From viewing the Northern Lights to witnessing a glacier, Alaska is a destination full of iconic experiences. These 8 bucket list experiences are not to be missed!

After visiting Alaska several times, I’m continually impressed with the amount of immersive experiences available when taking a cruise here — which is one of my favorite ways to explore this state. Being out on the water in a floating hotel, with the option to take tours on land, gives you the ability to see the best of both worlds — and you only need to unpack your suitcase once!

I will be cruising with Holland America this summer and I’m excited that I’ll be able to share details about nearly all of the experiences listed here. No other cruise line has explored Alaska longer than Holland America Line and I’m grateful to be able to explore this destination with one of my favorite cruise lines.

To find out more about how you can enter to win an Alaskan cruise of your own, see below!

8 Bucket List Experiences in Alaska (+ How You Can Win a Cruise!)

Witness A Glacier

Glaciers are one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders on our planet. These massive bodies of slow moving ice are made up of fallen snow that gets compressed into ice over many centuries. Most glaciers today are remnants of the massive ice sheets that covered Earth during the Ice Age — how cool is that?!

I’ll never forget the first time I saw a glacier in Alaska!

Flightseeing

From fly-in fishing and bear viewing to hiking and glacier landings, flightseeing is a great way to experience the landscape and wildlife of harder-to-reach parts of Alaska. It’s definitely an experience of a lifetime. Many Holland America cruises to Alaska include a flightseeing tour option at select ports.

See The Denali Big 5

The Denali Big 5 is a reference to the five large mammals you might encounter while visiting Denali National Park: moose, caribou, dall sheep, grizzly bears, and wolves. Denali National Park is centered on Denali, the highest mountain in North America and encompass 6,045,153 acres.

Holland America’s Alaska cruisetours offer full immersion in Denali. Each of their land and sea cruisetours include up to three nights at their beautiful 60-acre riverside resort. I love this option for those travelers looking to experience a little more land combined with their sea adventure.

Experience A Domed Rail Car

Another really fun option on Holland America’s cruisetours is a ride on a luxury single level domed rail car with panoramic views. The McKinley Explorer dome train provides summer service between Anchorage, Talkeetna, and Denali National Park. This unique way to experience Alaska is not to be missed!

See Alpenglow At Midnight

The calming colors of alpenglow is a photographer’s dream and it’s such a cool experience to see it at midnight. The further north you travel, the more hours of daylight there will be in the summer, so if you want longer days, make sure to include some of these stops on your trip.

Experiencing sunset at midnight is definitely something to experience once in your life!

Watch A Whale Breach

Alaska certainly has no shortage of whale watching opportunities, including Beluga, Humpback, Grey, Orca, Bowhead, Blue, Right, and Minke whales.

The best time to see whales in Alaska is May through September. During these months, you have a really good chance of seeing humpback whales and orcas from a cruise ship and small boat tours.

Meet An Alaskan

Meeting and spending time with someone who grew up in Alaska or has made Alaska their home gives you an appreciation for a different way of life. Holland America offers a number of tour options where you’ll be able to learn about Alaska culture and meet some locals.

View The Northern Lights

Watching the Northern Lights dance along the sky is a sight you will never forget and will remind you of how amazing nature truly is. The best time to see the Northern Lights in Alaska is between mid-September and early April so plan accordingly if this is something you don’t want to miss.

How You Can Win A Cruise To Alaska With Holland America

Holland America has asked me to share details with our readers on how you can win a cruise to Alaska in 2022!

Launching on Valentine’s Day and running through March 15, 2022, entrants can visit www.loveletterstoalaska.com and tell Holland America Line why they love Alaska or why they would like to visit Alaska. Participants can get creative and write a poem professing their love for Alaska, an emotional letter detailing the ways Alaska moves them or an inspiring note on why Alaska would be a once-in-a-lifetime dream vacation.

Prizes include: (10) 7-day Alaska cruises in 2022 and the grand prize is a Neptune Suite. The other 9 winners will get to experience either a Vista or Signature Suite.

Holland America Line’s own love letter can be seen on the Love Letters to Alaska page on hollandamerica.com.

Gus Antorcha, Holland America Line’s president shares his words on why they put together this contest.

“It’s no secret from our own love letter that we think Alaska is pretty special, and as we celebrate our 75th anniversary we want to hear from our fans what Alaska means to them.”

“Those who have been to Alaska know how transformative it can be to see the glaciers and wildlife up close, to meet the locals and learn the history and culture. For many, Alaska is the ultimate aspirational travel experience. We can’t wait to read the Love Letter entries and learn the ways Alaska touches people’s hearts.”

Thank you to Holland America for partnering with me to share about this Love Letters campaign!

Pin it!

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As the days grow warmer and longer, we start to spend more and more time in our gardens. There are a myriad of ways to make your outdoor space work for you, and composite decking ideas has to be one of the most versatile.

Decking ideas add so much flexibility to your garden. They work equally well integrated into lawns or as standalone terraces and patios. Therefore, whether you’re looking to create a new dining area, entertaining space or practical pathway, decking steps up to the challenge. Plus, some strategically placed boards can add value, as well as style, to your home. Always a welcome bonus.

Decking of any sort is a great choice in terms of garden ideas, but composite decking ideas, specifically, are worth exploring. ‘It’s an ideal choice for homeowners with a busy lifestyle, as it requires very little maintenance,’ says Nick Whiley, Project Director, Trekker Decking. ‘With its clean, straight lines wood composite planks offer a timeless look and will enhance natural beauty across both contemporary and classic exteriors.’

It’s first well worth understanding exactly what we mean when we talk about composite boards. ‘Composite decking, also sometimes referred to as WPC decking, is made up of a combination of plastic and wood fibres that, when combined, create strong and durable decking boards,’ explains Lee Cavalier, Decking Product Manager, Dura Composites.

‘Good quality composite decking combines recycled wood and plastic elements for a more sustainable choice, and results in a strong, durable and authentic looking alternative to traditional wood that’s much lower maintenance and easier to care for.’

Composite decking ideas

‘Decking is a great way to make the most of your outdoor space,’ says Tony Kersey, Buying Manager Builders, Hardware & Fixings, Homebase. ‘Laying and looking after decking isn’t as difficult as you’d think, although there are a few things to consider before beginning your garden makeover, like how durable you’d like your decking to be and how you’re planning on using it.’

So, whatever outdoor space you’ve got, it’s time to explore what composite decking ideas could work for you.

1. Use two colours for style and safety

Image credit: Trex

One of the many benefits of composite decking is the vast array of colours and finishes available. Make the most of this flexibility by using more than one shade in your outdoor space. One way of doing this is to use a lighter colour of the borders and edges of steps.

As well as adding interest, this neatly zones areas. In terms of the steps this form of composite decking ideas also makes things safer come evenings as the levels will be more visible.

2. Paint your pergola to match the boards

Image credit: Future PLC

Create an outdoor room based around your composite decking. Use outdoor paint to co-ordinate your pergola or trellis with the flooring below. This will delineate the area, making it feel enclosed and cohesive. While you will need to repaint your pergola over time, this won’t be the case with the flooring.

‘Composite decking is incredibly low maintenance, they will not rot, split, swell, twist or fade like a timber deck,’ points out Karl Harrison, landscaper and Trex Composite Decking expert. ‘They do not require annual painting, staining or stealing and won’t splinter easily either. They even have the natural look of timber and all this is possible without having to fell a single tree, making them a highly sustainable decking option.’

3 Use two styles for interest

Image credit: Trekker Global

Make the most of the variety available with composite decking ideas by using more than one style in an area. Choose a thinner board design to create an elegant boarder to your terrace or pathway.

Whatever style or design you choose, rest easy knowing the good looks will last. ‘Composite decking requires very little maintenance apart from basic cleaning,’ advises Nick Whiley, Project Director, Trekker Global. ‘Composite boards look, feel and are installed in the same way as natural wood, but they will not rot, splinter, warp or host algae growth. They are also extremely fade and stain resistant, making them essentially maintenance free, requiring no sanding, staining or painting.’

4. Create level outdoor space

Image credit: Future PLC/Simon Whitmore

It’s fairly common to have a lawn and a house which don’t exactly match up on levels, so use composite decking ideas to fix this problem. You can even lay these over existing paving to modernise the area and level things even further.

‘Adding decking to your garden can be a great way to create the perfect outdoor space for summer dining,’ says Chris Moorhouse, Category Director for Timber, Building, Decor and Garden, Wickes. ‘On the whole, laying decking over old patios is completely fine, however the surface needs to be flat so if your slabs are in really bad shape we would advise relaying these first to reduce the risk of your new decking sinking over time.’

5. Integrate a retro conversation pit

Image credit: Trex

Look to the Seventies for a quirky addition to your outdoor space. If you’re considering working in a firepit, then why not go one step further and build in a full blown conversation pit? You’ll have seating and heating together in this cool zone.

‘Like many other outdoor surfaces, such as concrete, asphalt, beach sand, timber decking, composite decking can get hot due to weather and sun exposure,’ notes Karl Harrison. ‘On such days, care needs to be taken to make sure skin does not have extended contact with the surface of the deck, especially with young children and those with special needs. Please note also that the darker the colour, the hotter the deck will feel. For hotter climates, consumers should consider choosing a lighter colour.’

6. Opt for a tile effect

Image credit: Dura Composites

‘Composite tiles are another alternative to traditional boards,’ advises Lee from Dura Composites. ‘These easy-to-lay interlocking tiles can be installed without any specialist tools or skills, and are ideal for smaller gardens, as well as balconies and terraces.’ Just make sure that you know the correct way to lay decking boards before starting.

‘Decking tiles are also handy for renters as they can easily be moved or removed when the time comes to move on.’

7. Choose a contrasting colourway

Image credit: Homebase

Make a statement with your decking. Select a colour with contrasts dramatically with other garden elements. If you have a fairly classic space, perhaps with stone steps or path, green lawns and natural wooden garden fence ideas, then dark boards will add impact and interest.

8. Utilise squares of composite woods

Image credit: Future PLC

Composite decking ideas can be stripped back to their elements for the utmost flexibility. Individual squares of decking make for perfect stepping stones to create a new relaxed pathway over grass or gravel areas.

9. Create zones with levels

Image credit: Future PLC/Paul Massey

Garden zones are a popular and easy way of making the most of your space. Use decking to add a few tiers of entertaining or seating areas. This will add interest to the garden, as well as creating individual areas for different situations or groups of people to gather.

10. Add an elongating pathway

Image credit: Future PLC/Tim Winter

Choose the longest boards on offer to created a pathway which seems to stretch on forever. Your eye will be lead along the boards, tricking the eye and making your garden seem much longer than it actually is.

11. Design a platform for a garden bar

Image credit: Future PLC

Composite decking ideas are great for entertaining spaces lie outdoor kitchens and – top of our wishlist – bars. Just make sure you treat it right.

‘Keep an eye on any gathering puddles or standing water as these will quickly cause mould and mildew across the surface,’ advises Chris from Wickes. ‘When installing, try to keep at least 6 inches of space between the patio and decking so there is enough airflow (this will also reduce mould growth). If you’d like to put down any rugs or doormats, be sure to go with something woven as this will breathe better and not cause damage to the composite.’

‘Lastly, with the incoming summer garden drinks makes sure if there are any spillages they are cleaned up right away to prevent stains and sticky patches.’

12. Alternate with stones for texture

Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole

Individual boards of decking make for cool, deconstructed pathways. Alternate the boards with pretty pebbles, stones or gravel for interest and colour.

Is composite decking really worth it?

As with any addition or change to your home and garden, whether it’s worth it or not is largely based on your personal preferences. That said, if decking suits your needs and aesthetics, then composite is likely to be a good choice.

‘When choosing your decking, you will need to consider how it will aesthetically match with your existing exterior,’ agrees Nick Whiley, Project Director, Trekker Global. ‘You will also need to consider how much time you think you can allocate in looking after and maintaining your decking. If you have less time for the care and maintenance of decking, then composite decking is the right option for you.’

Indeed, composite decking is likely to make your life easier than timber in the long run. ‘Many deck owners don’t mind the occasional maintenance, some that have timber decking soon wish they’d made composite their first choice,’ notes Karl Harrison, landscaper and Trex Composite Decking expert. ‘Replacing your timber decking with composite does make sense if you add the time and cost of maintenance of timber. If you do change your decking for composite you should look forward too many years of relatively maintenance free use.’

What are the problems with composite decking?

‘There are very few disadvantages to composite decking,’ says Karl. ‘One of the only downsides is that it can come at a much higher price, however they have more longevity and significantly fewer maintenance costs.’

‘The only real area that composites don’t compare favourably with timber, is in the initial purchase price,’ agrees Lee from Dura Composites. ‘Composite decking is typically more expensive, because it’s highly engineered, however when the long lifespan is taken into account, alongside the many other benefits, many feel it’s worth the investment. Of course, it’s an individual choice and it all depends on your budget and priorities. Good quality composite decking boards will cost in the region of £50 to £90 per square metre and are a sound long term investment if you choose the right brand. However, as well as the decking boards, you should also account for the foundation, subframe, railings, and any additional decking accessories.

‘A small to medium-sized deck can take anywhere up to 2 days to install and requires only basic DIY tools,’ adds Lee. ‘So, if you prefer, you can save on labour costs and build your deck yourself, following your chosen manufacturer’s DIY installation guides.’

Does composite decking get hot to walk on?

‘One criticism sometimes levelled against composite decking is that it gets hot,’ notes Lee from Dura Composites. ‘In truth, all surfaces that are exposed to direct sunlight all day will be warm to walk on with bare feet, but the amount of heat retained can be greatly affected by the colour. Darker colours will retain more heat than lighter colours, so if you’ve got a south facing garden and live somewhere with long, hot summers, then you may want to factor this in when selecting your colour.’

‘All decking will fade a little bit initially as its UV inhibitors work to stabilise the deck colour, but if you like the colour of the sample you chose, you’ll want to make sure any fading is kept to a minimum,’ continues Lee. ‘The effects of sunlight are much more forgiving on composite decking than a wood deck – which will always fade to a silvery dull grey over because one of its main components, cellulose, automatically oxidises in sunlight, leading to surface bleaching.’

Is composite decking slippery when wet?

‘Leading brands of composite decking have slip test data available on their websites. not to say that wet decking is slippery when wet, most surfaces are slippery when wet when compared to a dry surface,’ advises landscaper Karl Harrison.

‘Grooved decking performs worse in the wet, this is due to the reduced surface area. This provides less traction and therefore its performance is reduced when compared to a composite surface. The best tip to reduce the slippery surface is to keep leaves off the surface and occasionally wash with a hose and a squeegee.’

‘Composite decking is less susceptible to algae growth and can be more slip resistant than timber when wet,’ adds Caroline Birdsall, Marketing Director, Millboard. ‘For this reason it is often a popular choice in public areas where there is heavy footfall and greater risk of slips and trips. However, composite decking varies enormously from manufacturer to manufacturer. If slip resistance is important to you, ask the manufacturer for information on their slip rating.’

The post Composite decking ideas to add style and structure to your outdoor space appeared first on Ideal Home.

Nordic interiors are synonymous with the chicest styles. While their good looks and minimalism work throughout the home, Scandi kitchen ideas will be some of the most beneficial to keeping things cool, calm and collected.

Scandinavian style kitchen ideas are the perfect combination of comforting and stylish. This type of design is characterised by sleek lines, simplicity and minimalism. However, don’t be fooled into thinking that minimal means cold. Thanks to clever lighting and the use of wood and other natural material, Scandinavian-style rooms are filled with warmth, which has helped fuel their popularity.

Scandi style is all about making a home feel calm, cosy and inviting. Most Scandi schemes start with fresh white walls and simple wooden flooring to create a clean backdrop for colourful displays of homeware.

Scandi kitchen ideas

Explore the soothing colour palettes, clean lines and natural touches which make Scandi kitchen ideas so universally appealing.

1. Bring the outside in

Image credit: Future PLC

Scandi kitchen ideas – and, for that matter, Scandi style in general, celebrates the beauty of nature. Make this work in your space by brining as much of the outdoors into your home. Plant in your garden strategically, so you’re looking out at abundant greenery and textures.

Inside, reflect this with pale green touches on cabinetry and, of course, fresh flowers and foliage.

2. Embrace neutrals

Image credit: Gunter & Co/Mary Wadsworth

At the core of Scandi kitchen ideas is the theme of neutral spaces. Stick to a restrained colour palette for a sophisticated and Nordic inspired theme.

Tonal shades will add interest to the look without adding jarring colourways to take it away from the Scandi style.

3. Make it socialable

Image credit: Future PLC/David Parmiter

Nordic homes are inherently inviting and sociable spaces. In your kitchen, you want to create a room where everyone feels welcome and one way to achieve this is through seating.

Include bar stools at your island so guests can gather around while you cook. A dining table gives even more seating, making sure the space is inclusive to everyone.

4. Let the light in

Image credit: Future PLC/James French

Scandi summers are full of light, while the winters have very little sunshine, so their homes are designed to let in as much light as possible year round. Take this on in your kitchen by opting for a glass-topped side return, or row of skylights. The back of the kitchen could have sliding or bifold glass doors.

Mirrored and glass surfaces are a welcome addition, to help bounce around even the lowest of light sources.

5. Combine woods and black shades

Image credit: Future PLC/James French

For the most contemporary take on Scandi kitchen ideas, go for a combination of strong, linear blacks and natural woods. Although technically opposites in terms of style, the two marry together beautifully and perfectly combine the modern vibes of Nordic living with the back to nature vibes of the area’s history.

6. Use natural materials

Image credit: Future PLC

Add texture and interest to your kitchen by using a variety of natural materials and finishes. Rattan, weaves and glass all embrace simplicity, while adding depth to potentially otherwise flat and glossy space.

7. Make a feature of canisters and glass jars

Image credit: Future PLC/Douglas Gibb

Simple Scandi kitchen ideas include making a feature of the everyday essentials, as shown above. Add interest to open kitchen shelving by decanting dried goods, such as flour, pasta and rice, into clip-top glass jars and lining them up on a shelf.

Storing fruit and veg in natural hessian baskets is an affordable way to add relaxed country style to your kitchen. Try adding colour by growing herbs in zinc pots, too.

8. Stick to a white colour palette

Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles

You can’t go wrong with a white kitchen when creating your own Scandi-style kitchen. ‘For Scandinavian kitchen interiors, a cool light colour palette is advised to create a sense of purity and calmness,’ says Darren.

This makes it perfect for making the most out of small kitchens. Add warmth to the space by pair the white with wooden and copper accents. In a small kitchen, space is at a premium so make the most of every inch with open shelves for everyday items above the sink, as seen in this kitchen.

9. Cast a warm glow with pendant lighting

Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole

Light is incredibly important in Nordic design due to the long dark winter days. Scandinavians tend to create pools of light with low hanging pendant lights. Be playful with your kitchen lighting ideas with a slick design or splash of colour like these lovely pale turquoise shades. They will be at eye level, after all. Muted blues and greens are oh-so Scandi.

10. Add warmth with oak

Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole

A Scandi scheme can instantly be warmed with the addition of natural surfaces. Oak worktops, freestanding furniture or an open shelving unit will add character and lend a laid-back country vibe.

Of course, open shelving is ideal for storing glassware, kitchen tools and cookbooks – a great way to add colour and a vintage look to your neutral Scandi kitchen ideas, too. Use houseplants to add colour and welcome the outdoors in.

11. Make space for a dinner table

Image credit: Future PLC

Gathering together for meals as a family is incredibly important in Scandinavian culture. Make space for a dining table or breakfast bar to ensure the kitchen is the heart of the home.

A dining area is also a great space to add warmth through texture and colour. Opt for a wooden table, soft furnishings and fresh flowers to add depth to an open-plan kitchen.

12. Display items you use everyday

Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole

Nordic countries are famous for their minimalistic and streamlined style. However, this couldn’t be achieved without a few clever storage solutions. Keep worktops clear with shelves and hanging racks.

Shelves are a great way to store items that you use every day like crockery, or tea and coffee caddies. Hang mugs and chopping boards from a rail for easy access when you need them.

Hanging cooking utensils on a rack beside the hob is an easy way to give your kitchen a more homely feel and it’ll free up space inside kitchen cupboards, too. The same goes for a ceiling rack for hanging up pots and pans.

13. Add authenticity with wood

Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles

Wood finishes are a key part of creating an authentic Scandinavian kitchen. However, wood isn’t just for floors and worktops. Opt for wood or wood effect cabinet doors to showcase the natural material.

‘Look to light coloured wood like beech or ash for flooring, dining tables or worktops if budget allows,’ suggests Hayley. ‘Avoid stained or varnished woods for countertops as the raw, natural, untreated look is much more in-keeping with Scandinavian style.’

14. Hide clutter in floor to ceiling cabinets

Image credit: Future PLC

Floor-to-ceiling cabinets are a genius way of hiding clutter that can gather on kitchen counters. Invest in a cabinet with space to hide a microwave, kettle, coffee machine and other gadgets that clutter up worktops. Some cabinets have hidden worktops in that you can set up as a breakfast station.

You simply open them up when morning rolls around and close them behind you as you dash out on the school run.

15. Try two tone cabinets for a designer look

Image credit: Future PLC

While most Scandinavian design relies on a muted colour palette, don’t be afraid to add personality with a splash of colour. ‘If colour is a must in your home, look to pale greys, pinks or blues but use these sparingly for maximum impact,’ advises Hayley.

Stick to a simple colour palette that highlights the design like in this kitchen. The two-tone cabinets emphasise the clean lines rather than detracting from it.

16. Add warmth with metallic accents

Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles

Metallic accents – especially copper – will add warmth to a minimal white kitchen colour scheme. When working with a limited colour scheme play with textures, shapes and finishes. You’ll earn extra style points if you invest in some copper pans, both practical and pretty.

This subtle hexagonal kitchen tile idea, copper rail and marble accessories come together to create a fuss-free kitchen that is full of depth and warmth.

17. Accessorise with houseplants

Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles

House plants are a great way to soften the functionality of the space. ‘Don’t be afraid to accessorise with textured placemats, wall hangings or rugs in the kitchen,’ says Hayley.

‘Complete the look with some fresh flowers, houseplants or potted herbs for another nod to nature that’s typical of Scandinavian style.’

18. Pair statement flooring with white walls

Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles

Sticking to a neutral colour scheme doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun with the design. Opt for playful geometric kitchen flooring ideas like in this kitchen. The bold zigzag pattern is made up of sleek clean lines featuring the Scandi style dream team – white and wood. However, it is also bursting with personality.

Nordic design might be neutral and minimal, but it is important that you find away to stamp your personality on the space.

19. Work in subtle pastels as a accent colour

Image credit: Future PLC/David Parmiter

If you want to add colour to your all-white scheme choose diluted colours that feel soft alongside the neutral base of white. Pastels are the perfect pairing, from baby blue and mint green to powder pink, adding a subtle accent colour without overpowering the effortlessly simple ethos of Scandi styling.

20. Choose wire storage

Image credit: Future PLC/Emma Mitchell

Give your kitchen a back-to-school look with this wire kitchen storage idea. A simple unit is the ideal place to store tumblers, Tupperware and clip-top glass jars. Be selective about what to display so the overall effect is attractive, not cluttered.

21. Invite a friendly touch with family photos

Image credit: Future PLC/Johanna Henderson

If there’s one thing we’ve learnt from the practice of Hygge, it is to surround ourselves with items that make us feel happy. What could be happier than filling the space with treasured photos of loved ones.

Welcome framed photos into your social kitchen space to echo the sentiment. Use coordinating frames to prevent the look from feeling cluttered and overpowering. Remember you’re looking to make a statement, but keep it simple.

22. Create a chalkboard wall

Image credit: Future PLC/Tom Meadows

Painting a large area of a wall in chalkboard paint to create a noticeboard is a simple Scandi kitchen idea that brings character to a pared-back room. For a more contemporary look, paint a section of wall from floor to ceiling and use a chalkboard pen to create a menu-inspired artwork.

Write happy affirmations or messages to welcome guests, use the wall as suits to make your home feel happy.

What is a Scandinavian kitchen?

‘Traditional Scandinavian design is characterised by functionality, clean lines and minimalism,’ explains Hayley Simmons, Head of Merchandising for Magnet. ‘To design a Scandinavian inspired kitchen is to create a space that is practical, but at no cost to style and aesthetic.’

Layout is an important part of any Scandi style kitchen. To stick with the Scandinavian design movement, aim for an open-plan kitchen with plenty of space for the family to gather.

If you only have a small kitchen to work with, you can still replicate this effect by introducing other elements of Scandinavian design, such as a muted colour palette and clever storage solutions to make the space feel bright and organised.

Scandi-inspired kitchens tend to be very minimal, focusing on a muted colour palette of white, grey pale pink and blues. ‘In the kitchen you should look to work with muted tones and monochromatic schemes for units,’ says Hayley. ‘Matte finishes in particular lend themselves well to this style, as they tend to be more understated than the high-gloss finishes.’

How do you style a Scandi kitchen?

‘When styling the kitchen, less is more,’ says Hayley. ‘Keep countertops decluttered and let textures and textiles do the talking to really embrace the minimalist way of life.’

Hayley suggests styling a kitchen with simple and natural objects like fresh flowers, textured placemats, wall hangings and houseplants. A mug hanger attached to the wall is another great way to add a touch of personality to the kitchen. Try Denby Pottery if you fancy investing in some beautiful new mugs in muted colours.

Just be careful not to go overboard, the beauty of a Scandinavian design is it’s simplicity. You don’t want to overwhelm the kitchen with clutter.

The final touch is lighting. ‘Throughout the winter months, the days in the northern hemisphere are extremely short, with only a few hours of daylight,’ explains Darren Watts, Wren Kitchens Showroom and Design Director. ‘Unsurprisingly, the use of light is very important in Nordic design, with many interiors focusing on creating bright, well-lit spaces.’

Opt for pendant lights over a kitchen island to cast a cosy glow over the entire kitchen. In small kitchens, cleverly placed lights on shelves will also work a treat.

The post Scandi kitchen ideas – how to work the cool and calm Nordic aesthetic appeared first on Ideal Home.