Beyond ‘Hygge’: How to Enjoy Scandinavian Style at Home
Buzzwords aside, here are some essential elements of the Nordic look and lifestyle
The Danish lifestyle term hygge — which Visit Denmark describes as “creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people” — was ubiquitous last year. Its popularity perhaps was no surprise, given the current fascination with all things Scandinavian. Now hygge has given way in 2017 to another Nordic buzzword: lagom. This Swedish word means “not too much, not too little — just enough.”
Not everyone in Sweden sees lagom as an ideal. Ulrica Hydman-Vallien, a Swedish artist and designer known for her colorful glass for Kosta Boda, defines her style as decidedly non-lagom. For her, lagom is the “expected, in-between, nice and boring, blandly Swedish.” Swedish upholsterer Kerstin Jansson doesn’t think Swedish design is lagom. “We have so many talented designers, interior designers, architects and others who think outside the box and who are creative without losing the Nordic touch.”
To go beyond these trending terms, we spoke with Sara Norrman, the Swedish editor in chief of Houzz Nordics, and Kasper Iversen, editor of Houzz Denmark. Below they share their tips for enjoying the best of the Scandinavian look and lifestyle at home.
Not everyone in Sweden sees lagom as an ideal. Ulrica Hydman-Vallien, a Swedish artist and designer known for her colorful glass for Kosta Boda, defines her style as decidedly non-lagom. For her, lagom is the “expected, in-between, nice and boring, blandly Swedish.” Swedish upholsterer Kerstin Jansson doesn’t think Swedish design is lagom. “We have so many talented designers, interior designers, architects and others who think outside the box and who are creative without losing the Nordic touch.”
To go beyond these trending terms, we spoke with Sara Norrman, the Swedish editor in chief of Houzz Nordics, and Kasper Iversen, editor of Houzz Denmark. Below they share their tips for enjoying the best of the Scandinavian look and lifestyle at home.
Go with pale but interesting shades. In another Scandinavian space, color — or rather, downplayed color — again comes to the fore. You might picture the typical Swedish or Danish interior to be painted uniformly in brilliant white, but, in fact, it’s all about layers of monochrome. Sticking to a palette of gray, white and black, and introducing other hues with natural materials and elements, can be relaxing. It’s also helpful if you’re an apprehensive decorator, since you’ll know whether an item will go well in your space before you even try it.
Don’t be afraid to blend in. In Nordic countries, especially perhaps in design-conscious Denmark, standing out from the crowd is not the style aspiration that it is in countries whose residents prize individuality and aim to outdo their neighbors, rather than blend in with them. So having a home that looks similar to your neighbor’s is not quite the no-no in Scandinavia that it can be elsewhere.
Express difference in the details. The overall style — pale, pared-back, and peppered with classic designer pieces and natural materials — may seem from the outside like a Scandinavian home’s “uniform,” but there are plenty of differences and variations.
Danish homes are more likely to be distinguished by the designer pieces in them. They’re also typically more restrained than Swedish interiors, which are often less about high design and more about how democratic design (think Ikea) can help you have a home that’s stylish but not showoff-y.
Danish homes are more likely to be distinguished by the designer pieces in them. They’re also typically more restrained than Swedish interiors, which are often less about high design and more about how democratic design (think Ikea) can help you have a home that’s stylish but not showoff-y.
Enjoy your afternoons. This is one you might only be able to dream of. The working day in Scandinavia typically ends earlier than it does in the United States. It’s not unusual to knock off at 4 p.m. (after perhaps starting earlier and taking a short lunch). The afternoon then becomes a time when you can enjoy being at home, relaxing with a book, doing chores or hanging out with the family before dinner.
Cherish nature. The Scandinavians are champions of the great outdoors — especially inside the home. Whites and grays may be key design staples in Nordic interiors, but let’s not forget wood. It’s the magic ingredient that keeps Scandinavian style warm and inviting, even when cool in tone. So bare those floors, or add wood in the form of furniture or accessories, such as picture frames or bowls.
Houseplants — not, of course, those featuring brightly colored flowers — will also soften a minimal space. Layer up with wool and jute rugs, rattan, battered leather, natural stoneware and vases filled with pale blooms. Then enjoy the feeling of slowly exhaling as you survey your calm surroundings.
Houseplants — not, of course, those featuring brightly colored flowers — will also soften a minimal space. Layer up with wool and jute rugs, rattan, battered leather, natural stoneware and vases filled with pale blooms. Then enjoy the feeling of slowly exhaling as you survey your calm surroundings.
Remove your shoes. In Nordic countries, there’s a seasonally practical reason to remove your shoes at the door: snow. But it’s a year-round habit.
In many non-Scandinavian countries, the no-shoes-in-the-house policy is a contested subject. Is it polite to ask guests to expose their socks? Is it unhygienic not to? If you have guests over, should you all hang around in slippers? (Bringing your party shoes, clean and in a bag, to don upon arrival is one Scandi-inspired tip. Another is to have a bag of guest slippers by the door.) It’s a debate that could go on and on.
Etiquette aside, there’s something lovely about padding around at home in slippers or socks, knowing that your floors are free from outdoor grit. The practice has a lot in common with putting on sweatpants once inside the front door; it makes you go “ah.”
Some U.S. homes don’t have the dedicated entrance area you’ll see in most Scandinavian homes, lined with neatly arranged footwear. But there are lots of ways to create more space in your entryway.
In many non-Scandinavian countries, the no-shoes-in-the-house policy is a contested subject. Is it polite to ask guests to expose their socks? Is it unhygienic not to? If you have guests over, should you all hang around in slippers? (Bringing your party shoes, clean and in a bag, to don upon arrival is one Scandi-inspired tip. Another is to have a bag of guest slippers by the door.) It’s a debate that could go on and on.
Etiquette aside, there’s something lovely about padding around at home in slippers or socks, knowing that your floors are free from outdoor grit. The practice has a lot in common with putting on sweatpants once inside the front door; it makes you go “ah.”
Some U.S. homes don’t have the dedicated entrance area you’ll see in most Scandinavian homes, lined with neatly arranged footwear. But there are lots of ways to create more space in your entryway.
Make time for fika. Enjoying fika — the Swedish version of the coffee break, usually with a sweet treat — may be less about the food and drink, and more about taking time for a pause in the day.
Often, fika will be with friends or work colleagues, but it can also be enjoyed alone. Either way, it’s a joyful moment away from the bustle of whatever’s going on in your day to collect your thoughts or to escape the daily grind (or perhaps to rest during a tiring shopping trip). In Sweden, it’s a culturally important daily habit rather than a special treat. Yes, please!
Tell us: What elements of Scandinavian design and the Nordic lifestyle would you consider bringing into your own home and life? Please share your thoughts in the Comments.
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Bye-Bye, Minimalist White — The New Nordic Style Is All About Color
Often, fika will be with friends or work colleagues, but it can also be enjoyed alone. Either way, it’s a joyful moment away from the bustle of whatever’s going on in your day to collect your thoughts or to escape the daily grind (or perhaps to rest during a tiring shopping trip). In Sweden, it’s a culturally important daily habit rather than a special treat. Yes, please!
Tell us: What elements of Scandinavian design and the Nordic lifestyle would you consider bringing into your own home and life? Please share your thoughts in the Comments.
More
9 Life Lessons From Nordic Style
See How People in 13 Countries Interpret Scandinavian Style
Bye-Bye, Minimalist White — The New Nordic Style Is All About Color
The trick is to create warmth with texture and materials rather than with colorfully competing features or strong patterns. This inviting Swedish bedroom — mixing bare brick, wood, voile, crisp bed linens and soft throws, all in muted hues — shows how it’s done.