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 Home Scandi Bible, delve into the culture and ethos of the Scandinavian people, examining their values and lifestyle. 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.
home Scandi bible
The Home Scandi Bible
glossary • Do you know your hygge from your koselig? Get savvy with our guide to the Scandi words and terms you need to know
welcome to Scandinavia • It conjures up images of snow-capped mountains and picturesque towns, but what is Scandinavia? Let this be your introduction to northernmost Europe
where to go in Scandinavia • Inspired to plan a trip to Scandinavia? Here are our top five places to visit on your travels
the joy of Scandi living • From their beautiful, streamlined homes to their outdoorsy lifestyle and love of fika, we could learn a thing or two from Scandinavian life
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
make Scandi work for you • How to adapt the Scandi style to suit your own tastes and lifestyle
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
lagom and hygge
declutter your home • Stuff. In an age of conspicuous consumption, although we may always want it, we generally already have too much of it
get the gear • Have the following to hand when decluttering:
small steps, big impact • It can feel intimidating when you begin to tackle your clutter, but breaking it down is the key to success
turn clutter into cash • If you struggle to get rid of things because their financial value concerns you, try making money from them
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
getting under your feet • An entry space can quickly get cluttered with footwear and coats – here are some tips to avoid this
space to live • Living rooms have a variety of uses: playroom, cinema and reception space
heart of the home • If you’re a keen cook you’ll spend a significant amount of time in the kitchen, and clutter helps no one achieve what they need to
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
children’s rooms • Children are collectors and sometimes these collections get out of control
drowning in stuffed animals
reading is fundamental! • Books should be an essential part of any child’s life, so ensure they are nice and organised
linen cupboard • 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
organising the airing cupboard • After letting go of linens you don’t use, reorganise so you can see...