What wood is used in Scandinavian kitchens?

Pale species like birch, ash, and white oak, usually with a matte or whitewashed finish.

Does Scandinavian work in a small kitchen?

Yes, it's one of the best styles for small kitchens because light wood and white reflect light and reduce visual clutter.

How much does a scandinavian kitchen cost?

For an average 150 sq ft kitchen, a scandinavian refresh on existing cabinets typically runs $8,000–$20,000, a full remodel $25,000–$60,000, and a high-end redesign $70,000 or more. Worth the splurge: solid oak or birch fronts on the lower cabinets.

Can I see my own kitchen in Scandinavian style?

Yes. Upload a photo, choose Scandinavian, and pick Refresh, Remodel, or Redesign. You'll see your kitchen from the same camera angle in about 30 seconds, and your first design is free.

Scandinavian style

Scandinavian kitchen ideas

Scandinavian kitchens are bright, simple, and natural: pale birch or oak, white slab doors, minimal hardware, and soft daylight. They make small kitchens feel larger.

Try Scandinavian on my kitchen

Sample kitchenScandinavian remodel

Sample small apartment galley kitchen before redesign

The same kitchen redesigned in Scandinavian style

The look

What makes a scandinavian kitchen

Cabinets: Pale birch slab lowers with white handleless uppers
Countertops: Matte white solid surface
Backsplash: White square tile in a straight grid
Hardware: Minimal light-wood knobs or integrated finger pulls
Lighting: White paper or matte white dome pendants
Flooring: Whitewashed pale oak
Walls: Bright white
Mood: Light, airy, and calm

Three budgets

Scandinavian at every level of change

Shown on our reference kitchen, the same room we use to compare every style fairly.

Scandinavian kitchen refresh — RefreshNew paint, counters, tile, and hardware on the existing cabinets.

Scandinavian kitchen remodel — RemodelAll-new cabinets and finishes in the same layout.

Scandinavian kitchen redesign — RedesignThe kitchen re-planned inside the same walls.

Best for

Small or dark kitchens
Apartments
People who like calm, light spaces

Design tips

Use light wood on lowers and white on uppers to keep the room airy.
Paper or matte-white pendants add softness without weight.
A few plants and ceramics are all the decor you need.

Budget

What a scandinavian kitchen costs

Typical 2026 US ranges for a 150 sq ft kitchen. Get a line-by-line estimate in the remodel cost calculator.

Refresh: $8k–$20k; Paint or reface, new counters, tile, hardware, and lighting.
Remodel: $25k–$60k; New cabinets, counters, flooring, and appliances, same layout.
Redesign: $70k+; Custom cabinetry, premium finishes, and a new layout.

Where to splurge

Solid oak or birch fronts on the lower cabinets.

Where to save

Plain white uppers and simple square tile.

Cabinet colors that suit scandinavian

White kitchen ideas Light blue kitchen cabinets White oak kitchen cabinets

Scandinavian kitchen FAQ

What wood is used in Scandinavian kitchens?: Pale species like birch, ash, and white oak, usually with a matte or whitewashed finish.
Does Scandinavian work in a small kitchen?: Yes, it's one of the best styles for small kitchens because light wood and white reflect light and reduce visual clutter.
How much does a scandinavian kitchen cost?: For an average 150 sq ft kitchen, a scandinavian refresh on existing cabinets typically runs $8,000–$20,000, a full remodel $25,000–$60,000, and a high-end redesign $70,000 or more. Worth the splurge: solid oak or birch fronts on the lower cabinets.
Can I see my own kitchen in Scandinavian style?: Yes. Upload a photo, choose Scandinavian, and pick Refresh, Remodel, or Redesign. You'll see your kitchen from the same camera angle in about 30 seconds, and your first design is free.

More kitchen styles

Modern

Contemporary

Transitional

Traditional

See your kitchen in Scandinavian.

Upload a photo and get a photorealistic redesign in about 30 seconds. Your first design is free.

Try it free