14 Scandi Decor Ideas for a Very Merry Minimalist Holiday

Cottage

Quaint is the vibe this traditional yet unpretentious style evokes. It dates back to 18th-century Germany where textiles were homespun and furniture was handmade. Get the look today with rustic wood floors, wood furniture with clean lines, and a neutral color palette. Keep curtains airy and minimal — cottage style is all about the interplay of light and texture — and lighting soft and abundant.

Maximalism

After years of living in stark shades of minimalism, maximalism is the outburst we needed in 2024. Here, art is free to take up a whole wall, bookshelves can overflow with trinkets and tchotchkes, and color is always the answer. The trick is to tie it all together with a through line — like the blues in the room above — and aim for a 50-50 space-to-stuff ratio.

Coastal

Grandmas aren't the only ones who get to live that coastal life. This timeless aesthetic is all about natural elements and muted neutrals, like sandy taupes, and grayish blues. Keep it light and airy with sheer curtains and an abundance of space, and even if “coastal” is only a state of mind, you’ll want to add a few borrowed-from-the-beach accents — think sea glass, driftwood, and dune grass.

Art Deco

Whether you throw parties like you’re Jay Gatsby or start your two-hour bedtime routine at 7:30, art deco can work for you. The glamorous style originated in 1910s France and fanned out across the globe in the ‘20s, peaking in the U.S. in the ‘30s shortly after Prohibition ended. It’s all about jewel tones, oversize statement pieces, and geometric light fixtures. Repetition is art deco’s MO: Repeat elements, such as one simple shape, a contrasting color, or similar patterns, throughout your room or home.

Minimalism

Tried-and-true minimalism isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. A successor of 20th-century Bauhaus, the pared-down style is a celebration of simplicity, not to mention one of the easier looks for mere mortals to achieve. While an open-concept space is minimalism’s calling card, you can invoke it with clean lines, plenty of lighting, and a few pieces of can’t-live-without decor. Pro tip for that clutter-free life: Invest in furniture that doubles as storage.

Eclectic

While “eclectic” may conjure up an anything-goes approach, the style is not as haphazard as it sounds. Yes, it allows you to pick and choose from multiple aesthetics, but there is a method to the madness: Use one style for your furniture and then mix in two to three complementary styles for your decor. Any more styles, and you’ll risk veering into hodgepodge territory — though we’ll never say never.

Scandinavian

Similar to minimalism but a bit warmer and earthier, Scandinavian style is a clean, simple look. It warms things up by working in organic elements like wood, rattan, and plants as well as muted colors (who among us can resist a mauve moment?), soft textures (chunky knits, where art thou?), and clean lines in hyper-functional furniture (Ikea did not come up with that all by itself).

Japandi

There's a lot to love about Japanese and Scandinavian design. Both aesthetics emphasize neutral and earthy colors, sustainable materials, and the great outdoors (plants, branches, and solids woods). Japandi design brings the two decor trends into one happy, harmonious place, influenced by the subtle differences in each design. There's the comfort and warm minimalism of the Scandi style combined with the elegance, attention to detail and wabi-sabi, or rustic simplicity (wabi) and beauty in imperfection (sabi), of the Japanese side.

Mid-Century Modern

A design born out of 1950s America, mid-century modern is a versatile style that feels both timeless and vintage. Its trademark look is furniture with strong clean lines paired with bronze metal accents, geometric shapes, and bright pops of color. Given mid-century modern’s popularity over the last decade, plenty of home stores sell convincing replicas, but flea markets, garage sales, and vintage stores are teeming with the real deal.

70s Modern

A bit more daring in its approach, 70s modern decor is mid-century modern’s younger, less conservative cousin. There’s a sense of playfulness with bean-bag-like sofas and globe-shaped lamps. Look for bold colors (earthy tones like olive green, mustard yellow, burnt orange, and chocolate brown), eclectic patterns (waves, globes and checkerboards), and materials like walnut wood, chrome, and shag carpeting. Modular furniture is also a hit with coziness and cool top of mind.

Purge Once. Edit Often.

There’s a reason why Marie Kondo's KonMari method was such a huge hit — because it works. To create a mindful space, you need to master the magic of tidying. Surround yourself with things that you love and get rid of non-essentials that are cluttering your space. The result: a cozy, comfortable home you love.

Focus On Negative Space With Low Furniture

If something about one of your minimalistic rooms feels off or cramped, you might need to focus on the proportions of your furniture. Tables, a sofa or a bed that are just a few inches too high can greatly disrupt a room’s visual flow. The design trick: Buy low furniture like this gorgeous CB2 Cantar Ivory Velvet Upholstered Bedfor a cozy and simple look.

Stick With A Neutral Or Soft Color Palette

When decorating a minimalist interior, it’s all about creating a clean base. Clean light walls can open up a space and make it feel airy, like this stunning kitchen by LA-based Dacotah Studio(see our full feature here). Soft, nature-toned pieces in beige, tan and green are also soothing and easy on the eyes. Decorating within a neutral color palette also gives your home that instant, pulled-together look. That plus calming vibes? It’s a win-win.

Add Minimal Texture

To keep a room from feeling cold or bland, add texture. Shop for soft throws, throw a sheepskin over your desk chair and lay down a fluffy wool rug. Your space will look put-together and cozier than ever.

Get Rid Of Most Mirrors

In feng shui, mirrors are said to bounce off energy, which can cause you to feel restless. There have even been studies that show mirrors could trigger stress and anxiety. While we love how a mirror can make a space look larger, it’s probably best to remove them from your bedroom, living room and kitchen. Instead place mirrors behind closet doors or limit them to the bathroom.

Choose Natural Materials

While minimalism is all about perfecting the “less is more” approach, there’s a chance your interiors might feel cold and sterile. Invest in pieces of natural or raw materials such as wood, marble, hides, clay and cork. The uniqueness of earthy materials adds character and warmth to your abode.

Embrace Natural Light

A simple mindfulness exercise is to wake up when it’s light out and sleep when it’s dark out to maintain a healthy sleep rhythm. Get rid of curtains and tear down walls that block windows to maximize the amount of light that comes in. Letting natural light fill your home brings the outside in and allows you to get the best rest possible.

Let Your Space Speak For Itself

There are so many ways to decorate a home, but before you begin drilling and filling up the shelves, really take time to understand and appreciate your space. Whether your home has traditional molding, modern kitchen cabinets or a quirky layout, your home’s bones are the foundation for building upon. You might find that many of your physical possessions don’t complement your space. Work with what you have (and not against it) to create a home that is unified.

Keep Surfaces Clear And Tidy

This is where being mindful isn’t just about aesthetics. De-cluttering a messy surface looks amazing and feels amazing too — think of it as a mind and spirit detox. Clear and tidy desks, tables and kitchen countertops on a daily basis so you can start every day fresh with clarity.

Use Stylish Storage

We know. It’s hard to get rid of all of your clutter. Paper, art supplies, makeup brushes, laundry — the list of stuff that accumulates (and you can’t always get rid of) goes on. Consider getting rid of trash cans entirely in rooms that don’t absolutely need them. Or, use pull-out and built-in garbage and recycling bins to free up floor space. Keep office and cleaning supplies organized with pretty baskets and containers, and find creative ways to store your hair and beauty products. With so much stuff, stylish storage is key to making your home organized and tidy. We love how LA-based design team Bungalowe created custom storage with shelving in this bedroom (see the full feature here).

Keep Cords Out Of Sight

To make your home (and mind) feel clear, hide everyday eyesores like power strips, routers and laptop chargers by thinking vertically. Manage your electrical cords by purchasing desks with shelves for power strips, attach cords to the back or bottom of your desk with these Blue Key World Cable Clips ($7) or create a charging station drawer. There are so many ways to hide cords, and you can get as creative as you like!

Set The Tone With Soft Lighting

In addition to installing dimmer switches to set a relaxing mood, task lighting (your table and floor lamps) should be warm and atmospheric. Layer the light with wall sconces like CB2's lovely and affordable Astr White Onyx Wall Sconce and some candles, and your space will feel extra intimate and cozy.

Make Your Bed Every Morning

As tempting as it is to rush out the door in the morning, leaving your bed unkempt can set the tone for the day. Making your bed forces you to slow down and set a healthy pace for the day. For more style, splurge on beautiful linen sheets that’ll motivate you to tidy your bed every morning.

Treat Yourself To Quality Towels

Consistency in fabrics like your sheets and towels can make a room look instantly pulled together. Refresh your bathroom with 100% cotton, OEKO-TEX-certified towels like these striped ones from Sand Shell Pembroke Stripe Cotton Towels from Piglet In Bed that have a cool vintage vibe.

Let The Outdoors In With Florals And Plants

With clean, minimalist style, it’s even more important to bring a little bit of life into your space. Think of caring for a plant as a daily exercise in mindfulness. Bonus: Florals and plants instantly create an inviting atmosphere too.

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Header image courtesy of CB2

Little Luxuries

Even on a budget, we love to treat ourselves to a little bit of fancy. Think plush throws, high-thread-count bedding, or a curated collection of decadent candles. This trend celebrates everyday indulgences by incorporating small, meaningful upgrades into your home. Statement lighting and mirrors like this Sarah Sherman Samuel Rook Mirror; handmade pottery; even small touches, like gold-rimmed coupe glasses or elegant trays for organizing your essentials, that elevate the ordinary. This is all about feeling sophisticated yet totally cozy.

Individual Expression

Individual expression embraces personal style over following trends. More people will look within for their home decor style, celebrating unique, curated spaces filled with meaningful pieces, like vintage finds, DIY projects, and bold color choices. It’s about telling *your* story through design and turning your home into a one-of-a-kind reflection of your personality, passions, and experiences.

Elevated 70s Vibes

Wood drenching is back from the '70s with a more grown-up look. Resurfacing are elevated designs and quality woods with '70s decor like sleek chrome lamps, shag rugs, chenille, and burgundy. Disco lamps optional.

Return Of Post-Modernism

CB2 Bodene Ivory Resin Coffee Table

Inspired by 1980s post-modernism, AKA "the designer decade," everything from coffee tables to sofas are coming out with unique shapes and unexpected designs. Look for more sculptural pieces that play together with a still-minimal vibe.

Asymmetrical Rugs

Etsy Handtufted Irregular Shaped Rug

Hopping on the curve trend are rugs in 2025. Play with your wooly shapes for a more organic look.

Intentional Design

As more people become concerned about climate change, WGSN expects 2025 will bring more services that help us reuse and repair. Things like refillable beauty products, climatarian cuisine (food chosen based on its carbon footprint), and products and services that encourage DIY, resale and repair will be big in 2025. Choosing quality pieces that will stand the test of time and even incorporating vintage pieces for their uniqueness and sustainability factor will be part of this trend.

Warm Neutrals Paired With Deep Blues + Blacks

Ruggable Laine Ivory & Natural Tufted Rug

Warm neutrals like chalk, oat milk and taupe are colors that we'll see more of for versatile home decor. But don't worry, color will be back in a big way too. Organic greens like kelp and emerald, oxblood, clay, sepia, and terracotta will add some richness while soothing pastels like glacier blue and mellow peach, plus flashes of brights like pink and teal, will also grace our 2025 homes.

Color + Pattern Drenching

Color drenching will remain a strong trend in 2025, with bold, saturated hues covering entire spaces for a cohesive, dramatic effect. Layering patterns on patterns will also make a statement, as wallpaper and fabric work together to bring texture, character, and a fresh canvas to your space.

Statement Ceilings + Tile

Rebel Walls Bruno Sand Wallpaper

The fifth wall is having a moment, with everything from wallpaper and painted stripes to statement chandeliers adding unexpected flair overhead.

Zen Dens

Crate and Barrel Sogno Chaise Lounge

2025 is all about comfort. Think plush, deep sofas, curvy chaises, and furniture with sweater-like textures, creating cozy nooks and rooms you’ll want to sink into with a good book or enjoy chats with your friends and family.

Sensorial Homes

WGSN forecasts a rise in sensory-driven decor for 2025, so products that soothe our senses. Think ASMR-inspired products like virtual sound baths to enhance focus, mood-boosting products that align with color psychology, robotic scent diffusers, experiential showers and chromatherapy.

Discreet Design

Tech and aesthetics don't always play well together, but that’s set to change. Expect more discreet tech products and kitchen appliances designed to blend seamlessly with decor. Look for natural materials, soft textiles, minimalist shapes, and inviting colors, along with clever design solutions that conceal tech — like photo frames that double as phone chargers.

"More and more people are choosing to live in smaller spaces or want to use rooms for multiple purposes. Multi-functional pieces will be growing in popularity, including hidden storage options or transformative furniture," says Li.

Biophilic Design

Research shows that plants can actually make us happier, so why not design our homes around them? In 2025, expect to see smart gardens with sensor-regulated watering, furniture with built-in planters, and nature-inspired decor. It's all about bringing the outdoors in, and the indoors out.

Outdoor Glamour

Outdoor spaces are becoming true extensions of our homes, with features like al fresco kitchens, plunge pools, outdoor showers (#goals), and cozy outdoor rugs and sofas made with durable, weather-resistant fabrics for fully functional spaces to enjoy most of the year.