Inspired by visiting Sweden as a child, Karen Perrin decorated her new-build with her own take on Scandi style, using plenty of cosy textures for a warm, laid-back vibe
NORDIC NEW-BUILD
My story
‘I love period properties, but when we were looking to buy our first home together, we didn’t have the finances or time to take on a big reno. So, we decided to look for something that would be quick and easy to move into. We bought this house off-plan and chose it because of the south-facing garden, but I also knew we could open up the ground floor to make it feel airier and more spacious.
My dad worked in Sweden for 20 years and rented an apartment which was Nordic in style, so I was inspired by the Scandi look from a very young age and I’ve always loved the texture and neutral palette that comes with it. We chose a blonde wood, Shaker-style kitchen and painted over the dull magnolia walls with a fresh white. After a few years, we took out the arch between the kitchen and diner, put glass double doors through to the living room, and replaced the kitchen with a more contemporary grey gloss design. Annoyingly, the units only lasted a few years before they started delaminating so, rather than replacing them, we had them resprayed.
My original interior style had pops of red, but I’ve gradually softened that look by replacing the red with muted beiges and soft shades of white and gentle grey. Our home has seen loads of looks since we bought it, but I’ve finally landed on a style I love, and I can’t see myself changing it any time soon!’
Welcome to my home
A BIT ABOUT ME
I’m Karen Perrin, an IT architect, and I live with my husband, Leonard, a computer consultant.
WHERE I LIVE
My home is a four-bedroom detached house in north Wigan, Lancashire, which we bought off-plan as a new-build in November 1998. I share my decor journey on Instagram at@scandi_up_north.
WHAT I WANTED TO CHANGE
I wanted to cosy up the bland magnolia rooms and give the standard new-build interior an injection of personality.
HOW I MADE IT MY OWN
It’s all about texture for me so every room has some wooden elements, layered up with snuggly throws, contemporary wall art and faux foliage to create a laid-back look.
