Robert Downey Jr.’s ‘calm Scandinavian’ small living room is exactly the trend we need in 2025, experts say.
Very different from the modernized Tony Stark mansion in Malibu, the character Robert Downey Jr. played in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, his slim-structured home is a streamlined and eco-friendly hobbit-style house, and his small living room ticks all the boxes of a surprising interior design trend: coastal Scandinavia.
Reinventing coastal style isn’t an easy task, but designers and decorators are moving away from the standardized themed spaces of the past toward more luxurious and livable ones in 2025. Coastal Scandinavia is simple, breathable, and intrinsically connected to nature—it’s a decorating trend that exudes calm. It’s minimalism with a touch of Californian charm.
Blending coastal charm and Scandinavian sensibility, it’s sure to create an effortless aesthetic where less is more. And there’s no better place to start than in one of the most frequented rooms of the house: the living room.
But where to begin when designing a coastal living room with notes of Scandinavian minimalism? For me, the color palette is always a great starting point.
Decorating with white is often the go-to for a minimalist living room, however, it can often leave spaces feeling cold, especially if the white is pure or cool. Choosing a warm neutral scheme, reminiscent of earthy landscapes, like stone shades, beiges, and creams, will ensure the space feels relaxed and inviting, which is important when it comes to creating a minimalist living room.
When introducing furniture and upholstery into a bright and relaxing Scandinavian coastal living room, it’s always best to remember that less is definitely more, says Genna Margolis, interior designer and founder of Shapeside.
‘You don’t want furniture that’s going to fill up the whole space. You want pieces that still leave plenty of room, so the size of the pieces should be a bit smaller than normal to achieve the look. And, when it comes to wall decor, don’t overdo it—you want wall decoration without covering too much wall space.’
In Robert’s space, the light walls of exposed plaster create a simple yet textured base, while sculptural furniture with flowing shapes takes center stage, including a curved, low, and soft living room sofa upholstered in a soft, tactile fabric to bring a cozy element.
With the appeal of seaside living more popular than ever, the coastal Scandinavian trend is a wonderful way to recreate the feel of living by the sea, even if you’re thousands of miles away. This reimagined coastal style goes beyond predictable nautical motifs and navy or turquoise details to create a more relaxing, timeless, and year-round livable aesthetic.
Source: Homes & Gardens
This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
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