Interior lifestyle trend
‘Lagom’ is a Swedish term, meaning ‘just the right amount’ this is not just a phrase but a way of life for many people. This lifestyle encapsulates sustainable principles of only using what you need and having a deeper understanding of materials and spaces. Many of us are downsizing not just by neccessity but by choice, in search of a more fulfilled and wholesome lifestyle. We are in search of a better relationship with our surroundings and our living spaces, looking for interior spaces that work not just for us but with us. Every object, surface and space has a purpose, design is simplistic and efficient.This trend combines the innovation of small space living with the cleaness of scandinavian design, allowing you not only to live comfortably but to also take more time to appreciate what is around you.
Interior lifestyle trend
ARCHITECTURE
MAXI-FUNCTIONAL Maximising the space around you, giving sophisticated design solutions to even the smallest space.Architecture is not just designed to shelter and enclose but also to work for you.
LAYERED SPACE Key to adding space is small areas is the use of mezzanine levels and careful positioning of rooms. This adds the illusion of space and comfort in a compact living area.
WORKING
SMART STORAGE Storage is key in the workplace, particularly in a studio / creative setting. Floor to ceiling storage is a must and adaptable surfaces allow small spaces to promote and encourage a positive working environment.
‘Small rooms or dwellings discipline the mind, large ones weaken it’ -Leonardo Da Vinci
MIXING MATERIALS Combing different materials and surfaces allows areas to become multi-purpose, peg boards can be used as an efficient method of hanging and providing storage. Adding different depths into the wall surface provides additional shelving without taking away space from the room.
LIVING
PRACTICAL & EVOLVING Living spaces are flexible and adaptable,allowing small spaces to change and evolve throughout the day. . Spaces are designed around the person so that the space is unique and useful to that individual.
‘Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful’ -William Morris
MINIMALIST & STYLISH Surfaces are simple and durable, designed to stand the test of time. Personality and design flair is introduced through clever use of accessories and small fixtures.
FURNITURE
VERSATILE & MODULAR Furniture is designed to adapt to spaces and people with ease and style. There is a primary focus on space saving furniture that can either fold, collapse or change into something else.
HIDEAWAY OBJECTS Furniture is designed to pack away efficiently and in a compact manner. Small injections of colour provide a great aesthetic as well as the practicalitly and functionality of the design itself.
COLOUR
CONSIDERED COLOUR A neutral palette with accents of vivid colour used sparingly. This palette is designed to last, but with a fresh contemporary feel.
DELICATE COMBINATIONS Colour is applied in very small amounts for the most part, objects and surfaces have a leading material focus with complimentary accents of colour.
MATERIALS
HONEST SURFACES The materials for this trend are simple, reliable and widely available. There is a big focus on wood and organic materials in their ‘basic’ form showing the connection with nature and an appreciation for their functional attributes.
CLEAN & BRIGHT Materials for this trend and very clean, light and simplistic, there is good use of moulded plastics particularly in kitchen areas for ease of cleaning. Light coloured materials bring life into the home and provide the illusion of space and airyness in a small space.
REFERENCES Keipi, A. (2012, December 14). Finland Scenic Landscape Nature-17 [photograph]. Retrieved from http://www.aarography.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Finland-Scenic-Landscape-Nature-17.jpg
TomMarkHenry. (2013). Kelloggs Room 1860 [Functional office space designed to encourage creativity]. Retrieved from http:// tommarkhenry.com/projects/room-1860/
Howlett (designer), J., & Dymond (photographer), T. (n.d.). ReStyle Modular Furniture [Photograph]. Retrieved from http://www. jameshowlett.co.uk/projects/42/restyle-modular-furniture
Azevedo Design., & Cesar Rubio [photographer]. (n.d.). Brick House [Small space living brick house, multi layered]. Retrieved from http://christiazevedo.com/residential/brickhouse/
Stern, R. (2014). [Artist Studio 18sqm]. Retrieved from http://www.raananstern. com/#!commercial/c11rw
PKMN Architectures. (2014). All I Own House [Living space designed around personal belongings ]. Retrieved from http://www. pkmn.es/ALL-I-OWN-HOUSE
Studio Makkink & Bey. (2009). House of Furniture Parts [Photograph]. Retrieved from http://www.studiomakkinkbey.nl/show/ house/3163_house_of_furniture_parts/3211
Monstrans. (n.d.). Folding Chair [Photograph]. Retrieved from http://www.monstrans.com/folding-chair/
3XA. (2012, June). 29 Square Meters [Photograph]. Retrieved from http://reszka. nazwa.pl/cityzens/?p=69
REFERENCES Bloomingville. (n.d.). Bloomingville Display Houses [Photograph]. Retrieved from https://www.designstuff.com.au/ bloomingville-display-houses-set-of-3mint-lemon-nude.html
Scneid. (n.d.). Eikon [Photograph]. Retrieved from http://schneid.org/collection/#eikons
Shutterstock. [Photograph]. Retrieved from http://www.bobvila.com/articles/hang-pegboard/#.VNzBCOf8Umc
Simonelli, S. (2012). Maisonette [Photograph]. Retrieved from http://www.simonesimonelli.it/projects/maisonette
Timberclick. (n.d.). OSB Board [Photograph]. Retrieved from http://www. timberclick.com/index.php/london/ sheet-materials/osb.html
Decorationtrend.com. [Photograph]. Retrieved from http://www.decorationtrend.com/home-decoration-trends/35-warm-and-cozy-scandinavian-kitchen-concepts/
Office For Design. (2012). The W Box [Photograph]. Retrieved from www.apartmenttherapy.com/organization-revelation-the-w-box-office-for-design-182997
Pixgood. [Photograph]. Retrieved from http://pixgood.com/plywood-grain.html
Modern Plastics. (2014). [Photograph, Sheet Plastic]. Retrieved from http://www. modernplastics.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/polycarbonate.jpg
EMMA LINNEY