Less is more in Scandinavian design, where streamlined furnishings are prioritized over visual clutter. Paring down to the essentials also allows you to truly enjoy the pieces you've curated. The look doesn't have a stark quality to it though, since it brings in raw materials, like wood, natural fibers and stone, to exude ease and warmth.

Minimalist but packed with crucial functionality, this entryway is a cozy welcome home. Unassuming wood-and-leather hooks keep purses, scarves and jackets on hand as you walk out the door. The L-shaped bench has storage potential underneath and is a chic place to slip shoes on and off. Elegant moldings bring dimension to the clean white walls, while tone-on-tone neutrals add warmth.

Since Scandinavians live many months in darkness, their design uses an abundance of big windows (and often no curtains) to bring in as much natural light as possible. When paired with pale woods and bright white walls, a certain brightness and airiness is created even in the dead of winter.

Both farmhouse and Scandinavian styles love to invite in the outdoors, so bring on the houseplants. They breathe life into any space — literally. For a more modern aesthetic, look for sculptural potted trees, but any plant that brings you joy is the Nordic way, including a freshly gathered bouquet of wildflowers.