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Scandi bible

Most of us have a basic understanding of what is meant by Scandi design – simplicity, minimalism and functionality. We may even claim to understand the concepts of lagom or hygge. But these buzzwords are simply scratching the surface of what is a significant design movement that emerged in Scandinavia more than a hundred years ago.

It’s easy to apply Scandi design principles to our own homes, with no real purpose or understanding of why we’re doing what we’re doing, and then wonder why our homes don’t quite look like the Scandi homes of Instagram, or why we’re not getting that warm, cosy feeling everyone talks about. In the pages that follow, we’re going to delve into the culture and ethos of the Scandinavian people, examining their values and lifestyle. After all, the Scandinavian nations consistently rank in the top ten happiest countries in the world. By learning these basic principles before getting into the design details, your living spaces will make more sense and you will be able to reap the benefits of a Scandi-inspired home.

Packed full of expert advice from designers and stylists, learn how to declutter, organise and create balance in your home, then curate a comfortable living space that’s warm, cosy, calm and tailored to you. From furniture and layout to soft furnishings, colour schemes, textures and much more, discover everything you need to know to create your own Scandi home. We’ve also included step-by-step craft ideas, crochet and knitting patterns, and delicious recipes so you can fully embrace the Scandinavian lifestyle and complement your new living space.

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Scandi bible

Future PLC Quay House, The Ambury, Bath, BA1 1UA

Bookazine Editorial

Editor Sarah Bankes

Senior Art Editor Andy Downes

Compiled by Philippa Grafton & Newton Ribeiro

Head of Art & Design Greg Whitaker Editorial Director Jon White

Ideal Home Editorial

Editor Heather Young Group Art Director Alison Walter Editorial Director Rhoda Parry

Contributors

Sian Brown, Andréa Childs, Michela Colling, Lisa Fazzani, Ellen Finch, Sarah Gane, Bee Ginger, Rebecca Lewry-Gray, Jennifer Morgan, Dan Peel, Nicky Phillips, Thomas B Ramsden, Kate Rowell, Amelia Smith, Jackie Snowden

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Home Scandi Bible Third Edition (HOB4738)

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glossary

Do you know your hygge from your koselig? Get savvy with our guide to the Scandi words and terms you need to know

Denmark

The smallest of the Scandinavian countries, Denmark is geographically separated from Norway and Sweden, sitting further south and bordering Germany. Its capital is Copenhagen, which is known for its colourful waterfronts and big cycling culture.

Döstädning

A Swedish term meaning ‘death cleaning’ – it is far more practical and less morbid than it may sound! This is the custom of decluttering your belongings to make things easier for loved ones when you pass away. It involves getting rid of anything that could be distressing or embarrassing for them, as well as organising things like paperwork.

Fika

Roughly translated as ‘coffee and a cake’, fika is a break taken by many Swedes in the mid-morning and afternoon to meet up with friends or colleagues for a chat and a sweet treat. It is usually longer than a regular break, typically taking between 15 and 30 minutes.

Fjord

A deep, narrow body of water set between dramatic cliffs or hillsides, created by a glacier. Norway is particularly famous for its fjords, and some – including Nærøyfjord – are classed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Flæskesteg

A Danish roast pork dish, often served with gravy and caramelised potatoes. It’s a traditional meal for special occasions, particularly at Christmas (see Jul).

Fredagsmys

The Swedish tradition of a ‘cosy Friday’, a big Friday night in that encompasses mysig (see right). It mainly involves

watching TV or playing board games, and eating snacks. Tacos are popular, as are pick ’n’ mix. Norwegians share this custom, and call it fredagskos.

Friluftsliv

Pronounced ‘free-loofts-leev’, a Norwegian word meaning ‘outdoor life’. This refers to the Norwegian love of spending time in the great outdoors. It’s all about being outside in all weathers –whether you’re hiking, running, cycling, skiing, camping or simply relaxing.

Gravadlax

A popular Nordic dish of salmon cured with dill. It is usually served as an appetiser with hovmästarsås, a dill and mustard sauce.

Husmanskost

Specific to Sweden, this refers to traditional, everyday home-cooked food. It often refers to hearty meals made using readily available ingredients like potatoes, meatballs, pork and fish, such as a warming meat stew with mash.

A mix of Scandinavian and Japanese, Japandi style is minimal yet cosy

Hygge

Probably the most famous term to come out of Scandinavia, the Danish hygge (pronounced ‘hue-guh’) can be roughly translated as ‘cosiness’. It’s about creating a cosy atmosphere of warmth and contentment, usually with friends or family. It’s more commonly associated with the colder months, but summer can also be hyggeligt (the adjectival form of hygge).

Ice swimming

Otherwise known as cold water swimming or winter swimming, this is literally the act of plunging into and swimming in ice-cold water – preferably after warming up in a hot sauna beforehand.

Japandi

A combination of Japanese and Scandinavian styles in interior design. Typically, it blends the warmth and cosiness of hygge with ‘wabi-sabi’ – the Japanese concept of finding beauty in imperfection. Think uncluttered spaces, natural materials, neutral colours and quality craftsmanship.

Jul

Usually considered a Danish event, although it is also celebrated in Norway and Sweden, jul is the Scandinavian version of Christmas. Throughout December, the Danes celebrate with a number of traditions, concluding with juleaften, a big feast on Christmas Eve.

Koselig

Sometimes referred to as Norway’s hygge, koselig evokes cosiness, comfort and intimacy – but it’s arguably more grounded in social connection and the great outdoors. Think of a winter stay with friends in a mountain cabin, with a roaring fire and a hot drink in hand.

Lagom

A Swedish term meaning ‘not too little, not too much’, lagom is about balance – in interiors, in food, and in life. It encompasses living sustainably and is often credited with being the source of Swedish contentment.

Lykke

The Danish word for happiness and the subject of a book by Meik Wiking, CEO of the Happiness Research Institute, which looks at why the Danes are some of the happiest people on the planet.

Minimalism

A concept and lifestyle centred around living with less. It’s not necessarily about getting rid of everything you own: rather, it’s about simplifying your life and only keeping quality things that you love and that serve a purpose.

Morgondopp

Enjoyed first thing in the morning, morgondopp is Swedish for ‘morning dip’ – a quick swim in the sea or one of the myriad lakes in Sweden when the weather gets slightly warmer (making it different from ice or winter swimming).

Mysig

Along with the noun mys, this is often referred to as the Swedish version of hygge thanks to its association with cosiness. It also has a lot to do with food;

fredagsmys (see left), for example, is all about evoking mys (‘cosiness’) with food and watching some good TV.

Nordic

A term referring to the wider region of northern Europe that includes the Scandinavian countries of Norway, Sweden and Denmark, plus Finland, Iceland and their associated territories.

Norway

The northernmost Scandinavian country, with Oslo being its capital city. Famous for its mountainous landscape and its outdoors-loving population, Norway shares a border with Sweden and is a popular skiing destination.

Plogging

A combination of jogging and picking up litter that began in Sweden in 2016 and has gradually gained popularity around the world. It acts as a workout by combining cardiovascular exercise with bending and stretching, and helps keep cities, towns, and beauty spots like parks and beaches, free of litter.

Scandinavia

A subregion of Northern Europe comprising Norway, Sweden and Denmark, all of which speak Scandinavian languages. It does not include Finland or Iceland: together with the Scandinavian countries, they make up a larger area called the Nordic region.

Smörgåsbord

Coming from the Swedish words for ‘open sandwich’ and ‘table’, a smörgåsbord is a buffet-style lunch that encourages socialising while you eat. At Christmas, party hosts will offer a julbord, or a ‘Christmas table’.

Sweden

The easternmost Scandinavian country and the largest of the three, with nearly double the population of either Norway or Denmark. Stockholm is its capital and cultural centre. Sweden shares a mountain range with Norway, and is also famous for its numerous islands – more than 267,500 of them, in fact.

Tandsmør

A Danish term meaning ‘tooth butter’ –when butter is spread so thickly on a slice of bread that you leave tooth marks when you bite into it. Delicious!

Tulpanens dag

The Swedish Day of the Tulip. The Netherlands is most often associated with tulips, but Swedes buy more of the flower than any other country. People use this day as a chance to bring colour into their homes with fresh blooms.

Uhygge

Just as it sounds, the opposite of hygge: a feeling of discomfort, spookiness, or something unsettling, rather than cosiness and warmth. Think Halloween! It’s not always a bad thing, either: it’s reflected in popular Nordic noir thrillers and creepy folklore tales that are part of the Scandinavian cultural heritage.

Utepils

A Norwegian word that translates to ‘outdoors lager’ – literally, the act of having a beer outside, come rain or shine.

Wienerbrød

Referred to outside of Denmark as Danish pastries, these delectable specialities come in different shapes, sizes and flavours, but are often braided, contain fruit, and drizzled with icing.

Hygge is all about evoking cosiness through your environment and the activities you do

Scandinavia welcome to

It conjures up images of snow-capped mountains and picturesque towns, but what is Scandinavia? Let this be your introduction to northernmost Europe

WORDS Ellen Finch

Trolltunga, jutting out high above Ringedalsvatnet, is one of Scandinavia’s most photographed locations – for good reason

What exactly do we mean when we talk about Scandinavia or describe something as ‘Scandi’?

You are probably already familiar with this part of the world in some way. After all, it’s birthed some impressive cultural phenomena and design giants in the last few decades, from ABBA to IKEA – and in more recent years has seen some of its most well-known concepts, like hygge and lagom, spread across the globe to influence how the rest of us decorate, dress and even think about life.

Since we’ve taken so much inspiration from this small part of northern Europe, it seems only right to find out exactly what we mean when we describe something as ‘Scandinavian’. From stunning landscapes to quirky traditions, this collection of countries has a lot going for it.

where exactly is Scandinavia?

You probably have an idea of roughly what constitutes Scandinavia, but the answer is actually a bit more complex than you might think. Geographically, it’s widely determined that Scandinavia is made up of three countries: Norway, Sweden and Denmark. The terms ‘Scandinavian’ and ‘Nordic’ are often used interchangeably, but the Nordic region actually refers to a wider group of countries, provinces and territories including Finland and Iceland. One way of thinking about it is through language: Norwegian, Danish and Swedish are all Scandinavian languages, while Finnish comes from the same group of languages as Estonian and Hungarian. That said, Swedish is also an official language of Finland.

what’s it like in Scandinavia?

When you think of Scandinavia, you might picture beautiful, rugged landscapes and skies lit up with the northern lights –and you wouldn’t be wrong. After all, the Scandinavian Mountains run through Sweden and Norway (as well as part of Finland), and the countries sit close to the Arctic Circle, making them some of the best places to see the aurora borealis in the world.

However, mountains aren’t all that Scandinavia has to offer. The landscape is incredibly varied across the region, from dramatic, deep-cut fjords and lush forests of pine, birch and spruce, to low-lying towns smattered with buildings in pastel rainbow hues. Sweden is the biggest of the three countries, known for its beautiful lakes, while Denmark, the smallest, is more densely populated and has plenty of farmland. As of February 2020, the three Scandinavian countries have a combined population of less than 22 million people, with more than 10 million of those being in Sweden. Compare that to the likes of Italy, which has 59 million people, the United Kingdom, with 66 million, or Japan, with 125 million, and you can appreciate just how relatively quiet it must be!

what’s the weather like in Scandinavia?

One of the most popular assumptions of Scandinavia is that it’s cold – but in reality, the climate varies depending on how far north or south you are. Temperatures are surprisingly mild for parts of the year, though visiting in winter usually means packing your snow boots and an extra scarf or two. In the summer, Denmark can reach an average of around 17°C (63°F),

while Norway reaches between 8 and 16°C (46 and 61°F) in the north and 13 to 22°C (55 and 72°F) in the south; in the winter, average temperatures drop as low as -7°C (19°F). Due to its proximity to the Arctic Circle, some northern parts of Scandinavia have extreme light conditions at the height of seasons, too. In winter, the sun stays down and the resulting ‘polar night’ sees the darkness of nighttime last for days on end, while in summer, the sun stays up even at night – a phenomenon called ‘midnight sun’.

cultural differences

While Norway, Sweden and Denmark share many characteristics, thanks in part to their geographical proximity and also to their shared history, each country has its own distinct traditions and cultural quirks.

Norway

All three Scandinavian countries have a reputation for being outdoorsy, but Norway is perhaps the country that most lives up to this. Its fjords are world famous – deep-cut inlets formed by glaciers from the Ice Age. It has more than 1,600 glaciers, many of which you can climb. And because it’s also the most mountainous

The colourful waterfront of Nyhavn in Copenhagen is the perfect place for a cycle

COPENHAGEN, DENMARK

Denmark’s capital is a great destination for a city break. It features a national museum, a stunning palace, and the amusement park Tivoli Gardens.

© istock/nantonov

where to go in Scandinavia

plan

OSLO, NORWAY Norway’s capital is a cultural centre with an opera house, a contemporary art museum and a collection of Viking ships on display at the Vikingskipshuset.

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN

Head to one of Stockholm’s museums and galleries, including Skansen – an open-air museum and Nordic zoo home to bears, wolves and moose.

travels

TROMSØ, NORWAY Norway’s ‘gateway to the Arctic’, Tromsø sits 400km (250mi) from the Arctic Circle. Here you can experience the extremes of the north, such as polar nights and midnight suns.

GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN

Lovers of art and architecture will adore Gothenburg, with its neoclassical style, expansive galleries and stunning waterfront.

of the three countries, it’s the best place to visit if you’re a keen skier – after all, there’s a reason it has more gold medals at the Winter Olympics than any other nation! You’ll also find the famous Trolltunga in Norway – a slice of rock that juts out of the cliff, around 700 metres (nearly 2,300 feet) above Lake Ringedalsvatnet. It has attracted hundreds of thousands of tourists as the ultimate selfie spot. If you love adventure, Norway is definitely the place to go.

Like its neighbouring countries, Norway is a kingdom with a monarchy. Its rich history of rulers means there are stunning historical buildings across the country, including the Akershus Fortress in Oslo. Each May, Norway celebrates Constitution Day, an annual public holiday where people often dress in traditional outfits called bunad, and across the country children and marching bands take part in parades.

Sweden

While Sweden shares a mountain range with Norway, it’s perhaps better known for its numerous islands – more than 267,500 of them – many of which are accessible via ferry. Sweden is also great for hiking, with some of the most spectacular trails in the world covering everything from Arctic wilderness to deep forest. Like Norway, Sweden has a ‘right to roam’ rule, which means you can walk, cycle, ski and camp on most non-private land.

As well as plenty of green space, Sweden has a rich cultural history, including producing one of the most famous musical acts of all time, ABBA – heard of them? It’s also well known for its design credentials – the affordable flatpack furniture brand IKEA revolutionised the way many of us furnish our homes, and embodies many of the country’s traditional design principles, including functionality and, increasingly, sustainability.

Coffee is a big part of Scandinavian culture, but nowhere more so than Sweden, where there’s even a special word for the

ritual of taking a break for coffee and something to eat – fika. Of course, your cup of coffee is best paired with the Swedes’ favourite bake, the delicious cinnamon bun!

Denmark

While Denmark is geographically separated from and significantly smaller than the other Scandinavian countries, it’s the source of some of the most famous Scandi-inspired trends, including hygge. The Danes are also often touted as some of the happiest people in the world – and it’s no wonder. Danish towns are famous for their uplifting aesthetic – Copenhagen’s Nyhavn, a waterfront district in the capital, is lined with colourful houses that are as beautiful in real life as they look on Instagram.

Cycling culture is big in Denmark. Copenhagen is even known as the capital of bikes, as it’s one of the most popular and convenient ways to get around in the region. The country is also known as being one of the most socially progressive cultures in the world, including being the first in the world to legally recognise same-sex unions. Its biggest tradition is jul, the Danish equivalent of Christmas, which is celebrated throughout December and ends with juleaften, a big feast on Christmas Eve.

Denmark also has a stake in the world of literature, being the birthplace of Hans Christian Anderson, famous for writing fairy tales and stories including The Little Mermaid, The Snow Queen and The Ugly Duckling. Folklore in general is a big part of Danish tradition, with tales handed down through generations and filled with the deeds of goblins, elves and other mythical beings.

Scandi savvy

Now we’ve got our heads around these three fascinating cultures, it’s time to dive deeper into all things Scandi – and how the ethos, lifestyle and trends of the region could transform the way we live, for the better.

The three Scandinavian countries share rich heritage and traditions, along with their Nordic neighbours

Picture-perfect Henningsvær is a small fishing village in the Lofoten Islands off mainland Norway

Scandi living the joy of

From their beautiful, streamlined homes to their outdoorsy lifestyle and love of fika, we could learn a thing or two from Scandinavian life

WORDS Ellen Finch

Soft palettes, designer furniture and plenty of throws and cushions are key to Scandinavian design

Why are we so fascinated by Scandinavian life? Our collective interest in all things Scandi is so high that there are countless books and articles dedicated to everything from home design to lifestyle tips. But what is it about Scandi living that we’re so drawn to?

It might come as no surprise that in the annual World Happiness Report, published by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network, the Scandinavian countries – as well as Finland and Iceland – consistently rank in the top ten happiest countries in the world. The mystery of Nordic happiness is so sought after that there’s even a whole chapter dedicated to it in the 2020 report. So it’s no wonder that we’re all looking to adopt the habits and lifestyles of Scandinavians into our own lives –after all, why wouldn’t you want to be happier?

Here, we’ll be delving into how to embrace the Scandi way of living, especially in your home. As the place we spend the most time, whether we’re resting, playing or working, our homes benefit from some serious thought around how we want them to make us feel – and with its focus on being calm, cosy and welcoming, Scandi style is a great starting point for creating a scheme that makes you feel happy and relaxed. Of course, once we’re done designing our spaces, we need to start living in them – and we’ve got plenty of tips on how to embrace Scandi living in other areas of your life, from work to exercise. So, grab your notebook and we’ll dive right in…

curating calm

What do you picture when we say ‘Scandi home’? A quick image search online reveals all of the key characteristics we associate with Scandinavian interiors: cool, calm palettes, natural textures, plenty of light and lots and lots of rugs, cushions and throws. Scandinavian style is one of the most popular styles in the world thanks to its timelessness and achievability, and a well-done scheme is homely, considered and mindful.

Minimalism Scandi interiors have elements of minimalism in them: spaces are generally uncluttered and where there are collections of items, these are artfully arranged. However, there’s still room for manoeuvre in a Scandi scheme – it should feel streamlined, but still homely and livable. Think about the famous William Morris quote, ‘Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful’: this philosophy is key to the functional but beautiful design that Scandinavia is known for.

up largely of light, neutral colours such as white, beige and grey. That doesn’t mean to say Scandi homes aren’t impactful: the walls and floors are simply treated as the backdrop to show off designer furniture finds and upcycled treasures. The other side of Scandi style is a darker, moodier scheme, with subtle shades of green and blue. These colours are more likely to be used in places like the kitchen, where dark units might be contrasted with white walls, or as muted ‘feature walls’ in their own right.

Light Part of the allure of Scandi interiors is that they always feel fresh and bright. Natural light is ushered in through big, clean windows with minimal dressings; the bright colour palette helps to bounce light around the room, as does a careful use of mirrors. Of course, Scandinavia is known for its deep, dark winters, and Scandi style is in equal parts about using other light sources to brighten up these gloomier days. Bright-white bulbs and central ceiling lights are shunned in favour of low-level lamps and plenty of candles – the ultimate mood lighting.

Outdoors in Biophilic design – the use of nature in our homes – is important to any room scheme, but works especially well with Scandi rooms, as it helps to soften pared-back colour palettes and brings personality in through plants. Palms, ferns and the large-leafed Monstera deliciosa are popular, and are found all around the home, but particularly in living areas that benefit from big, statement foliage.

design for life

Sustainability is at the core of Scandinavian life, not least in design. One of the region’s biggest homeware and furniture exports, Ikea, has made it part of its ethos, focusing on phasing out single-use plastic, opting for renewable materials and even trialling a rental scheme for its furniture, starting with Switzerland. Of course, there are growing ways to be more sustainable in our homes, and Scandinavia is just one of many places embracing innovative new technologies, from solar power to smart systems. But as well as the bigger-picture things, here are some of the smaller, achievable principles at the heart of Scandi design:

Colour palettes

You won’t find bold, garish colours or patterned walls in Scandi homes: instead, they prefer a calmer palette made

Invest in quality Nordic design is timeless, and rather than picking up and dropping trends as they come and go out of style, most Scandinavians prefer to dress their homes in a slow, considered way, picking out quality items that will stand the test of time and never look dated. It’s not unusual for homes to be filled with furniture that’s been handed down through the years and that has developed its own character or patina over time. Rather than replacing items when they look a little scuffed or worn, pieces are cared for and repaired.

sustainable Scandi living

Planet-friendly living is a huge part of Scandi life. Here are some ways you can embrace living more sustainably at home

SHOP LOCAL

Shopping locally limits transport emissions, as you’ll be driving a shorter distance or, even better, not driving at all – try walking or cycling to your nearest supermarket.

EAT SEASONALLY (OR GROW YOUR OWN)

Out-of-season foods are often shipped from across the world. Grow your own fruit or veg in your garden, or simply nurture a few pots of herbs in your kitchen.

USE LESS PLASTIC

Opt for goods without packaging where you can, and use old jars or canisters to stock up on dried goods if your local shop or market enables this.

SAVE ENERGY

Reducing waste is one of the most important ways to live more sustainably, and that includes energy waste. Switch off appliances when not in use and turn heating down.

RECYCLE AND REUSE

Find ways to reuse what you have: from old jam jars used as vases, to repainting an unloved chair –you’ll add character to your home, too.

Scandi socialising is all about creating atmosphere with hygge lighting, good food and great company

Natural materials Scandi schemes are created from the ground up with natural materials. Wood floors are favoured over carpets, and either painted white for a beachy feel or covered in rugs for added texture. Soft furnishings made from wool or cotton take precedence over man-made fibres like polyester, and are all the cosier for it.

Buying second hand The joy of scouring flea markets, car boot sales or online second-hand marketplaces until you find the perfect vintage treasure vastly outweighs the quick thrill you get from an impulsive fast-fashion or homeware buy, and Scandinavians know this well. Shopping for antiques is a hyggelit pastime (see page 62 for more on hygge), and pieces are valued for their rich history and the lives, and stories, they represent: finding a new home for a mid-century sideboard or beautifully crafted armchair is a special pleasure of its own.

seasonal living

When you experience fairly extreme winters with long, dark nights and freezing temperatures like Scandinavians do, you gain a greater awareness of the seasons. That’s why living seasonally is so important to many Scandinavians: it’s a way not only of tuning in with nature, but also of acclimatising oneself to the conditions and trying to find the beauty in every month of the year.

There are two key ways to live seasonally: eating and styling. The Nordic diet, encompassing Finland and Iceland as well as Scandinavia, focuses on locally sourced food, so eating seasonally comes naturally. Eating only what has been provided by the earth is also a more sustainable way of consuming, as it relies less on imports from other countries. In the summer months,

Scandinavians enjoy a glut of fruits and berries, while in the winter, trusty favourites like leeks, beetroot and potatoes dominate; fresh fish, a big part of the Scandi diet, varies by the month too.

When it comes to the home, Scandi style embraces the seasons through accessories, too. Rather than buying new items every three or four months, styling is based on the natural materials available in that season: fresh blooms in the spring and summer, berries and twigs in the later months. The wreath isn’t just for Christmas, with variations for every season, from lush green versions in the warmer months and tones of red, orange and yellow through autumn and winter.

work-life balance

In Expert Market’s annual study of the most productive countries based on GDP and average hours worked, Norway, Denmark and Sweden consistently rank in the top 10. Even more impressive, though, is that they do this while having a better work-life balance than many other countries, including the US and the UK. The average Dane, for example, will clock off at around 4pm every day to pick up their children or start their evening activities, and all three countries have laws mandating a minimum of 25 days’ paid annual leave. It’s fair to say, then, that we could learn something from the Scandinavians when it comes to juggling work and everything else.

What they’re tapping in to is simply balance. Rather than aiming for total success, Scandinavians know that the key to happiness is found in non-work passions and time with family and friends, as much as it is pursuing a career that you love. Working extra hours is actively discouraged and most people will take

Adapt Scandi style to suit your tastes – whether you like minimal schemes or moody palettes

make Scandi work for you

How to adapt the Scandi style to suit your own tastes and lifestyle

Not sure Scandi style is right for you? There are a myriad of ways to bring in the palettes and textures it’s associated with, while keeping to your own taste. If you’re a lover of a pared-back scheme, keep to a base of whites, but layer up shades to add depth, and bring in interest through textures like jute and linen. A light palette might seem like a nightmare if you have young kids to think about – if so, opt for moody but subtle sage greens and navy blues, and balance with wooden furniture (hey, the knocks and scratches will only add character!) and fluffy throws. More of a maximalist? Bring in bold, statement patterns through rugs and cushions (monochrome works particularly well), or opt for a statement wallpaper combined with mid-century furniture, and add metallic accents with brass or chrome. And finally, you can never have too many plants, so go overboard with species in every shape, size and colour – they’ll help to filter the air and boost its quality, too.

Scandi style isn’t just about light colour palettes, as this modern black kitchen shows

their full holiday quota, because the Scandi people value their time as much as any extra money. After all, if you’re working until 7 or 8pm every day, when will you find time to do what you love?

time for fika

In Sweden, people take time out every day to enjoy fika – a word that roughly translates as ‘a coffee and cake break’, but that encompasses a wider ethos of social connection. Twice a day, Swedes take 15 to 30 minutes out of their day to enjoy a hot drink and a baked good – cinnamon buns are a popular option, so much so that there’s even a day dedicated to the sweet treat – and step away from their work or household chores to meet with friends or colleagues. The social aspect of fika is what sets it apart from a quick coffee-to-go break. It strengthens relationships and encourages connection on a deeper level – and there are also suggestions that when done at work, it improves productivity, too.

embrace the outdoors

Scandinavians have long known the benefits of the outdoors for human happiness. Evidence from numerous psychological studies suggests that being exposed to natural environments improves mental wellbeing, with reduced stress and increased positive emotions. On a less direct level, green environments encourage us to get outside and exercise or socialise. Have you ever noticed strong feelings of grogginess and fatigue, only to realise you haven’t taken even one step outside that day? We all know that a quick walk in the local park or countryside does wonders to clear our heads and relax our bodies – it’s just that Scandinavians have made the outdoors much more a part of daily life than many other countries have.

When it comes to exercise, Scandinavians do most of theirs outdoors, so they get the combined benefits of moving their body and getting some fresh air at the same time. Hiking is almost a national pastime, particularly in Norway, where the stunning mountain views are second to none. Cycling is a popular way to get around, especially in Denmark, and many also achieve their daily steps in the form of jogging. There’s even an eco-friendly

version of the latter, called ‘plogging’, where joggers combine their daily runs with picking up litter – a movement that began in Sweden in 2016 and has since picked up momentum in other countries, too. Give it a go – there might be a local group near you, or consider setting one up yourself!

stop comparing

One of the most interesting conclusions to come out of the World Happiness Report was the fact that people in Nordic countries have lower ‘status anxiety’ than other countries – that is, they care less about how ‘successful’ they are compared to societal expectations, probably partly thanks to the fact that these countries have strong welfare states that protect those with low incomes and reduce the societal gap between rich and poor. ‘It seems possible,’ the report says, ‘that keeping up with the Joneses doesn’t carry as much weight in Nordic countries as in the US and many other countries.’

reach out

According to the World Happiness Report, Nordic countries have higher levels of trust and social connections than many other places around the world. This connectedness is so powerful, it’s cited as a factor in those countries’ higher wellbeing. But how can we foster a similar sense of community – especially for those of us living alone, in big cities or isolated places? Volunteering is a great way to get involved in things on a local level, and helping others also makes us feel better about ourselves. Another is to join a group for people with similar interests to you, whether that’s a book or film club, a crafts class or a political movement. And finally, there’s nothing better than hanging out with a group of friends, so try organising regular meet-ups – a coffee shop is a great place for a casual catch-up, or try a picnic in your local park in the warmer months.

Feeling excited about creating a Scandi-inspired home of your own? Good! Use the rest of this Bible as your guide to embracing the Scandi lifestyle in every corner of your space, from your kitchen and living spaces to your garden.

Add edge to a pared-back scheme with an industrial element, like this concretestyle textured wall

lagom

26

lagom: pursuing a balanced life

In a world overflowing with excess, many Swedes have chosen to embrace a way of life that provides them with exactly what they need WORDS Bee Ginger

Often dubbed ‘the secret of Swedish contentment’, lagom encourages us to create a happy life by choosing to live a balanced existence. Lagom is all about moderation and its definition can roughly be summarised as: not too little, not too much – just right. Pronounced ‘law-gohm’ (with emphasis on the ‘g’), it is a philosophy and approach to living your life in a balanced way, with everything functional and sustainable. If everyone takes a lagom amount from life then they will be content and leave just enough for everyone else to do the same.

The old saying ‘lagom är bäst’ (‘lagom is best’, or ‘everything in moderation’) encapsulates everyday life in Sweden

Scandinavian style is based around a pride in tradition, heritage and a huge environmental awareness

The concept of lagom is essential to the Swedish identity, permeating through every aspect of daily life. One could even argue that the Swedish model of economics and social policies was influenced by the philosophy of lagom, as it combines elements of both capitalism and socialism.

Common to many Scandinavian countries is the informal rule known as ‘Jantelagen’, or the ‘law of Jante’. This is a societal code that is primarily based around the principle that nobody is better than anyone else. People do not show off their social status or boast about their achievements because the focus of Jante is on everyone being equal. This applies to all levels of society. Perhaps it is no surprise, then, that Sweden is a world leader in gender equality, with almost half of its representatives in parliament being women.

lagom and Scandi living

Through lagom we could improve so many parts of our daily lives. By embracing lagom and taking a step back from unsustainable consumerism, you can reassess your priorities. A 2019 survey by Barclaycard reported that one in three British people think that they would be happier if they earned more money. However, by spending on what we really need (rather than everything we want) and trying to save a little each month, we could all take a leaf out of the Swedes’ book. By taking ‘lagom mycket’ (what we need and nothing more), we may be able to reduce our financial worries by treating our earnings more responsibly. Changing what we perceive to be wealth can help to improve our own happiness.

Lagom really is a rare example of moderation and modesty in a world that is forever craving more.

The core belief of lagom runs through the Swedish identity. Not taking more than your share, not dominating a conversation, and allowing others to have their turn without interruption. The Swedish take pride in knowing when to say enough, the ideal state being reached when there is a clear balance between wants and needs. Having more is not always better and does not always lead to a happier outcome.

practical ways to achieve lagom in the home

Living minimally and without excess clutter can make your life less stressful. A clean and minimalist home is easy to achieve. By having fewer possessions you will also appreciate what you do have, plus you will create room for more breathing space. Focus on high-quality, meaningful pieces that will last. Less really is more, and by steering clear of mass-produced, flimsy, throwaway items, your impact on landfill and the environment is positively impacted as well. For example, over the past 20 years, Sweden has seen a revolution in recycling, with 99% of locally produced waste being either recycled or used to generate energy. A ‘just enough’ approach really lends itself to sustainable living.

A lagom home should be purposeful. Good design can improve both your mental and physical wellbeing. Many Swedish homes are functional, filled with light and muted colours, and have a clean aesthetic throughout. Particularly relevant in today’s throwaway culture, lagom encourages us to think of our planet and buy products made from sustainable materials. It may cost more initially to buy something crafted by a specialist, but in the long run it will last. No more money wasted on replacements when low-quality items break. Upcycling, sourcing second-hand items with a story, and choosing wisely where to spend your money are all key elements of lagom, as is respect for nature and connecting with the environment. We need to appreciate what the world has given us by incorporating lagom in our lives and by not taking too much. We are currently stripping the world bare of resources and leaving nothing for future generations.

Lagom can be applied to every part of your life – even food. When applied to cooking, lagom means embracing food that is good for your body and your soul, eating something that is delicious, but also unfussy and nourishing. Eating healthily is especially important, as is avoiding fad diets and unhealthy body expectations. Keep lagom in mind when you plan your meals. Appropriate portion sizes, storing food correctly, using leftovers and recycling waste are all great ways to reduce your carbon footprint and be content in the here and now.

lagom and hygge

Lagom influences Swedish language, culture and life in a similar way that hygge does in Denmark. No translation really does either of them justice, as they are both so loaded with meaning. The two philosophies complement each other beautifully though. Lagom is about finding happiness and harmonious balance, while hygge focuses on feeling cosy and safe, taking time out and appreciating the small joys in life.

How lagom applies to you entirely depends on how you choose to view it. It is more about a way of life based on balance and fairness, while hygge highlights the importance of moments of reflection or pleasure throughout your day. However, by joining the two together you can create a more proportioned life all round. Enjoy a simpler way of life by living in a more environmentally conscious way while still allowing yourself the small pleasures that make every day rewarding. Lagom is quality over quantity; it is about giving yourself what you actually need. Hygge is that feeling we have all felt before at some point but just did not know the name for it. Embrace the two and you can create the perfect Scandinavian-inspired lifestyle.

the work-life balance

Through news and social media, our own health and happiness are often affected due to the negativity in what we read and see. By setting boundaries on the amount of content we absorb, we can enhance both our mental and physical health. Scheduling time away from our phones and computers to engage in exercise, hobbies or some self-care are also important elements of lagom.

Lagom also translates well to a healthy work-life balance by encouraging people to be more efficient and find ways to work better, not longer. Taking one task at a time and doing it well is what lagom in the workplace is all about. Celebrate each completed task and remember to take regular breaks. Scandinavians are actively encouraged to use all of their allotted holiday time. By taking this time out, you are more productive afterwards. This also reduces stress and in turn benefits your physical and mental health. So take time to stop for fika at work. Even the mighty Volvo plant stops for this, as it is considered an important time of the day to pause, socialise and refresh. You should never be too busy for fika.

Personal time also extends to lunch breaks. Lunch is never taken at your desk, and taking a break of an hour or two is seen as perfectly normal. Similarly, working overtime is not valued and can be seen as evidence of poor time management. Ask how someone’s day was and hopefully they will respond “lagom busy” – busy, but not so busy that they didn’t have time for a coffee. In Sweden, there is a huge emphasis on spending time with family and loved ones, therefore working hours are often flexible. Swedish couples are also entitled to 480 days of paid leave when they have a baby, and this can be shared between both parents.

a lagom way of life

Instinctively we strive to create the best life we think we should have, but there is something intensely freeing about lagom. Step

away from wanting the biggest or best of everything, and the unrelenting pressure that attitude to life inevitably puts on us and the environment. Relax and stop striving for unattainable goals that will ultimately leave you unsatisfied. Take time to appreciate the here and now with the philosophy of ‘what I have is enough, and I am appreciative of that’.

Although lagom tends to lean towards the overall wellbeing of a society, it is also important on an individual basis. It is experienced differently by each person. Ultimately, though, it translates as being content with your lot in life. Aspire to moderate. If we better distribute resources, both in our homes and working lives, then there will be more left for later on. Lagom really encapsulates the space between excess and minimalism; living better with less.

So perhaps the next time you are thinking about buying some more cinnamon-scented candles, you should stop and take a moment to consider whether it is too little, too much, or maybe it is just lagom.

Sustainability and lagom go hand in hand. Sweden has some of the best recycling rates in the world

declutter your home

Stuff. In an age of conspicuous consumption, although we may always want it, we generally already have too much of it

WORDS Rebecca Lewry-Gray

Clutter is simply having more stuff than we use, need or have space for. For someone who regularly wears and loves high heels, 15 pairs may not be clutter; for someone who never does, even one pair is. It isn’t the same as untidiness, although when a home is cluttered, it is virtually impossible to keep tidy. And often it accumulates over a period, so you may not notice just how bad it’s become until a transitional time such as moving house or redecorating.

why declutter?

Besides being difficult to live amongst physically, dealing with clutter on a daily basis can affect other areas of your life and be very draining on a personal level. If simple admin tasks mean long hunts for relevant documents, or you end up missing a gym class because you failed to locate both trainers, it might be time for a declutter. Cluttered surroundings can have an impact on how we feel about ourselves and result in a cluttered mindset.

On the other hand, decluttering frees up valuable time, space and emotional energy. When your surroundings are lighter and brighter, your mind and spirits get an instant boost.

get to the route of the problem

When the realisation you need to declutter hits, it is worth asking yourself a few questions. When did the clutter start building?

What kind of clutter is it? How is it affecting you? What has stopped you from tackling it before? What difference will getting rid of it make? Truthful answers can help you to declutter more effectively, as well as help avoid it building up again.

As an example, a freelance writer once realised she had man aged to accumulate every publication she had ever had an article published in – for the best part of 20 years. For her, this repre sented her career and achievements, but it was also taking up most of a spare room. Her solution was to edit this down to what would fit on one row of a bookshelf. This one small decision im mediately freed up considerable space in an area previously piled high with boxes.

Similarly, people may hang on to wardrobes full of clothes that haven’t fitted for years ‘just in case’; or have a special eggboiling gadget and more than half a dozen egg cups littering up a cupboard when they live on their own and prefer scrambled.

There’s usually a reason for knowingly hanging on to things we don’t need or use, and often that involves an attachment to another time, place or person. Working out what this is, be it an ideal weight, or memories of a big family breakfasting together, can help you to realise what you are really holding onto, and conversely help you let it go.

back to basics

There’s no getting away from the fact that if your home has got into a very cluttered state over a number of years, it will likely take some weeks (even months), plenty of motivation and a definite plan of action to reverse the trend. Decide on an amount of time you can realistically spend on the job in hand – be that six hours at a weekend or even just half an hour a day – put it in your diary and stick to it. Create an atmosphere you find personally motivating, perhaps playing your favourite music, and gather together the things you need, such as bin bags, a paper shredder or boxes to organise items. Enlist a friend if you feel you’d benefit from objectivity or some physical help with moving heavy items, and offer to take them out to lunch as a thank you (or perhaps they would like some of the things you’re getting rid of – win, win!).

memory lane, not drain

Where clutter is a result of holding on to things for sentimental reasons, it can be incredibly difficult to give them up. A widow or widower who sees every item as symbolising a previous partner and their life together can easily end up with several rooms full of stuff they no longer need. If a downsize is called for, it can then feel quite traumatic to deal with.

If you have lost someone special or are cherishing a whole crateload of artwork from numerous grandchildren, buy an attractive (but not ludicrously large) box for memories of that person or people, and prioritise the most important things to go into it. You should be able to fit several of these boxes, along with wedding and special photo albums, into an ottoman or storage chest that becomes your designated nostalgia zone. Just don’t fill it up and be tempted to buy another two!

get the gear

Have the following to hand when decluttering:

Strong bin bags for obvious rubbish and recycling.

At least four different boxes marked ‘Charity’, ‘Friends’, ‘Sell’, and ‘Keep’. (When you’ve filled them, be sure to action these boxes promptly rather than leaving them sitting there for weeks. Anything you keep also needs to be put away properly).

A shredder for personal paperwork that you no longer need.

A file with different sections (car, home insurance and so on), so important documents can be filed immediately rather than shifted around.

A suitcase, clothes protector bags and scented sachets for seasonal wardrobe decluttering.

moving room by room

Decluttering a house is a massive undertaking. Make the process easier by breaking it down into rooms, then into areas and specific functions of those rooms

Clearing the clutter we have learnt to live with can initially seem like an insurmountable task. So start small. By breaking the house down into manageable chunks, the jobs will become easier.

Before you begin, reflect on how you got to a cluttered state. For instance, are you getting rid of clothes because they no longer fit or because you bought poorly? Clutter is a modern problem.

If you think about your grandparents’ generation, they bought once and well or went without. Wastage is also a very modern problem; we waste food, clothes and books if we don’t use them. This is not good news for the planet as we continue to consume mindlessly.

Being aware of how and why you create clutter means you can change your habits. If not, you’ll have to declutter once you are snowed under again. What are the underlying problems you need to tackle to prevent clutter? Are you overwhelmed with laundry to put away or children’s drawings? Proper homes for items can help. ‘Homeless’ items are the biggest component of clutter. These are things that have no true place, either due to a lack of necessity or a lack of storage. You need to be ruthless when categorising clutter. Many decluttering experts feel you should not hold onto something for a ‘someday’ situation. We all have items that are aspirational, such as crockery we save for ‘best’. By not using it, you’re implying you’re not worthy of it. Use the good stuff, even if you’re worried about its monetary value – it has no value hidden away. Value can also be a barrier to removing items you don’t use anymore. The sunk cost fallacy makes us feel we are wasting the money we spent on an item if we get rid of it. Remember the money has already been spent, and you’re actually wasting that money by not using it or passing it along to someone who will use it.

Decluttering is not a ‘once and done’ job; it will require constant maintenance. But by blitzing through the house, room by room, you set yourself up for success.

small steps, big impact

It can feel intimidating when you begin to tackle your clutter, but breaking it down is the key to success

If every room in the house is heaving with clutter, it can be hard to know where to start. Target an area where you’ll see a difference quickly, such as a hallway or bookshelf, to provide an instant sense of achievement and spur you on. This is preferable to starting on a larger mission where you risk ending up feeling overwhelmed and give up.

turn clutter into cash

If you struggle to get rid of things because their financial value concerns you, try making money from them

Give yourself an extra incentive by turning unwanted items into cash. Do a car boot sale (providing you can trust yourself not to end up buying!). What doesn’t sell can go straight into bags and be taken to a charity shop. Or for more valuable or specialist items, set aside a few hours to list them on eBay or other similar websites.

© Unsplash; Alyssa Strohmann

welcome in

Entryways are often the first impression we give of our homes, and a cluttered space is usually not the impression we want to give

Clutter as a first impression may be an embarrassing or stressful thing to arrive home to. The last thing we want after a long day is to return to a room or space that is heaving with clutter, not to mention a tripping hazard!

Entryways can easily become cluttered; guests bring their own items, family members tend to dump shoes and coats in the rush to get into the house, and things on the way out of the house can often end up getting left in the entryway.

Before you start pulling coats, scarves and shoes out of the space, take a moment to look at what is getting left there. Are these items truly homeless or are they just being put there out of laziness? It’s time to work with the rest of the family to ‘train out’ these bad habits. As with all decluttering work, this is an on-going task; a quick collection of owned items can become a daily chore.

Also ask yourself if the storage you have is doing its job. If you can’t find something you’re looking for, you’ll often end up buying more, which not only wastes your money but also takes up more space! Storage for your entryway, as a public space, should be both useful and attractive.

challenge yourself for a week

Only hang one coat per person in your entryway. What do you find yourself searching for, or what are you not wearing? This may make you reconsider what is actually needed.

getting under your feet

An entry space can quickly get cluttered with footwear and coats – here are some tips to avoid this

How many coats and shoes do you need (not ‘want’) in the vicinity of the front door? Perhaps store some elsewhere.

Check the condition of items. Get good pieces repaired or cleaned, then categorise shoes and coats into store, donate and recycle piles.

Take a look at the seasonality. Is there an alternative space that off-season footwear and coats can be stored until they’re needed?

Be ruthless and ask: ‘Why are these shoes here?’ ‘When was the last time I wore this coat?’ As with so much decluttering, it isn’t always about getting rid of things, but finding the right home for the items.

Think about storage. Is your current solution not working or are there just too many shoes? There is a huge variety of footwear storage available; look at the space you have and decide on the primary function that you need addressing.

space to live

Living rooms have a variety of uses: playroom, cinema and reception space

T

ake into account your use of the living room. Our homes are personal spaces, and the way we use a room is as well. Your living room might be the very heart of the house, where you relax and spend time together as a family, or you may centre your social time around the kitchen, meaning that the living room is a more formal space or only used in the evening.

When you begin your decluttering journey in the living room, take a moment to observe where the pinch points are. Where does clutter accumulate and what does this clutter consist of? Depending on how you best work, put some music on and start the hard work. Begin by removing items that do not belong in the living room.

When you are faced with a tricky item, ask yourself: ‘Where would I look for this item?’ This will guide you on where to place something and even help you to decide whether or not you really need to hold on to it.

Clear your surfaces. Once you’ve placed items where they belong, cleaning as you go, dig deeper into shelves, drawers and units. Be honest with yourself and ruthless with the clutter; do you really need all those books, magazines, DVDs or video games?

You will need to be clear on the purpose of your living room to ensure you’re not drowning in clutter the next time you look around. Banish toys and games to children’s rooms or a

playroom if you have one. Each child could take ownership of a caddy with a handle, so they make it a habit to take their toys back to their room once they’ve finished playing or before bedtime. Realistically, some children’s toys may remain, but work on some clever storage so you can reclaim the living room once they are in bed. Baskets can work for quick tidying, however you do need to walk that fine line between useful storage and more clutter. You might also need to ask why you’re holding on to clutter. If the answer is ‘I don’t know’, get ready to let it go.

Large, bulky furniture pieces can feel cluttered, as well as attract clutter. If you’re feeling brave, consider removing bulky coffee tables or look for streamlined alternatives. Built-in storage is a big plus! If you are feeling pushed for space, could you downsize on the seating? Many charities will happily collect donated furniture, but be aware that soft furnishings should only be donated if they still retain their fire label.

The living room will be one of the most challenging rooms to keep tidy, simply because we use it on a daily basis. You will need to declutter here regularly, constantly assessing what is being used. Clutter creep is real, so try to commit to only bringing in high-quality items that serve a needed purpose. That way, you probably won’t find that you are throwing it away in six months’ time!

Test yourself to see how much you need and use certain things

If you have the room for storage, another strategy that may help you to declutter is a time capsule of sorts. If you cannot bear to part from something, put it in a box, seal it up and keep it for six to twelve months. If you haven’t needed or missed it in that time, donate it without opening up the box.

no room for coffee

Try to clear the coffee table every day, as you would make your bed

Flat surfaces have a way of attracting clutter; it still appears easier to dump things than put them back where they (should) belong. Pull everything off the coffee table and take a hard look at what is cluttering it. What issue are you needing to handle after taking the items back to where they belong? If you find that books clutter up the surfaces in the living room, take a look at your storage needs and whether you can make room for these books by culling unnecessary books. If toys are the main culprit of clutter, it may be time to take a look at the storage solutions you already use, and also use the opportunity to talk to the children in your house!

If old glasses or crockery are cluttering up the coffee table, make a new rule that a used kitchen item needs to be removed from the room whenever the person using it leaves the room.

get creative bric-a-brac physical media cushions, blankets and throws

Tackle those shelves of CDs, DVDs and video games you no longer use

It’s easy to want to hold on to CDs and DVDs after investing time and money. Take a hard and honest look at them. Start by asking if you have an easy way to play them. If not, download the CDs to your computer and donate the hard copy.

Organise the media into piles, keep your favourites and be ruthless; if you own it on another platform/format then don’t keep another copy.

If organising video games, ask when each one was last played and whether you will replay it. There are specialist charities that receive donated consoles for hospital wards.

If you want to hold on to a movie, try removing it from the plastic case and keep it in a ‘movie sleeve’ to save space. Each sleeve has space for two DVDs or CDs. These sleeves can then be tidied into a box.

Ensure that decorative items such as ornaments don’t become clutter

By starting with a fresh slate, we are able to identify what we value around our living room, and what has just become background noise. Clear the surfaces of ornaments, give the shelves a clean, and clean the ornaments too. Ask yourself why you are holding on to certain items. Personal collections and heirlooms are obviously important, so give these items pride of place to demonstrate the value you have ascribed to them. That way, special ornaments don’t get ‘lost in the mix’. Anything you feel ambivalent about should be donated or gifted. You could set up a group chat with friends or members of your family to offer items that you think they would appreciate. Anything that has been earmarked for donation should be out of your house as soon as you are able to transport it elsewhere.

While cushions and throws can make a room look cosy, too many just become clutter

Strip the sofa of all cushions and blankets. Clean the sofa and underneath if you can.

Check over the cushions and blankets for damage and dirt – do any cushions need to be cleaned, repaired or restuffed?

Generally three-seater sofas can be overwhelmed by cushion arrangements of more than five. Are cushions getting in the way?

Take a look at the blankets you have. How many do you use or need? Try to find some storage for the summer months.

To reduce visual clutter on the sofa, try to stick to a two-two-one rule: two large cushions on the outside, two smaller ones nestled into the previous, and a centrepiece in the middle.

heart

of the home

If you’re a keen cook you’ll spend a

amount of time in the kitchen, and clutter helps no one achieve what they need to

Your kitchen should work for you. Ask yourself what you use it for. Do your children do homework there, or do you entertain in the kitchen? Keeping the kitchen decluttered, clean and tidy is a challenge as so many activities can take place there.

Take a look at your kitchen. Are the countertops full of gadgets you rarely use, or are you struggling under mountains of washing up? This may seem overwhelming but start with one area at a time – one drawer, one cupboard – and give yourself time to sort properly. Organise like with like and ask yourself: is this a duplicate? A cluttered kitchen means you cannot find that one thing you need to make dinner, and you may end up buying another one when at the shop. Kitchen gadgets are enormous space invaders, especially when you consider how much time you spend using them. Is the value of the counter space worth more than a machine you don’t use every day? If you struggle to remember when you last used the gadget, donate, gift or sell it! We all struggle to get rid of things that could prove to be useful. It sounds harsh, but if it hasn’t been useful in the past, the chances are that it won’t be in the future. Ask yourself: ‘Would I buy this today?’. Does it make your kitchen life easier?

To help cut down on multiples of crockery and glasses, get your family into the habit of washing up regularly, and you won’t need so many multiples. This will also cut down on the clutter of dirty dishes piling up in the sink!

Another barrier to getting rid of things is a sunk-cost fallacy. Remember that if you’re not using the thing you bought, it has no value now. Pause before impulse buying a fashionable gadget: is there already something in your kitchen that can do this job?

By going through your kitchen regularly and handling your belongings, you get a better sense of what you already own. This is true for food as well as tools and gadgets. Food wastage is a thing we should all be aware of, as around a third of food produced is wasted. Untidy fridges and larders directly contribute to this, because we don’t know what we have so we buy more, not using the items we have already, which eventually have to be thrown out.

Kitchen decor should be kept to a minimum; we’ve all experienced that sticky film that can build up in kitchens. Having a kitchen full of fiddly little objects is not only annoying when it comes to cleaning, but unhygienic too.

recipe for success

Give yourself some time to rifle through your cookbooks and ask yourself when you last used them. Are you holding on to a book just for one or two recipes? If you are, take a picture of the relevant pages, or copy the recipe out and then donate the book. Cooking magazines can also clutter up a kitchen very easily. Tear out the recipes you use or will be trying, store them in a folder or accordion file, and then recycle the magazine.

If you’re holding on to recipe books in the hope of using them, give yourself a deadline and experiment. If you don’t hit the deadline, donate the book!

Instead of handling the clutter in your fridge by stripping out its entire contents, which can be costly in terms of spoilt food, try organising shelf by shelf.

Remove a shelf and everything on it. Start at the top, cleaning the body of the fridge as well as the shelf supports. Clean the removable shelves and take a look at the items on them. Are they all in date or within ‘used by’ recommendations?

Once everything is clean and old food has been binned, it’s time to organise. Plastic baskets, or even food storage containers without lids can be used to hold cheeses or loose fruit and so on.

Try to organise your fridge by food type: upper shelves should be reserved for things that do not need cooking, middle shelves for dairy, bottom shelves for meat and fish, and the drawers for fruits and vegetables. The door is the warmest area of the fridge, so products with natural preservatives can be kept here.

what’s for dinner?

Wasted food is an epidemic. Stockpiling store cupboard food doesn’t help

It’s easy to miss used-by dates if you cannot see the food that you have in your cupboards. This means the food (and your money) is wasted.

Take out all of your cupboard foodstuffs and group them by type. Take a look at the items you have stockpiled; are these your frequently eaten items or are you stocking up on things you don’t actually use? Be aware of ‘aspirational’ items; do you have good intentions to try new things but resort to your regular meals? Bring these items to the fore of the cupboard; if you can see them, you’re more likely to use them.

Treat your food cupboards and larders as a shop. How can you make it easier for you to ‘shop’ your own cupboard?

If you have found that you are in the habit of stockpiling, use up food that is languishing on the shelf before you buy a replacement.

Pull out all your utensils and group them on the countertops by type. How many of each do you really need?

Check conditions of utensils; anything broken should be recycled or discarded for you to replace with a better-quality version.

If you find yourself overwhelmed with multiples, make a pledge to yourself to make your things last; for example, instead of buying more knives, get them sharpened and keep them sharp.

Many small items perform more than one job; keep this in mind when you’re tempted by a new wonder gadget.

organising utensilstackling the fridge getting to grips with pans

Consider a one-in, one-out rule. If you’ve been dealing with multiples in a kitchen, ask yourself whether you have a reason to have 25 forks. The same goes for plates; if you don’t entertain dinner parties regularly, you have no need to keep so many plates.

Unless you’re a professional chef handling multiple sauces at once, you may have too many pans

Pull your pots and pans out. Are you dealing with multiples? Ask yourself how often you use more than one frying pan.

Recycle or discard any non-stick pan that is losing its coating. While the jury is out as to whether this is dangerous to your health, the last thing you want in your food are black flakes.

Stack like with like and stick to it. It is easy to just throw clean pots and pans in the cupboard, but you will curse your past self for being lazy when all the pans fall out.

Lids can be sorted into organisers mounted on the door of a cupboard or upright in a rack.

Small tension rods installed vertically in a cupboard can organise cutting mats and baking trays, as well as frying pans and lids.

an ideal bedroom

Bedrooms should be an oasis of calm. The last thing we need when getting ready for the day or for a good night’s sleep is clutter, hiding the essentials

Bedrooms can become a dumping ground for clutter, because they are usually a space that guests rarely see. If you share your bedroom, try to tackle the decluttering together – you have shared ownership of the room so you should share the responsibility.

Take a look at your bedroom. What kinds of clutter are you dealing with? Dirty or clean laundry can be a sign that you need to work on your chore routines. It also shows that you need space to put away clothes.

Junk on bedside tables needs to be addressed. Do you really need these things immediately on waking, or can they have more efficient storage solutions?

Pull out categories of clutter: shoes, clothes, underwear, books and so on. It will be less overwhelming and you get a better sense of progress. Use a three-box method here: ‘get rid of’, ‘move somewhere cleverer’, and ‘keep’. The ‘keep’ box can be a challenge to empty, but you should have a lot more space once you’ve cleared the clutter.

As with the living room, take a look at the furniture you have in the bedroom. Ask yourself if it is working for you and your needs. A bedside table with multiple drawers may appear helpful in eating up junk, but it can be a crutch for holding on to things you don’t really need. Freeing up floor space is a great way to make a room feel and look bigger. Wall shelving and floating cupboards can also give the illusion of a much larger space.

After you have cleared the clutter and before you put your necessities back, give the space a thorough clean. Before putting everything back, look at your available storage from another viewpoint. There are no hard and fast rules with clothes storage – who says jumpers and woollens need to be folded in the top of your wardrobe? Try a few variations and see what works for you.

Remember it can be next to impossible to relax before bed with visions of clutter dancing in your head. Get your room tidy and peaceful, and soon your head will follow.

beside the bed side

Keeping a bedside table clutter-free can lead to a less stressful wake-up time; you won’t be groping around for your glasses, phone or a fresh glass of water if that’s all that is present. Clutter can also trigger stress hormones, and these in turn can affect our sleep patterns.

Remove everything from the table and then only put back the items that you use first thing in the morning or the last thing at night. You can use organising containers for essentials on the top and inside any drawers, but make sure they are fit for purpose; large containers can so easily become dumping grounds. Smaller tubs are ideal inside a bedside drawer to corral those difficult pieces like hair ties and cufflinks; make sure you can see what is inside the tubs; we tend to use the things we see.

what’s under the bed?

It’s time to get under the bed and investigate what’s being stashed under there! It’s so easy to throw things under the bed because it’s a convenient place for storage. But as with so many areas, out of sight often means out of mind, and we’re not getting the full use of a handy space if we’re just using it for a dumping ground! Anything under your bed that you haven’t used in six months or so should probably be donated or gifted.

After pulling everything out, give the space a clean, which can be hard to do with clutter! Decide what you want the purpose of the space to be. Should under the bed be the space to keep seasonal clothes? Keep this purpose in mind when culling the clutter and re-homing items. Maximise your space by using rolling storage bins. Be sure to regularly go through these to ensure you’re not just moving the clutter around.

back to basics

When we style bedrooms, we often use a lot of cushions and throws. This can be an extra layer of clutter you don’t need, especially if you are spending time taking the cushions off at night and then putting them back on again in the morning.

However, if you enjoy dressing your bed, don’t stop. Decluttering is a personal journey. Just try to ensure that you keep the decorative cushions you are actually using and actively enjoying. You may find that you need to change the styling of your bed, thanks to the decluttered, streamlined look you achieve with the rest of the room.

Any blankets you no longer need can be donated or gifted. Usually, cushions can only be donated if a fire label is still attached; always check ahead.

wardrobe tidy get folding recharge spaces

Each day we look inside our wardrobes, choose what to wear and then close the doors. This kind of ‘out of sight, out of mind’ action is dangerous when it comes to clutter. We can easily ignore the problem of an overstuffed wardrobe because we can shut it away. No more!

If trying to organise everything at once feels overwhelming, break it down: office wear, shirts, dresses and so on. Take a proper look at the condition and fit – do you still love the piece, or is it still useful to you? Be honest here. If in good condition, you can donate the clothes or organise a clothes swap with friends.

If you prefer a slow and steady approach in decluttering your hanging clothes, try putting hangers backwards on the rail in order to give yourself a visual reminder of what you’re not wearing.

When we’re overwhelmed with clothing clutter, we can get stuck in a loop of only wearing the things that are at the top of a drawer. It’s time to pull everything out.

Recycle clothes that are worn out, stained or damaged. T-shirts can be used as cleaning rags.

Look at the type of clothes you have in your drawer. Are you looking at multiple grey tops? Often multiples is an excuse not to stay on top of washing. Be honest – is this a crutch for you?

Refold your clothes, using whatever technique works for you. Leggings and jeans can be rolled to save space. Sell, donate or gift items that you no longer love or no longer suit you. Remember the job is not complete until the clutter is out of your house.

Bedrooms are a place to recharge and relax. There are a number of things you shouldn’t be storing, or even using, in the bedroom, as they affect sleep and the way we feel about our bedrooms.

The use of electronics should be kept to a minimum or banished completely! The blue light that electronics emit can affect our sleeping patterns artificially, making it harder to fall asleep.

Food should be kept out of the bedroom; crumbs are uncomfortable to sleep on and attract pests.

You should not have a desk in your bedroom. Working in your bedroom creates an association of alertness, not relaxation.

Dirty laundry should not be kept in the bedroom. You don’t want to be tripping over it or thinking about unfinished jobs.

children’s

rooms reading is fundamental!

drowning in stuffed animals

Cuddly toys are sentimental items and can be some of the hardest things for a child to let go. Start easy with the broken, outgrown and baby toys. If your child is old enough, try to include them in the process – no one would like their things removed from their room without their knowledge. As a way to deal with toy clutter in the future, institute a one-in one-out rule. Talk to your child about prioritising their most favourite toys, and go with the angle of ‘what to keep’ rather than ‘what to get rid of’. If your child can understand the concept, emphasise the importance of donation and sharing. Remember that the more accessible a child’s room is, the more capacity there is for creative play. Children, like us, can be overwhelmed by too many things and almost lock up when it’s time to play.

Children are collectors and sometimes these collections get out of control

A child’s room is their safe space, and the things children surround themselves with are often attached with high emotional significance, even if we can’t see it.

Thanks to generous relatives, we and our children can get overwhelmed with the sheer amount of ‘stuff’. Playtime in a room can be spent looking for one thing hidden among clutter and things they truly don’t care about.

You undoubtedly will encounter a certain level of reluctance when decluttering with children, but there are a number of ways to combat this. You can usually declutter on behalf of children under the age of three. You know their favourites, and can hide or hold on to items for a while to ensure they won’t be missed. Older children should be included in decluttering their spaces. They might want to take pictures of the things they’re not keeping – offer to help them write a story to go with the toy and to remember the good memories they associate with the item.

If your child is a highly empathetic one, explain how their things can be donated to help someone else. Of course, you know your child best, but generally don’t push too hard on decluttering. It is best to work in small chunks with children, as their attention spans are shorter than that of adults, and really decluttering and tidying isn’t the most fun way to spend an afternoon.

Books should be an essential part of any child’s life, so ensure they are nice and organised

Pull all books out and take a look at the condition; board books that are falling apart should be recycled. If a sentimental book is broken, cut out some pages to create art.

Take a look at the age appropriateness; it’s best to keep board books for young ones or those just beginning to read. If they have outgrown them, donate or gift.

When putting books back, use baskets or a bookshelf. Teach your children how to put them back, rather than just dump them on the floor. This keeps books in good condition and teaches respect for things.

A label maker can come in handy to help your child learn where things go. This is especially helpful when they are at school age.

cupboardlinen

organising the airing cupboard

After letting go of linens you don’t use, reorganise so you can see what you own

After decluttering an airing cupboard, the fun of organising the cupboard can then begin. Towels can be rolled, and bedsheets refolded. Bring items you will need more frequently to the front. Stack bedding per room, and leave space for items to ‘breathe’; this is the purpose of an airing cupboard. Mesh bags allow the flow of air to your linens and prevent a musty smell. Posies of lavender can repel moths as well as make your bedding smell fresh. Consider investing in rolling drawers or large clear tubs that you can then label. If your boiler is in the airing cupboard, tubs may also make it much easier to remove the items when work needs to be done, also in case of any emergencies.

folding a fitted sheet

Clean bedding stays feeling clean and looking good, even lasting longer, when folded properly

Start by spreading the sheet on a flat surface with the fitted corners facing up.

Fold the sheet in half, tucking the top corners into the bottom ones. Tuck the sides in too (this keeps the edges tidy).

Now fold the sheet in half again, sliding the remaining top corner into the bottom.

Fold into thirds longwise, hiding the elastic in the middle fold. And you’re done. Fitted sheets can be stored in tubs or containers to prevent your good work from becoming undone.

Store matching bedding inside the set’s pillowcase. Fold one duvet cover, a fitted sheet and the matching pillowcases in a small rectangle, use the remaining pillowcase to keep the sets together. When it’s time to change the bedsheets you have a set ready to go. © Getty Images

There is a reason that airing cupboards have doors on them. Most of us tend to use them to keep those items that don’t seem to have a true home in the house; spare towels and extra bedding, for instance. These items, as they’re not being looked at, can accumulate, because out of sight means out of mind. Airing cupboards and linen cupboards can also be a spot where we squirrel away items for ‘best’; whether guest towels or bedding for visitors. Take a hard look at what you have in the cupboard; do you entertain so frequently that you need to keep a set ready for guests? Don’t save items for best anymore – use and enjoy them!

If the bedding you find in the cupboard isn’t the correct size, is mismatched or isn’t your style anymore, make the decision to gift, donate or recycle. Generally, you require one set for your bed while the other is in the wash and drying.

If you realise that you don’t really need 20 towels, remember that many animal shelters will take donated towels, although always check ahead before making the journey.

Garages, attics and airing cupboards can also be a dumping ground for sentimental items that can be hard to let go. If you do decide to let go of the things, remind yourself of how you’ve been getting along fine without them already. Take a photo if you feel you need a record.

Airing cupboards can be a place where things go to be forgotten. We may also store items for ‘someday’ here; this future-based storage doesn’t work for us today

bathrooms

The main priority of a bathroom is cleanliness; this is true for both yourself and the space. It is next to impossible to keep a space clean while you’re battling clutter. Take a look at the main areas of clutter you’re facing. If you keep medicines in your bathroom, check the use-by dates and responsibly dispose of expired medicine. Are you facing a mountain of duplicates? You need to identify why you’re stockpiling products; is it that you don’t know what you already have, or are you a toiletry hoarder?

Ask yourself five questions while going through your bathroom products: 1. ‘Do I use this?’ This is not ‘Will I use it someday?’ – we’re talking about the here and now. 2. ‘Is this item extra?’ It isn’t always prudent to stock up on your favourites too far in advance, as you can end up wasting money. 3. ‘Would I buy this today?’ Decide if something is still your style, or works for your skin. 4. ‘Does this make my life easier?’ These are items that you don’t need per se but give you pleasure. 5. ‘Can the space that this item takes up be reduced?’ Maybe you can decant items into clever storage – try to be creative here.

Prioritise those products that you have to keep or that you love. The pile that you’re ambivalent about may surprise you. If you find you have a lot of sealed products still within the expiry date, check if a local shelter or food bank could use them; many people don’t often think to donate them.

Every so often, clear your bathroom counter tops, removing all decorative items. Start afresh and try to dress the space in a more minimal way. Donate, sell or gift those pieces of decoration that you do not need.

bathroom cabinets

Don’t let these become a hiding place for expired medicines or unwanted cosmetics

If you use a medicine or bathroom cabinet, you might find the number of products that can fit inside it is astounding. While this is good news for storage, it’s bad news for staying decluttered.

An untidy and overly full medicine cabinet means you’re spending a lot of time looking for what you want.

Look for expired products. Most toiletries will have details of an expiry date after opening.

If you can’t remember when you last used something and doubt that you’ll use it again, get rid of it! The same goes for old make-up items. Sealed makeup can sometimes be donated to shelters.

One you’re down to the absolute necessities, reorganise the space, keeping like with like.

too many products = clutter

Clutter in shower and bath areas can make these spaces more difficult to clean

When decluttering bath and shower areas, remind yourself of your goals: are you wanting to feel less overwhelmed with products when you step into the shower, or are you looking to streamline the space to make it easier to keep clean and tidy?

Pull out all the products in the shower and bath spaces. All that’s really needed are the products used every time you wash. Consult with the other people who live in your home; can you use the same products to avoid duplication?

If mismatching bottles look untidy, decant into matching bottles for a cohesive look.

Many of us want to get in and out of the bathroom quickly, ahead of a busy morning or eager to get to bed. In this rush, tidiness can be forgotten

work spaces

Cable tidying and organising can be a way of taking stock of what you need and what can be dumped. Take an evening to check through your home for loose and homeless cables. Use velcro ties and labels to ensure you know what you have to hand.

A cluttered desk is full of potential distractions; sticky notes remind us of jobs that have been left half completed, business cards remind us that we need to get in touch with X, Y and Z, and before you know it, the work flow you seek has been disrupted. To improve focus, keep your working area as clear as possible; this is true for physical spaces as well as digital ones!

Take a look at the clutter that is attracted to your desk and work spaces. Loose cables need re-homing. Bills and other paperwork should be attended to as soon as they come into the house; don’t allow the papers to build up. Recycle those no longer needed and scan those that may be important; don’t underestimate digital organisation.

Offices can benefit from a ruthless purge. Test everything before you donate or recycle. This is also the case with ancient tech. Be honest here: will you ever use those old laptops and phones again? Many charity organisations can repurpose them, but just make sure you clear all your data before you donate.

Office desks often come with drawers, which can attract clutter. Look for useful storage solutions, clear tubs and pots to ensure that what you really need is within reach. As with every other room, your job is done once the useless clutter is out of the house, useful items have lasting homes, and you stay committed to a clutter-free space.

clean space, clean mind

If you feel like you’re starting to see a trend in decluttering, you’d be right. It’s simple: flat surfaces attract clutter

Take stock of what accumulates on your desk and come up with solutions once these things have been sorted into categories. Make a dedicated area for paperwork.

If mugs, glasses and general rubbish accumulate, make a new rule for yourself: get rid of them by the end of the day or whenever you leave the desk space.

If pens litter your desk, bin those that no longer work. Find an accessible spot for writing things and keep them there.

Desktop organisers can work for many, as long as they don’t become a dumping ground for ‘homeless’ items.

read all about it!

Be honest with yourself: are you really going to read all those books?

There’s no denying that books are important for our mental health. So how do we go about decluttering books? Within the various decluttering methods, how we deal with books has been a hot button issue. And really it should be a personal decision. Do you hold on to books that you may never read again? Only keeping as many books that will fit on your shelf might seem harsh to some but reasonable to others. Take a look at the books that you own, and try to be ruthless – will you really read that book again, or have you read it at all? We tend to hold on to books as a ‘some day’ item – ‘some day I’ll read this’. If the reality is that you probably won’t, donate or gift it. Ask yourself honestly, do you need it? Take a look at whether the book is out of date, usually applicable to reference books. Books are meant to be read and looked at. When you don’t do this, you’re doing a disservice to the book.

Whether you work from home, or have a desk area to deal with home administration, clutter accumulates if it has nowhere to be stored

©Getty Images

dining rooms

In a modern home, dining rooms are multifunction rooms that are no longer reserved for ‘best’ with the finest china on display. Unfortunately, this does mean that the dining room can become a dumping ground for clutter that has no other home.

Take a look at how you use your dining table; identifying the reality in your home will help you reach sustainable solutions to the clutter that piles up. Functional storage is one of the best tools in your arsenal for keeping on top of clutter. Inexpensive bookshelves and benches with storage are useful, but be careful that these items don’t become dumping grounds themselves; give them a purpose and stick to it!

We should try our hardest to ensure that a dining table remains clear of clutter. Eating as a family is incredibly important, and many experts believe that it can be instrumental in childhood development.

Start by re-homing those items that have got lost in the dining room. Get rid of broken or useless items

Develop habits that ensure you move clutter to an appropriate place; whether this is somewhere else in your house or out the front door. Throughout the decluttering process, you might find things that create problems in your house and the way it’s organised. By decluttering, you are able to identify and solve these problems, enabling you and your family to live an easier life not surrounded by surplus things.

Candles are often an impulse purchase or frequent gift. Gather your candles together. Dump any that are down to the wick or gift anything not to your taste anymore. Make a commitment to use the ones that are left; especially before buying more!

flat surfaces attract clutter

Multipurpose spaces lead to a build-up of unnecessary items

We allow clutter to accumulate on our dining table because the dining table doesn’t fulfil its purpose as much as it should, so clutter tends to gather here. See what things arrive and stay on your dining table. As a first step, find the proper homes for the items. If the item is ‘homeless’, identify where it should go. By fixing the root cause of homeless items, you’re less likely to come up against clutter. If the item has no purpose, donate, gift or recycle it. Try to make this a daily habit, as it is a daily issue for most of us.

Many people find that leaving their table ‘set’ with place mats and crockery for the next meal prevents clutter from crowding the table. Of course, this can speed up mealtime routines, but may not be to your taste as it can translate as ‘useful’ clutter.

dining room storage

Sideboards can be hugely helpful in a dining room, as long as they’re working for you

Sideboards can be a surface that accumulates clutter just as the dining table does. Drawers can also be a hotspot for clutter. If your kitchen doesn’t hold your ‘junk’ drawer, is that because you have junk gathering in your dining room?

Pull everything out of your sideboard and get rid of anything that is broken beyond repair. If there is a chance of repair, get started on this project as soon as the sideboard is reorganised.

We can find ourselves holding on to tablecloths and linen napkins for ‘best’. Give yourself a challenge and actually use these items. If you find you’re not using them – that’s right – donate, sell or gift!

The same advice applies for special-occasion glassware and flatware. If you don’t use it, lose it. There is no point in holding on to items for ‘some day’. Use the storage for items that you do use.

The dining room can be a seldom-used room, or a multipurpose space. Homework and projects could be tackled here, games nights and dinner too

©Getty Images

playtime

Playrooms are not a formal living space, and so they can be a forgotten space in terms of storage and decoration. Children play roughly, and many playrooms can be left as a ‘second best’ space. Clutter can build up fast in a playroom; toys are dumped here regardless of quality, condition or value.

Decide first on the purpose for the playroom; if the room is large, you may need to divide it into ‘zones’. The goal here is for children to have easy access to the things they want, and to be able to tidy up quickly. Start with the terrifying prospect of pulling everything out. Get rid of broken toys and used sticker sheets – anything that is no longer serving a purpose and is just using space.

Donate any toys that your children have outgrown. This can be a group decision or something you decide yourself; you know what will work for your family. This ‘donate’ pile should be removed from your house as soon as you are able to, which prevents anyone from dipping back in to find a ‘loved’ item.

Take a look at the storage you are using in the playroom –is it fit for purpose? Shelves with cubbies are especially useful; boxes that fit in the cubbies can be bought for easy tidying. These cubbies also camouflage the ‘messy’ look of so many children’s toys.

Now it’s time to put it all away; organise like with like. This is the long-term project – keep it together.

make tidying fun

Get the kids involved with organising toys from a young age by turning it into a game

Tip out all the toys and go through the piles, swiftly removing broken or dirty toys for fixing, recycling, dumping or cleaning.

Assign types of toys for each child and yourself, and race to see who will clear their category first. Once all toys are categorised, look at what is really being played with and what has been grown out of.

If you have a cubby system for toys, boxes are the most efficient way to organise everything. Many fabric or plastic boxes can be bought in shops or online.

You can label boxes if your child is of a reading age. This will also help them to get into the practice of putting things back where they belong. This is a skill they need when they arrive at school.

young picassos

Anyone with children of school age knows how quickly artwork gathers

Children are voracious scribblers, colouring-inners and little writers, and the paper evidence of this builds up quickly. While including children in decluttering and tidying is important, this may result in a few stalemates with all the ‘best’ drawings being kept and the pile of paper that needs to be organised remaining the same size.

One solution is to take photos! Copies of this hard work can be kept digitally or printed out (much) smaller than the original. Children could be included in curating and organising a scrapbook of their works of art.

Many techniques used for a playroom can be applied to adult hobbies. Tip everything out; look at whether you’ve used something in the last year; identify duplicates; donate, recycle or gift; find a storage solution; and commit to living an uncluttered life.

It’s tough but try to keep only the best in hard copy, or the most sentimental. Personal connections are important in deciding what to hold on to; original thoughts and concepts are more valuable than a generic drawing of a princess or story about a superhero.

If you’re lucky enough to have a room that you class a ‘playroom’, you know how these spaces can be dumping grounds for things that have no other home

Images

everything a place for

WORDS Amelia Smith

We’ve all seen them. Those people who seem astonishingly organised. People who can instantly lay their hands on a pack of batteries, an elastic band or some leftover euros, because they know the exact location of every little thing in their home. Well, it’s those people, let us tell you, who are doing it right. Having an organised home – where everything has a place to live and is always living there – comes with benefits that extend far beyond being able to find things quickly. In order to achieve this almighty feat, we’re breaking it down for you, from storage solutions to sensible shopping. So follow our simple guide, and take control of your home, before your home takes control of you.

how an organised home can make your life better

Having an organised home can improve your life in more ways than one. Brace yourself, because once you’ve read this, you’ll soon be grabbing a bin bag and emptying those shelves for good.

Having an organised home can make you feel happier – yes, really. A study by psychologists Saxbe and Repetti found that women who describe their home as ‘cluttered’ and filled with ‘unfinished projects’ were more depressed, fatigued and stressed than those who describe their home as ‘restful’ and ‘restorative’. Clutter is a list of jobs slapping you in the face every time you enter the room. If you’ve ever felt that sinking feeling of coming home after a long day to a house where there’s just stuff everywhere, the link between clutter and unhappiness becomes evident. Banishing clutter can therefore make for a happier and calmer household; a simple solution with huge impact.

An uncluttered space can make you physically healthier, too. A study by psychologists Vohs, Redden and Rahinel found that people working in a neat office were twice as likely to choose a healthy snack over a sugary treat than people working in a messy office. Sugary snacks act as a comfort in reaction to stressful surroundings. So tidy up your home, and sticking to your healthy eating plan could become a whole lot easier.

As if you need any more reasons to declutter, an organised home can even make you more sociable. Have you ever felt

embarrassed about inviting your friends over as you’re ashamed of all the mess? Improved organisation could open up your home to being the next spur-of-the-moment party pad. Friendships are important for your wellbeing, so create a space you’re proud of, where your friendships can flourish.

When trying to engage in mindfulness, clutter is the enemy. The piles of paperwork and mountains of shoes scream out to distract you and make you feel guilty for not having already tidied them. Clearing the clutter means clearing away distractions, so an organised home enables you to focus on yourself, your senses and the present moment, more easily.

In short, an organised home can make for a happier, healthier, more sociable and more mindful household. It’s a no-brainer!

ready to organise? rethink your space

Knowing where to begin when the piles of stuff have spread to every room can be tricky. Go right back to the beginning: find a floor plan of your home, or if you can’t find one (don’t worry, lost items will soon be a thing of the past) simply sketch one out – it doesn’t need to be to scale. Consider the purpose of every room and give it a clear name. Is the dining room also the playroom and the study? Is your guest bedroom empty and unused for most of the year? If one room is used in several different ways, you’ll typically have an awful lot to store in there. It may be worth breaking habits and utilising your rooms differently. In this example, using the guest bedroom as a study for the majority of the year means you can store your work materials in there, freeing up more space in the dining room.

The more effective your storage is, the easier it is to maintain an uncluttered space. Look at your floor plan again and discover places where you could fit additional storage. “Built-in storage is a great way to make the most of every inch of your space,” says home design expert Laura Crombie. “It’s especially useful in awkward areas such as beneath a sloping roof in a converted loft, or even in the wasted space under your stairs. Bespoke designs aren’t always as expensive as you may think, and as every piece is made to measure, it’s a more sustainable option, too.” Also, consider getting creative with your storage by investing in innovative dual-purpose designs. Think storage headboards,

…and everything in its place. We share the whys and hows of creating a perfectly organised home that’s packed with purpose

Create a home for everything to help keep a tidy mind

Keep your bedroom clean and tidy for a better night’s sleep

secret storage behind your staircase risers and coffee tables or footstools with hidden compartments. Creating plenty of hidden homes for your possessions is a big step forward on the journey to a more organised home.

what is all the clutter anyway?

We all love a good storage solution, but a key way to make organisation considerably easier is to have fewer things to organise in the first place. The fewer things you have, the less space you will need to store them all, and the less space they’ll take up when they’re (inevitably, sometimes) not being kept in their rightful place.

As far back as the 19th century, textile designer and poet William Morris famously said: “Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” Two centuries on, and we’re still trying to live up to this. Marie Kondo has become a household name with her lusted-after tidying method KonMari. Her practice focuses on what you should keep in your home, rather than what to discard, by considering which items you truly cherish. Everything in your home should have a purpose, either to be functional or to ‘spark joy’ and make you happy. Otherwise, what’s the point in having it?

With this in mind, be selective when shopping for your home. No matter how great the sale, it’s not a bargain if you don’t need it or if you don’t absolutely adore it. Invest more money into fewer items that you love and that will last longer – one painting that prompts a daily smile is better for your wellbeing than four paintings that you don’t have space for and forget to look at. Fast fashion and its damaging impact on the world applies to interiors too. So buy less and buy better, and not only will your home have fewer visual distractions on your route to mindfulness, but you’ll be helping the planet too.

shop your home and get creative Sometimes we can go one better than buying less… buying nothing! It’s human nature to want to create a lovely, cosy and safe home environment where our family can be happy. But this doesn’t mean constantly spending money to keep things spick and span. Rather than heading to the shops for a sparkling new console table, shop your home instead. Once you’ve identified that everything in your home has a purpose, remember that these purposes are not fixed. If the table on your landing does nothing more than collect dust, repurpose it in the living room, where it can function as a home for your house plants and candles. Make your current possessions work harder for you, so you can purchase less. If an item sparks joy, let it spark joy in different rooms of your home – you’ll get the kick of updating and reorganising your space without having to spend a thing.

Whether or not you’re a keen DIYer, upcycling is a great way to squeeze the most out of what you already have (see page 116).

“Repainting an old sideboard to match your child’s bedroom is a simple, inexpensive way to give it a whole new purpose and lease of life,” says Laura. “An activity like this can also be incredibly beneficial to your wellbeing. Upcycling fosters creativity, innovation and the accomplishment of creating something new.” So stand back and marvel at your achievement, and let a sense of satisfaction and positive vibes flood your mind.

With these tips you can start breaking with routine and get creative with how you use your space. Your home is a kingdom for you and your family, not just for your things. Reap the rewards of an organised home and enjoy every inch of it.

can’t sleep? get organised

Many of us struggle to get to sleep. While we’re all aware of the obvious remedies, such as avoiding screen time in the evenings and taking a lavender-infused bath, a solution that’s less well known is having an organised space. A study by the National Sleep Foundation found that people who tidied their beds every morning were 19% more likely to report getting a good night’s rest. It makes sense – clutter causes us to feel stressed, making it harder for us to drift off. There’s something about having a perfectly neat bed that makes you feel like you’ve got your life together, and this sense of calm stays with you right until your head hits the pillow.

But it’s not just the tidiness of your bed that can affect your sleep, it’s the cleanliness of your bedding too. The same study found that 75% of people said they slept better when their bed sheets were clean and fresh, because they felt more relaxed and comfortable. It’s easy to let too much time roll by without changing your bedding, but when there’s a chance of this leading to a better night’s sleep, it’s a chore that could prove invaluable.

A tidy bedroom could be the key to a good night’s rest

© Cuckooland

Maximise every inch of your storage space

“A bargain is only a bargain if you need it in the first place” VICKY SILVERTHORN YOUNEEDAVICKY.COM

FAMILY ESSENTIALS

“Put storage in prime, practical locations, such as the hallway,” says professional organiser Vicky Silverthorn

professional organiser secrets of a

WORDS Jennifer Morgan

Too much stuff? Or not the right type of storage?

Messy household or time-poor family members? Whatever your reason for wanting to declutter and create a well-organised and streamlined home, our interiors experts can help.

My whole house is a mess. Where do I start?

“With something small and manageable,” says Matt Thomas, buyer at John Lewis & Partners. “I always start with my wardrobe.” Simon Glanville, MD at A Place for Everything, sets a timer for 20 minutes, tackling one drawer at a time.

Professional organiser Vicky Silverthorn believes you need to change your approach and mindset to declutter successfully. “You may feel that the ‘house’ is such a huge task to fix, while even one ‘room’ feels too big, so go smaller. It doesn’t matter how long it takes as long as it is progress.”

What are the benefits of having an organised home?

“Having an organised, tidy home will reduce time spent cleaning, help lower anxiety as you’ll know where everything is, increase productivity, improve head space and allow you to enjoy your surroundings more,” says Vicky. “I’ve seen cases where a client’s home is dramatically and negatively affecting their mental health. They’ve had no choice but to do something about it. I’m

BESPOKE DESIGN

Measure up first, then build your own storage wall. String System in Walnut, from £72, String Furniture at Utility Design

Get your clutter under control, keep your home forever tidy, and bring some order to your life with these expert tips

SPACE SAVER

“Door storage is a must,” says Simon Glanville of A Place for Everything. Elfa rack, £95, A Place for Everything

not even talking hoarding, but ‘life’, which has escalated over the years.”

What are the most common storage mistakes you see?

“When people go out and buy lots of storage baskets and tubs with no plan in place. They end up walking around the house wondering how they can use them. Declutter first, then measure up, working out what storage you need to get yourself organised,” says Vicky.

Once your home is organised, how do you keep it that way?

“I try to limit what comes into my home,” says Vicky, “and I’m a very conscious shopper. Try to separate what you want and need. I also like everything to have a home as I hate not being able to find things.”

How do you persuade your clients to get

rid of stuff?

“I never actually persuade them to as such. If I’m asked, then I give my honest opinion, but it should be an organic process,” says Vicky. “I believe in gut feelings. On day one, we work on a rough edit of their space, with culling following naturally.”

What about when one partner is a minimalist and the other a borderline hoarder?

“Communication is a must,” says Vicky. “Guidelines have to be set with effort from both sides. I’ve seen couples break up because their habits have been so different that they believe they are simply incompatible. Some clients have described us as ‘saving a relationship’.”

How can I set up my home so mess doesn’t happen?

“Focus on simple systems,” says Vicky. “Use the spaces that are

DREAM UTILITY

“Work out what storage you need before you shop,” says Vicky. Chesil basket, £40 for two; Portland wash-up tidy, £10, all Garden Trading

ON THE SHELF

Avoid the temptation to over-stack plates and dishes, and have a good edit regularly. Open storage needs to look stylish too

‘prime locations’ (most easily accessible) for day-to-day things, with those you use less in harder-to-reach places.” Simon agrees: “We are only human, and our homes are where life happens every day, so they are never going to be pristine. Just remember, little and often – nobody wants to face the mammoth task of tidying their entire home once a month for hours on end.” Matt adds, “If you can’t bear to throw something away then box it up, clearly label it and store it.”

What’s your advice for parents who are tired of shouting ‘tidy your room!’?

“A large G and T,” laughs Matt. “I have three teenagers myself! It’s

about providing the kits: a bin, a laundry basket, wardrobe organisation, such as slimline hangers, and boxes for small items. When the kids were little, I used soft baskets with handles to tidy up toys quickly.” Simon says that storage needs to be fun: “Make tidying into a game. For teens, think ahead and let them choose storage that works for them.” Vicky says:

“Be pleased when they achieve less than your initial hopes. Teach them good methods and remember that the more possessions they have, the more lengthy – and challenging –the task will be.”

What are your best sellers?

“We’ve seen a real increase in kitchen storage,” says Simon, “as our

3 of the best versatile solutions

STACK UP

“The Home Edit range by iDesign has proved really popular,” says Matt. Storage drawers, £28 each; turntable storage containers, £22 each, all John Lewis & Partners

KID FRIENDLY

“Ask the children to tidy one small area, drawer or surface to start with,” says Vicky. Trofast storage combination with boxes, from £29 each, Ikea

ON THE WALL

“Our customers love these storage spheres,” says Simon. “They can used for all sorts of things.” Toy storage globes, £25 set of two, A Place for Everything

“I’d love to see more sustainable storage in homes; non-plastic or recycled options may be a little more expensive, but they are far more sustainable and often much more attractive”

SIMON GLANVILLE,

3 of the best professionals’ favourites

ON FILE Vicky

Silverthorn: 29 Series MultiDrawer cabinet in Cardinal Red, £169, Bisley

NEAT IDEA

Matt Thomas: Like-It Shoe

Holder, £6 set of two, John Lewis & Partners

CLEAR WINNERS

Simon Glanville: Clear Kitchen Storage Canisters £40 set of seven, A Place for Everything

shopping habits have changed and we’re more inclined to do a ‘big food shop’. People have recognised the importance of getting the kitchen organised with fridge boxes and canisters.”

For Matt, The Home Edit collaboration with John Lewis & Partners has been really popular, while the store’s Croft Collection shoe rack is always a big seller.

Can functional storage be stylish?

“Yes, of course,” says Simon. “People often think of plastic boxes or unattractive cabinets, but there are lots of beautiful options. I’m a firm believer that storage you enjoy aesthetically makes you far more inclined to use it.” Matt says to look at materials: “Go natural in a modern country-style home or choose colourful lacquered pieces in a contemporary space. Check out Kvell for ottomans and cubes in stylish colours and materials.”

Any genius storage products we haven’t seen before?

“The Like-It shoe holder,” says Matt. “It is incredible, basically doubling your shoe storage. People have said they are life changing!” Simon picks his wall-hung toy storage globes, which work all around the home. “Just because something is marketed as storage for toys or for the kitchen doesn’t mean you can’t use it in the study or living area – get creative!”

What’s the ONE thing you can do to make your home tidier NOW?

“Get a bag, start in one room and look at it with fresh eyes. Fill the bag with all of the things you just know you never use or don’t want,” challenges Vicky. “You can even hang a bag on the door handle for each room. Just keep going – you might even find it fun!”

DREAM WARDROBE

Declutter then plan a new storage system so you only keep what you need. Signature mirrored doors, from £810, Spaceslide

ORGANISED ESSENTIALS

“Simple systems are key,” says Vicky. Bedroom shelving system in Grey, £1,041, Nest

TIME-WORN TIMBER

Fill the drawers and shelves, then arrange them however you like. Chockablock storage unit, £445, Loaf

meet the professionals

MATT THOMAS (johnlewis.com)

Matt has worked for John Lewis & Partners for more than 30 years. For the past five years, he’s been a buyer for homeware and storage.

VICKY SILVERTHORN (youneedavicky.com)

While working as a PA, Vicky discovered there was a gap in the market for a professional decluttering service. She’s written a book, Start With Your Sock Drawer (£12.99, Sphere), and has created an online course, How to Become a Professional Organiser, in which you learn what it takes to run a home-organising business. Visit Vicky’s website for details.

SIMON GLANVILLE (aplaceforeverything.co.uk) Simon is managing director at A Place for Everything, which offers unique storage products, and is a member of APDO (Association of Professional Declutterers and Organisers). He has more than 15 years’ experience in the home-storage market.

“It’s important that wherever you declutter, you make a noticeable impact – you’ll then want to do more”

MATT THOMAS, JOHNLEWIS.COM

storage solutions simple20

From best buys and clever hacks to built-in solutions, here’s our roundup of the best storage ideas to make every part of your home more organised now

WORDS Lisa Fazzani

1STORE LIVING ROOM ESSENTIALS OUT OF SIGHT

Choose stowaway storage options so you can stash spare cushions, bulky blankets and cosy throws within easy grabbing distance.

Aissa storage chaise sofa in Blickling Norfolk cotton, £2,680; Georgette footstool, £550, both Sofa.com

2 SLOT IN A SLIMLINE LARDER

Make use of an empty alcove or recess in a kitchen by adding a built-in larder cupboard. Shallow shelves are great for storing jars and packets; just add a couple of crates for loose items.

3 GO FOR A MINI WARDROBE

Sized for jackets and shirts, rather than longer-length items, this mid-height wardrobe has combined hanging, shelf and drawer space, so is ideal for a guest room or child’s bedroom.

4 SQUEEZE IN A SIDE TABLE

Free up floor space in

your bedroom by opting for wall-hung units instead of regular bedside tables. Neat and compact, there’s a drawer to hide clutter, as well as a tabletop

Panelling in Deep Water Green architect’s eggshell paint, £29 for 750ml, Paint & Paper Library

Portland small wardrobe from £645, The Dormy House

Reza wall shelf, £99, La Redoute

7 ROUND UP OUTDOOR KIT

Calm the chaos of a busy hallway with this multitasker. With coat hooks, cubbyhole, cupboard and seat, it can also work as a room divider in an open-plan space.

5

CREATE A MULTITASKING KITCHEN HUB

Make family life run more smoothly with a strategically placed storage unit. Allocate compartments for stowing kitchenware, paperwork and school kit, and add a chalkboard panel as a family memo board.

6 ORGANISE UNTIDY TEENS

Make every inch count in a teenager’s room with a built-in storage bed. Underbed cubbies are great for stashing books and games, plus there’s a hidden clothes rail.

Billy bookcases

Pico single ultimate storage bed frame,

Argos

Lazar entry bench,

Redoute

8

DESIGN YOUR OWN SIDEBOARD

Create a tailor-made piece at an off-the-peg price with this stylish modular range. Choose door fronts, worktops, legs and handles to suit your style

Besta storage combination with doors, £195, Ikea

9

STYLE IT OUT WITH SMART SHELVING

Create a display opportunity by making a modular shelf unit the focal point of your space.

Arrange shelves artfully with a mix of books and décor.

Benji modular sideboard, from £936, Morfus

FIND A WAY WITH TRICKY SPACES

Solve the problem of a sloping ceiling in a loft bedroom with built-in wardrobes. Sliding doors with angled edges can be tailor-made to fit, with cubbies to make the most of interior space

11

MAKE A SPACE FOR BOOKS AT BEDTIME

Keep night-time reads and other must-haves at hand with this neat storage headboard.

Cover a sheet of MDF with black gloss Fablon, then screw picture ledges onto the back to act as shelves.

12ADAPT YOUR WORK SET-UP

Tailor office storage to suit your needs if you’re remote working. The classic Bisley filing unit has been updated to include add-ons, such as this in-tray with hook-on accessories.

Sliding doors cashmere and glass bedroom, from £2,000, Sharps

Cabinet, £95; tray, £34; hanging accessories, £34 for a set, all Bisley

15CART AROUND A CADDY

Whether it’s cleaning kit, craft bits, DIY tools or gardening odds and ends, a caddy is an easy way of keeping essentials in one place. Plus, it’s handy if you’re on the move up and down stairs.

13

MAKE USE OF WALL SPACE

If crowded counters leave no space for prep, clear the clutter by hanging your most-used items on the wall. Run a length of peg rail above worktops, and hang wire baskets and cubbies for storage.

14

TRY SHELVING ON THE SIDE

When living room space is tight and a coffee table is too bulky, try this slimline sofa shelf that’ll tuck neatly against an arm and be perfectly placed for stashing remote controls, books or mags.

Bronx sofa side table, £125, Next Home

Paintable Shaker peg rail, £41 for a six-peg rail, Scumble Goosie. Try wire locker room shelf, £39.95, Nkuku

Matt black bits and bobs caddy, £10, Dunelm

16 ORGANISE A MORE PRACTICAL WORK SET-UP

Don’t make do with a

cobbled-together arrangement if you’ve switched to working from home full time.

Invest in a decent chair, sturdy desk and good lighting, and make storage a priority.

SHOWCASE EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS

While there’s a lot to be said for hiding clutter away behind closed doors, having a few favourite things on show gives heart to a home.

Glass display cabinet, £995, The White Company

18SCALE UP BEDSIDE STORAGE

If floor space isn’t an issue, swap a standard bedside cabinet for a storage-heavy option, such as a chest of drawers or small cupboard, so surfaces stay clutter-free.

19

MAKE USE OF DOOR SPACE

Utilise wasted space inside kitchen cabinets with clever doormounted pockets, perfectly sized for smaller items or loose odds and ends that often get lost at the back of cupboards.

from

for a kitchen, Rational

Abel storage bench £179, Made

20

SHOW YOUR COLOURS

Combine style and substance with a

statement ottoman upholstered in a vibrant tropical print. Partner with a plain sofa or stand at the foot of a bed as storage for extra blankets and bedding.

Chawton six-drawer cabinet in

Passe Par Tout system

hygge

74

hygge getting with it

Embrace a fundamental quality of Danish culture by enjoying life’s simple pleasures

WORDS Bee Ginger

As the world changes around us and we are faced with increasing periods of uncertainty, many of us are finding that we are spending more time at home, sometimes alone, or with family. This has given us the opportunity to learn more and embrace new concepts and practices such as mindfulness, yoga and self-care. For many, life has perhaps taken on a slower pace and we are beginning to appreciate the simple things in life, which previously we may have been too busy to notice. This is where hygge comes in. Hygge requires just one

Hygge’s mindfulness aspect is to prioritise life’s simple pleasures and create a comfortable space to be conscious

There is something deeply satisfying about creating a hearty dish to keep out the cold. Fill your belly with hygge

thing: consciousness – the ability to be present and recognise and enjoy the here and now.

Hygge is a huge part of the Danes’ national identity, and this small word encapsulates great meaning. Meik Wiking, author of The Little Book of Hygge and CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen, considers it to be an intrinsic part of being Danish: “It is a defining feature of our cultural identity and an integral part of the national DNA.” With the Danes being among the happiest in the world, we would be inclined to agree with him. But how can we embrace it? Wiking did note in a 2008 interview with Elle UK that Scandinavians might feel freer to pursue hygge and other simple pleasures because many citizens of the Nordic countries benefit from universal healthcare, free university education and social security. So how can people living elsewhere embrace it?

First, we need to realise hygge is not just a word but a concept. It is being aware of a good moment and taking the time to appreciate it fully. Just a small thing, like making a cup of hot chocolate and lighting some candles, can make all the difference in lifting one’s spirits. The concept of a ‘hyggeligt’ (the adjectival form) lifestyle is to maintain a sense of optimism and future possibility while at the same time making your surroundings as harmonious and balanced as possible.

long, dark days

Due to its position between the Baltic and North seas, Denmark suffers from vastly interchangeable weather. The months of December through to February are particularly cold and wintery.

Dominated by cloud and rain, the average temperature ranges from -5 to +4°C (23 to 39°F). Mornings do not get light until around 9.30am, and it is dark again by 4.30pm. During the long, dark months, Scandinavians inject as much light as possible into their lives. Light, though, comes in many forms, including joy, wellbeing and comfort.

Every year, on 13 December, the festival of Lucia is celebrated. Lucia was a 4th-century saint from Sicily whose name translates as ‘light’. This festival is exceedingly popular among Scandinavians, originating in the 1920s in Sweden and being borrowed by the Danes in 1944. Today, this celebration brings hope, light and strength to people entering the coldest and darkest months of the year. But whether you live in Denmark, Dublin or Detroit, you too can fend off the worst of the winter with a few hygge tips. When the dark afternoons arrive, try replacing harsh lighting with glowing candles to create a cosy refuge. The right sort of light around the home is hugely important. The warmer and lower the light sources the better. Candles are a key part of achieving a hyggeligt vibe, but you can use fairy lights, LED candles (for those with small children or inquisitive animals) or, if you’re lucky enough to have one, a roaring fire. When it’s not alight, you can make your hearth the focal point of your room with a vase of flowers or candles, or by reorganising your furniture.

But hygge is not only for the cold months; the philosophy can be embraced all year round. Simple rituals incorporated into daily life can soon become a natural extension. Buying flowers regularly, drinking coffee from your favourite mug, or reading a book while wrapped in a particularly snuggly blanket are just a few examples. Surrounding yourself with things that make you feel good, such as close friends, warmth, light and other simple joys can all help you to achieve a sense of hygge. Ultimately, it is by being mindful and appreciating the simple things in life that we experience the most happiness.

the importance of nature

Feeling grounded and at one with nature is also hugely important. Woodland walks and spending quality time outside work wonders for both your mental and physical wellbeing. What’s more, returning to a warm, inviting home afterwards is an added pleasure. A popular Scandinavian design concept, and a large part of a hyggeligt home, is to bring nature indoors. Decluttering is also a form of comfort, keeping only what you love and need. This is also a part of the comfortable hyggeligt aesthetic. By reorganising your space with a selection of your favourite things, you can create a calm yet inviting hideaway.

the origin of hygge

The word ‘hygge’ is thought to derive from the Old Norse word hyggja (‘thoughtfulness’ or ‘care’). It also has connections to the word ‘hugga’ (‘to console or give comfort’), which is the source of the English word ‘hug’. Hygge is pronounced ‘hue-guh’ or ‘hoo-ga’, and is used to acknowledge a special moment or feeling. No English translation for hygge truly does the concept justice, but it could perhaps best be described as contentedness, kinship, cosiness, or simplicity. In Danish, ‘hygge’ is used as a noun, whereas ‘hyggelig’ or ‘hyggeligt’ are the adjectival forms. But since the concept has gained global popularity, in English ‘hygge’ is often used as an adjective too.

We find hygge through all of our senses: the smell of fresh coffee, the taste of a summer ice cream, the sight of spring’s first blossoms, and the feeling of your feet touching a sandy beach. Try to disconnect from everyday noise by unplugging and inviting hygge into your daily life. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, an obsolete meaning of the word ‘hug’ is ‘to cherish oneself; to keep or make oneself snug’. Perhaps this will be the year that hygge embraces you.

let there be light

Brightening your home with a light colour palette immediately makes it more hygge. Creams, whites and beiges create a relaxing, calm space, but you can also add some pastel shades. Consider how colours will feel in your home, not just how they will look. For a hyggeligt interior, try a variety of textures, wooden floors, tables, woollen blankets and soft rugs for your feet to sink into. Items and objects in the home should tell a story, have a history, or be of emotional value, like an upcycled bench or chair, an old family painting or a treasured vase on the mantelpiece. Living hyggeligt is about simplicity, surrounding yourself with things that have meaning and that give you pleasure. You could even try creating a ‘hyggekrog’, which is a cosy corner. Decorate it with the things that make you feel safe, warm and happy. Cosy cushions, candles, warm blankets, your favourite books and anything else that makes you feel relaxed and content. Dress accordingly in your favourite jumper and ‘hyggebukser’ (cosy trousers) and accessorise with some woolly socks.

time together

With life’s daily stresses, it’s hard not to feel overwhelmed. By embracing hygge you can bring a little more peace and happiness into your life. This in turn will help you to feel more positive and hopefully enable you to reflect on your day with gratitude. Many of us enjoy scrolling through our social media or bingeing on a good box set from time to time, but often this does little for togetherness. It is important to make time for each other and spend quality one-on-one time with loved ones and friends. Meeting with people you feel comfortable enough to be your true self with is important. Only then can you share life’s small pleasures, safe in the knowledge that you will have things in common.

love yourself

At the height of winter, Danes can experience up to 17 hours of darkness per day. This could potentially have adverse effects on their mental health. It also means that they place a greater focus on home entertaining. Cooking and baking are important to the Danes, and the feeling of homeliness is often deep-rooted in homemade foods, recipes passed down through the generations. These personal elements create a more authentic feeling.

Hygge is about the opposite of denying and punishing oneself. The Danes focus on being kind to themselves and relish their free time. Hyggeligt recipes should be warming and indulgent, yet still relatively easy to make, meaning you can savour the process of making a homemade treat and then enjoy it round the table with loved ones. Hygge aims to foster a sense of community and togetherness, within the home and other close-knit settings, like a café, for example. In contrast with many corporate chains in the UK and US (who would rather you drank your coffee and left, or ordered to go), in Denmark, cafés encourage customers to stay, settle into a comfy chair with a blanket and read a book while enjoying a coffee and a piece of cake.

The Danes’ focus on creating and cherishing little moments of pleasure provides them with a better quality of life, but the ethos that is hygge also places great importance on self-care. Getting enough sleep, eating well and switching off from the world around us are all great ways to ensure we are dedicating time to loving ourselves. Meditation, yoga, taking up a new craft, or just sinking into a hot bath are all excellent examples of things we can do to enhance our daily lives and find the inner peace that is ultimately the purpose of hygge. You’re just a few little changes away from living life like the Danes.

Bring nature indoors by using organic materials, plants, foraged berries, flowers and branches to build a calming oasis

Hygge is a state of mind centred around cherishing the little things in life

Scandi furniture the art of

Organic shapes, slim frames and natural materials epitomise Scandistyle furniture. We unpack the reasons for its global success, share its signature features, and reveal how to make it work for you

WORDS Amelia Smith

The most iconic and recognisable aspect of Scandinavian interiors? The furniture. The clean lines, slim frames and unmistakable shapes have earned themselves recognition across the globe. But what is it exactly that makes Scandi furniture so distinctive and popular? The world is brimming with furniture designers, but why is it that Scandi designs are so coveted? The answer is simple…

The best solutions are often found where the need to solve a problem is the greatest. In Scandinavian winters, the days are short, the nights are long and the houses are small. Freezing-cold weather conditions mean time spent outdoors is minimal. So, the Scandis look to their homes for warmth, comfort and space. Overly decorative pieces of furniture simply get in the way and block out the light, so designers honed in on what was really needed: function-driven, nature-inspired furniture that would maximise space and light.

Although the rest of the world sees more daylight hours, there are probably few people who would turn down a little extra space and light in their home. Hence, the style went global and Ikea became a household name in more than 50 countries. Within an ethos where every item has to earn its place, here’s how to furnish the Scandi way.

the signature style

The number-one rule of Scandinavian-style furniture design is that form follows function. How you use the piece dictates how it is designed. There are no unnecessary, solely decorative additions. Ornate wood carving? Wing-backed armchairs? Four

poster beds? No thank you. Every element of Scandi-style furniture design directly serves a purpose, making the pieces inherently simple and also space saving. Clean lines and slim frames bring a lightness to the overall look, which works to enhance the feeling of light and space in the room as a whole. To create this neat functioning and lightness, both straight and curved lines are needed, so look closely and you will find both in every piece.

Scandinavian houses are typically small, and a key way to enhance the feeling of space in a room is to expose as much flooring as possible. This is why Scandi-style sofas, armchairs, beds and wardrobes often have legs. Using slim wooden or metal legs to raise the piece of furniture up off the ground allows you to see more of the flooring beneath. This is a commonly used visual technique that tricks the eye into believing a room is larger than it is. Across the globe, populations are increasing and homes are getting smaller, so it’s no surprise that more and more of us are adopting this technique, often without even knowing it. Let’s take a closer look at individual pieces of furniture, room by room.

living room

A place for hunkering down and keeping cosy with loved ones, the living room is the epicentre of Scandi-style living. Sofas and armchairs are low backed with wooden tapered legs to enhance the feeling of space, and most importantly of all, they must be very, very comfortable. Coffee tables have tapered legs too and are just big enough to act as a hot chocolate perch for every family member, but small enough so you can move around the room easily. Be it rectangular, circular or oval, the frames are slim

and smooth for that organic, barely-there feel. A hidden shelf here is a great way to keep the centre of the room clutter free.

dining room

Enjoying food among friends and family is a central part of both hygge and lagom, so a designated, comfortable dining area is so important. It is no surprise, then, that some of the most iconic pieces of Scandinavian furniture designs are dining chairs. The Wishbone chair by Hans Wegner, the Muuto chair by Thomas Bentzen, and even the Model 60 stool by Alvar Aalto are all signature, timeless designs that have been replicated worldwide. The curved aspect of Scandi design comes into its own with the rounded arch of backrests and spherical seats, optimising comfort and function in each millimetre. Much like coffee tables, dining tables are simple in form and slim in frame. Rectangle designs have curved edges which are both aesthetically pleasing and comfortable to live with.

bedroom

The bedroom should be our ultimate peaceful sanctuary. Scandi beds have slim wooden frames and tapered legs, and sit much lower than traditional-style frames or divans. Headboards are fuss free, often with slim wooden spindles, a singular panel of grained wood, or upholstered in a lightly coloured linen fabric for extra comfort. The handles of wooden wardrobes and chests of drawers are either discreet or non-existent. Whether it’s a built-in push-pull mechanism or fluid cut-out recesses, this keeps the space as streamlined as possible. Soft-close drawers are a must for storage that feels as good as it looks.

home office

If there’s one room where the benefits of a Scandi-style space could have a direct positive impact on the task at hand, it’s in a home office. Whether yours consists of a separate room or just a designated spot in your home, the notions of calm, spacious and naturally bright, ignited by Scandi-style interiors, could help you to focus more easily. Several studies have found that our working environment directly impacts our productivity, so it’s an area worth investing in. A thin-framed wooden desk, with built-in storage should be your first buy, so that the size and shades of your other pieces can work around it. Many highly supportive office chairs are also available in white and grey, or even tan leather, so that you can get optimum comfort and back support without breaking up your palette. Combine closed storage for paperwork and stationery, with open storage to display real plants and framed prints.

the key materials

wood

If there’s one element that’s integral to Scandi-style furniture, it’s wood. Scandis have been living with wooden furniture and cladding for hundreds of years, and in the 2019 World Happiness Report, Denmark, Sweden and Norway were said to be among the top ten happiest countries in the world. It’s the Scandis who inspired the comforting notions of hygge and lagom. And now, several scientific studies have shown that being surrounded by wood reduces stress levels. Everything points in the same direction: wood is good for us. The concept of bringing the outdoors in brings a vibe that is both fresh and comforting. Just what we all need.

But it’s not just any type of wood that will do. As Scandinavian days are shorter and darker than most, furnishing with dark wood will only make a space feel darker. Lighter woods such as beech, ash, oak and pine are the way to go. Also, the finish of the wood can make a huge difference to the overall feel. The wood used in Scandi furniture designs isn’t rustic – uneven edges or bumpy surfaces might bring character and charm to a countrystyle space, but for a Scandi scheme, it’s a no-go. The wood should be polished or sanded to perfection to form those coveted clean lines. The quality of your wood is also extremely important – invest in solid pieces that will support you for years to come.

When choosing your furniture, always check that your materials are responsibly sourced and environmentally friendly. All wood should be FSC certified. This is evidence that the wood has come from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social and economic benefit to the planet. Alternatively, flea markets, antique stores, charity shops and online second-hand stores such as eBay play host to many a hidden Scandi-style gem, at a fraction of the cost of buying brand new. This may also provide the perfect opportunity for you to sand down, revarnish or reupholster a piece of furniture and really put your own stamp on your home.

fabrics

When it comes to fabrics, natural fibres lead the way. For sofas and armchairs, choose soft cottons or linens, as these are breathable, lightweight materials that are soft to touch. If it’s a cosier, heavier feel that you’re after, go for wool instead. A Scandi colour palette is neutral, light and minimal – think whites, soft greys and warm beiges – so your furniture should inhabit this too. Light-coloured fabrics have reflective qualities that can brighten a room – pale grey has for a long time been branded the ‘new

buy once, buy well

A fundamental of Scandi design is quality pieces that stand the test of time. When choosing furniture, remember that it is an investment that will bring comfort and joy to you and your family for years, if not decades, to come. Scandi furniture is not intended to be chopped and changed every couple of years as the trends come and go; it is intended to stay and built to last. While there are less expensive options available, there is no replacement for the look and feel of high quality. You need to know that your pieces of furniture are sturdy, strong and reliable, that they function perfectly, so that your home life can be as easy and comfortable as possible.

That said, it is important to spend your money wisely. Invest in the items you use the most. Often this is sofas, dining sets, beds and wardrobes, but this might be different for you. These items need to stand up to daily action, so you’ll see the rewards of an investment. Pieces that you use less often, however, such as armchairs, Ottomans and console tables, will receive less wear and tear, so less expensive models will do just fine. Your purse can thank us later.

© Darlings of Chelsea

Choose furniture in light colours to make a room feel brighter

Tapered legs and a light colour scheme can make a space feel bigger

neutral’ and is the most popular option for sofas and armchairs by far.

A large part of Scandi style is about layering and balance, and layers can be built up through the materials you choose for your furniture. If choosing linen, cotton or wool for your larger pieces, for smaller items such as Ottomans, footstools or pouffes, you can be a little more playful and chop and change with the seasons. In winter, woollen oversized knits, faux fur or even cow hide are all natural ways of creating a new layer. Whereas in summer, wicker, bamboo and rattan add light and airy textural interest while maintaining that muted palette.

Similarly, leather is a great material to use as an accent, whether it’s to create comfy cushioning on a dining chair or the sling of a sling back chair. Too much leather in a space could dominate the room, so it’s best kept to a happy minimum. As for the texture, the deeper and more exposed the grain the better – shiny leather will appear cold and harsh, which is the opposite of what you’re after. If you don’t want real leather in your home, there are many faux designs around that replicate the real deal astonishingly well.

the essential storage

While Scandi-style furniture is designed to optimise your home life, this will not be achieved if your space is cluttered. A light and airy space with clean lines and minimal styling is all well and good, but if your floor is filled with kids’ toys, your armchair layered with

coats, or your coffee table hidden beneath letters, all your efforts of trying to create a tranquil space will come to nothing. And that is why storage is such an integral feature in Scandi-style design.

clutter free

Closed storage enables you to hide your things out of sight. While the Scandi lifestyle promotes living with less (so ideally you shouldn’t have too many things to stow away anyway), there are always those odds and ends that we’d rather not have on show.

A side board, for example, is a great way to incorporate a lot of closed storage at a low level, without taking up space up top, and maintaining that light and airy feel. Ercol sideboards epitomise the look completely, optimising the clean lines with handleless designs, in much the same way as wardrobes.

It’s useful to choose a TV stand with storage, so that unsightly wires can be hidden way. The lower the stand the better, as you don’t want your TV becoming the focal point of the space.

It may be tempting to go for a simple clothes rail where you’ll only hang a few of your favourite items of clothing. But let’s face it, with the fast pace of our lives, that rail will be over flowing and stressful-looking within a matter of weeks. A wardrobe and chest of drawers is the way to go if you have the space.

dual purpose

Another key way to maximise your storage in a Scandi-style space is to choose pieces of furniture that have a dual purpose. This can

© John Lewis

be bedside tables with drawers, hallway benches with built-in storage, vanity units with built-in cupboards, or even headboards with hidden shelving. These extra practical details can really make a difference to how your space works for you, without even taking up any extra footprint. This makes the ultimate goal of bright and airy rooms that little bit more achievable, whatever the size of your home.

pride of place

Storage isn’t just for hiding things away though; it can also be used to display your most treasured items. And this is where open storage comes in. While Scandi styling is minimal, it is certainly not boring, and putting beautiful items out on display for you to visually enjoy every day is very much encouraged. The most iconic open shelving design is the String shelving system and its story is an interesting one. When Bonniers publishing company launched a competition to design an affordable bookshelf (thus enabling its customers to buy more books), little

did it know it had prompted a revelation. The product had to be flexible, stylish and easy to ship, and the winning architecture students Nisse and Kajsa Strinning hit the nail on the head. A simple ladder framework with shelves that you could position wherever you like meant that everyone could create a bespoke piece that worked perfectly for them. The patented style has expanded into everything from bathroom storage to shoe stands, wine glass holders to office desks, as a practical, minimal and ever popular solution that sits back quietly and lets your accessories shine.

With the iconic furniture styles, the natural materials and the storage to keep your home clutter free, you’ll be a big step closer to living life Scandi style, and reaping all the rewards that that laid-back lifestyle can bring. Furniture provides a clear, long-term base for the rest of your scheme to work around. So while you put your feet up on your faux fur footstool, you can ponder all the textured throws, cushions and vases that will soon complete your dream Scandi scheme.

the perfect layout

Where you position your furniture can make a huge difference to the feel of your room. Your layout should be all about maximising natural light and space. Ensure your furniture doesn’t block windows, and if your room is big enough, position your furniture away from the walls as this works to visually broaden your space.

The proportions of your furniture are key, so it’s well worth putting in the research to find the exact right size. Too large or too much furniture and your space will feel

cluttered and overwhelming; too small or too little furniture and your space won’t function properly. As with everything in Scandi style, it is a real balancing act.

While the Scandi colour palette is minimal, you can add interest with mismatched pieces. A matching suite might seem like a straightforward option, but two or three pieces in varying materials and shades will bring essential textural and visual interest. Mismatched dining chairs, as long as they’re all of the same height

and proportions, bring a relaxed,communal vibe too.

Consider also how your furniture will work with other pieces in your room. Do you want to step out of bed straight onto a soft rug? Do you want every living room seat to be within arms reach of a coffee table? Do you want cosy seat cushions for every dining chair? How you want to use and feel in your space should dictate your layout, so think about this carefully and grab a tape measure before you purchase a single item.

Plan your furniture layout on paper to achieve the perfect proportions

decorate how to Scandi style

From paint colours and fabrics, to lighting and ceramics, here’s how to blend bright and airy with comfy and cosy for a Scandi-style design scheme that boosts happiness

WORDS Amelia Smith

Scatter cushions and throws in a neutral palette help to create a calming yet cosy living room

Scandinavian interior design incorporates two key and seemingly opposing characteristics. One is the sense of a light and airy openness, with clean lines and minimal styling. And the other is the feeling of a cosy, snuggly retreat, with soft textures and geometric patterns. Scandinavian winters see very few daylight hours, meaning much of the day is spent in darkness. It soon becomes clear that, by combining these two traits, Scandi style gives equal thought to both enhancing the light of day, and coping with the dark of night.

While the rest of the world may see more daylight hours, the notions of boosting natural light and keeping snug and cosy are ones that we all desire. So it’s no wonder the style has developed and spread into a worldwide trend. Have a quick flick through Instagram or Pinterest and you’ll find heaps of Scandi-style interiors that make you feel calm, even by looking at them through a screen. But we’re here to give you the lowdown on every step of your decorating process. From deciding on floor types to choosing the perfect mugs, follow this simple guide and prepare to create the Scandi-style home of your dreams.

a bright and neutral blank canvas

When it comes to painting your walls for a Scandi-style space, the message is simple: white, pale grey, warm beige and more white. Scandinavian winters see few daylight hours, and even in the summer, the light is softer and weaker than in most other parts of the world. Studies have shown that people who receive more natural light tend to feel happier and less stressed than those who receive less. As Scandinavian people have often been voted the happiest in the world, it’s no surprise that they’ve found a way to minimise the effects of their limited light. While dark shades absorb more light, white reflects it, so pale walls go a long way in maximising whatever natural light there is, creating the impression of more space. Many of us crave a larger home, which could explain why the Scandi colour palette is so widely adopted.

A key part of Scandi decorating is the concept of creating layers, and that applies to paint too. While the colour palette is minimal, you can add interest and texture by varying the type of paint that you use. High gloss paint is the most reflective, creating an almost mirror-like shine that will bounce light around the room to make your space feel brighter. Rather than using this for all four walls, it can also be used in specific areas, such as shelves, coving, door handles, or even the recesses of walls, to add a little shine and interest. There are many textured paints on the market, such as limewash, plaster effect, concrete effect, and even suede effect, which, when used alongside your standard matte emulsion in the same shade, can really elevate the scheme and bring a feeling of depth and cosiness.

Wall texture can be added in other ways too. Be it through painting an exposed brick wall the same neutral shade as your other walls, or through incorporating wall cladding or panelling into your scheme. Wall cladding brings that ultra-cosy log-cabin feel, whether you leave the timber grain exposed or paint it neutral. In the kitchen and bathroom especially, stone or stone-effect wall tiles can add another element of interest. Limestone, travertine or a delicately veined marble are classic and commonly used examples. Large format tiles tend to make a space feel bigger, promoting that streamlined, minimalist look. choose pale woods underfoot

While flooring can sometimes be an afterthought in decorating, it sets the scene for the atmosphere and ambiance we are trying to create. Light wood floors, such as very pale timbers or white-washed floorboards, are typical of Scandi-style interiors, bringing that lightness and airiness to the entire space. For true

welcome in a plant family

Scandi style is all about embracing and using nature, so no home is complete without an array of house plants. Their curved leaves and organic forms fit in perfectly with the scheme, while their vibrant green leaves bring a burst of colour. Not only this, but the act of nurturing your plants and watching the fruits of your labour develop has a huge positive impact on your wellbeing. It allows you to connect to nature, and become aware of the ebb and flow of the seasons without even stepping outside your front door. There’s nothing quite like the joy of watching a new leaf uncurl or a new flower blossom, so rather than simply adding to your Scandi decorating scheme, house plants really do add a new element to your life, and one that is wholly positive.

Plants take in carbon dioxide and give out oxygen, so when inside your home, they will naturally help to improve air quality. Certain plants can also bring particular benefits to specific rooms. For example, the areca palm and the gardenia are best suited to the bedroom. This is because the areca palm emits oxygen at night time, rather than during the day, which can improve air quality while you sleep, while the gardenia gives off a sleep-enticing scent. So ensure you do your research and plan your positioning before adopting your first plant baby, and you’ll create a happier and healthier home.

authenticity, real wood brings that natural warmth and charming grain that you know has uniquely grown into place over thousands of years. But real wood will require regular upkeep, such as sanding and sealing for protection, as it could warp when wet or expand when hot.

Wood-effect laminate flooring is a more practical, and often less expensive option. The latest technology means that tiles replicate the natural grain of wood in a more realistic way than ever before. Even when touching, it can be almost impossible to tell the difference between real wood and laminate. But be warmed, you really do get what you pay for, so be cautious about buying wood-effect flooring online without seeing it in real life first. As a happy medium, veneer flooring is made up of layers of ply, topped off with solid wood, enabling you to get the best of both worlds.

To get the Scandi look spot on, choose long, wide planks and lay them along the length of the room to visually lengthen the space. While Scandi-style furniture is polished and pristine, you can go a little more rustic with your flooring. For an authentic feel, embrace nature’s imperfections, or indeed our replications

of them, by choosing designs with a harsh, bold grain and exposed knots or shading. This enhances the notion of bringing the outside in, and prevents a white space from appearing clinical, as that’s the last thing we want.

If you decide to paint your wooden flooring white to lift your space further, remember to choose specialist floor paint, as this will have anti-slip qualities. While it’s ideal to choose a paint that enhances, rather than hides the wood grain, especially dark or small rooms may benefit from a gloss paint to bounce light back up into the space.

In Scandinavia, wall-to-wall carpets are rarely used. Wooden or stone floors with plenty of scattered rugs are widely preferred instead. But, if your heart is set on the warmth and comfort of carpet, choose natural fibres such as sisal, seagrass, jute or coir. Not only are these sustainable and eco-friendly options, but they inject nature and all its positive benefits into your home as well. Sisal carpets, for example, are great for allergy sufferers as they’re hypoallergenic.

let in natural light

At the heart of every Scandi design choice is the goal of letting as much natural light flood into your home as possible. Scandinavia’s sunlight is ‘greyer’ than the more vibrant light of lower latitudes, making it all the more important to maximise what light they do have. The best way to do this is to install large, south-facing windows and roof lights, but if that isn’t an option for your home, you can amplify the light that your home receives with some clever tips and tricks.

Your window dressings should be minimal. Heavily draped curtains and chunky, fixed plantation shutters are absolute no gos, as they will inevitably block out the light. It’s all about striking the balance between letting in natural light and maintaining privacy, so your decision should come down to how

overlooked your room is, and how much light you require. If choosing a Roman blind, go for pale, natural, light materials such as linen or cotton to reflect the light and fit in with your scheme. Bamboo or wicker roller blinds bring a warm textural element to your space, and when rolled up can mimic the look of traditional wooden beams. Either way, ensure your blinds are fitted perfectly to enable maximum light to enter. If your window is particularly small and overlooked, you could maximise light with a window film. This is a translucent sticker that you attach to you window pane, giving you privacy while still enabling plenty of light to shine through.

Before you begin decorating your room, it’s worth noting its direction in relation to the sun. North-facing rooms will be darker, and so will benefit from warmer colours such as soft beiges and creams. Whereas south-facing rooms will be much brighter, so they’ll be able to take pale greys and cool whites. These colours will work to balance out the natural light that your room receives to achieve a pleasant ambience at all points in the day.

illuminate your space

Throughout winter, many parts of Scandinavia only receive around six hours of daylight each day. This means that artificial lighting is essential for everyday tasks to a much larger extent than anywhere else in the world. It’s important that lighting is carefully considered to meet your exact needs and preferences. ‘Everything in a home is secondary to the importance of lighting’, Danish designer Poul Henningsen once wrote – it really is a key aspect of design, and getting it right will have a significant positive impact in your home.

As we’ve discussed, a key theme in Scandi-style decorating is layering, and that is essential when it comes to lighting. In every space, you should have at least two layers of lighting: task and ambient. Task lighting, such as pendant lights or LED spotlights,

Hints of geometric patterns bring definition and interest to a living room

make an entrance

When decorating our homes, our hallways are often overlooked and under-loved. But as the first thing you see when you walk through the door, they set the tone for the rest of your space, so it’s important that you get them right. In a Scandi-style home, hallways should be light, airy, inviting and, most importantly, impeccably organised. When you walk through the door after a

Decorate your hallway in a calming, neutral palette for a soothing welcome home

long day at work, you want to be greeted with something that makes you smile, and certainly not a cluttered mountain of coats and shoes. Yes, we have all been there, and no, that is not the Scandi way.

As well as an entrance, your hallway is also the link between your rooms, so adopt neutral colours and natural materials here too, for a home that flows cohesively.

Decorate your hallway with a few carefully selected items. This can be a beautiful piece of artwork, or a slimline console table with your favourite vase of fresh flowers. Round mirrors are a great way to enhance the feeling of light and space in a narrow hallway, and are handy for a final check on your appearance before you head outside too.

provides a bright light for practical purposes, such as cooking, working, or getting ready in the mornings. Ambient lighting, such as table lamps, floor lamps and wall lights, provides a softer glow for relaxing, socialising or winding down for bed. Of course, dimmer switches can be used to alter a light’s intensity, so it’s the ability to manipulate your lighting to suit your needs that is key. There’s nothing worse than a too–bright, glaring light while eating dinner, or a dull glow that means you can barely see your face in the bathroom mirror.

Scandi-style lights are function driven, with the aim of emitting the right amount of light taking priority over decorative details or finishes. Therefore they’re often simple and organic in shape, with curved edges, light colours and natural materials such as wood, bamboo and even paper.

One of the most iconic Scandi lights is the PH 5 pendant light by Poul Henningsen. Having relished the cosy ambience made by oil lamps in his childhood, Henningsen wanted to replicate that feeling with modern technology. He designed an innovative

Take your time to select well-made accessories that you really love

take it slow

How you approach your decorating scheme can have a huge impact on the final result. Scandi-style design exemplifies the mantras of ‘quality over quantity’ and ‘less is more’. When a style is blessed with mantras such as these, we are granted permission to take our time, to become perfectionists, and to splurge. When buying fewer items, you can be extra fussy about those that you do buy. So don’t rush. See your decorating scheme as an entity that can slowly evolve over time, rather than a project that needs to be complete before you can see its full beauty.

It’s worth taking the time to save up your money and buy a more expensive item that you adore, than to immediately rush to buy a less expensive item that you love a little less and will last half as long. Every accessory in your home has to earn its place, so there should be no compromises. Before buying, ask yourself these four key questions. Do you love it? Does it complement your scheme? Will it last? Is it environmentally friendly? Ensure every piece fits this criteria and you’ll be on your way to a streamlined, sustainable and well-crafted Scandi-style home.

three-tier system, which enables the majority of light to be emitted downwards and then back onto itself. This creates a 100% glare-free light, for a cosy ambience and a contemporary feature all at once. This design, along with his PH Artichoke pendant, has been replicated across the globe.

The final flourish to your lighting scheme brings a sense of cosiness that can’t be replicated artificially: candles. Whether it’s a dining table centrepiece, additions to your fireplace, or a single flicker at your bedside table, the naked flame of candles brings out a primal feeling of comfort and warmth. Gifting our homes with delicious and calming scents, they are a key piece of the jigsaw required to achieve the notion of hygge.

embrace all things soft and cosy

Where your pale surfaces and slimline furniture work to brighten and enlarge your space, it’s the cushions, throws, rugs and bed linen that bring the cosy vibes we’re all after. The first thing to note is your materials. The textures you choose should be natural, and they should reflect the season you’re in. While your furniture, wall coverings and floorings are long-term fixtures, you should swap your accessories twice a year to suit the seasons. This refresh helps to keep you aligned with nature and ensures that your home has the means to comfort you in the best way possible.

In summer, choose cushions and throws in cottons and linens, as well as cotton bed linen with a high thread count. These bring a lightness and breathability to the space, that enables you to

snuggle up into the softness without feeling too warm. Whereas in winter, when the notion of hygge really comes into play, choose warm wools, chunky knits, faux fur and suede. Nothing beats the feeling of being cocooned inside a heavy throw when it’s freezingcold outside, and resting your head on a fluffy cushion is just the icing on the cake. For your bed linen, choose a soft brushed cotton – you’ll be surprised at what a difference a heavier duvet cover can make. But be warned, a super-soft design will make it even harder to get out of bed on those dark winter mornings!

Be it summer or winter, layer up your cushions and throws to the max – you don’t need matching prints, matching materials, or even matching sizes; it’s all about a layering up of differences. You could try a chunky, cable knit throw with a faux fur cushion and a cashmere blanket, or a striped linen cushion with a geometric cushion and a cotton throw. Combine, contrast and layer up your soft accessories for a space that beckons you to dive in and snuggle up to experience the textural delight.

We’ve already discussed that a quintessential Scandi-style floor consists of pale wooden planks, but the look isn’t complete without a scattering, or indeed a layering, of thick, soft, natural rugs. While many of us would choose one rug per room at most, Scandinavians prioritise comfort and warmth by positioning them wherever they feel they’re needed. Be it beneath an armchair so its sitter can keep their toes cosy, or by the fire so they can hunker down in prime position on snowy days – when it comes to rugs, throw symmetry and focal points out the window.

In winter, choose chunky knit throws to cocoon from the cold

It’s how your space feels that really counts, so position your rugs where you’ll feel them. You can always reposition them as the seasons change, or whenever you fancy a bit of a refresh.

To maintain that calming and bright feel, keep your fabrics’ colours predominantly neutral and light. The most common injections of colour in Scandi-style interiors are blush pink and deep blue, and your soft furnishings are the perfect place to introduce them subtly. This goes for patterns too. Scandinavian countries have a rich history of weaving and embroidery, and even its earliest examples boast bold geometric, pictorial and botanical designs. Hence, cushions and throws are often patterned with repeated, symmetrical shapes or simple flowers. The Finnish textile design company Marimekko makes many great, striking examples of this.

don’t forget the finishing touches

So far, you can be forgiven for thinking that Scandi-style décor holds an abundance of specific traits, which could lead to lots of homes all looking the same. But it’s the finishing touches where your personality can really shine through. While Scandi style is often described as ‘minimal’, this does not mean that you can’t have things out on display. What it does mean, though, is that you should only be displaying things that you really love and that bring a benefit to your environment. Think quality over quantity.

A key example of this is art prints and paintings. While a colourful floor-to-ceiling gallery wall would be a sensory overload, a few carefully selected, cherished designs will bring visual interest, a focal point and personality to a space. If you’re hankering for a little more definition, thin black frames create a crisp contrast against white walls. This is a very on-trend and popular combination, but we would suggest warming and softening it up with earthy, organic prints.

Vases and plant pots are essential items in any Scandi-style home, as they are an easy means of bringing nature indoors. That said, no longer are these items simply vessels for beauty, but they themselves have become the beauty too. Part of the Scandi design ethos is that everything should be simple, authentic and well made. This increasing appreciation of well crafted items is one of the reasons why small independent businesses, including ceramicists, potters and glass blowers, are growing in success. Our Instagram feeds are full of makers sharing their creations. Owning items that you know were made with love, care and hard-earned skill, brings a sense of joy and peace that’s unreachable on the mass market. It also adds a uniqueness to your home, while being more eco-friendly too. More and more, we’re seeing beautiful, shapely glazed vases left empty, as they, in themselves, are just enough.

The same applies to your kitchenware. The feeling of hygge won’t be reached if, when you drink that hot chocolate by the fire after a cold walk, your mug is just too small, or chipped, or you can’t fully fit your hand around the tiny handle. Invest in solid, well-made crockery that’s just the right size and shape for you and your family. As a loyal companion to many important moments – from family meals, to lunches with friends and quiet morning coffees by yourself – your crockery sees a lot, so it’s worth spending a little extra for durable designs that you’ll enjoy using for many years to come.

Now that we’ve covered the key elements of neutral walls and floors, clever uses of light, seasonal textures and well-crafted ceramics, you’re all set for a Scandi-style home that’s refreshing and comforting. Whether you’re brunching with friends round a sunshine-soaked dining table, or cosying up beneath a cashmere blanket on a dreary Tuesday night, devour every aspect of your home. And remember to notice how it makes you feel, because that, after all, is what matters the most.

Layer up blankets and cushions for a cosy night’s sleep

Place thick, fluffy rugs over wooden floors for a cosy cabin feel

how designers use natural textures

Softening power

“Without natural textures in a room, the space can feel cold and unwelcoming. Materials that have a matt texture, such as sisal or wool, will absorb light, creating a soft, subdued effect,” says Emma Gurner, interior designer at foldsinside.com and interiordesigncollective.co.uk

Keila lounge chair, £405, Bloomingville at Royal Design. Grey rug, £49.99, Bloomingville at Wayfair

Natural glamour

“You need a natural base to make glamour stand out and give impact, so a jute rug is a perfect backdrop to direct attention towards a sleek accent piece of furniture,” says Catharine Denham at French Connection Home.

Fabric of life

“Natural fabrics and materials have always been a luxury, but also a must to bring elements together and create the perfectly balanced space. This has come to the fore recently with people looking for sustainability in their purchases, choosing more organic products that reflect their own mindfulness,” says Sam Hood, creative director at Amara.

Washed linen tablecloth, £39.99, H&M Home, is similar. Try linen clay brown napkins, £20 for four, Habitat. Port Cros porcelain dinner plates, £12 each; salad bowls, £20 each; Broadway shiny black cutlery, £250 for 24-piece set; leopard placemats, £46 for two; animal napkin rings, £20 for four; terracotta circle candle stand, £30; black and white spot tall vase, £20; beaded stripe cushion, £38, all Amara

Walls in Wimborne White estate emulsion, £46.50 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball. Esben sideboard £950, Graham and Green. Cezanne coffee table, £799, Heal’s. Bud vase, £24; Arlid vase £60, both Lillian Daph. Stoneware piece, £29.99, Zara Home. White vase, £35, Oka. Tray, £35, French Connection Home. Carafe, £12.50; tumblers, £9.95 for two, both Sous Chef. Plant pot, £1, Ikea

Rough & smooth

“I love to layer textures, a knotted wool rug over a wooden floor or marble coasters on a glass table –anything is possible. Be playful and experiment with elements you love,” says Sam Hood, creative director at Amara.

NICKY PHILLIPS, DECORATING EDITOR, IDEAL HOME

“With wooden furniture, go for pale, lightly washed or matt finishes where the grain is the star attraction”

Lennox double bed, £349; Emmet table lamp, £39.50; Faye cushion in Pink mix, £25; Skylar cushion, £15; cut velvet hexagonal cushion in Pink mix, £17.50; Apothecary statement vase, £12.50, all M&S

Earthy mix

“It used to be that natural materials and textures evoked images of dull colours and hessian cloths, but that has definitely changed,” says Sam Hood. Lift neutral finishes with warm, natural tones of ochre, tan brown, plaster pink and terracotta.

WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY...

Designers and colour professionals share their views

■ “A space overloaded with textures can feel claustrophobic,” says Catharine Denham.

“Using plain surfaces as a backdrop lets them shine.” Emma Gurner agrees: “Choose a few that work well together.”

■ “Nothing gets natural texture into a home like living plants,” says Sam Hood.

“One of the most striking trends that has entered the world of home design is the living wall.”

■ “Always use natural materials in a formal space,” says Catharine.

“They add life to sleek rooms.”

■ “Wood isn’t just for furniture,” says Sam.

“It is so tactile, organic and versatile, you can use

THE BEST textured wallpapers

it on walls and floors, but also mirror frames, bowls and vases – even sinks.” Emma adds: “In all forms, it will add warmth and character.”

■ “Different woods can work together,” says Emma, “such as mid-tone wood kitchen cabinets on a pale wood floor. I love to lean varying wood chopping boards against each other for an interesting effect on a worktop.”

INDUSTRIAL LUXE

Parchment wallpaper in Concrete, £51 a roll, Designers Guild

ARTISTIC EFFECT

Vertical texture, £58.95 a roll, John Lewis & Partners

FRESH PLASTER

Uni wallpaper in Rose Nude, £55.60 a roll, Casadeco

RAW RUSTIC

Temperate wallpaper in Pumice, £70 a roll, Villa Nova

■ “Combine fine glassware, metallics or porcelain with stoneware,” says Nicky Phillips. “Choose handmade styles with thick glazes, wonky edges or speckled surfaces.”

■ “Colours and pattern inspired by Moroccan and Indian design blend easily with a textural look,” says Catharine.

“Natural sun-bleached hues are perfect, as are the natural mandala and hand block printed patterns.”

JOANNA HENDERSON

GEAR

light let there be

WORDS Andréa Childs

There’s a reason we fling open the curtains in the morning and crave a daylight fix after eight hours in an artificially lit office. All those kitchen extensions with bi-fold doors, open-plan living spaces and dormer-windowed loft conversions aren’t just about increasing the space in our homes, they’re about flooding it with natural light. In a world where we spend up to 90% of our waking hours indoors (according to the National Human Pattern Activity Survey), we’re searching for feel-good rays of sunshine on a grey day – even if that means looking at them through a window from the comfort of our sofa.

We’re biologically hardwired to respond to the light around us, which means the decision to place a dressing table by the bedroom window, say, or light candles for a romantic meal, isn’t just about the shape of our room or the state of our love life. Bright morning light shows up fine details, so it’s great when we’re putting on our make-up. The orange and red tones of sunsets and candlelight are warm and flattering, which is why they’re the default option for cosy, intimate evenings. And just as the colour of natural light changes depending on the time of day and the season, so does its direction. All of this – the quality and quantity of light – affects the look of our homes, our mood and even our long-term health. Get the light right and life really is brighter.

There are many benefits of natural light, so let’s explore some of the simple changes we can make to maximise it in our home

day-to-night natural light

If you work from home or spend a lot of time in your home during the day, it’s tempting to follow the light around the house, like a cat. The shafts of light and shadows of leaves as the sun filters through the trees into your home in the morning is a wonderful way to start the day.

“There’s an ecological argument for increasing the amount of natural brightness, as it reduces energy consumption from electric lights. When we’re working on a project, we also consider which rooms are used at what time of day,” says Kevin Slack, director of eco-architectural practice Greenspace Architects (greenspacearchitects.co.uk). “Ideally, ‘morning rooms’ such as bathrooms and kitchens need light early in the day, so should be east-facing. Bedrooms, where light may not be a priority, can be north-facing. ‘Evening rooms’ – the places you want to relax in when you come in from work – should catch the last light from the west.”

It can be easier and less expensive to repurpose a room than take down walls to let in more light. If you’re going to fit a new bathroom or kitchen, check it’s in the best place it can be before you start work. And don’t assume wall-to-floor glazing is the only solution. “It’s incredible how much brightness knocking a window through a wall or fitting a rooflight will add to a space, for a lot less than the cost of expensive glazed doors or a glass-box extension,” says Kevin. You might even find that you end up enjoying doing the laundry if you have skylights fitted in your utility room! Kevin explains how a neighbour always thanks him for fitting a glazed panel above her stairs. “It’s not even a living room, it’s just a transitional space, but she says it makes her happy every morning when the stairway is filled with light,” he says.

bright and happy

Bright, blue-toned daylight stimulates the release of cortisol to make us feel awake and alert, as well as the feel-good hormone serotonin, which helps to regulate our mood. At night, when natural light is lower and redder in tone, it triggers the sleep hormone melatonin. That simple biological system gets messed up when we spend the day in gloomy rooms, then scroll through Insta property pics on our blue light-emitting screens at night.

We don’t even need to go outside to experience the benefits of natural light. A recent study showed that workers with windows in their office slept 46 minutes longer each night and did more exercise than those without exposure to natural light. Others have found that hospital patients recover quicker when they have access to good levels of daylight as it helps to reduce depression, regulate circadian rhythms and ease pain levels.

ONE Invest in smart lighting that has wake-you-up and go-to-sleep settings, as well as different tones for reading, relaxing, concentrating and energising.

At The Wellcome Collection in London, a 2019 exhibition called Living with Buildings looked at how natural light has been used in health centres, from the tuberculosis clinics of the 1930s to Maggie’s Cancer Centres today. “Maggie’s ensure their buildings employ as much natural light as possible to create spaces that are welcoming, empathetic and domestic in their feel,” says curator Emily Sargent. “In Finland, architect Alvar Aalto designed the Paimio Sanatorium to be a ‘medical instrument’ for tuberculosis recovery. Natural light was critical to his vision for patient rooms, balconies and dining areas, and he even included bright yellow lino on the staircases to ‘bring the sunshine in’.”

decorating with light

If you love dark décor and are horrified by the idea of yellow floors, don’t despair. “There is such a thing as too much light. Our homes need balance, with cosy, dimmer areas to give a feel of safety and relaxation,” says Kevin. “If your décor is dark or your home doesn’t get much natural light, you can use artificial illumination to replicate the real thing – bright, colder-toned LED bulbs in the daytime, switching to softer lamplight or washes of yellow-toned light in the evening.”

“I love juicing up a dark corner with a stunning wallpaper, delicious fabrics and the warmth of good lighting,” says designer Sarah Fortescue (sarahfortescue.com). “Don’t try to remedy the issue by painting the space white or neutral, as there won’t be enough natural light bouncing from the walls and the space will appear flat. Use an intense wall colour, such as Benjamin Moore paint in Peony Pink or my Jungle Fever wallpaper in Jade, plus table lamps and wall sconces on dimmers to give different variations of golden glow.”

And make the most of the natural light you do have. Rearrange furniture so you have an armchair by the window; swap bedrooms with your children to give them the brighter room (they’re more likely to use it in the daytime); and if you’re not overlooked, replace the frosted glass in your bathroom or hallway with clear glazing that lets the light flood in. Why not start by cleaning the windows? It might make your outlook a lot brighter!

© Getty Images

5 bright ideas for your home

TWO In a windowless room, an LED panel fitted with daylight bulbs will give the illusion of natural light.

THREE Strip back window treatments to maximise incoming light. Instead of curtains, choose roller blinds or shutters that fold back completely.

FOUR Reflect available light by hanging a mirror opposite a window and choosing glossy surfaces and metallic accessories, all of which will bounce light around the room.

FIVE Trim overgrown trees outside windows to stop them blocking light coming in.

happy home warm home,

Creating a cosy, comfortable space is more important for your wellbeing than you think. We reveal how to add warmth to your home

WORDS Ellen Finch

U

nless you’re living in a cold home, you might not realise the impact it can have on your health, both physically and mentally. Those living in homes heated to under 18°C, especially the elderly, have an increased risk of health issues like heart attacks, strokes, flu and falls, and it’s also dangerous for those with heart or lung diseases. A review of fuel poverty by Public Health England in 2014 referenced two studies that found links between cold homes and poor mental health. In one, an increase in room temperature was associated with a reduced likelihood of experiencing depression and anxiety (Warm Front, Sheffield Hallam University Centre for Regional Social and Economic Research, 2008). In another, young people in cold homes were more at risk of developing multiple symptoms of poor mental health than those in warmer homes (The Dynamics of Bad Housing, NatCen, 2008).

But a drop in temperature doesn’t have to lead to mental health issues for it to have an impact on you. A cold home makes it difficult to focus on pleasurable things like reading a book. It can also increase stiffness and aching joints, making it more difficult to move around – which doesn’t make for a happy home!

Colder homes are also more at risk of developing problems associated with cold weather like damp and condensation. It’s no surprise, then, that warmth is such an important part of creating a Scandi home and in achieving hygge.

warm up with colour

On a design level, colour is crucial to creating a warm space. Try some of these ideas for a cosy scheme

WARM WHITE

Done right, white can be a clean, minimalist way to warm up a home. Opt for creamy whites with yellow undertones rather than the cooler blue-tone alternatives, and layer with plenty of woods, plants and fabrics.

EARTHY COLOURS

If you love reds, yellows and oranges, we have good news: they’re great colours to use to warm up a room. Try opting for the earthier tones, like mustard yellow and terracotta, or bring in colour through a tan leather sofa or some scatter cushions.

SAGE GREEN

More of a nature-inspired decorator? Sage green is on trend thanks to its calming qualities, and when used on walls and ceilings, it gently envelopes a room to create a cosy haven. This colour is particularly effective in living rooms and bedrooms.

DARK GREY

Go Nordic with a deep grey. Far from cold and clinical, warmer, darker greys have a cocooning effect on any room they’re used in. Layer up with whites, woods and knitted throws for Scandi-style hygge in an instant.

warmth and style

Warm colours and textures are important to invoke cosiness in the home. Painting with warm colours, like natural greens and earthy browns, and filling your house with blankets and cushions is a good way to help a home feel more welcoming – and provide handy accessories to snuggle up with.

Being surrounded by warm textures and colours invigorates your senses, increases your feelings of safety and helps you to enjoy living in the moment.

staying warm at home

We’ll go into the specifics of how you can better warm up your home (from insulation to stoves) over the page, but there are plenty of tips and tricks you can use right now to cosy up your space. Try introducing some of these into your living spaces to inject instant cosiness to your home.

GET THE FIRE ON

Turning on a fire, if you have one, is one of the best ways to instantly create a cosy, warm space. There’s the heat itself, of course – there’s nothing like sitting by the hearth warming your hands close to the flames – but the crackle of a fire and the warm orange, red and yellow colours also make for a hyggeligt sight in any room.

CONTROL YOUR HEATING

It’s a good idea to keep your home at a consistent temperature throughout the day. Work out a reasonable base temperature that you can maintain all day and that’s comfortable for you. Use a timer to set it to come on before you get up in the morning and turn off when you’re going to bed – a cooler bedroom makes for better sleep – or invest in a smart thermostat that heats just the rooms you’re in.

LIGHT SOME CANDLES

Like an open fire, there’s something especially cosy about candles, and while they might not seem to emit much heat, having a few burning at once can help warm up a space. The Danes prefer unscented candles for maximum hygge, but we won’t tell anyone if you want to use a warming winter spice scent instead!

PILE UP THE BLANKETS

It’s time to get seriously snug. We’re talking knitted throws, fluffy blankets and a velvet cushion or two to maximise the comfort factor. Why do you think we take refuge in our beds or on the sofa when we’re ill or sad? The warmth these soft furnishings create, as well as their comforting effects, are key to a safe, secure and happy environment.

INVEST IN THE EXTRAS

Hot water bottles and electric blankets are invaluable if you’re prone to getting chilly, but be safe and never use the two together. It’s also a good idea to start creating a spa-like bathroom space and picking up a bubble bar or two. Having a bath is the perfect way to get warm and heat up a cold bathroom at the same time.

next steps

You’re all set to get cosy in your home and maybe even boost your mental wellbeing at the same time. But actually getting your home warm is the next step. Learn how to better heat your home to save time and money on your bills over the page.

WORDS Amelia Smith

add wall insulation

A modern and stylish heating solution, stoves are a striking focal point in any home. Do your research before buying to decide which fuel type suits your space and needs: choose from multi-fuel, woodburning, gas and electric.

A woodburning or multi-fuel stove is an eco-friendly option, as long as you burn sustainably sourced materials. You will need to install a pre-fabricated flue system if you don’t have a chimney. “Smoke-control restrictions may be in place in your area and must be considered,” says Dave Saunders, special projects engineer at Stovax.

get cosy with a stove update your boiler

According to the Energy Saving Trust (EST), around a third of all heat lost in an uninsulated home is through the walls. Cavity walls means there’s a gap between the inner and outer walls, which can be filled with insulation. This can be injected externally for minimal disruption.

If your home has solid walls with no gap, solid wall insulation can be fitted on your property’s interior or exterior. Fitting it internally is a good option if you’re already adding an extension or remodelling, as it causes a lot of disruption to your property, so it’s ideal to install at the same time. Remember insulation takes up additional floor space. External insulation is a more expensive but less invasive option. This involves fixing insulation to your exterior walls and covering it with a render or cladding material, transforming the property’s appearance too.

Electric stoves can be convenient, and some can even be hung on a wall or placed in a corner, so take up little space. They don’t require a flue, and can be placed almost anywhere in the home. You simply plug them in for instant heat.

A gas stove looks realistic and offers instant warmth as and when required. “There are restrictions for installing conventional flue gas fires in bedrooms or bathrooms. They should be located where accidental contact is unlikely,” adds Jack Drew of Gazco.

An annual service will ensure your boiler is working as well as it should. If it’s over ten years old, you should consider replacing it with a newer model that could be more efficient. A combi boiler is a common choice for homes with one or two bathrooms. This heats water straight from the mains, so you only pay for the hot water you use. For larger houses, a system boiler, which uses stored water to provide hot water to multiple bathrooms at once, may be a better option. “Upgrading to a high-efficiency condensing boiler could cut heating and hot water bills by between 5 to 10%,” says Martyn Bridges at Worcester Bosch.

lay loft insulation

10 1 3 4 2 ways to warm your home

Putting insulation in your loft, attic or roof is a simple, effective way to reduce heat loss and lower your energy bills. The most common insulation is rolls of mineral wool which can be laid between the joists in the floor. If your loft is a living space, you can insulate the roof by fitting insulation boards between the roof rafters, and covering them with insulated plasterboard. If it’s easy to access, isn’t damp or a flat roof, and you’re a competent DIYer, you could fit the insulation yourself. For more complex cases, use a professional installer.

© Getty Images

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If you’re extending or renovating, underfloor heating can be one of the most efficient ways of heating your space. As warmth naturally rises, by putting your heat source in the floor, rather than on the walls, less energy is wasted through the ceiling, and the heat is spread evenly around the room. “The room thermostat can be set 1 to 2°C lower than a radiator system and the room will still feel comfortable,” says David Playfoot at Uponor.

There are two types of underfloor heating: water and electric. Water-fed underfloor

opt for underfloor heating install brandnew radiators

Dreaming of the romantic appeal of an open fire? Remember you’ll need somewhere to store your fuel, and that 80% of energy from a fire is lost through the chimney. A more modern and energy-efficient option, such as a gas or electric fire, will be cost-effective and practical, while a fireplace surround makes a feature in your space. “Gas fires can have programmable remote controls, allowing you to schedule the time the appliance will switch on and at what temperature,” says Alex Sheldon at Stovax. Gas and real fires require a flue to vent out gases. Hire a professional to install your gas fire, to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

create a focal-point fireplace pick energyefficient windows

Make sure you update draughty windows to reduce heat loss and keep cold air out. Look for the best energy rating.

heating is more expensive up front, but cheaper to run than electric, and ideal for large areas or multiple rooms. Electric underfloor heating can be used in smaller rooms, such as kitchens and bathrooms, and is ideal as you won’t need to alter your floor levels. “Electric systems are less expensive to install for areas under 20 square metres,” says expert renovator Michael Holmes.

“Depending on your insulation, you could save 20 to 30% over traditional radiator systems running off conventional boilers, and even higher with renewable heat sources,” adds David.

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Brand-new radiators will work most efficiently and cost less to heat. If your radiators feel colder at the top than at the bottom, bleeding your radiators is a DIY job that could release air to solve the issue. “Avoid positioning your radiators behind large objects, such as sofas, as this can block heat. If you’re short on wall space, a vertical radiator is an ideal way to include a big radiator for maximum heating impact,” says Simon Morris at The Radiator Company.

With the latest thermostats, you can control your central heating via an app. If you’re staying out longer than expected, you can delay your heating so you’re not paying to warm an empty home. Also, the whole family can access the app on their phones, tablets or laptops, controlling the heating to meet everyone’s needs. For the Hive thermostat, you simply connect the hub to your broadband router, attach the receiver to your boiler, and you can control your heating from your phone on the go. The Nest app also lets you see how much money you’re saving, and even how you could save more. On average, people using the Nest Thermostat E have saved 10 to 12% on heating bills.

“Systems like Wiser thermostats from Drayton use radiator thermostats to create individual heating zones. This means you can fix the temperature in the living room to 20°C, for example, but have it lower in empty spare rooms to save energy,”says Mikael Eliaeson at Wiser.

be smart with heating controls consider alternative heating

Air source heat pumps and skirting board heating are alternative options for warming your whole house. Air source heat pumps are an efficient renewable energy solution, which sit on the exterior of your property. They’re powered by electricity and draw in external air, transforming it into energy to warm water and heat pipes and radiators.

“As a stand-alone heating option, it means you could heat your new extension separately, without adding to the demand of your existing system,” says Martyn Bridges at Worcester Bosch.

Skirting board heating can be ‘wet’ like a typical radiator, working with your boiler or heat pump; or electric, like a panel heater. “The skirting board is heated and radiates heat all around the room from a low level. The comfort is similar to underfloor heating, but it heats up as quickly as radiators,” says Martin Wadsworth at Discrete Heat. If used with a heat pump, an all-round skirting heating system could save you 25% compared to electric or oil heating.

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display your

houseplants

A well-edited arrangement of houseplants will not only lift the spirits and help purify the air, it’s also great for adding colour, style and an artistic flourish

WORDS Nicky Phillips

SIDE NOTE

Use larger plants on the floor to frame the fireplace

Fresh fireplace

Fill an empty fireplace (or any niche) with a variety of potted plants. Different heights add visual interest – mix up plants with different leaf shapes and colours for an abundant display.

Gallery wall

Arrange succulents on small metal box shelves grouped with framed botanical prints – the differing depths create look-at-me focal points.

ALL WHITE

Use matching frames for a cohesive look

LINE UP

Make a wall planter from an old shelf using simple hooks

Alternative wall art

Perfect for rooms where available wall space is limited, duplicate identical plants in pots in a vertical row for impact and to add a sense of height.

Living wall

Swap a mirror above the fireplace for a wall-hung pocket planter filled with a verdant display of ferns and trailing vines.

COLOUR CODE

Pick up the leafy hues with green accessories

lifestyle

Scandi-livingessentials

crochetablanket

knitacushioncover

knitabasket

upcycleoldfurniture

recipe:smørrebrød

recipe:Scandibeetrootknots

recipe:Swedishmeatballs

recipe:cinnamonbuns

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Scandi-living

essentials

From the great outdoors to a hearty cuisine and calming crafting, explore the Scandi style of life, and the simple pleasures it can bring

WORDS Amelia Smith

The great outdoors is a huge part of the Scandinavian lifestyle.

Swedish cloudberries are often preserved in jams

When we think of Scandi style, we automatically picture interior design. But look beyond the furniture and décor, and you’ll discover a home lifestyle brimming with positivity. From foods to crafts, the Scandis know how to live. So if you’re adopting their interior design rules, consider trying out some elements of their culture, too. We guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

The first thing to note is that the Scandis have a deep-rooted passion for the great outdoors. This region-wide love affair is one that they bring home, with well-considered, wild and comfortable gardens that beg you to relax outside, even when it’s chilly.

Much of Scandi-style design is about delighting our senses –wrapping ourselves in soft textures, lighting scented candles and curating the perfect ambience with lighting. But what about one of our most refined senses: taste? Scandinavian cuisine is hearty, simple and honest, enjoyed best when shared with family and friends.

With a lifestyle that prioritises sustainability and a calm pace, crafting is a popular hobby, enjoyed particularly throughout the long winters. Perfecting a skill to make unique items for your home promotes mindfulness, while adorning your space with visual joy.

So we have the great outdoors, simple foods and mindful crafts – let’s unpack these three aspects of the Scandinavian lifestyle, so you can try them out in your own home.

a Scandi garden

We’ve all heard of hygge and lagom, but have you heard of friluftsliv? Pronounced ‘free-loofts-liv’, this is a lesser-known Scandinavian philosophy, which literally translates as ‘open-air living’. The concept is all about the value of connecting with nature and spending time outdoors, in order to aid both your mental and physical wellbeing. It’s so deeply embedded into Scandinavian culture that some companies offer scheduled friluftsliv hours for their employees to get outside, or compensate them for cycling or walking to work. With this strong acknowledgement of the benefits that being among nature can bring, it’s no surprise that Scandinavians take their gardens seriously. Here we look at the five key ways that you can adopt Scandi style in your outside space.

curate an extra room

In stark contrast to its winters, Scandinavian summers see almost constant sunlight. From the end of May until August, darkness barely falls, so much more time can be spent outside. Scandinavian gardens therefore act as more than just a space for the kids to play or the odd family barbecue, they act as an extra room in the home. With this in mind, you should furnish and decorate your space with just as much thought and care as you would decorate a room inside your home. Whether it’s an outdoor living room, an outdoor dining room, an outdoor kitchen, or a combination of all three, creating an outdoor room will enable and encourage you to spend more time out in the fresh air. With everything from outdoor kitchens to outdoor rugs readily available, it’s easy to take all the practicalities and comfort that we love about being indoors, and use them outside.

follow the light

As the natural light in Scandinavia is so varied throughout the year, gardens are often built around the sunlight to maximise the health of the garden and the comfort it brings to you. When planning your garden layout, the first thing you should do is take note of when the sun hits different parts of your space. This will determine where you position your seating and plants. If the sun soaks your patio in the morning, for example, this is a great spot

Comfortable seating and natural materials are key to a Scandi-style garden

feeling low? look to nature

In line with the Scandinavian notion of friluftsliv, meaning ‘open-air living’, several studies have been carried out to test if being outside among nature can really have a positive effect on our mental health. And the results are unanimous. A study by Grahn and Stigsdotter found that the more often people visit open, green spaces, the less often they are to report high stress levels. Being in open green areas triggers a calming feeling inside, which works to unconsciously reduce our stress levels.

And if you feel you don’t have time to get outside every day, even a natural view can make a huge difference. A Scandinavian study by Won Sop Shin found that employees with a forest view from their window reported lower stress levels and higher job satisfaction than employees with no forest view. Even the act of looking at trees can make us feel happier.

But if you’re not blessed with woodland surroundings, a study by Jules Pretty found that even looking at pictures of natural environments can impact our mood and self esteem. So treat yourself to some woodland art prints or floral paintings. Obviously they’re no match for actually getting outdoors, but they could help to boost your wellbeing for those times when you must stay inside.

© Furniture Choice

for a bistro set, so you can enjoy breakfast outside in the warm. An awareness of the sun will also provide a framework for any shade-providing structures you may need, such as a pergola or a simple parasol. Scandi-style gardens use minimalistic structures with simple shapes and straight, basic paths. Avoid including anything too ornate, fancy or colourful, so that nature itself can take centre stage.

sit comfortably

When it comes to outdoor furniture design, many of the rules of indoor furniture design can be directly applied. Natural materials are key, most notably wood, wicker and rattan, as these are not only visually and texturally soothing, but they can, to a certain extent, stand up to the elements. Ensure your designs have clean lines, functional shapes and pale colours for that classic Scandi look. The philosophy of lagom comes into play here, as you want to strike that perfect balance between abundant, rugged nature, and comfortable, planned-out social spaces. Sustainability is at the heart of the Scandi lifestyle, and the garden is a great place to test out your DIY skills and upcycle pre-loved items. For example, your old indoor dining chairs that have seen better days could be painted in a white, water-resistant paint for the perfect outdoor set, at little cost to both your purse and the planet.

plant wildly

While Scandinavians love the outdoors and being among nature, they do not love spending hours and hours tending to their plants. Gardens are seen as a place to relax, rather than a place to work, and so the plants you choose should be low maintenance. A far cry from chiselled bushes and perfectly pruned trees, plants in Scandi-style gardens should be free to roam as nature intended. Go for wild flowers, and embrace the native species that grow naturally on your plot. We’re often all too quick to dig up ‘weeds’, but these can often be the most beautiful and abundant crop, as they are, after all, in their natural habitat. Rather than seeing your garden as a blank canvas, look for what plants you already have and use them as your starting point. And

once your crop begins to flourish, resist the urge to tame it. Instead of spending time sculpting out an artificial patchwork of varying species, go for a wild meadow and rustic woodland look, and allow your garden to bloom naturally. This way, your plants will prosper where they are happiest, giving you lush and bountiful results.

keep cosy

No Scandi-style garden would be complete without that essential hygge-inducing element: soft textures. Just like you would in your living room, introduce soft cushions, throws, rugs and even outdoor pouffes to create that same cosy feel, but outside. When you’re breathing in that cool autumn air with a hot chocolate and roasting marshmallows around a fire pit, cuddled up beneath the stars, it’s the cosy blankets that make it special. As with all things Scandi, stick to natural materials like cottons and wools, but there are many designs out there especially made for the garden too, which won’t spoil should they accidentally get rained on. Keep your colour palette light and neutral. Bold colours or striking patterns will draw attention away from nature, so choose a softer palette and let your plants and flowers be the focal point.

Scandi cooking

The notion of hygge applies to Scandinavian food, too. Just as interiors are made up of simple, natural furniture with no unnecessary flourishes, Scandi meals are made with simple, natural ingredients, with no unnecessary flavours. Think open sandwiches with delicious pork meat on hearty rye bread with a beetroot and apple salad, for example. Fuss-free, fresh and naturally tasty. This simplicity means that Scandinavian food is often unfairly depicted across the globe as bland. While it may not boast the rich flavours of Italian cuisine or the hot spices of Indian cooking, the simplicity and heartiness of the meals is what makes them truly special. The idea is to focus on the food as it comes naturally, rather than manipulating flavours.

As you would expect, many Scandinavian restaurants adopt the signature interiors style too, this time the simple lines and

Plant wild flowers in your Scandi-style garden for a natural and whimsical look

functional shapes working to simply fade into the background, so that all attention and focus is on the main event: the taste.

All over the world, the culinary specialities that emerge from each region are governed by climate, and this is particularly interesting when it comes to Scandinavia. With temperatures and light levels that vary so dramatically throughout the year, Scandinavians had to adapt in order to maintain a rich and varied diet, even throughout the long, dark winters. One of the key ways of doing this was to cure, pickle and smoke food as a means of preservation. This would ensure the fish, meat, fruit and vegetables grown amply in the limited summer months would last them throughout winter.

Sustainability is at the heart of the Scandi lifestyle, so they use as much local produce as possible. While not all foods can be preserved, this means that the available foods, and the offering in restaurants, changes in line with the seasons. Now let’s explore the meat, fish, fruit and veg, bread and sweet treats that combine to make the quintessential Scandi cuisine.

fish

As Scandinavia is surrounded by ocean, fish is a key part of Scandinavian cuisine. Herring is one of the region’s most popular fish, often eaten pickled, smoked or fried. Cured and smoked salmon and mackerel are also widely enjoyed. If you want to try something different, the lesser-known Arctic charr fish is a great one to go for. Fish is viewed as a gift which ought to be celebrated, and in August, Sweden sees an eruption of crayfish parties –warm summer evenings spent outside, feasting on the red bite-sized freshwater shellfish.

meat

The first thing we think of when it comes to Scandinavian meat dishes is, of course, meatballs. Throughout the different regions, there are thousands of different recipes and ingredients that go into Scandinavia’s most famous dish, depending on the meat and game that is local. In Sweden, meatballs are small, and in Norway, they’re big, but often served with boiled or mashed potatoes and a dollop of lingonberry jam. Whereas the British celebrate Christmas Day with a roast turkey dinner, the Danes go for a pork roast dinner with heavy gravy and caramelised potatoes. Further north, you’ll find game such as reindeer, elk and even bear sausage in certain areas.

fruit and veg

Cinnamon buns are a popular and delicious sweet treat, often enjoyed with a mug of coffee

Shorter summers make for shorter growing seasons, so Scandinavia’s harvest is more limited than in warmer parts of the world. But the summer’s light-filled nights enable fruits and vegetables to develop more nutrients and stronger flavours, making for an extra-tasty crop that can be made into jams and preserved throughout winter. Cold-weather vegetables, such as cabbage, beets, kale, Brussels sprouts and white asparagus, the latter of which can grow without any sunshine at all, are common

time for a tipple?

The signature Scandinavian drink is aquavit. This centuriesold, neutral spirit is distilled from grain or potato, and is most commonly spiced with caraway. This gives aquavit a savoury taste, which complements the commonly eaten pickled herring and smoked mackerel perfectly. Aquavit is served neat, with the only exception being in Copenhagen winters, when aquavit is taken with hot coffee.

fancy a fika?

The Swedish concept of fika is the notion of taking a break to share a coffee (or other beverage) and a sweet treat, while chatting. Fika is a big part of everyday life, with two fika breaks planned into many work schedules. During these breaks, everyone gathers in a meeting room to drink, snack, catch up and take a break. These breaks are not considered a treat, but an important way to boost productivity, build networks and exchange knowledge. Fika also refers to meeting up with friends in cafes, and even dating.

options. Blueberries, lingonberries and cloudberries are native to Scandinavia, and the first sight of these after a long winter brings on a celebration.

bread

Scandinavian breads have an unusual charm. They tend to have a rich, crispy or somewhat tangy twist. Rye thrives in Scandinavian countries and is commonly used in breads to bring a rich and almost malty sweetness to a loaf. Crispbreads are great for a healthier option, and flatbreads are popular too. Scandinavian breads are often strong in form and robust in flavour, making them suitable for eating open-sandwich style on a smörgåsbord and standing up to the strong flavours of salted fish.

sweet treats

We can’t discuss Scandinavian cuisine without mentioning cinnamon buns and Danish pastries. The sweet snacks that are eaten morning, noon or night, often dunked into a hot coffee, are delicacies everyone should try. Scandinavians’ passion for food is made evident by the fact that they’ve given designated calender dates to some of their favourite sweet treats. Cinnamon Bun Day falls on 4 October, while 25 March marks Waffle Day, to name just

the new Nordic

If you’re a foodie, you’ll have heard of the term New Nordic cuisine. Far more than simply a cooking style, the New Nordic has often been described as a food movement. This movement has changed the food scene not only in Michelin star restaurants, but also in supermarkets, schools and canteens across Scandinavia. The New Nordic Kitchen Manifesto was launched in 2004 by Danish chef Claus Meyer and a team of 12 chefs. This advocated ten key principles of food, such as sustainability, purity, season, health and quality. A focus on these characteristics meant a change in how produce is grown, sourced and served, which led to an all-encompassing new philosophy of food.

Traditional Scandi cuisine is simple and unpretentious. While the New Nordic movement promotes new combinations and techniques, the ultimate goal was to take the cuisine back to its roots and make traditional methods work in the modern day. The movement was born in the Copenhagen restaurant Noma, which has been voted the best restaurant in the world, multiple times. While most countries are filled with Italian, Chinese and Indian restaurants, have you ever been to a Scandi restaurant outside of Scandinavia? We bet the answer is no. The reason for this is uncertain, but we’d say it’s due to the fact that local food is at the heart of its dishes, and often such foods can’t be found elsewhere.

two. The Swedes are known for having a particularly sweet tooth, eating more sweets than anywhere else in the world. And so the concept, and effectively the national holiday, of ‘lördagsgodis’, literally meaning ‘Saturday sweets’, has been introduced. This means that Swedes can only eat sweets on a Saturday, in a bid to protect the nation’s dental hygiene. How many sweets you eat every Saturday, however, is up to you.

Scandi crafts

A key part of Scandi-style interior design is having a select amount of cherished pieces out on display. And what could be more precious than handmade items? We’re not talking layers of kids’ colourful ‘abstract’ paintings on the fridge or garish papier-mâché, semi-broken models they’ve brought home from school. We’re talking well-made, high-quality items that have been crafted through hours of trial and error, through building up a specific skill, and through pouring your time and love into them. It’s not just the end result that counts, it’s the story too –the memories of persistence and creativity, perhaps shared, or perhaps gained independently, that your handmade piece will spark every time you look at it. While Scandi-style interiors have a very clear design criteria, it’s handmade items that will bring your personality to your space and make it unique.

Hand-crafting items for your home is also a more sustainable option than buying new pieces. So while the Scandinavians endure a long, dark winter, it’s no surprise they turn to crafting to keep entertained indoors. As with their interiors, natural materials such as cotton, linen, wool, jute, woods, ceramics and clay are often used. Typical motifs include nature-inspired elements such as flowers, leaves, birds and animals, as well as hearts and symmetrical geometric patterns.

While there are some crafts that you can sit down and begin instantly, such as drawing or painting, others may take a little more work. Pottery and lino printing, for example, are highly skilled crafts with specific and complex techniques, so they would usually require a class or workshop so you can learn the skills properly. Every Scandi-style home needs a knitted blanket, and knitting, crocheting, embroidery and cross-stitch are techniques that you’ll be able to teach yourself. There are many magazines, bookazines and online videos available that can take you through each step, so you can learn at your own pace. We’ve included some tutorials and patterns over the next few pages.

All over the world, and in more ways than one, we’re rejecting the fast in favour of the slow. We’re realising the detrimental environmental effects of our ‘fast fashion’ culture, and somewhat backtracking to see the beauty in handmade, one-of-a-kind items. There has therefore been a boom in the appreciation of crafts, and an acknowledgement of their eco-friendly, soul-soothing credentials. Our fast-paced, always on-the-go lifestyles have led to burnout and high stress levels for many. Taking the time to sit down and focus on a craft enables you to slow down, unwind and be mindful of the present moment, bringing a welcome feeling of calm. So why not check out the craft ideas over the next few pages and create something special in your home for your home.

As you’re planning your Scandi-style home, remember that you’re not simply adopting a set of interior design rules, but you’re tapping into a rich and diverse culture. So take inspiration from the lifestyle behind one of the happiest places in the world. Prep your garden for regular use, enjoy simple, hearty cooking and give time to crafting handmade decorations. With fresh air, healthy food and mindful activities aplenty, you’ll soon be reaping the rewards of a Scandi-inspired lifestyle, and relishing the positive vibes and calming feel that it brings.

Build simple structures that let nature take centre stage for comfortable outdoor dining

paint plant pots

You’ll need

• Paints

• Paint brush

• Plant pots

• Pencil

• Pot sealant

• Paint sealant

STEP 1 Paint or spray a sealant all over your pot, both inside and out. This will help to create a smoother paint finish and make your design last longer. Allow to dry. Top tip Depending on your plant pot’s material, a sealant may limit its breathability. This means that your soil might retain water for longer, and so might need watering less often, so make sure you check this beforehand.

STEP 2 Draw on the design you want to create in pencil. Let your imagination run wild and have fun with it – the possibilities are endless! If you haven’t got a steady hand, use masking tape to act as a stencil and mark out straight lines. Top tip We recommend trying out a striped, zigzag or diamond design first, and using masking tape for a professional finish.

STEP 3 Use a small paint brush to paint on your design. Begin with your lightest colour. This means that if you make a mistake, you can cover it over later on with a darker colour. Keep the bottom of your pot paint-free, so you always have at least one dry surface to sit the pot down. Plus, no one will ever see the bottom anyway! For a complete finish, be sure to paint at least up to soil level on the inside of your pot too. Allow to dry fully.

STEP 4 Protect your handiwork by spraying a paint sealant all over your design. Choose a high-gloss or matt finish depending on the look you want to create. Allow to dry fully.

STEP 5 Settle your plant into its lovely new home and position in pride of place on your patio or balcony. Sit back, relax and admire your beautifully colourful creation!

Add a fun twist to your plant pots and ceramics by painting on a unique design

Let your personality shine through by creating handmade crafts for your home

STEP 1 Cut your macrame strings to your perfect size, ensuring you have enough length to loop around the dowel. The strings can be slightly longer than necessary at this stage, as you can trim them down after the dyeing process.

STEP 2 Use the lark’s head knot technique to loop the string around the dowel. Make sure you leave at least an inch of the wood dowel bare on either end.

make an ombre macrame wall hanging

STEP 3 Pour the dye paints into two separate buckets following the preparation method on the bottle. Protect your work area with old rags or plastic coverings in case of any drips or spillages.

STEP 4 Wearing rubber gloves, gently and evenly dip your strings into the lighter of the two dye paints. Leave the top part of the strings bare.

STEP 5 Slowly pull the strings out and squeeze any excess dye water out.

STEP 6 Dip the strings into the darker dye but only up to the halfway mark. If you want a dark, dramatic effect, just leave it in longer. When you’re ready to remove the strings, squeeze any excess dye water out again. Top tip The dye on the strings will appear lighter in colour once it has completely dried.

STEP 7 Attach another piece of string to the wood dowel on either side so you can hang it up to dry. Then leave the wall hanging to

You’ll need

• Dowel or twig

• Cotton macrame string

• Scissors

• Tie dye in two colours

• Two large buckets

• Rubber gloves

• Masking tape

• Warm water

Create your own Scandi-style wall hanging for a textured and calming focal point

dry overnight. It’s best to let it dry outside as the dye might drip onto your floor.

STEP 8 Once your wall hanging is dry, lay it out on a flat surface and place masking tape along the bottom edge to create a straight line. Trim off any uneven ends.

STEP 9 Hang up your bespoke creation for a charming centrepiece on your walls.

BY Kate Rowell

Kate is a crochet designer based in Cambridgeshire, UK. She enjoys working with simple stitches, texture and lots of bright colours.

@jellybean_junction www.jellybeanjunction.com

FOUNDATION ROW: Ch 125, 1 tr in 4th ch from hook, 1 tr in each st to end, turn. (123 sts)

ROW 1: ch 3, (counts as 1 tr and 1ch), skip 1 st, *1 tr in next 19 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st**; rep from * to ** 5 times more, 1 tr in last st (in top of turning ch), turn.

into ch-sp from previous row), *ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 3 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 35 sts; rep from * once more, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 3 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 19 sts, turn.

•

difficulty H H H H H

what you need

•

• You will need to use aran weight yarn in your chosen colour. Here we have used Drops Paris in mustard. You will need 14 balls.

COLOUR 1: Mustard measurements

90 x 100cm (35½ x 39¼in)

tension

12 sts and 7 rows measure 9 x 9cm (3½ x 3½in) over treble crochet with a 4.5mm hook

NOTE: Each ch1-sp also counts as 1 st, so when you reach a ch1sp you will work 1 tr into this, just as you would if it were a stitch (insert your hook into the space when you are working the stitch and not into the chain itself).

ROW 2: ch 2 (counts as 1 tr), 1 tr in next 18 sts (working 1st tr

ROW 3: ch 3, skip 1 st, *1 tr in next 15 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 7 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 15 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st; rep from * twice more, 1 tr in last st, turn.

ROW 4: ch 2, 1 tr in next 14 sts, *ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 5 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 5 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st**, 1 tr in next 27 sts***; rep from * to *** once more then rep from * to ** once, 1 tr in next 15 sts, turn.

ROW 5: ch 3, skip 1 st, *1 tr in next 11 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 5 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 3 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 5 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 11 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st; rep from * twice more, 1 tr in last st, turn.

ROW 6: ch 2, 1 tr in next 10 sts, *ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 5 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 7 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 5 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st**, 1 tr in next 19 sts***; rep from * to *** once more then rep from * to ** once, 1 tr in next 11 sts, turn.

ROW 7: ch 3, skip 1 st, *1 tr in next 13 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 5 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 5 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 13 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st; rep from * twice more, 1 tr in last st, turn.

• At the beginning of a row, the ch 2 counts as first treble crochet. You will always work the last stitch of the following row into the top of this ch-2.

• At the beginning of a row, the ch 3 counts as 1 tr and 1 ch. At the end of the following row, you will skip 1 st (this is the 1 ch) and work the last stitch into the top of the ch-2.

ROW 8: ch 2, 1 tr in next 12 sts, *ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 5 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 3 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 5 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st**, 1 tr in next 23 sts***; rep from * to *** once more then rep from * to ** once, 1 tr in next 13 sts, turn.

Curl up under this beautiful blanket or use it as a decorative throw to add warmth and texture to a room

crochet a blanket pattern pattern notes

row ends

ROW 9: ch 3, skip 1 st, *1 tr in next 9 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 5 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 7 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 5 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 9 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st; rep from * twice more, tr in last st, turn.

ROW 10: ch 2, 1 tr in next 14 sts, *ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 5 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 5 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st**, 1 tr in next 27 sts***; rep from * to *** once more then rep from * to ** once, 1 tr in next 15 sts, turn.

ROW 11: ch 3, skip 1 st, *1 tr in next 11 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 5 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 3 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 5 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 11 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st; rep from * twice more, 1 tr in last st, turn.

ROW 12: ch 2, 10 tr, *ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 5 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 3 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 3 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 5 sts, 1ch, skip 1 st**, 1 tr in next 19 sts***; rep from * to *** once more then rep from * to ** once, 1 tr in next 11 sts, turn.

ROW 13: ch 3, skip 1 st, *1 tr in next 13 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 11 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 13 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st; rep from * twice more, 1 tr in last st, turn.

ROW 14: ch 2, 1 tr in next 12 sts, *ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 7 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 7 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st**, 1 tr in next 23 sts***; rep from * to *** once more then rep from * to ** once, 1 tr in next 13 sts, turn.

ROW 15: ch 3, skip 1 st, *1 tr in next 9 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 19 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 9 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st; rep from * twice more, 1 tr in last st, turn.

ROW 16: ch 2, 1 tr in next 2 sts, *ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 17 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 17 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 3 sts; rep from * twice more, turn.

ROW 17: ch 2, 1 tr in next 4 sts,

*ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 31 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 7 sts; rep from * once, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 31 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 5 sts, turn.

ROW 18: ch 3, skip 1 st, *1 tr in next 5 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 13 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 13 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 5 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st; rep from * twice more, tr in last st, turn.

ROW 19: ch 2, 1 tr in next 2 sts, *ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 5 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 23 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 5 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 3 sts; rep from * twice more, turn.

ROW 20: ch 2, 1 tr in next 4 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, *1 tr in next 5 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 9 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 9 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 5 sts**, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 7 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st***; rep from * to *** once more then rep from * to ** once, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 5 sts, turn.

ROW 21: ch 3, skip 1 st, *1 tr in next 5 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 27 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 5 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st; rep from * twice more, tr in last st, turn.

ROW 22: ch 2, 1 tr in next 2 sts, *ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 5 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 11 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 11 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 5 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 3 sts; rep from * twice more, turn.

ROW 23: ch 2, 1 tr in next 4 sts, *ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 5 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 19 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 5 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st**, 1 tr in next 7 sts***; rep from * to *** once more then rep from * to ** once, 1 tr in next 5 sts, turn.

ROW 24: ch 3, skip 1 st, *1 tr in next 5 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 13 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 13 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 5 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st; rep from * twice more, 1 tr in last st, turn.

ROW 25: ch 2, 1 tr in next 2 sts,

*ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 5 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 23 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 5 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 3 sts; rep from * twice more, turn. Row 26: ch 3, *skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 3 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 5 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 9 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 9 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 5 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 3 sts; rep from * twice more, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in last st, turn.

ROW 27: ch 2, 1 tr in next 6 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, *1 tr in next 27 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st**, 1 tr in next 11 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st***; rep from * to *** once more then rep from * to ** once, 1 tr in next 7 sts, turn.

ROW 28: ch 3, skip 1 st, *1 tr in next 7 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 11 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 11 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, 1 tr in next 7 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st; rep from * twice more, tr in last st, turn.

ROW 29: ch 2, 1 tr in next 10 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st, *1 tr in next 19 sts, ch 1, skip 1 st; rep from * 4 times, 1 tr in next 11 sts, turn.

ROWS 1-29 form the pattern. The pattern now repeats itself from row 1 to 29 and then again from row 1 to 15. You should now have 74 rows (including the foundation row).

ROW 75: ch 2, 1 tr in each st and sp to the end, fasten off and weave in ends.

To give the blanket a neat finish you must now work a row of htrs along both sides of the blanket.

Start by joining the yarn in the bottom-right corner (around the post of the tr), ch 2 (counts as 1st htr), 1 htr in same space. Now work htrs all the way up the long side of the blanket by working 1 htr in solid row ends and 2 htr in rows where there is a space and finishing with 2 htr. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Repeat this process on the other side of the blanket by joining the yarn in the top left corner and working down the second long side of blanket.

Thomas

Ramsden

knit a cushion cover

Make this cosy cushion cover complete with button holes, seaming and a cable pattern

pattern

front

Cast (bind) on 75 sts, work 2 rows in garter stitch.

ROW 1: K1, P1, *m1, K2tbl, p2tog, P1 [K1tbl, P2] twice, K1tbl, P1, p2tog, K2tbl, m1, P1 rep from *to last st, K1

ROW 2: K1, *K2, P2, [K2, P1] 3 times, K2, P2, K1 rep from *to last 2 sts, K2

ROW 3: K1, P1, *P1, m1, K2tbl, P2, sl, K1, psso, P1, K1tbl, P1, k2tog, P2, K2tbl, m1, P2, rep from * to last st, K1

ROW 4: K1, *K3, P2, K2, [P1, K1] twice, P1, K2, P2, K2, rep from *to last 2 sts, K2

ROW 5: K1, (K1, yf, K1, yf, K1) in next st, *P2, m1, K2tbl, P2, sl, K1, psso, K1tbl, k2tog, P2, K2tbl, m1, P2, (K1, yf, K1, yf, K1) in next st, rep from *to last st, K1

ROW 6: K1, *P5, K3, P2, K2, P3, K2, P2, K3, rep from *to last 6 sts, P5, K1

ROW 7: K6, *P3, m1, K2tbl, P2, sl, k2tog, psso, P2, K2tbl, m1, P3, K5, rep from *to last st, K1

ROW 8: K1 *P5, K4, P2, K2, P1, K2, P2, K4, rep from *to last 6 sts, P5, K1

ROW 9: K1, sl, K1, psso, K1, k2tog, *P2, (K1, yf, K1, yf, K1) in next st, P1, m1, K2tbl, p2tog, K1tbl, p2tog, K2tbl, m1, P1, (K1, yf, K1, yf, K1) in next st, P2 sl, K1, psso, K1, k2tog, rep from *to last st, K1

ROW 10: K1, *p3tog, K2, P5, K2, P2, K1, P1, K1, P2, K2, P5, K2, rep from *to last 4 sts, P3tog, K1

Row 11: K1, K1tbl, *P2, K5, P2, m1, K2tbl, p3tog, K2tbl, m1, P2, K5, P2, K1tbl, rep from *to last st, K1

ROW 12: K1, *P1, K2, P5, K3, P2, K1, P2, K3, P5, K2, rep from *to last 2 sts, P1, K1

ROW 13: K1, K1tbl, *P2, sl, K1, psso, K1, k2tog, P3, K2tbl, P1, K2tbl, P3, sl, K1, psso, K1, k2tog, P2, K1tbl, rep from *to last st, K1

ROW 14: K1, *P1, K2, p3tog, K3, P2, K1, P2, K3, P3tog, K2, rep from *to last 2 sts, P1, K1

ROW 15: K1, K1tbl, *P2, K1tbl, P1, p2tog, K2tbl, m1, P1, m1, K2tbl, p2tog, P1, K1tbl, P2, K1tbl, rep from *to last st, K1

ROW 16: K1, *[P1, K2] twice, P2, K3, P2, K2, P1, K2, rep from *to last 2 sts, P1 K1

ROW 17: K1, K1tbl, *P1, k2tog, P2, K2tbl, m1, P3, M1, K2tbl, P2, sl, K1, psso, P1, K1tbl, rep from *to last st, K1

ROW 18: K1, *P1, K1, P1, K2, P2, K5, P2, K2, P1, K1, rep from *to last 2 sts, P1, K1

ROW 19: K1, K1tbl, *k2tog, P2, K2tbl, m1, P2, (K1, yf, K1, yf, K1) in next st, P2, M1, K2tbl, P2, sl, K1, psso, K1tbl, rep from *to last st, K1

ROW 20: K1, *P2, K2, P2, K3, P5, K3, P2, K2, P1, rep from *to last 2 sts, P1, K1

ROW 21: K1, k2tog, *P2, K2tbl, m1, P3, K5, P3, m1, K2tbl, P2, sl, k2tog, psso, rep from *to last 22 sts, P2, K2tbl, m1, P3, K5, P3, m1, K2tbl, P2, sl, K1, psso, K1

ROW 22: K1, *P1, K2, P2, K4, P5, K4, P2, K2, rep from *to last 2 sts, P1, K1

ROW 23: K1, K1tbl, *p2tog, K2tbl, m1, P1, (K1, yf, K1, yf, K1) in next st, P2, sl, K1, psso, K1, k2tog, P2, (K1, yf, K1, yf, K1) in next st, P1, m1, K2tbl, p2tog, K1tbl, rep from *to last st, K1

ROW 24: K1, *P1, K1, P2, K2, P5, K2, P3tog, K2, P5, K2, P2, K1, rep from *to last 2 sts, P1, K1 Row 25: K1, p2tog, *K2tbl, m1, P2, K5, P2, K1tbl, P2, K5, P2, m1, K2tbl, p3tog, rep from *to last 26 sts, K2tbl, m1, P2, K5, P2, K1tbl, P2, K5, P2, m1, K2tbl, p2tog, K1,

ROW 26: K1 *K1, P2, K3, P5, K2, P1, K2, P5, K3, P2, rep from *to last 2 sts, K2

ROW 27: K1, P1, *K2tbl, P3, sl, K1, psso, K1, k2tog, P2, K1tbl, P2, sl, K1, psso, K1, k2tog, P3, K2tbl, P1, rep from *to last st, K1

ROW 28: K1, *K1, P2, K3, p3tog, K2, P1, K2, p3tog, K3, P2, rep from *to last 2 sts, K2

From Row 1 to 28th row (inclusive) forms patt. Keeping continuity of patt (throughout) cont until work measures approximately 41 cm (16 ins), ending with 14th row of patt. Cast (bind) off in patt.

back (in 2 pieces)

Cast (bind) on 75 sts Work 2 rows in garter stitch.

Work rows 1 - 28 twice. Change to K1, P1 rib and work 4 rows.

NEXT ROW (BUTTONHOLE

ROW): Rib 25, yo, rib 2tog, rib 21, yo, rib 2tog, rib 25.

Work 3 more rows in rib. Cast (bind) off.

2nd piece

Using 4mm Needles cast (bind) on 75 sts Work 8 rows in K1, P1 rib

Cont in patt, starting with row 5 to 28. Rep rows 1-28 until the two pieces of the Back when overlap rib section are put together match the Front, ending with a 14th patt row Cast (bind) off in patt.

making up

Overlap the rib sections of Back cushion cover together and tack in place. Sew Front and Back together by top sewing. Remove tacking sts. Sew on buttons. Block.

DESIGNED BY Sian Brown

After doing a Fashion/ Textiles BA, Sian worked supplying to high street retailers on machine knits. She became interested in handknits and has designed these since, working for magazines, publishers and yarn companies.

A simple project that is made in two sections and sewn together. Perfect for mixing and matching yarn from your stash to create your own unique blend of colours

difficulty H H H H H what you need

• 4.5mm needles, 35cm long

• Lining fabric and wadding for sides: 61 x 16cm (24 x 6.3in)

• Lining fabric and wadding for base: 22 x 22cm (8.6 x 8.6in)

• Yarn needle

• You will need to use DK yarn held double, in your chosen colours. Here we have used Debbie Bliss Cotton DK, held double. You will need four 50g balls.

COLOUR 1: Stone measurements

18cm (7in) wide x 13cm (5in) deep tension

Work 16 sts and 17 rows in pattern to measure 10 x 10cm (4 x 4in) using 4.5mm (US 7) needles, or size required to obtain correct tension.

basket knit a pattern

base

Using 4.5mm needles and col 1 held double, cast on 5 sts. Purl 1 row.

ROW 1: K1, M1, K1, M1, K1, M1, K1, M1, K1. (9 sts).

ROW 2 AND EVERY EVEN ROW: Purl.

ROW 3: K1, (M1, K1) to end. (17 sts).

ROW 5: K1, (M1, K2) to end. (25 sts).

ROW 7: K1, (M1, K3) to end. (33 sts).

ROW 9: K1, (M1, K4) to end. (41 sts).

ROW 11: K1, (M1, K5) to end. (49 sts).

ROW 13: K1, (M1, K6) to end. (57 sts).

ROW 15: K1, (M1, K7) to end. (65 sts).

ROW 17: K1, (M1, K8) to end. (73 sts).

ROW 19: K1, (M1, K9) to end. (81 sts).

ROW 21: K1, (M1, K10) to end. (89 sts).

ROW 22: Purl.

Pattern Notes

Yarn is held double and used as a single strand throughout.

ROW 23 (WS): Knit to mark edge of base and increase 7 sts evenly across the row (96 sts).

sides

Using 4.5mm needles and col 1 held double, cast on 96 sts.

ROW 1: (RS): Knit.

ROW 2: *K5, P3; rep from * to the end.

ROW 3: *K3, P5; rep from * to the end.

ROW 4: *K5, P3; rep from * to the end.

ROW 5: Knit.

ROW 6: K1, P3, *K5, P3; rep from * to the last 4 sts, K4.

ROW 7: P4, *K3, P5; rep from * to the last 4 sts, K4.

ROW 8: K1, P3, *K5, P3; rep from * to the last 4 sts, K4. These 8 rows form the pattern. Rep Rows 1-8 until 28 rows have been worked in total (3 repeats of Rows 1-8, then rep Rows 1-4 once more). Work 3 rows in gst.

handles

(make 2)

Using 4.5mm needles and yarn held double, cast on 17 sts.

ROWS 1-2: K. Cast off.

finishing

Pin and sew the base and side seams. Sew on the handles just below the inside top border, opposite each other.

Cut a circle of lining for the base, the size of the base plus 1cm seam allowances (check the measurements of your finished container before cutting the lining. Cut a rectangle of lining for the sides. Cut the same two pieces

in wadding. Pin the short edges of the side piece together to form a tube. Pin this piece to the circular base. Put inside the container to make sure that it fits. The top should sit just below the beginning of the top border. It is better if the lining is slightly smaller than the knitted piece so that it is eased in to prevent it looking loose or baggy. If it does not fit, pin to the correct size. Sew the side piece together at the short edges. Sew this piece onto the base. Place inside the container, pin and hand sew in place.

old furniture upcycle

WORDS Sarah Gane

It’s no secret we’re in a climate emergency. The way we consume things like fashion, food and homewares is unsustainable. According to research by the Reuse Network (reuse-network.org.uk), ten million household items are sent to landfill every single year. But what if we were to do things a little differently and learn to love our things for longer?

Upcycling is not a new concept in itself. Taking something that has seen better days and giving it a new lease of life has long been used by people as a creative way of making do or making something completely unique. For Elizabeth Morris (@ElizabethDotDesign on Instagram), it was something she was aware of from a young age: “Throughout my childhood, my mum was often updating items around the house, repurposing furniture we already owned. I loved getting involved, choosing items from auctions to paint for my bedroom. It’s something I’ve always enjoyed, so when it came to furnishing my own home, I naturally went looking for items to upcycle.”

This approach went on to have unexpected benefits, as she explains: “I realised that so many people want to fill their homes with unique furniture, but don’t have the time or tools to do so –that’s where my business began.” She launched Elizabeth Dot Design and sells beautiful upcycled furniture through her Etsy store (etsy.com/shop/elizabethdotdesign).

fix up, look sharp

“What I love most about upcycling is seeing a tired piece of furniture transformed to fit within a modern home,” says Elizabeth. “I specialise in mid-century pieces, which often look amazing without any paintwork, so I prefer to seek out the pieces that are damaged, stained or broken. I really enjoy the process of fixing these well-built, solid items that have years of use left in them. The paint finish is the final step – I often use bold, graphic designs to hide any imperfections I’ve fixed, and ensure any salvageable wood grain is highlighted.”

Former PR manager Stacy, aka @TillyAndSage on Instagram (tillyandsage.co.uk), also started out upcycling as a hobby,

making presents for people, before it evolved into a full-time business. “I’ve always had a creative streak and enjoyed making things… I’d been painting wooden gifts for friends and family when I saw an empty milk bottle in the kitchen at work and I thought I’d try painting that.”

The results were really positive, as she explains: “When I posted a picture of it on Facebook I was inundated with requests to make more. That was just over four years ago, and I’ve run Tilly and Sage full time ever since.” For Stacy, it’s the creative challenge and satisfaction of the end result that is so appealing: “I just love turning someone’s ‘rubbish’ into quirky items for the home and saving another item from getting sent to landfill.”

So far she’s rescued everything from jars to old gin bottles: “I’ve recently started making soap dispensers out of [them]. All my friends and family save them for me… some of the bottles are gorgeous, far too nice to throw away. Instead I upcycle them so that people can get enjoyment for years to come.”

But her most popular item so far is the festive ‘cars in jars’. “These came about because I had some old Matchbox cars that I didn’t want to part with. I transformed them into Christmas ornaments and they’re a big hit every year. I love scouring vintage fairs and car boot sales looking for the cars!”

look to the past

Vintage items are also used as a starting point for Suzanne Whitelock’s stationery projects. Her business, Pulp Paper Heaven (@pulp_paper_heaven on Instagram / etsy.com/uk/ shop/PulpPaperHeaven), specialises in beautiful handmade notebooks, each one made by reusing original prints saved from the pulping machine. “I’ve [always been] drawn to past times,” she tells us. “Glamorous movie stars from the ’30s, the shapes of fashions from the ’20s to the ’50s, furniture, household items, sewing patterns, and books and magazines.”

As a child, Suzanne used her pocket money to buy treasures from markets, jumble sales and charity shops: “I love the colour and illustration quality of a lot of vintage print. An old book can have a magical air when you think of the many hands

Transforming old, worn pieces of furniture into items you’re proud to have in your home is good for both the environment and your mental wellbeing

that made it and have read it! They inspire me beyond what is written.”

Much like Elizabeth, Suzanne also prefers working with damaged items. “The books and prints I use for binding are worn, torn and crumbly – or, as I like to think, ‘overloved’. I can’t help imagining all the previous owners, especially when I find interesting inscriptions, recipes, photos or postcards tucked inside.” Treasures like this also make their way into her designs: “These get bound back in as part of the new notebook. It’s important to keep these snippets of time and people’s lives as integral to the book. We all follow our own path, but we crisscross each other as we go.”

how to get started

Feeling inspired and thinking of tackling a new upcycling project, but not sure where to start? “My main tip would be to be brave and give it a go,” says Stacy. “The best thing about upcycling is that your initial costs are very low, so you can experiment with different ideas without worrying about things going wrong and losing too much money.”

Whether it’s re-imagining a new use for an existing item – refashioning old fabric into cushions or clothes for example –anything is possible. Having the freedom to experiment is key. If you’re keen on sewing, curtains or bedsheets could become pyjama bottoms, dresses or even a den for little ones.

Happy accidents can produce the most fun projects too. That wool scarf or jumper you shrunk in the wash by mistake? Turn it into a cushion cover! Simply sew the front and back together with a corresponding yarn colour and fill it with a cushion inner. With straightforward projects like these, you’ll slowly but surely gather enough unique creations to make your home your own and learn as you go.

What’s more, by upcycling furniture, you essentially give a whole room a completely new look for the price of some basic supplies, tools, paint and a bit of spare time. Spending a good chunk of that on prep work will give you a lasting finish, as Elizabeth tells us: “I’m guilty of wanting to see instant results, but I’ve learnt that preparation is vital if you want the paintwork to last. Give yourself enough time to thoroughly sand, clean and prime before painting. It might be tempting to go straight for the paint tin, but if you don’t prep then the paintwork will quickly get chipped and damaged.”

If you have no room for more furniture, “work with items you love or have some meaning for you,” says Suzanne. “It will show in the end result. Practise technique and keep developing new ideas, and you will come up with your personal way of creating that is unique to you.”

There are plenty of blogs, Pinterest boards and relevant hashtags and challenges on Instagram to give you some ideas and motivation to get started. You could even use social media as a way of documenting the process to inspire someone else!

beyond upcycling: ways you can make a difference

REUSE

Donating unwanted furniture and electronics to worthy causes such as Reuse Network helps to reduce poverty, cut waste and tackle social exclusion. This organisation alone has helped more than 1.55 million families, saving a whopping 129,250 tonnes of CO2. Use its fun online calculator to work out how much your unwanted items could help people and the environment. reuse-network.org.uk

REPAIR

‘Move slow and fix things’ says The Restart Project. This organisation helps people learn how to repair broken electronics, as well as rethink how they consume them in the first place. therestartproject.org

RECYCLE

Is your item beyond repair? Sites such as RecycleNow or, for those in the US, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), provide some great tips and advice on how to recycle items safely, helping the environment. recyclenow.com / epa.gov/recycle

Despite being a sandwich, smørrebrød is not eaten with your hands. Plate it up, make it look gorgeous and then tuck in with a knife and fork.

The trendy Scandi lunch that looks almost too good to eat smørrebrød

servings ingredientsrecipe

• 3 slices rye bread

• plenty of butter, to taste

• salt and pepper, to taste

For a fish smørrebrød:

• 2 tbsp cream cheese

• 2 pieces smoked salmon

• 1 small egg, hard-boiled and sliced

• 1 red onion, cut into rings

• a few sprigs herbs or microgreens, such as dill, chives or pea shoots

• capers, to taste

• olive oil, for drizzling (optional)

For a meat smørrebrød:

• 2 slices rare roast beef (leftovers is perfect)

• 1 tsp horseradish

• 2 gherkins, sliced

• a few chives, chopped

For a veggie smørrebrød:

• 1 avocado, sliced

• 2 radishes, thinly sliced

• 3 cherry tomatoes, halved

• olive oil, for drizzling (optional)

time

Step 1 All smørrebrød begin the same way: generously coat the rye bread in butter. Traditionally, this is to prevent the fillings from seeping through to the bread.

Step 2 For the salmon option, spread a thick layer of cream cheese over the bread. Roll up the salmon and place it on top, then arrange the boiled egg slices. Scatter over the onion rings and capers, decorate with sprigs of dill leaves, and drizzle with olive oil (if using).

Step 3 For the beef smørrebrød, begin by arranging the beef on top of the buttered bread. Then get creative with your other toppings – generously dollop on the horseradish, sprinkle over the gherkins for some crunch and season.

Step 4 For the veggie version, arrange the avocado neatly on top of the bread, then add the slices of radish and tomatoes and drizzle with some olive oil (if using). You’re looking for the perfect balance of crunch, so get creative with your arrangements!

Step 5 Finish by seasoning each smørrebrød to taste before tucking in.

In its purest form, smørrebrød is an open sandwich (smørrebrød translates as ‘buttered bread’) made on rye bread, but it has turned into much more than that.

Believed to have originated with Danish farmers and labourers working the fields, bread was used as a handy vessel for getting food into their mouths without having to touch it with dirty hands.

The name of the game with smørrebrød is texture, colour and flavour all in one. They can be made with fish, meat or vegetables, but there always needs to be a protein, extra ingredients to enhance and complement flavour, and then a bit of crunch. Bright colours make this dish incredibly Insta-friendly, not to mention utterly delicious.

Scandi beetroot knots

The classic and elegant bread rolls you won’t be able to resist

• 7 g | ¼ oz sachet easy-bake yeast

• 300 g | 10½ oz | 1¼ cups strong white bread flour

• 100 g | 3½ oz | ½ cup light spelt flour

• 20 g | ¾ oz salted butter, softened

• ¼ tsp salt

• ½ tsp sugar

• ½ tsp caraway seeds

For the beetroot paste

• 150 g | 5¼ oz | 1 cup ready-to-eat beetroot

• 65 g | 2¼ oz | ¼ cup creme fraiche

• 1 tbsp horseradish sauce

For the glaze

• 1 egg yolk, to serve

• pickled herring

• a few sprigs dill

Step 1 Mix the yeast in 275ml of tepid water. Add the flours, butter, salt, sugar and caraway seeds into a bowl. Using a mixer with a dough hook, add the water and mix for 10-15 minutes. Pop the dough into an oiled bowl covered with a tea towel, and leave somewhere warm to prove for 1 hour.

Step 2 To make the beetroot paste, blitz all the ingredients together in a food processor.

Step 3 Divide the dough in half and tip onto a well-floured surface, knead for a few minutes, then roll each half-batch of dough into a rectangle about 20x25cm.

Step 4 Spread 3 tbsp of the beetroot paste onto one half, leaving a small border. Place the other half of the dough on top and gently roll out a little more. With the dough in landscape, fold the bottom third into the centre, then fold the top third right over to meet the other folded end.

Step 5 Roll out the dough again, now focusing on making it taller. Trim off the rough ends to make the long rectangle neat and cut the dough into 12 strips.

Step 6 Twist one strip and, holding on to one end, wrap the dough around and tuck the tail under. Repeat with the remaining dough strips. Put onto 2 well-floured baking trays. Cover with a damp cloth and leave to prove in a warm place for 1-1½ hours. When you press the dough and it doesn’t spring back, it’s ready to bake.

Step 7 Preheat the oven to 240°C/Gas 9. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Remove from the oven. To make the glaze, mix the yolk with 1 tbsp of water and brush over the knots while warm. Serve with the remaining beetroot paste, pickled herring and dill.

To make rårörda lingon, mix lingonberries with half their weight of sugar. Stir/shake occasionally over the course of a day until the sugar dissolves.

Swedish meatballs

Not just a furniture-store staple, this classic Scandi dish is the perfect winter warmer

25-30 mins

ingredientsrecipe

• 250 g | 9 oz | 1 cup minced pork

• 250 g | 9 oz | 1 cup minced beef

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 100 g | 4 oz | 1 cup breadcrumbs

• 1 egg

• 1 tsp allspice

• salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 tbsp butter, for frying

For the sauce:

• 75 g | 3 oz | � � cup butter

• 3 tbsp plain (all-purpose) flour

• 350 ml | 12 fl oz | 1½ cups beef stock

• 125 ml | 4¼ fl oz | ½ cup double (heavy) cream

• 2 tsp soy sauce

• salt and pepper, to taste

To serve:

• 975 g | 34½ oz | 4 cups puréed or mashed potato

• 160 g | 5½ oz | 1�� cups sweetened lingonberries (see tip on page 112)

• a small handful fresh dill fronds, to garnish

Step 1 In a large bowl, mix together all the meatball ingredients except the butter.

Step 2 Take a small amount of the mixture and roll it between your palms into a small ball about the size of a large marble. Repeat this step for the rest of the mixture.

Step 3 Melt the 2 tbsp butter in a large saucepan on a high heat. Add around 10 small meatballs and fry until brown. Turn the heat down and fry for a further 8-10 minutes until they’re cooked through.

Step 4 Transfer the cooked meatballs to a plate and repeat steps 3 and 4 for the remaining meatballs. Keep all the cooked meatballs warm while you make the sauce.

Step 5 Melt the butter in the pan on a medium heat. Stir through the flour, then pour in the stock bit by bit, whisking well.

Step 6 Let the sauce bubble and thicken for a few minutes, then stir through the cream and soy sauce. Season to taste, then pour the sauce into a serving jug.

Step 7 Serve the meatballs and sauce alongside a generous scoop or two of puréed potato and a few spoonfuls of sweetened lingonberries (rårörda lingon), and garnish with a sprinkling of dill.

Swedish meatballs, known as köttbullar, are smaller than the Italian variety and served with a cream sauce instead of Italy’s tangy tomato flavouring. The dish is widely known as a Swedish favourite (in part thanks to IKEA’s influence), and despite Sweden’s official Twitter account admitting that the dish may have been adapted from a Turkish recipe, these

delicious meatballs are a firm Swedish favourite across the world.

Traditionally, they’re served in their cream sauce with puréed potatoes and lingonberries (usually in a jam, or a raw berry and sugar mix called rårörda lingon). If you can’t find lingonberries or lingonberry jam, cranberry sauce works just as well.

cinnamon buns

A Scandi-inspired recipe to warm the cockles of your heart

15-20 mins

• 550 g | 1 lb 2 oz | 2 � � cups strong bread flour

• 3 tbsp caster sugar

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp cardamom, pods discarded and seeds finely ground

• 1 sachet fast-action yeast

• zest of 1 lemon

• 275 ml | 9 fl oz | 1 cup milk

• 75 g | 2½ oz | � � cup butter

• 1 egg, beaten

For the filling:

• 180 g | 6 oz | ¾ cup butter, softened

• 75 g | 2½ oz | � � cup light brown sugar

• 2 tbsp cinnamon

• 1 tbsp vanilla paste

• milk, for brushing

Step 1 To make the dough, put the flour, sugar, salt, ground cardamom seeds, yeast and lemon zest into a large bowl and mix together. Heat the milk and butter in a small pan until the butter has melted, then set aside to cool to lukewarm. Pour in the milk mixture and egg to the flour mixture, gradually, mixing with a dough hook or with your hands to form a sticky dough. Knead for 10-15 minutes until the dough is soft and elastic. Leave to stand, covered with clingfilm, in a large bowl for 30-45 minutes.

Step 2 Mix the ingredients for the filling together well. Then roll out the dough on a lightly floured work surface to 40cm x 25cm. Spread the filling evenly over the dough. Starting from the longer edge, roll up the dough to make a log shape. Gently press together. Cut 12-14 rounds.

Step 3 Put each bun onto a large 28cm cast-iron pan, or baking sheet, about 2cm apart. Cover lightly with a piece of clingfilm and set aside until risen and puffy (about 45-90 minutes, depending on the room temperature). Heat the oven to 180°C or Gas Mark 5. When ready to bake, brush the buns with a little milk. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

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