Even if days in the Nordics are still more gloom than bloom, the brightening days already promise the onset of spring. A Scandinavian-style interior spring refresh is all about decluttering, adding light and colour, and investing in swoon-worthy details. We've put together tips to help you infuse your home with a refreshing springtime atmosphere!
UNPOPULAR OPINION: January is the loveliest month of the year. There's something utterly magical about transitional periods – there's still time to immerse yourself in the glow of seasonal lights and tune in on Michael Bublé if you wish, but on the other hand, spring novelties are pouring in and you can gradually start sprinkling fresh colors, lighter textiles, and other early signs of spring into your home.
1. Go heavy on spring hues
Bright pops of color are a foolproof way to revitalize a space with minimal effort. Pantone's color of the year for 2024 is the comforting Peach Fuzz, a soft peach shade whose pastel glow is made for a spring home. Other pastel hues, all shades of green, and refreshingly retro orange are also ideal for bringing a touch of spring atmosphere into your home.
To inject a bit of oomph into a neutral color scheme, pick a few colorful interior details such as decorative cushions, throws, or posters – or go for an irresistible vitamin-packed makeover by dressing your home entirely in the delicious hues of the season!
• HAY's Bonbon 310 lampshade >
• All lighting >
2. Bring in spring with florals
While eagerly waiting for the first buds to bloom, you can invite a touch of floral energy into your home through patterns. Romantic rose prints may not suit everyone, but Marimekko's iconic Unikko fits seamlessly into both minimalist and maximalist interiors. Incorporate Unikko into your table setting or finish off the bed with a floral duvet – the Unikko series is packed with perfect utility pieces for every room and occasion.
• Marimekko's Unikko series >
• All tableware >
3. Mirror, mirror, on the wall
Spring and autumn in the Nordic countries are a time when every ray of light is appreciated. However, with a few magic tricks, you can bring a sense of light into your home even amid the gloomiest of winter days. Light-reflecting surfaces amplify even the faintest glow – especially mirrors placed near lamps and windows can have an unparalleled impact on the luminosity of a space.
Normann Copenhagen's whimsically chic Illu mirror earns extra points for its trendy wavy frame and built-in LED lights, transforming the frame into a magical halo in an instant.
• Normann Copenhagen's Illu mirror >
• All mirrors >
4. From heavy to heavenly
Winter homes are often cocooned in thick textiles, providing a cozy sanctuary. However, as the days grow longer and the promise of warmth approaches, the urge to shed the winter layers and embrace spring becomes irresistible. High-quality natural materials like linen, cotton, and silk effortlessly bring a touch of springtime lightness to your decor – and they endure their charm from season to season.
Marianne Huotari's Rytmi rugs for Finarte offer a refreshingly modern take on traditional cotton rugs. The lively stripe pattern strikes the perfect balance of simplicity and sass, making these boldly colored rugs just restrained enough for even more understated tastes.
• Finarte's Rytmi rug >
• All textiles >
5. Add flower power
Tulip season is just around the corner, and vibrant bouquets or slowly unfolding branches are a surefire way to awaken your home from its winter slumber. Pair them with an eye-catching vase – it will double as a conversation-sparking decor detail on its own. The spring maintenance for your green friends is also right around the corner, making this the perfect time to upgrade to new, bigger pots if needed.
Designed by John Tanagin, the Brute vase borrows its unapologetic form from brutalism, yet the colorful speckle pattern injects a playful element into the colossal vessel's demeanor.
• Hem's Brute vase > • Read also: Best vases for tulips >
• All vases >
6. Paint your way into spring
Add a touch of spring to your space with a fresh coat of paint. Cover Story's latest hues – soft white, cool greige, pastel green, and classic terracotta – are perfect for a spring home and pair well with various tones. Before picking up the paintbrush, you can test the shades with convenient A4-sized color samples!
• Cover Story paints >
• Read also: “Wall color is the interior’s most important element” >
7. Keep it light
Sometimes, your home just needs a breather – crafting a spring-ready interior is not always about adding. Tame the chaos with elegant and clever storage furniture, liberate space by parting ways with underused furniture, or invest in sleek pieces that make the room feel more airy. Open shelves, mirrors, and glass surfaces also wield the power to open up a space.
Enter HAY's Colour Cabinet – its delightful airiness owes much to its glass doors! The series also offers wall-mounted versions, saving floor space and creating an added illusion of weightlessness.
• HAY's Colour Cabinet >
• All storage furniture >
8. Choose your season with scents
Scents possess a magical ability to evoke imagery. While we've just had our fill of scents like cinnamon and spruce, fragrances such as flowers, citrus, and sweet berries serve as heralds of spring and summer. Scented candles and diffusers offer an excellent opportunity to navigate between seasons and moods, transforming your decor into a multi-sensory experience.
Scandinavisk's Fjord scent diffuser brings the fragrance of Norwegian fjords into your home. The elegantly finished glass bottle, adorned with a sophisticated beechwood ring, serves as a stylish decor element and can double as a vase for delicate spring flowers when empty.
• Skandinavisk's Fjord scent diffuser >
• All scent diffusers >
+1. Set your sights on summer
While terrace-worthy weather might at the moment seem distant in the Nordics, gearing up for spring and summer early pays off. Give your terrace furniture some TLC in advance, or if your outdoor furniture set is due for an update, scouting for budget-friendly finds before the season kicks in might just be the stepping stone to the outdoor oasis of your dreams. This way, you'll be all set to savor the first warm days without missing a single ray of sunlight!
• HAY's Crate chair –20% > • Read also: How to care for wooden outdoor furniture?
• All patio furniture >
See also:
• Newest arrivals at Finnish Design Shop >
Text: Mira Ahola Images: Manufacturers
