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Over the last few years, Scandinavia has had a big impact on the UK. We have warmly embraced their TV, fashions, home interiors, and culture. On a Saturday night, we love nothing more than sitting on our Scandi sofa, enjoying a little hygge, while waiting for the latest Nordic noir thriller to start. When it comes to Scandinavian style, we can’t get enough of it.
Wardrobe
Watching programmes like The Killing, Borgen, and The Bridge has exposed us to people and cultures we were previously unfamiliar with. We see the clothes they wear, their lifestyles, and their homes, all of which are stylish and appealing.
We love the understated chic of brands like https://www.fashionforest.dk and covet the simple lines and elegant style. And we love the sharp leather jackets, edgy street style, and bold prints. And who can forget Sarah Lund’s iconic chunky knit sweater?
Home
When we think of Scandinavian furniture, IKEA springs to mind. The Swedish furniture store has even overtaken John Lewis in our affections. To get the look, go for straight, clean lines and get rid of the clutter. Introduce natural, rustic materials. Wood is popular but keep it pale and interesting. Whether you’re styling your living room or home office, think simplicity and functionality first.
Life
When it comes to living, the Scandinavians have it covered. Several organisations in Sweden recently introduced a six-hour working day, which increased productivity and increased happiness levels among workers. And Denmark tops the list of the happiest countries in the world, according to http://worldhappiness.report/. They are closely followed by Finland, Norway, and Iceland in third to fifth places. What is it about their culture and way of life that makes them so happy?
The Danish winter is long, dark and cold. However, to get them through these difficult months, the Danes have a culture of hygge. There is no literal translation, but it equates to cosiness and a feeling of contentment. But it’s not just about lighting a few candles. Hygge is much more than that. It’s about living a happy, fulfilled and simple life. It’s about gathering together the people who matter to you and enjoying their company.
The Swedes also have a similar concept called lagom. It has a similar idea in that it relates to simplicity. However, lagom goes a step further. It means ‘just the right amount’ and refers to being frugal and creating a balance in your life. While hygge is about capturing a moment, lagom is a way of living. You can embrace this concept by cutting back on excesses and reviewing what is important in your life. Find ways to cut back on spending and instead, focus on function and necessity.
With smart, forward-thinking ways of living and some of the happiest people in the world on their shores, it’s not surprising we’re scrambling to embrace the culture and lifestyle of Scandinavian countries. In uncertain economic times, we need as much hygge and lagom in our lives as we can get.
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