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SCANDINAVIAN DESIGN
INTERIORS TRENDS
s c an t h e s e t i t l e s It’s easier than ever to achieve a Scandinavian look with these latest books. Real Nordic Living, £19.95, thamesandhudson.com; New Nordic Colour, £19.99, Scandinavian Modern, £19.99, rylandpeters.com
Lagom|Balance Lagom is a Swedish word that can be taken to mean ‘just the right amount’, not too much and not too little. It’s also often widely translated as ‘in moderation’ or as ‘in balance’. While not specifically an interior design expression, in the home Lagom would be the practice of only selecting homeware that is functional as well as beautiful and avoiding clutter in favour of a simpler and more curated scheme. Follow the example set in this beautifully balanced bathroom and select a palette comprising only a limited number of complementary colours. Contrast practical hard-wearing materials like concrete with softer textures such as timber and use minimal amounts of elegant brushed brass as the final touch to a balanced space. The handsoap, bodywash and bodylotion shown are from £15, all merakishop.dk
PRACTICAL MAGIC
YES YOU SCAN
PH 5 pendant by Louis Poulson, £494, madeindesign.co.uk
Artek 60 stool with green lacquer seat by Alvar Aalto, £182, nest.co.uk
A Scandinavian aesthetic is typically characterised as minimalist, simple and functional. This is a design language that is now spoken worldwide.
Series 7™ chair in Ai Blue and chromed steel by Arne Jacobsen, £503, fritzhansen.com
Weight Here XL candleholder by KiBiSi, £175.38, designisthis.com
Oliver Gustav photography by Heidi Lerkenfeldt; Series 7™ photography by Egon Gade
Lykke | happiness
hygge|cosiness The Danish concept of Hygge roughly translates as ‘cosiness’, but it really means a lot more than this. It is connected with creating a warm and welcoming environment, in which good things are enjoyed with good people. Copenhagen-based Oliver Gustav is known for creating spaces that are quiet and yet dramatic. Soft Seating couch and armchair in Hemp, both prices upon request, olivergustav.com
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Denmark is often celebrated as the happiest country in the world. Meik Wiking, author of best-seller The Little Book of Hygge, is CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen and therefore well-placed to comment on Lykke. His new book focuses on the topic and addresses six different pillars. But, for the Danes, Lykke is perhaps most closely associated with hope and optimism, finding enjoyment and beauty in simple things. A powerful message for us all. Above: Beetle chair, Grossman desk, Cobra floor lamp, all gubi.com
HAVING THEIR DAY A daybed is a brilliant solution for both bedrooms and living areas, an ideal location for quiet reading or even serving as an additional bed for a welcome guest. From the simple oak framed Day Bed One by Another Country to the slim brass legged and velvet upholstered Design Vintage piece, the three simple designs shown here exude Scandinavian inspired elegance. We searched long and hard for the most comfortable and beautifully designed daybeds. This is our selection and we recline to comment further. 1. Day Bed One in Turnberry Grey, £3,055, anothercountry. com 2. Straight bench by Betina Stamp, £577, madeindesign. co.uk 3. Daybed in Moss velvet, £1,195, designvintage.co.uk
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Simple Scandi Iconic Scandinavian designs by Poulson, Jacobsen and Aalto are readily recognisable the world over. Their classic forms mean they are versatile pieces for the home. Current design brand KiBiSi create simple collectible items too.