In 2026, Scandinavian design is embracing a more nuanced direction, one that values tactility and authenticity over polished perfection. The term ‘Scandi-Sabi’ reflects this shift, responding to a growing appetite for spaces that feel calm and lived-in.
Read on to discover what Scandi-Sabi is and how to embrace the trend with expert insights from Bo Hellberg, CMO at Scandinavian design icon String Furniture and Swedish outdoor furniture specialist for 131 years, Grythyttan Stålmöbler.
What is Scandi Sabi?
Bo Hellberg, CMO at String Furniture and Grythyttan Stålmöbler, shares, “Scandi-Sabi is a design aesthetic rooted in contrast, the marriage of Scandinavian minimalism and the quiet elegance of Japanese wabi-sabi. In 2026, Scandi-Sabi will really come to the forefront. It values calm, function and light, but never at the cost of warmth. With texture and soft imperfections, resulting in interiors that feel serene and are designed to endure.
How to embrace this trend?
Hellberg suggests, “Scandi-Sabi is about choosing natural pieces that feel lived-in. Choose organic and natural materials like oak, teak, and metal, alongside surfaces that show use rather than hide it. Warm and muted hues allow form and craftsmanship to lead, while well-made pieces create a sense of ease and longevity. Scandi-Sabi as a design philosophy is not about getting everything right, but creating homes that feel relaxed, thoughtful and lived in.”
