Natural Nordic Style With Pale Neutrals features light and white color palettes, unfussy informal design, natural materials and a bit of whimsy. It’s a look that may give up North cabin vibes, Scandi-bohemian feels, or even English country charm. While I don’t see this flavor of inspiration easily lending itself to “do this to get the look,” it may influence a particular contemplative, laid back rustic or even minimally monastic mood. These spaces refuse to take decorating or design rules seriously. Whimsy keeps an interior from veering into territory where it feels unapproachable, uptight, or sterile. Also see brilliant inspiration from Leanne Ford who understands the beauty of an underbaked, modern rustic, texturally rich and cool space.
![White Scandinavian style rustic cottage living room with natural accents - Villa Jenal. #scandistyle #rusticwhitedecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/scandi-swedish-living-room-with-modern-sofa-villa-jenal.jpg)
Natural Nordic Style With Pale Neutrals
1. Round Wood Tray for Vignettes
Could it be as easy as giving yourself a warm wood “stage” to rotate seasonal decor on a cocktail ottoman or table?
![Serene and spare all white Scandi style living room with Mora clock - Villa Jenal. #frenchnordicstyle #nordicfrench #livingroom #swedishdecor #moraclock #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/005-villa-jenal-white-living-room-french-nordic-decor-2.jpg)
It’s the simple things!
2. Natural Wood Islands
This bespoke kitchen’s bones are so beautiful without any finishing touches at all. But surely this wood island base with its glass front storage plays a starring role!
Cool whites, warm whites, and natural materials? It’s truly a trinity of loveliness.
3. A Delicious Dish Art Installation
Isn’t it fun to riff on an age old idea for a fresh take? This traditional decorating gesture of hanging treasured china patterns or decorative plates on the wall gets a fun twist here:
![Rustic white country dropleaf table and a collection of vintage plates hung on the wall for a whimsical display by Le Cultivateur. #moderncountrydecor #countrystyledecorating #vintageplates #rusticcountrydecor #whitemodernfarmhouse](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/le-cultivateur-rustic-country-drop-leaf-table-vintage-plates-on-wall.jpg)
Don’t worry about making a mistake. Arrange plates on the floor first, but let your eye and intuition guide you to arrive on a graceful swag.
4. Organic Statement Branch
I know there are naysayers to this one since we often see dramatic branches in styled shoots for magazines and social media. But I have always casually brought in branches even when there isn’t a special occasion where guests are coming.
![Leanne Ford designed serene and vintage cool study in HGTV's Rock the Block. #leanneford #vintagestyle #rocktheblock #interiordesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/001-leanne-ford-hgtv-rock-the-block-study.jpg)
Why does it work? Whether the branches are everlasting or from the yard, they become a bold moment for nature to shine in a humble not fussy way.
![Mary Oliver quote poem about gratitude and prayer. #gratitudequotes #thanksgivingquotes #maryoliverpoems](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/mary-oliver-poem-quote-thanks-gratitude-prayer-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
5. Let Windows Stay Undressed
If privacy is not an issue, see how lightening up the room by removing window coverings works.
![Leanne Ford designed white laid back California cool sun room for Feel Free magazine. #leanneford #laidbackluxury](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/001-leanne-ford-feelfreemagazine-amyneunsinger-hilaryrobertson.jpg)
Another option is to only address coverings for the windows where needed:
![Serene bright white English country cottage living room with white painted wood floors, Swedish settee, and pink accents - Atlanta Bartlett.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/91ffba_f5de21c7c8554e548153bd323b6f59c0.jpg/v1/fill/w_645,h_967,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/91ffba_f5de21c7c8554e548153bd323b6f59c0.webp)
I still haven’t covered our family room windows, and it feels airy, calm, and undone. I actually have Roman shades I intended to hang, but our view objects to being blocked at all!
![Belgian linen in my winter family room - Hello Lovely Studio. #belgianstyle #hellolovelyhome](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/hello-lovely-family-room-january-2024-2.jpg)
6. Unfussy Old World
Old World style is suddenly trending everywhere, and moody colors are especially having a moment. But if you’re less comfy with dark or moody, let your heart be light.
![Luxurious French range with copper pots on rack above and open shelving in the bespoke kitchen by L'Atelier Paris. #frenchkitchen #frenchrange #luxurykitchens #bespoke](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/0001-french-country-kitchen-bespoke-latelier-paris-illinois.jpg)
Are you loving the tension created by fancy French ranges paired with more rustic Old World details?
What do you hide away in a kitchen, and what do you display? It’s a subjective matter, but if your kitchen feels buttoned up too tight or too serious, maybe bring a rustic or whimsical element out of hiding.
![Healing quote from Jung Pueblo on Hello Lovely Studio. #personalgrowthquotes #perfectionism #healingquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/healing-quote-perfectionism-jung-pueblo-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
7. Open Those Doors for an Informal Look
Not every kitchen lends itself to this idea, but if you have a vintage space where the door fronts are not doing the space any favors, maybe they can disappear.
![Rustic white beadboard backed shelves in a country cabinet filled with white vintage treasures - Le Cultivateur. #whitecountrydecor #countrycabinet #beadboard #toneontone #vintagestyle](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/le-cultivateur-rustic-country-shelves-white-beadboard-and-vintage-dishware.jpg)
As far as dusting the contents of the cupboards? See how it goes. I can also imagine a linen curtain casually hiding clutter while adding softness. Another idea for corralling things on shelves and inside open cabinets? Woven baskets:
![Shop the look of my DIY closet with these storage finds - Hello Lovely Studio. #closetessentials #customclosets](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/shop-the-look-hello-lovely-studio-custom-diy-closet-banner.jpg)
8. Flowers & Plants in Unfussy Receptacles
Whether it is pretty garden roses or common houseplants, choosing a more rustic urn or vase is a decorating move that can keep the mood less fussy.
![A farmhouse stoneware urn with Francis Meilland garden roses in my kitchen - Hello Lovely Studio.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/garden-roses-blooming-in-kitchen-white-vases-2.jpg)
If you ask me, Tracie of My Petite Maison is a genius with using unfussy, rustic containers as vases…
![My Petite Maison Nordic French kitchen with white Smeg frig topped with garden blooms. #nordicfrench #smegfrig #shabbychic](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/my-petite-maison-white-smeg-and-roses.jpg)
and creating elegant vignettes and interiors that feel humble and quietly rustic.
![Gentle white on white decor scheme in a Nordic French home with Great Pyrenees gazing out window -My Petite Maison.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/white-nordic-french-country-interiors-my-petite-maison-bechet.jpg)
Similarly, Le Cultivateur has fun mixing and massing her treasures and beautiful things. I could stare and admire these marble lamps, each with a unique patina from the years, as if they are fine art.
![White vintage alabaster marble lamps grouped together in a rustic vignette by Le Cultivateur. #whitedecor #countrystyle #countrydecor #toneontone](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/le-cultivateur-rustic-country-white-decor-alabaster-vintage-lamps-massed-together.jpg)
![Funny pet tweet on Hello Lovely Studio. #pethumor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/001-funny-animal-quote-cat-socks-humor-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
9. Board & Batten With Subway Tile
It is becoming more common to take a kitchen backsplash to the ceiling, and the look can be stunning. However, sometimes the look can seem a bit too institutional or commercial. Look at what happens when a simple board and batten joins a little subway tile:
![A glorious modern rustic farmhouse kitchen by Leanne Ford for the Faraci family on Restored by the Fords. #restoredbythefords #leanneford #interiordesign #farmhousekitchen #modernfarmhouse #kitchendesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/leanne-ford-warm-minimalism-modern-farmhouse-kitchen-4-alexandra-ribar.jpg)
To me, board and batten always turns up cozy factor and informality.
![White board and batten farmhouse vignette with Sherwin Williams Extra White paint color - design: Ashlyn Carter. #sherwinwilliams #extrawhite #bestwhitepaint #whitepaintcolors](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/ashlyn-carter-white-board-and-batten-sherwin-williams-extra-white.jpg)
10. Warm Wood Tones & a Sea of White
Such magic when the color palette is retrained!
![White kitchen with natural wood design elements for a cozy neutral mood - Lulu & Georgia. #whitekitchen #modernfarmhouse #kitchendesign](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/001-warm-neutral-cozy-kitchen-lulu-georgia.jpg)
Don’t you love the rustic wood pantry to the left of the Smeg? Unfitted and charming since it doesn’t match the balance of white Shaker cabinets.
![Anne Lamott inspirational quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #quotes #annelamott](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/inspirational-quote-for-new-year-hello-lovely-studio-grace-bats-last-anne-lamott.jpg)
11. Painted Wood Floors
Such a Scandinavian move to paint dark wood floors to create an airy spaciousness. This home may be in the English countryside, but it has Nordic qualities, yes?
![White paneled walls and rustic vintage daybed in a shabby chic cottage bedroom with white painted flooring - Atlanta Bartlett.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/91ffba_4c8c1df94b21431db6d17c5fd49fa5d4.jpg/v1/fill/w_645,h_967,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/91ffba_4c8c1df94b21431db6d17c5fd49fa5d4.webp)
Light grey floors are underrated!
![Rustic white country cottage bedroom with white painted wood floors and simple vintage accessories - Atlanta Bartlett.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/91ffba_beb32e1d82d84c0f93cc17b447ffbfd0.jpg/v1/fill/w_645,h_967,al_c,q_90,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/91ffba_beb32e1d82d84c0f93cc17b447ffbfd0.webp)
We don’t often see wood floors in American bathrooms, but I have always dreamed of adding them.
![White shabby chic vintage boho bathroom design with clawfoot tub and round wood accent pedestal - Atlanta Bartlett.](https://www.beachstudios.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/cheserton-photo-shoot-location-london-70.jpg)
And I find the addition of this salvaged wood as a bath tray is genius with the more elegant Venetian mirror below:
![Distressed and rustic wood board used as bath tray over clawfoot tub in a shabby chic bathroom by Atlanta Bartlett.](https://www.beachstudios.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/cheserton-photo-shoot-location-london-14.jpg)
![Funny food humor: I'm just a girl standing in front of an éclair asking it to be kale](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/funny-quote-about-eclair-and-kale-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
![Serene white and minimal living room with leather pouf ottomans in a London home flooded with natural light - Atlanta Bartlett.](https://www.beachstudios.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/cheserton-photo-shoot-location-london-73.jpg)
![Inspirational quote about peace by Etty Hillesum on Hello Lovely Studio. #peacequote #inspirationalquote #quote](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/light-grey-inspirational-quote-peace-etty-hillesum-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
Nordic Natural Neutrals in the Cotswolds
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Resources in the Same Spirit
It can be nearly impossible to find a piece with simple, clean lines so it works with a variety of design styles. Here’s an exception:
Modern simplicity!
If you’re lucky enough to find vintage examples at the flea market, lucky you!
In the mean time, find a placeholder to add warmth with all the white.
![2 Piece Wicker Basket Set](https://secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com/im/76440557/resize-h800-w800%5Ecompr-r85/4432/44325475/2+Piece+Wicker+Basket+Set.jpg)
While it isn’t rustic, a slope armed Belgian style accent or dining chair looks right at home with a rustic farm table.
![Distressed grey wooden decorative angel wings.](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81fraXYHUSL._SL1500_.jpg)
![Rustic wood potting bench for French farmhouse decorating and European country style interiors.](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81mCrRlpLDL._SL1500_.jpg)
![Mongolian lamb skin rug for serene Nordic French farmhouse decorating and Scandinavian country style rooms.](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/817Plalf9%2BL._SL1500_.jpg)
![White vintage style stoneware pitcher for French farmhouse kitchens and European country decorating and interior design.](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81-zYZ9WwcL._SL1500_.jpg)
![](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81JzF%2BMGE-L._SL1500_.jpg)
![Round bronze accent table with accordion style base and little claw feet - a chic side table for living rooms, bathrooms, bedrooms and beyond.](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81Zbc%2B3kFNL._SL1500_.jpg)
![Rustic wire basket in oval shape for French farmhouse decorating and European country style spaces.](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81qTXOlBuwL._SL1500_.jpg)
![Seagrass basket set for coastal style decor and farmhouse style interiors.](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91mr64yx8ML._SL1500_.jpg)
![Stoneware jar with bee image for French farmhouse style spaces and European country decorating.](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71E-t4LmdvL._SL1500_.jpg)
![Vintage style metal laundry basket with wheels - perfect for a French country or European farmhouse room.](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91xM56rzRML._SL1500_.jpg)
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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Might have to finally purchase one of those elevated metal/wire laundry baskets on wheels while they are discounted!! I’ve always admired those & longed for one…but held off because of price (usually over $100)! So versatile…as you’ve always pointed out! Would be a nice Valentine’s gift!! 😜
Author
I thought the same thing. I am not currently using mine, but I have always found a place for it – such a great silhouette. 🙂 Happy Sunday, Amy.