19 minute read
Scandi-living essentials
from Ghuhg
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.
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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
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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.
Plant wild flowers in your Scandi-style garden for a natural and whimsical look
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
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.
Cinnamon buns are a popular and delicious sweet treat, often enjoyed with a mug of coffee
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
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 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.
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.
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.
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! Let your personality shine through by creating handmade crafts for your home Add a fun twist to your plant pots and ceramics by painting on a unique design
You’ll need
• Dowel or twig • Cotton macrame string • Scissors • Tie dye in two colours • Two large buckets • Rubber gloves • Masking tape • Warm water
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make an ombre macrame wall hanging
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. 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 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.
Create your own Scandi-style wall hanging for a textured and calming focal point