Photo Credit: WoodNest
Hello Friends!
In my last 3 posts I wrote about Modern Scandinavian Architecture. Today I will take you indoors for the most part and talk about a Swedish Concept that can be applied in all your homes.
If you're interested in Scandinavian Interior Design you probably heard of Mid Century Modern :The Golden Age of Danish Furniture Design from the 50's to the 70's. Iconic designs from these 3 decades are still made this day.
A few years ago a new Danish Concept became really trendy and is now in everyone's mind when designing and decorating your home: It's all about Hygge. (Pronounced Hooge). It's very difficult to translate the meaning and all it's nuances but it a nutshell Hygge means creating a cozy environment at home where you will feel warm comfortable and safe by just doing simple things like lighting candles, crawling under warm blankets, baking and spending quality time with your family.
Since the last couple of years a new Scandinavian way of life is winning popularity and this one comes from Sweden. Have you heard of Lagom?
Lagom means finding the right balance in life, not too little, not too much, just right!
According to a popular myth the origin of this word comes from Viking times and Lagom was the amount of mead you would drink from a horn as it was passed around in order for everyone to receive a fair share. And fair doesn't mean everyone gets the same as everyone has different needs but you also have to consider the needs of others and make sure you leave enough for them.
Lagom is a lifestyle that applies to everything, eating, working, exercising and of course, Architecture and Design.
A Lagom Design is a design that finds the right balance between bare minimalism (which can be cold) and clutter. It's all about bringing home a few quality and beautifully designed pieces that bring you joy, warmth and comfort and getting rid of everything else. A Lagom living space should include everything you need, but not too much more, it's Hygge without the clutter.
Choose light, neutral colours to add warmth and give a restrained but not austere feel, but if colour is important to you, introduce it to your room but in a Lagom way: find the right balance not too little not too much, just right.
You also have to find the right balance between practicality comfort and design. Unfortunately in furniture and interior design we often have to choose between comfort and design. Have you ever found a very beautiful couch but when you sit on it for more than 5 minutes your back hurts? On the other end do you find most comfortable couches uggly? When designing a Lagom Space do your research and find only a few pieces that tick all the boxes.
But as I said before, Lagom is also about making sure that others get their fair share so a Lagom design is mindful and sustainable by definition. You're not depleting mother earths resources just for your own comfort. Locally sourced natural materials like wood, wool, linen, cotton are a must. Reduce, Reuse Recycle as much as possible and donate those items that you don't need anymore so others can enjoy them. Use cleaning products as natural as possible that won't harm you or the planet. Single use plastics are to be avoided.
Since 2017 a series of books about this lifestyle have been published and if you're interested in learning more about this concept I recommend you to read Lagom: Not Too Little, Not Too Much: The Swedish Art of Living a Balanced, Happy Life by Nikki Brantmark It's a little book very easy to read with lots of tips and ideas on how to declutter your home and your life. Nikki is also a world famous blogger and you can follow her blog My Scandinavian Home for tons of inspiration.
Another good source of inspiration is Lagom 142 a store in Canada that sources lots eco conscious products from Sweden, Denmark Norway and Finland following the Lagom concept.
Hope you enjoyed to read this post. I could write pages and pages about Scandinavian Interior Design but I need to keep it Lagom!
All pictures are mine unless otherwise stated as a photo Credit on the bottom of the picture