Scandinavian Style Before/After Case Study

This comprehensive case study showcases the complete transformation of a dark, cold apartment into a warm, inviting Scandinavian style home. The project focused on maximizing natural light, incorporating natural materials, and creating the cozy atmosphere of “hygge” throughout a 1,200 square foot urban space.

Project Overview

Initial Conditions

Property Type: Urban apartment
Size: 1,200 square feet
Original Style: 1990s minimal with dark finishes
Location: Downtown high-rise
Renovation Scope: Full apartment renovation
Timeline: 12 weeks
Budget: $65,000

Goals and Objectives

Maximize natural light in north-facing space
Incorporate natural materials and textures
Create cozy, hygge atmosphere throughout
Maintain clutter-free, functional spaces
Achieve warm, inviting aesthetic despite urban setting

Before: The Dark, Cold Apartment

Living Room

The original living room featured:

Dark brown carpet that absorbed light
Heavy burgundy curtains that blocked natural light
Dark wood entertainment center that felt oppressive
Minimal furniture that didn’t encourage gathering
Harsh overhead lighting with no ambient options
Cold, unwelcoming atmosphere

Kitchen

The kitchen included:

Dark wood cabinets that matched the floor
Laminate countertops in busy pattern
Small windows with no natural light optimization
Outdated appliances in stainless steel
Lack of seating or social area
Overall feeling of being cramped and dark

Bathroom

The main bathroom had:

Small, windowless space with only artificial light
Pink tile flooring and walls that felt dated
Basic vanity with no storage
Tub/shower combination with no distinction
Poor ventilation and moisture issues
Cold, clinical atmosphere

Bedroom

The bedroom featured:

Dark wood furniture that matched other spaces
Heavy curtains that blocked all light
Basic bedding with no layering or texture
Minimal storage with no organization
Lack of personal touches or comfort elements
Overall feeling of being stark and unwelcoming

Renovation Process

Phase 1: Planning and Design (3 weeks)

Hired interior designer familiar with Scandinavian principles
Created layouts that maximized light flow between rooms
Selected light woods, natural textiles, and white color palette
Planned for layered lighting throughout all spaces
Finalized budget and timeline with contractor

Phase 2: Demolition and Preparation (2 weeks)

Removed dark carpeting and heavy window treatments
Stripped out existing finishes, fixtures, and appliances
Prepared spaces for new mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems
Addressed moisture issues in bathroom
Installed proper subflooring for new flooring

Phase 3: Structural and Systems Updates (2 weeks)

Updated electrical panel and ran new circuits
Installed smart lighting controls throughout
Upgraded plumbing to support new fixtures
Added ventilation system for bathroom
Installed new heating system with programmable controls

Phase 4: Finishes Installation (5 weeks)

Installed light hardwood floors throughout
Applied smooth white paint to walls and ceilings
Installed built-in storage to eliminate clutter
Added natural fiber rugs and textiles
Installed new kitchen cabinetry and countertops

After: The Warm, Inviting Scandinavian Home

Living Room

The renovated living room now features:

Light oak hardwood floors with natural fiber area rug
White walls with built-in bookshelves and storage
Light wood coffee table with simple lines
Comfortable sofa with natural linen upholstery
Layered lighting including floor lamp and string lights
Plants and natural textiles for organic elements
Cozy arrangement that encourages conversation

Kitchen

The transformed kitchen includes:

White painted cabinetry with minimal hardware
Light quartz countertops with subtle veining
Open connection to living area with breakfast bar
Natural wood barstools with woven seats
Built-in storage to eliminate visual clutter
Pendant lighting with warm, soft illumination
Herb garden on windowsill for natural elements

Bathroom

The updated main bathroom showcases:

Light tiles with minimal grout lines
Natural wood vanity with vessel sink
Large mirror to reflect light
Warm lighting with dimming controls
Natural fiber bath mat and towels
Plants for organic elements
Heated floors for added comfort

Bedroom

The renovated bedroom features:

Light wood platform bed with integrated storage
Built-in wardrobes with push-to-open mechanisms
White walls with light wood accent wall
Natural linen bedding with layered textures
Nightstands with simple, clean lines
Soft, ambient lighting options
Plants and personal touches for hygge atmosphere

Materials and Finishes

Flooring

All Areas: Light oak hardwood with natural finish
Bathroom: Light porcelain tiles with wood-look planks
Rugs: Jute and sisal natural fiber area rugs

Walls

Paint: Warm white throughout with light gray accents
Accent Walls: Light wood paneling in bedroom
Trim: White painted for clean lines

Textiles

Curtains: Light linen in white and cream
Bedding: Natural linen and cotton with soft textures
Throws: Wool and cotton for added warmth
Rugs: Jute, sisal, and natural fiber options

Furniture

Wood: Light oak and birch with natural finishes
Upholstery: Linen and cotton in neutral tones
Metal: Brushed brass for hardware and lighting

Budget Breakdown

High-End Elements ($35,000)

Wide plank light hardwood floors throughout
Custom built-in storage systems
Designer lighting fixtures with dimming controls
Quality natural fiber rugs and textiles
Professional interior design services

Mid-Range Elements ($20,000)

Quality painted cabinetry
Quartz countertops in kitchen and bathroom
Good lighting fixtures with warm LED
Natural linen and cotton textiles
Light wood furniture pieces

Budget-Friendly Elements ($10,000)

Paint in Scandinavian color palette
Basic built-in shelving
Affordable natural fiber rugs
Standard fixtures with clean lines
DIY installation of selected elements

Challenges and Solutions

Challenge: Maximizing Light in North-Facing Space

Solution: Used mirrors strategically to reflect light, selected light colors for all surfaces, installed layered lighting with dimming controls, and chose window treatments that maximized natural light.

Challenge: Creating Warmth in Minimal Spaces

Solution: Incorporated natural materials like wood and plants, added texture through textiles and rugs, used warm lighting with dimming capabilities, and created cozy nooks for relaxation.

Challenge: Maintaining Storage Without Clutter

Solution: Designed custom built-ins that served multiple functions, used storage furniture with hidden compartments, and implemented organization systems that kept items out of sight.

Results and Impact

Design Success

Achieved bright, airy atmosphere despite limited natural light
Created cozy hygge environments throughout living spaces
Successfully incorporated natural materials and textures
Maintained clean, clutter-free aesthetic with functional storage

Lifestyle Improvements

Increased perceived space by 30% through light colors and mirrors
Improved mood and energy levels with better lighting
Enhanced comfort with added textiles and natural elements
Created more social, gathering-friendly spaces

Well-being Benefits

Reduced stress through calming color palette and natural elements
Improved sleep quality with bedroom hygge atmosphere
Enhanced air quality with plants throughout
Created more relaxing, spa-like bathroom experience

Key Takeaways

Design Principles

Light is Everything: In darker spaces, maximizing and reflecting light is crucial
Nature Connection: Natural materials and plants create essential warmth
Functionality First: Every element must serve a practical purpose
Cozy Atmosphere: Layering textures and lighting creates hygge feeling

Practical Considerations

Professional Guidance: Working with designers familiar with Scandinavian principles was valuable
Quality Investment: Investing in good lighting and natural materials paid dividends
Gradual Approach: Building the look over time allowed for personalization
Sustainable Choices: Natural, durable materials reduced replacement needs

This Scandinavian style transformation successfully converted a cold, dark apartment into a warm, inviting home that embodies the principles of hygge while maintaining functionality for urban living. The project demonstrates how thoughtful renovation can completely change a space’s character, creating a sanctuary that promotes well-being and comfort despite challenging conditions.