You may have heard of the Danish philosophy of hygge, emphasizing coziness and enjoying the simple pleasures in life. But what about its counterpart, Swedish lagom? The word lagom in Swedish is translated as “just the right amount,” and the philosophy is all about moderation. We’ve all heard the saying that everything is best in moderation, but the Swedes have really taken this into their hearts and their homes by focusing on finding contentment, minimalism, and sustainability. Here's what we’ve learned about how to begin incorporating lagom into our interior design.
Calming Colors
One of the most foundational ways to incorporate the simplicity of lagom into your home is to create a simple palette with a few core colors and stick to it. Calming neutrals are most effective for creating this effect, but the occasional brighter or deeper accent color can be included as well. The most important thing is to stick to just a few colors to create a cohesive look.
Invest in Quality Pieces
The Swedish know that less is more and simple is best, but that doesn’t mean they are cheap. When it comes to lagom design, it’s important to invest in a few quality pieces that reflect your style and will last a long time. One of the principles of lagom is to pick one focal point for the room you are designing, whether it’s a statement wall or a unique piece of furniture. It’s a good idea to think about what you want your focal point to be and pick these as your investment pieces.
Upcycle & Use Natural Materials
Lagom is all about reusing what you already have and embracing minimalism. Try to think if there is something in your home that can be reused or repurposed as something else. Is there a piece of furniture in your living room that would work great repainted in your kid’s room? Maybe you have an old jewelry box that could be reused by the front door as a place to put your keys. The possibilities are limitless so get creative!
Another element of lagom is using natural materials. Simple, untreated woods can make a space look so beautiful and simplistic, especially when paired with whites and other light neutrals. Lagom is all about sustainability so investing in environmentally friendly furniture is another key element.
Another part of this is including plenty of plants! We talk a lot on our blog about the importance of having greenery in your home for both health and aesthetic purposes, and the Swedish definitely agree with us on that point.
Declutter
One of our favorite lagom tips if you are feeling cluttered, is to go through your home and remove one thing from each room. Start simple, find the things in your home that are taking up space and not bringing joy, and start to remove the weight of all that clutter. When deciding whether or not to keep something, ask yourself if it is functional, if it matches your core color palette, and if it is a piece you love and can see yourself keeping for a long time. If not, then it may be time for it to go.
We hope you find these ideas to be helpful if you are looking to incorporate a little more moderation and minimalism into your home style. Let us know your favorite thing about Swedish lagom in the comments below!