Lagom: The Latest Scandi Trend
“Not too much, not too little. Lagom.” This Swedish concept loosely translates as ‘moderate’ – it is adequate, enough, just right.
Scandinavian philosophies seem to have dominated the world of interior design in recent years, despite the fact that they’ve been ingrained in the Scandi ideology for decades. You will most definitely have heard of hygge (being cosy, content and enjoying life’s simple pleasures), and perhaps you’ve come across friluftsliv, too (embracing the outdoors and being at one with nature). More recently, the idea of lagom has surged in popularity, encouraging homeowners to adapt their mindsets, and thus their spaces, in a more balanced way.
Simple, sustainable style
Incorporating lagom into your interiors involves moderation and sustainability. Much like its application to other areas of your life, like your work, wardrobe and finances, lagom in the home means no clutter, no fuss, just simple, sustainable style. By striking this balance, it is thought that you’ll be more content, and leave enough for others to be content, too. If an item doesn’t matter, get rid of it. If a piece of furniture doesn’t bring you pleasure, upcycle it. And if a colour palette doesn’t feel quite right, update it. These small steps will help to bring happiness to your home life, making for a more pleasing and soothing existence.
Colours that work in harmony
Lagom encourages not too much, not too little, an approach that can be applied to various aspects of your space. The colour palette, for instance, can be edited down to two key colours, built upon a neutral backdrop that keeps things grounded and balanced. Select colours that work in harmony, marrying together in a soft and fluent way. Of course, you needn’t feel constrained to neutrals. Remember that lagom is all about balance, and you can achieve this in a number of ways. If you’re a fan of bright colours, consider combining deep navy and coral, pale pink and teal, or denim blue and natural taupe.
A balanced relationship with the environment
Energy efficiency plays a major role in lagom. Adaptations like LED bulbs, putting your thermostat on a timer and thermal lining on window dressings will all lower your carbon footprint and help to save a little cash. If you’re looking to incorporate this philosophy into your home, consider recycling or upcycling old furniture instead of investing in new pieces. You can also look towards natural woven materials like cotton and linen, along with wooden accents that channel a sense of the outdoors. Not only does lagom create aesthetic balance in your home, but it encourages a more balanced relationship with the environment.
Bridging the gap between bareness and clutter
While lagom welcomes simplicity and functionality, that doesn’t mean your home has to be free from all decorative accents. Look to incorporate lots of greenery in the form of houseplants, along with artisanal touches, such as ceramics, glassware and handwoven pieces. These little touches will ensure your home looks warm and cosy, bridging the gap between bareness and clutter.
We think Clarke & Clarke’s Studio G range is the perfect embodiment of lagom in the form of window dressings. Offering nature-inspired patterns, earthy tones and subtle textures, this selection of Roman blinds is perfect for those that want to embrace the ideals of lagom in the home. Shop your favourite lagom-inspired Roman blind by clicking the images below:
Want to know more about the latest trends? Explore our Be Inspired section to discover the latest styles and learn how to incorporate them into your own home. You can also take advantage of our FREE Interior Design Service by contacting our Interior Design Specialists directly: [email protected] or 01924 848739 (8:30-4:30 MON-FRI)
