IKEA is one of the most famous furniture retail brands in the world. It is positioned as a symbol of great-looking minimalistic interiors. But what made that interior style so unique, simple to use, and popular?

IKEA style is a brilliant representative of Scandinavian (Nordic) interior design. The most common features of this style are high functionality, natural materials, clean lines and rounded edges, light colors, and cozy textiles. As well as versatility — you can easily change the appearance of the room with an IKEA slipcover couch: depending on the cover put on, it can be neutral white, bold red, or navy-blue color.

Today we’ve gathered five main Scandinavian living room ideas that help you to create a living space that looks like an IKEA commercial. They all are super easy to implement!

1. Rounded Edges

Nordic interior designers are looking for inspiration in nature. And nature most often doesn’t offer sharp edges: everything is soft and curvy. So whether you are aiming to do a complete property restoration or more of a spruce up, there are some fab options, especially with rounded edges.

It can be furniture sets, isolated pieces, or even decor. One of the easiest ways to incorporate style is by using soft furnishings and cushions. You can also add table runners, slipcovers, etc.

2. Different Style Combinations

Even IKEA designers suggest combining different styles and manufacturers to create a unique living room. There is no need to use single furniture set in 2023. You can mix it with whatever you want. But how to combine different styles in one room?

Stick to the rule of thirds. It helps create fascinating designs. Combine up to 3 styles, colors, and textures in one room. It will be enough to create a unique atmosphere.

Use the color wheel to find exciting color combos. Triad, complementary, and split complementary combinations are easy to implement in any interior. Double-split complementary, square, and compound are usually considered to be advanced color schemes as it may be harder to implement them in the interior.

3. Grouped Furniture

Don’t be afraid to group furniture, especially upholstery. People like to socialize, and it would be easier to do it with grouped furniture. You can use couches and chairs from the same set, or mix different collections and styles. Here are a few tricks for you:

• Choose functionality. Every piece of furniture should perform a particular function.
• Don’t clutter. It would be better to have two comfortable armchairs, rather than five seats that nobody uses.
• Use premade layouts. Open the IKEA website or go to Pinterest to find out how designers arrange furniture in similar living spaces.

4. Strong Focal Point

The easiest way to create an IKEA-like living room is to combine basic furniture with a bold accent, aligning with current living room trends that emphasize minimalist design paired with standout features. It’s the very first thing that catches your eye when you enter a living space. And it can be anything: accent wall, large bright sofa, painting, cozy fireplace, mirror with a unique frame, etc.

Other furniture and decor items should support this focal point, not distract you from it. But how to establish the focal point in the right way? Take a closer look at the architectural details: room height, size, windows, etc.

Try oversize furniture, bold colors, unique shapes, mirrors, and wallpapers. Don’t clutter the room! Nordic interiors are famous for their open space, which creates a more luxurious atmosphere.

5. Organic Materials

Last but not least, the distinctive feature of Swedish interiors is the furniture made of organic materials. It can be wood, glass, or metal. For soft furnishings, you can use cotton, wool, and silk. They are natural materials, so they are sustainable and eco-friendly.

Those materials are safe and don’t have any dangerous chemicals. Most organic furniture and decor are hypoallergenic. You can use it in a house with kids or pets. And once you get tired of it, you can sell it at a garage sale, send it to a thrift shop or recycle it. You don’t even need to disassemble it — many companies are ready to take your furniture out and send it to a recycling center.

The Scandinavian design is easy to implement. Try making your room bright, use organic materials, combine clean lines with rounded edges, muted colors with bold accents, and make sure that room has a focal point. These easy recommendations help you create an IKEA-inspired interior wherever you may live!