Simple lines, natural wood, and understated warmth, the modern Scandinavian kitchen charms with its perfect balance of beauty and purpose. Explore the defining codes of this Nordic style and learn how to bring them to life with custom creations from Ateliers Jacob.
Text : Marie Charles Pelletier
For years, the modern Scandinavian kitchen has captivated with its harmony of simplicity and expression. Cold minimalism has given way to a calm yet eloquent design, where clean lines meet thoughtful details. The Japandi movement continues this philosophy, embracing deeper, richer colours that contrast beautifully with wood tones.
At Ateliers Jacob, this design philosophy comes to life in high-end custom-designed kitchens adapted to Quebec homes. Scandinavian kitchens are defined by their blend of timeless appeal, through minimalist design and sustainable materials, and architectural boldness, with graphic display cabinets and sculptural shapes that give structure to the space.
This article takes a closer look at Scandinavian design codes and how they translate into contemporary kitchens.
In a Scandinavian kitchen, cabinets define and set the tone of the space:
Three key styles define Scandinavian cabinetry:
1. Wooden Kitchens: These designs draw inspiration from Nordic landscapes, emphasizing the raw beauty of wood. For inspiration, explore Nordiska Kök’s projects and the Ateliers Jacobs article on wood as a timeless material.
2. Minimalist Kitchens: Elegant and timeless, these kitchens highlight pure lines, shapes, and colours. Ateliers Jacob’s white lacquer cabinets in various shades from brown to black are the perfect match.
3. Shaker Kitchens Revisited: With visible frames and detailed glass cabinets, these kitchens combine Scandinavian tradition with modernity. In this Nordiska Kök project, light oak and glass combine with contemporary lines to give the space character.
Material choice plays a central role in defining Scandinavian style. Popular choices include:
For design, waterfall islands, with their large continuous slabs and rounded corners, soften the space as well as the atmosphere. Backsplashes with integrated shelves become a showcase for displaying ceramics, objects, and decorative elements that infuse warmth and Scandinavian personality.
To explore all the material options, check out our ultimate guide to choosing your countertops.
In Scandinavian kitchens, as in Nordic landscapes, discretion is king. Range hoods are often hidden behind tone-on-tone panels that extend from the cabinetry, as seen in this Ateliers Jacob project featuring European laminate.
Similarly, integrated refrigerators and dishwashers are hidden behind maple panels, preserving visual flow, allowing design to take precedence over technology.
You can learn more about this design philosophy in our article Concealed Kitchens.
While Scandinavian design favours minimalism, it never feels cold. Here, each object gleaned from your travels or Sunday wanderings tells your story and contributes to making the kitchen feel alive and lived in. On the shelves, in the glass cabinets, or on the island, infuse your space with life:
For deeper insight about designing a Scandinavian kitchen, check out this article that invites you to think of each object as a design element contributing to harmonious and lasting visual layers: Shopping Like an Interior Designer: 8 Tips for Thoughtful Design.
Beyond style, modern Scandinavian kitchens reflect an art of living. With its clean lines, noble materials, and warm textures, it ultimately captures the beauty of Nordic landscapes while reflecting your personal story. In Quebec, our Nordic identity refers to natural light, organic materials, but also to the welcoming atmosphere of homes north of the 60th parallel.
At Ateliers Jacob, each custom-made space is based on this perfect balance between simplicity and attention to detail. Because your kitchen tells a story: yours.
