Scandinavian Secrets Unveiled: Comprehensive Guide to Hygge, Lagom, and Additional Northern European Concepts
Ready to dive into the magical world of Scandinavian interior design? Let's get started!
This charming style is a stunning representation of Scandinavian culture, giving us a peek into their way of life. But to truly understand its roots, we need to delve deeper into the elements that shape their culture. After all, it's through their people that you experience the true heart of a nation. Most people recognize the Vikings, the Northern lights, and Lapland, but trust us, there's a whole lot more to Scandinavia than that!
Here are some key Scandinavian concepts that play a significant role in Scandinavian interior design:
HYGGE
Hygge (pronounced hue-gah) is the quintessential Scandinavian word. It refers to the cozy, content feeling you get from being surrounded by loved ones and the simple things in life. In essence, it's all about finding joy in the little things – savoring a hot cup of tea in the afternoon, snuggling up with a great book next to a crackling fire, or spending quality time with your closest friends. Instead of considering mundane daily activities as things to be rushed through, Danes turn them into enjoyable moments, understanding that the smallest things can have a big impact on our happiness. To create hygge in your own home, think about adding a cozy woven blanket on your couch, placing candles along your windowsills, or wrapping yourself in a to-die-for linen duvet cover.
LAGOM
Lagom (law-gum) refers to balance – not too much or too little, but just right. You know, finding that perfect equilibrium between work and play, spending just the right amount of time together and alone. Embracing moderation and balance in every aspect of life is essential in Scandinavian culture, and it shows in their interior design concepts – think about balancing color, texture, and natural elements in your home to achieve lagom.
LYKKE
Lykke (lik-eh) means luck, good fortune, or happiness, and let's face it, Scandinavians have a knack for it! But what really sets them apart is their attitude towards happiness. Instead of leaving it up to chance, they actively pursue it and make it a constant part of their lives.
FRILUFTSLIV
Spending time outdoors is a huge part of life in Nordic countries, even during harsh winters. The fresh air and natural beauty found in these regions are considered essential to leading a fulfilling life. Friluftsliv (free-loofts-liv) encourages us to get outside and embrace nature, and it makes its way into interiors through the use of greenery, wooden accents, organic textiles, and natural prints. If you're looking to bring that outdoorsy feel into your home, consider our porse or agern Scandinavian duvet covers made from ultra-soft organic linen. The porse cover features the beautiful Myrica gale plant, while the agern features Denmark's King Oak tree with its bright green leaves and acorns.
SAMFUNDSSIND
Samfundssind, Danish for 'society mind,' is all about putting the needs of your community first, showing respect to others, and taking collective responsibility. This cultural mindset is reflected in Scandinavian interior design by choosing practical items that serve a purpose and contributing to a clutter-free environment. This approach brings a sense of respect and mindfulness to your living space.
FIKA
Who doesn't need a little time to relax and recharge during a busy day? That's where fika (fee-ka) comes in – a time for coffee or tea breaks that allow us to reset and be more productive. This Swedish concept encourages mindfulness at work and can be incorporated into your home by setting up a reading corner with soft lighting, a window seat with built-in book shelves, or a cozy patio seating area to help you breathe in the outdoors during those daily breaks.
SISU
Sisu (see-soo) is a Finnish word that represents determination, resilience, and the strength to persevere through challenges. Embracing this mindset means including personal items in your interior design that have meaning and evoke emotions. Scandinavian design is not just about minimalism; incorporating items that hold sentimental value adds depth and character to your home.
Now that you know the lingo, it's time to infuse some balance (lagom), take breaks when needed (fika), and create a warm, cozy space (hygge) that brings you joy (lykke). Remember, happiness is an active pursuit and you deserve it!
Written by our Scandinavian-savvy team.
Explore the inter Connection between Scandinavian culture and interior design by embracing concepts like hygge, a feeling of cozy contentment, and samfundssind, prioritizing community needs. Balance, or lagom, encourages moderation in all aspects of life, influencing the use of harmony in color, texture, and natural elements. Engage in mindful moments inspired by fika, taking breaks to unwind, or with sisu, incorporating personal items that hold sentimental value to cultivate resilience and character.
Enhance personal growth through education-and-self-development, learning about these Scandinavian principles, and applying them in career-development by curating a lifestyle reflecting these core values. Achieve further development by expanding your knowledge base, whether that's through fashion-and-beauty, home-and-garden, relationships, travel, or food-and-drink.
Ultimately, remember that happiness (lykke) is an active pursuit. By implementing these key Scandinavian concepts, you'll create a space that nurtures your overall well-being, allowing you to enjoy the simple things in life and cultivate a fulfilling life.
