The Discern Design Team was tasked with creating a dining area that was charmingly upmarket in style, in an urban apartment. The inspiration behind this look was to create a modern and chic space complete with contemporary decor. A dining area should not look and feel cramped, so we created a space that allowed the occupants to move around easily within a stylish yet relaxed space. The look, therefore, incorporates minimal design with maximum functionality.

The Scandinavian Design style represents simplicity, minimalism and functionality, and is known for its extensive use of solid wood, uniform lines and effortless curves. Best seen in furniture designs originating from Scandinavian countries such as Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Iceland and the Netherlands, this design style focuses on simple, functional and minimal lines. Popular materials include light-colored wood such as pine and birch, plastics, anodised or enamelled aluminium, and pressed steel. These are all materials that are easily mass-produced, and low cost. The origin of this style stemmed from the idea of how to democratize furniture design, and make it affordable.

With the Scandinavian design style in mind, we created a render of a dining area that is bright and spacious, with minimal furniture and accessories. In keeping with the light colors that represent the Scandinavian style, we gave the solid, engineered flooring a white oak finish, and the ceiling a stark white coat, complete with indirect cove lighting that runs on all four sides. We painted the walls surrounding the dining table in the Pantone 2016 shade, Glacier Grey. This subtle color allows the furniture to stand out and shine. The two-inch skirting that runs on all four walls was painted white, to provide some contrast, while remaining within a similar color scheme. The result of this effort allows natural light into the space, making it appear fresh and bright.

This handcrafted dining table with angled legs is made in sheesham wood. Its natural pigmentation results in a pattern that gives this rectangular table its unique look. It works well for a home designed in the Scandinavian or Mid-Century style.

Oslo Dining Table - Natural - Shop Now

This set of dining chairs is made of solid teak wood and is upholstered in comfortable and stylish fabric. The slanted arms of these chairs give them eye-catching appeal and match well with the slanted legs of the dining table.

Mango Wood Sky Dining Chair - Shop Now

Do you like the minimal look we've put together? We hope it will help you introduce the minimalist functionality, native to the Scandinavian design style, to your home. To learn more about our design styles, check out Discern Living's Style Guide.