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Month: July 2019

Scandinavian Style

Scandinavian Style

Scandinavian style: bright, light-filled, clean, calm, uncluttered, welcoming.

Aspirational.

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When we say “Scandinavian Style”, what are we talking about? According to Scandinavia Standard, “If you’re speaking of a specific current geographic or political context, “Scandinavia” means the region that includes Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and the Faroe Islands. If you’d like to include Finland and Iceland in that same context, use the word “Nordic.”

When speaking of a cultural region including shared history and design, the words “Scandinavian” and “Nordic” are interchangeable.” (The Spruce has an interesting, more detailed explanation here.)

Scandinavia Standard
Skona Hem

So, I’m referring to design from (or inspired by design from) Denmark, Sweden, Norway, the Faroe Islands, Finland, and Iceland. The photo above is of a summer house in Gotland, a large Swedish island and province in the Baltic Sea. Gotland is on my bucket list.

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You probably already know the basics:

  • White or light colored walls
  • Natural flooring, preferably light-toned wood
  • Minimal window treatments, or none
  • Neutral color palette + pops of color
  • Lots of natural textures; think wood, stone, leather (or faux)
  • Comfort, comfort, comfort
Skona Hem
Skona Hem

Here are a few of my favorite scandi-inspired home furnishings available from Amazon (affiliate link; see full disclosure here).

Do you love Scandinavian style and design? Be sure to click on the caption below each photo for more!

Pin me!
Clarity Through Mystery

Clarity Through Mystery

Often the way to clarity is through mystery, don’t you think? Mystery being things we don’t know or understand, we may have to learn new things, work out the puzzle, muddle through the maze – all of which can be amazing and delicious in their own right – but eventually: clarity, the state or quality of being clear. We figure it out. The answer is known.

photo of quartz crystal with quote: “Mystification is simple; clarity is the hardest thing of all.” ― Julian Barnes

Then there are the mysteries that themselves can lead to clarity. Astrology, Tarot, runes. Prayer. I’ve found clarity in all of them. I’m sure it doesn’t hurt that I expect them to work. Intent and belief are powerful things.

I’ve put together a list of my favorite resources over here. You should check it out.

Workspace Style

Workspace Style

Have you seen this image on pinterest? It’s been making the rounds, and I’m so in love with it that I stop and look every time it shows up in my feed.

Desk or table with a plethora of crystals and plants in front of a window.
ahhhhh…so much good stuff!!

I know it’s probably not what most people think of when they imagine a “workspace”, but I suppose that really depends on what kind of “work” you need space for. I do a little of everything at my desk, and this overloaded-with-goodies image inspired me to do a total workspace makeover. I had everything I needed (don’t you love when that happens?!), so all it took was some rethinking and rearranging. I haven’t taken pictures yet, but I’ll post them when I do.

I have an entire pinterest board full of lucious workspaces. Here are a few of my favorites:

  • ?
  • west elm
  • dore
  • shein
  • nandeezy †
  • tumblr

I know there’s a lot going on in these pictures, and don’t get me wrong, I love the clean, simple look of minimalist spaces – I just can’t maintain them (I’ve tried, I really have.) Still, I can dream.

  • These New Walls
  • Vim Decor

If calm, chic, luxe is your goal, check out this list of gorgeous home office finds (affiliate link).

This desk has a great minimalist luxe vibe, and gets high marks on Amazon. It would also make a lovely dressing table / vanity. **Pro tip: when shopping (or “shopping” your home) for furniture, think about & look for multi-purpose pieces. Can that dining table be a desk? Can the desk be a dressing table? Flexibility increases your design options, and saves you money!**

Add a comfy chair, and a fluffy throw:

Once you’ve got the major components in place (work surface and seating), the fun really begins. Of course, how you’ll decorate your space depends on how you’ll be using the space, what look you’re going for, and maybe most importantly, how you want the space to make you feel. Focused? Creative? Relaxed? Figure that out, and the rest will come easily.

I needed a space where I could work relatively uninterrupted (haha), and feel excited and inspired to sit down and work, and I’m happy to say that’s what I got.

What are your workspace goals? Leave a comment, I’d love to hear!

Pinnables: