment as I know this post was from quite a bit ago, but I was looking for inspiration for my new apartment and yours was right up my alley! Everything looks so serene and classy – I really do love your style. I looked at the links above but didn’t see it so I apologize if for some reason I overlooked. I am looking to also get a bed with no headboard, and I was wondering what frame you’re using? Is it just a plain bedframe or do you have a wooden platform one that is hidden under the bedskirt? Thank you so much for your time! :)
Hi Esther! I wish I had more info on our bed frame. It’s a mattress box on a metal frame with wheels and I have a bedskirt draped over it to cover it up. My husband had it in his previous apartment and it’s probably the only thing we’ve kept of his since moving in together ahaha. I think IKEA has a good one with no headboard that also has storage drawers which is something I considered getting before, you might want to check that out!
LOVE YOUR STYLE!!
I found the grid pattern sheets, but do you have a link to the grid pattern comforter?
Thank you!
Than you Meghan! It all comes together in a set.
Hi! I absolute love the composition. I’m currently on the market for a bedskirt that is not see-through and not wrinkle resistant… You’d be surprised how hard it’s been to find a good one! Do you know where yours is from, by any chance? Thank you!
Hi Juliana, I got it on Amazon, click here for it.
Hi! What door option did you do for your pax ikea wardrobe? Trying to decide which door I should get for a similar esthetic in my room. Thanks!
Hi Jessica! I can’t recall the name of the doors but it was the plain white matte ones. The door handles I believe are discontinued now.
Hi! I love the white, but is it hard to keep clean? I have grey walls and am wondering if the Scandinavian minimal style would work with that color. Also, where would you suggest looking for décor? I checked out your links – a bit pricey. Thanks!
Hi Katelyn! Grey absolutely will maintain a minimal look. Scandinavian design interiors are painted all types of colors- you don’t have to have white walls! As far as color maintenance, I haven’t had any difficulty wiping/cleaning off stains if they every appear on the walls. My favorite affordable spots to look for decor are H&M Home and IKEA.
Love the style. Can i ask where you got the rug in front of your dresser?
Hi! From H&M years ago, unfortunately no longer available.
Amy,
I love this post and am thinking about making a trip over to IKEA, to see what’s new, for 2022. That store is a DIYers dream true! I’m looking for a low profile bed myself, to replace my “princess” bed. Houzz, is a good website to visit, so is Joss&Main. How would you create a bedroom, that is also your living room and your office? I have a one bedroom apartment and when I finally convinced my sister, to move in with me, the living room is now, her bedroom! Once I do my declutter, I can turn one of my closet’s, into an office. Being in my 40’s and being ADHD, makes me very susceptible, to having too many things. But I have one rule, that I am successful with: for every new item, that I bring in – minus my plants, I have to donate an item. Eg:, I was given an air fryer, for Christmas. So, I donated my bread maker and my dehydrater. I have also heard about replacing bed linens. Bedding can be expensive. Especially, for anyone else like me – I am so indecisive! Especially flannel sheets…. lol