Introducing Karndean Van Gogh Baltic Washed Oak RKP8101, a stunning large plank design that captures the essence of Nordic whitewashed timber with gentle beige and taupe tones and distinctive washed character. Named after the Baltic region known for its Scandinavian design heritage, this design features soft beige and taupe tones with a subtle whitewashed finish that evokes the serene, light-filled aesthetic of Nordic coastal homes and traditional Scandinavian interiors. The washed palette provides the perfect balance—lighter and more ethereal than natural oak, warmer than pure grey, yet sophisticated and full of subtle character. The impressive 1420mm x 225mm (56" x 9") large plank format creates a more expansive, premium appearance with fewer seams—perfect for modern spaces where you want to maximize the impact of beautiful wide-plank Scandinavian flooring. Unlike traditional hardwood flooring that requires professional installation, extensive subfloor preparation, and ongoing maintenance, Van Gogh Rigid Core's innovative 5G click-lock system allows confident DIY installation without glue or nails. The pre-attached acoustic foam backing reduces noise transfer by up to 21dB, making it perfect for upstairs bedrooms and multi-story homes where conventional hardwood would create excessive noise. This design is also available in full-length gluedown plank format for permanent installations, giving you flexibility across different areas of your home. As part of Van Gogh Rigid Core's mid-range collection, Baltic Washed Oak Large Plank combines the distinctive grain detail and design heritage of premium hardwood with sophisticated Nordic styling, installation convenience, acoustic performance, and enhanced 6.5mm stability that make it perfect for Scandinavian-inspired living, coastal properties, contemporary renovations, and DIY projects where you want serene whitewashed character without professional fitting costs.
Key Features:
- Authentic Nordic Oak Design with whitewashed character
- Large Plank Format for expansive, premium appearance
- Soft beige and taupe tones with subtle whitewashed finish
- Washed aesthetic—serene, light-filled, Scandinavian sophistication
- Distinctive oak grain patterns with gentle weathered appearance
- Large Plank Format: 1420mm x 225mm (56" x 9") for fewer seams and Nordic aesthetic
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DIY-Friendly 5G Click-Lock System - easy installation without glue or nails
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Pre-attached Acoustic Foam Backing - no separate underlay needed
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Reduces noise transfer by up to 21dB - perfect for upstairs rooms
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6.5mm thickness - enhanced stability and comfort
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Available in gluedown format - matching design for permanent installations
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Larger planks mean faster installation - fewer pieces to lay
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100% Waterproof construction - suitable for kitchens and bathrooms
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Enhanced Surface Protection (K-Guard+ with PU coating)
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0.55mm wear layer for superior durability
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Micro bevelled edges for authentic wood appearance
- Lifetime Residential / 15-Year Commercial Warranty
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Mid-range pricing - distinctive quality with DIY savings
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K-Core rigid PVC for dimensional stability
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Plank-to-plank variation for authentic whitewashed timber appearance
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Detailed oak grain texture with realistic embossing
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Nordic Scandinavian styling - perfect for light-filled contemporary interiors
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Warmer underfoot than real hardwood
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3.195m² box coverage - efficient coverage with large planks
Ideal For:
Residential Applications:
Baltic Washed Oak Large Plank's impressive dimensions and sophisticated washed tones make it exceptionally versatile for contemporary homes, while the rigid core construction solves the traditional challenges of hardwood installation. Living rooms and open-plan spaces benefit enormously from the large plank format—the 56" x 9" dimensions create an expansive, premium appearance with fewer seams, making rooms feel more spacious and cohesive while the soft washed tones create serene, light-filled environments that feel authentically Scandinavian. Perfect for Scandinavian-inspired interiors and Nordic-style homes where the whitewashed oak aesthetic is central to achieving authentic light wood character that maximizes natural light and creates the calm, uncluttered beauty of Scandinavian design. Ideal for coastal properties and beach houses where the washed aesthetic evokes sun-bleached driftwood and weathered coastal timber. Upstairs bedrooms benefit from the acoustic backing that reduces noise transfer by up to 21dB—traditional hardwood flooring creates loud footfall sounds that disturb rooms below, but rigid core vinyl solves this problem completely while delivering beautiful Nordic aesthetics that create peaceful, restful sleeping spaces. Ideal for DIY renovations where you want the authentic look of wide-plank whitewashed oak without the expense of professional installation, which typically costs £30-50 per square meter. The soft washed tones work beautifully in contemporary kitchens, providing an elegant, light-filled foundation that complements white cabinetry, pale wood, natural materials, and minimalist Scandinavian styling, while remaining 100% waterproof and easy to clean. Small rooms and compact spaces benefit enormously from the light-reflecting washed tones that make areas feel significantly larger and more open—the large plank format maintains visual clarity without overwhelming smaller spaces. Home offices appreciate the serene, professional appearance—the washed oak provides calm backdrops for video calls that feel contemporary and sophisticated. Master bedrooms and principal rooms can achieve spa-like, hotel-inspired aesthetics with the washed tones providing peaceful, light-filled foundations. Period properties seeking lighter renovation can use Baltic Washed Oak to brighten dark interiors while maintaining timber character. Rental properties benefit from the universal appeal of soft washed tones and the reversible click-lock installation. The rigid core construction handles uneven subfloors better than hardwood, accommodating minor imperfections without costly floor preparation.
Commercial Applications:
Van Gogh Rigid Core's 15-year commercial warranty makes Baltic Washed Oak Large Plank suitable for moderate traffic commercial environments where a light, Nordic appearance is important. Perfect for contemporary offices and creative workspaces where the large washed plank format creates serene, inspiring work environments that feel light-filled and sophisticated. The soft tones provide a calm backdrop that enhances productivity and wellbeing. Scandinavian-inspired businesses, Nordic concept stores, and lifestyle boutiques can achieve authentic light wood aesthetics central to Nordic design. Wellness facilities including yoga studios, Pilates centers, meditation spaces, and spas benefit from the calming, light-filled washed tones that create peaceful, serene environments perfect for relaxation. Contemporary cafes, health-focused eateries, and modern restaurants can achieve the soft, welcoming Nordic aesthetics that align with quality, natural dining experiences. Design studios, architectural practices, and creative agencies can showcase their appreciation for Scandinavian design sophistication. Beauty salons, skincare clinics, and wellness providers appreciate the light, sophisticated character. Co-working spaces benefit from the acoustic properties—reducing noise in busy shared environments while the washed tones create calm, productive spaces. For quick turnaround projects, the click-lock installation combined with larger planks means coverage is faster than standard formats—minimizing business downtime. Show homes in contemporary developments can achieve premium wide-plank aesthetics in sophisticated washed tones at mid-range prices, creating impressive Nordic-inspired spaces that appeal to design-conscious buyers.
With 35 SKUs across the Van Gogh Rigid Core collection including standard planks, large planks, herringbone, and stone designs, there's exceptional versatility for projects requiring distinctive design quality with DIY-friendly installation.
Technical Excellence:
Baltic Washed Oak Large Plank is constructed using Karndean's advanced rigid core technology, delivering superior performance through carefully engineered layers:
K-Guard+ Surface Protection: The topmost layer features Karndean's enhanced PU technology that provides a hygienic, durable finish exceptionally easy to clean. This protective coating resists everyday wear, spills, and scuffs while maintaining the beautiful washed oak appearance. Unlike real hardwood that requires regular refinishing or special whitewash maintenance, K-Guard+ keeps maintenance simple—just sweep and mop with Karndean Clean. The light washed tones create bright, serene spaces while remaining practical to maintain.
0.55mm Wear Layer: This substantial 20 mil wear layer provides superior protection from everyday traffic and wear, making it suitable for both residential and commercial applications. Traditional hardwood shows scratches, dents, and wear in high-traffic areas, but this enhanced wear layer ensures long-lasting performance even in busy family homes or commercial spaces. Light tones maintain their brightness without discoloration.
High-definition Photographic Layer: This layer creates the strikingly realistic washed oak grain you see underfoot, capturing the distinctive grain patterns, subtle whitewashed finish, gentle weathered character, soft beige and taupe tones, and Nordic sophistication of authentic Baltic region timber with traditional whitewashing techniques. The enhanced detail and realistic embossing work together to deliver a convincingly authentic appearance that rivals expensive wide-plank Scandinavian hardwood installations.
K-Core Rigid Layer: The heart of the construction is Karndean's K-Core rigid PVC layer, which provides exceptional dimensional stability crucial for large plank formats. The rigid core prevents the planks from flexing, gapping, or warping—common problems with real hardwood, particularly in wider planks. This technology also supports the 5G click-lock mechanism that makes DIY installation of large Nordic planks possible.
Pre-attached Acoustic Foam Backing: This integrated cushioning layer is particularly important for larger planks in upstairs installations. Traditional wide-plank hardwood is extremely noisy, creating loud footfall sounds that disturb other rooms, especially below. The acoustic foam provides significant noise reduction (up to 21dB), making large washed planks practical for bedrooms and upper floors. It also enhances comfort underfoot, eliminates the need for separate underlay, and contributes to the warmer feel compared to real hardwood.
6.5mm Total Thickness: The substantial 6.5mm thickness provides superior stability essential for maintaining the dimensional integrity of large planks. This enhanced thickness also provides greater comfort and ability to handle minor subfloor imperfections that would be problematic with thinner products or real hardwood.
Installation & Maintenance:
DIY-Friendly Large Plank Installation: The 5G click-lock system makes professional-looking wide-plank Nordic installations accessible to confident DIYers. Traditional wide-plank hardwood requires skilled professional installation with glue-down or secret-nailing techniques costing £30-50 per square meter. This rigid core format simply clicks together, allowing you to create premium wide-plank Scandinavian floors yourself.
No Glue Required: As a floating floor system, the large planks simply click together without any adhesive. This makes installation cleaner, faster, and more forgiving than traditional hardwood installation.
No Underlay Needed: The pre-attached acoustic foam backing eliminates the need to purchase and install separate underlay—saving time, money, and ensuring consistent acoustic performance throughout.
Faster Coverage with Large Planks: The 56" x 9" dimensions mean you'll install fewer pieces to cover the same area compared to standard plank formats. This significantly speeds up installation—perfect for DIY projects where you want to complete rooms quickly while achieving sophisticated Nordic aesthetics.
Fewer Seams, More Impact: Large washed planks create a more expansive, premium appearance with fewer visible seams. This is particularly effective in larger rooms and open-plan spaces where you want to maximize the visual impact of contemporary wide-plank flooring while maintaining Nordic serenity.
Straight Lay Installation: The most common pattern for large planks, running lengthwise creates clean, spacious feels that emphasize the generous plank dimensions and soft washed tones—perfect for Scandinavian-inspired interiors.
Diagonal Lay Option: Installing diagonally can make rooms appear larger and adds visual interest, though requires more cutting and waste.
Acoustic Benefits for Upstairs: The acoustic backing reduces noise transfer by up to 21dB, making wide-plank Nordic oak aesthetics practical for upstairs bedrooms where conventional hardwood would be problematic.
Reversible Installation: Unlike permanent hardwood installations that cannot be removed without destruction, rigid core can be lifted and reinstalled if needed—perfect for rental properties.
Suitable for Uneven Subfloors: The rigid core construction can accommodate minor subfloor imperfections that would require expensive leveling for hardwood installation. A damp-proof membrane is required for concrete subfloors.
Compatible with Underfloor Heating: Works perfectly with underfloor heating systems up to 27°C, providing gentle warmth that enhances the comfortable feel of the washed tones.
Simple Maintenance: Just sweep and mop with Karndean Clean—no sanding, refinishing, oiling, varnishing, or whitewash reapplication. The K-Guard+ surface treatment means you'll never face the costly refinishing that hardwood requires every few years or the special maintenance whitewashed finishes demand. Light tones stay bright and beautiful.
Individual Plank Replacement: If damage occurs, individual planks can be clicked out and replaced by DIYers without professional help—impossible with glued or nailed hardwood.
Expansion Gaps Required: Unlike gluedown formats, rigid core requires small expansion gaps (5-10mm) around the room perimeter to allow for natural movement. These gaps are easily concealed with scotia beading or skirting boards in coordinating white or pale finishes.
Can Install Over Existing Floors: Suitable for installation over most existing hard floors, making renovations quicker and avoiding the costly floor removal hardwood would require.
Design Inspiration:
Baltic Washed Oak Large Plank's generous dimensions and sophisticated washed palette offer exceptional design versatility for contemporary Nordic interiors:
Large Plank Advantages:
Enhanced Coverage and Nordic Sophistication: The 56" x 9" large plank format in soft washed tones creates a more expansive, high-end appearance compared to standard planks. Fewer seams mean a cleaner, more sophisticated look that's particularly effective in larger living spaces, open-plan areas, and principal rooms where you want to create premium visual impact while maintaining serene Nordic character.
Perfect for Scandinavian Spaces: The scale of large washed planks suits Scandinavian-inspired interiors perfectly. Nordic homes with open layouts and emphasis on natural light benefit from the proportions of wide planks in soft washed tones—standard planks can look undersized in airy Scandinavian spaces, but large Baltic planks maintain visual balance while providing authentic Nordic sophistication.
Faster DIY Installation: Larger planks mean fewer pieces to install, which significantly speeds up DIY projects. You'll cover more area with each piece, completing rooms faster while achieving professional-looking Scandinavian results.
Light-Maximizing Aesthetic: Wide-plank flooring in washed tones is central to Scandinavian design. The large format creates a current, authentic Nordic look that feels serene and design-forward, maximizing natural light throughout spaces.
Nordic Scandinavian Styling:
Scandinavian & Nordic: Baltic Washed Oak is perfect for authentic Scandinavian-inspired interiors. The soft beige and taupe tones with whitewashed finish represent the light wood central to Nordic design—maximizing natural light and creating serene, calm environments. Pair with white walls, natural textiles, simple furniture, minimal accessories, and plants for authentic Scandinavian elegance that defines contemporary Nordic living.
Coastal & Beach House: The washed aesthetic evokes sun-bleached driftwood and weathered coastal timber. Perfect for beach houses, coastal properties, or homes seeking bright, relaxed atmospheres with natural character. Pair with soft blues, whites, natural fibers, and casual furniture for sophisticated coastal living that feels fresh and current.
Modern Minimalist: The light washed oak suits contemporary minimalist spaces perfectly. The soft appearance provides organic warmth without clutter or excessive pattern. Combine with white, natural materials, and minimal decoration for sophisticated modern interiors that feel both serene and spacious.
Contemporary Light & Airy: The washed palette is ideal for contemporary interiors prioritizing light-filled, airy spaces. The soft tones maximize natural light and create bright, uplifting environments. Perfect for modern homes with large windows, open layouts, and emphasis on brightness and space.
Transitional Scandinavian: The soft washed tones bridge traditional timber flooring and contemporary Nordic color perfectly. Use in homes that blend natural materials with modern Scandinavian styling—the large format provides current proportions while washed tones maintain approachability and Nordic serenity.
Spa-Like Sanctuaries: The calming washed tones are perfect for creating hotel-inspired, spa-like bathrooms and bedrooms. The serene palette promotes relaxation and rest—ideal for principal rooms designed as peaceful Nordic-inspired retreats.
Natural Contemporary: The washed oak works in natural contemporary interiors that celebrate organic materials with modern refinement. Pair with linen, wool, wood, ceramics, and plants for spaces that feel both natural and sophisticated—authentically Scandinavian.
Small Space Mastery: The light-reflecting washed tones make small rooms feel significantly larger and more open. The soft appearance creates visual calm—perfect for compact apartments, small rooms, or any space needing to feel more spacious while maintaining Nordic warmth.
Universal Scandinavian Appeal: Whitewashed oak has universal appeal in contemporary design—calm, sophisticated, light-filled, and versatile across Scandinavian, coastal, and modern minimalist styles.
Open-Plan Nordic Living: The large washed plank format is particularly effective in open-plan spaces. Use Baltic Washed Oak throughout kitchen, dining, and living areas to create cohesive, flowing Nordic interiors with a premium wide-plank foundation that maintains sophisticated light-filled character throughout.
Coordinate Across Formats:
Multi-Format Installations: Baltic Washed Oak is available in gluedown format. Consider using large plank rigid core in main living areas and bedrooms (acoustic benefits, expansive Nordic look), then gluedown planks in ground-floor spaces (permanent installation). This creates coordinated Nordic aesthetics while maximizing format-specific advantages.
Mix with Van Gogh Planks: Large washed planks work beautifully as a foundation throughout main areas, then coordinate with complementary Van Gogh Rigid Core designs in specific rooms. The soft washed tones provide a serene base that coordinates with numerous wood tones and styles.
Upstairs/Downstairs Strategy: Use RKP8101 large plank rigid core upstairs (acoustic benefits crucial for bedrooms with serene washed tones) and matching gluedown format downstairs (permanent installation for high-traffic ground floor). This creates coordinated Nordic aesthetics with installation formats optimized for each area.
Room-to-Room Nordic Flow: The washed palette and large plank format create seamless transitions between rooms in open-plan homes, making spaces feel larger, more connected, and consistently sophisticated with Nordic character throughout.
Accessories & Finishing:
Complete your installation with Karndean scotia beading and skirting boards in coordinating white, pale, or natural finishes. Use transition strips at doorways to create professional joins. The expansion gaps required for rigid core are easily concealed with appropriate finishing accessories that complement the light Nordic aesthetic.
Why Choose Van Gogh Rigid Core:
DIY-Friendly Wide-Plank Installation: Save hundreds of pounds on professional installation costs with the simple click-lock system. Traditional wide-plank hardwood installation costs £30-50/m² in fitting alone—eliminate these costs entirely by installing Nordic wide planks yourself.
Large Planks, Faster Installation: The 56" x 9" format means you'll install fewer pieces to cover the same area, significantly speeding up DIY projects. Complete rooms faster while achieving premium wide-plank aesthetics in sophisticated washed tones.
Pre-attached Underlay: No separate underlay to buy or install—the acoustic foam backing is already integrated, saving time and money on large plank installations.
Acoustic Performance: Reduces noise transfer by up to 21dB, making wide-plank Nordic oak aesthetics practical for upstairs bedrooms and multi-story homes where conventional hardwood would create excessive noise.
Quieter Than Hardwood: The acoustic backing creates a quiet walking surface compared to real hardwood that echoes and creates noise—particularly appreciated with large planks covering significant areas.
Warmer Than Real Wood: Unlike genuine hardwood that feels cold, rigid core vinyl remains comfortable and warm underfoot year-round—complementing the visual warmth of washed oak perfectly.
Authentic Whitewashed Character: Achieve the beautiful soft beige and taupe palette with whitewashed finish that creates serene, light-filled, authentically Scandinavian spaces—perfect for Nordic-inspired interiors, coastal properties, and contemporary homes prioritizing light and calm.
Mid-Range Excellence: Van Gogh Rigid Core delivers the same distinctive grain detail and wide-plank aesthetics as premium hardwood but in Nordic washed styling with installation convenience and DIY savings that make Scandinavian character accessible to more homeowners.
Authentic Washed Oak Appearance: High-definition photographic layer and realistic embossing create convincingly authentic washed oak grain and natural variation in soft Nordic tones that rival expensive wide-plank Scandinavian hardwood installations.
100% Waterproof Construction: Unlike real hardwood that suffers water damage, this large plank format is fully waterproof—suitable even for kitchens and bathrooms where traditional wide-plank washed oak would be impractical.
Enhanced Wear Layer: The 0.55mm (20 mil) wear layer provides superior durability that surpasses traditional hardwood finishes. Light washed tones maintain brightness without yellowing or darkening over time.
6.5mm Thickness: Substantially thicker than gluedown formats, providing the enhanced stability essential for maintaining the dimensional integrity of large planks.
Rigid Core Technology: K-Core provides exceptional dimensional stability, preventing the gapping, warping, and cupping common with real hardwood, particularly in wider plank formats.
Lifetime Residential Warranty: Superior warranty coverage for your wide-plank investment—hardwood warranties are typically much shorter and exclude water damage.
15-Year Commercial Warranty: Suitable for contemporary commercial offices, wellness facilities, and Nordic-inspired retail spaces requiring premium wide-plank washed aesthetics.
Perfect for Renovations: Can install over existing hard floors with minimal preparation—hardwood requires extensive subfloor preparation, leveling, and often complete floor removal costing hundreds of pounds.
Handles Uneven Subfloors: Rigid core construction accommodates minor imperfections that would require expensive leveling for hardwood installation—particularly important with larger plank formats.
Reversible Installation: Can be lifted and reinstalled if needed—impossible with glued or nailed hardwood that's permanently affixed and destroyed upon removal.
Quick Installation: Faster than traditional hardwood, meaning minimal disruption to your home—large planks with click-lock can be DIY-installed in weekends rather than weeks.
Easy Maintenance: Simple sweep and mop—no sanding, refinishing, oiling, varnishing, or whitewash reapplication. Traditional hardwood requires refinishing every 7-10 years, and whitewashed finishes need regular maintenance.
Hygienic: Won't harbor dust, dirt, or allergens in wood grain like real hardwood, and easier to keep pristine than natural wood.
Family-Friendly: Safe for children and pets, comfortable to play on, and easy to maintain even in busy households. The light washed tones create serene family spaces.
Individual Plank Replacement: Damaged planks can be clicked out and replaced without professional help—hardwood plank replacement requires skilled craftsmen and often doesn't match perfectly.
Underfloor Heating Compatible: Works with modern heating systems up to 27°C, providing gentle warmth that enhances the comfortable character.
Trusted Brand: Over 50 years of Karndean flooring expertise bringing wide-plank Nordic aesthetics with practical benefits.
Versatile Applications: Suitable for residential and commercial projects across all room types where wide-plank washed oak adds Nordic distinction.
Cost-Effective Wide Planks: Save on professional fitting (£30-50/m²), underlay, and ongoing maintenance costs compared to real wide-plank hardwood.
Premium Nordic Appearance: Wide-plank flooring in washed tones is central to Scandinavian design—now accessible with DIY convenience and mid-range pricing.
Light-Maximizing: Washed tones maximize natural light and make rooms feel brighter, larger, and more open—essential for authentic Nordic design.
Scandinavian Design Essential: Whitewashed oak is the foundation of Nordic interiors—achieving this authentic aesthetic has never been more accessible for DIY installation.
Available in Gluedown: Also available in gluedown plank format for areas where permanent installation is preferred, allowing coordinated multi-format Nordic installations throughout your home.
Unique Design Heritage: Van Gogh Rigid Core shares the same inspiration and design quality as the celebrated Van Gogh Gluedown range.
Fewer Seams, More Impact: Large plank format creates a cleaner, more expansive appearance with fewer visible seams—perfect for creating premium, high-end Nordic aesthetics.
Modern Proportions: The 56" x 9" format suits contemporary homes with larger rooms and open layouts, maintaining visual balance that standard planks can't achieve while delivering authentic Nordic character.
Nordic Serenity: The soft beige and taupe tones with whitewashed finish create spaces that feel serene, light-filled, calm, and authentically Scandinavian—perfect for homes and commercial spaces where Nordic sophistication and peaceful beauty matter.
Baltic Washed Oak RKP8101 Large Plank delivers authentic Scandinavian whitewashed aesthetics in sophisticated Nordic tones with revolutionary click-lock convenience—the perfect combination of premium wide-plank appearance, light-filled styling, and modern practicality for today's design-conscious homes and commercial spaces prioritizing Nordic serenity.