Hello and a Happy New Year to you! 

Do you have decorating plans for your home this year?  Are you looking to update your home décor look? Want to achieve a Nordic vibe in your home but don’t know where to start? Read on and be inspired to add a bit of Scandi to your abode for 2020.

The phrase “Scandi style”, usually defined by its simple palette of white, black and grey, seems to be evolving into New Nordic Style for the start of this new and exciting decade.

 

The Colour Palette of New Nordic Style

Whilst maintaining the simple unfussy characteristics of scandi style, with its cosy and welcoming atmosphere, new Nordic style moves away from stark white and introduces warm earthy colours and off white hues.  Nature inspired colours are bringing calm, warmth and tranquillity to our homes.

Don’t believe me!  Pop over to the Dulux website to see their colour of the year for 2020 - Tranquil Dawn.  This gentle and versatile shade of green seems to work well with a number of soft sandy hues.  It also works well with darker accent colours if you fancy adding a pop of boldness to your scheme.

Image from Dulux

Farrow and Ball are also showing an appreciation for all the colours of nature by collaborating with the Natural History Museum in London to develop their 2020 paint colours.  I am already plotting on how to use Skimmed Milk white and Ash Grey in my own home.

The rise of these new soft and warming colour schemes make for simple and comfortable and homes whilst avoiding a stark and minimalist look. 

 

Choosing Texture

Understated and raw materials feature heavily in New Nordic style.  Think of artisan style and organic elements. 

Combine contrasting types of natural fabrics for an interesting and tactile look.  Use lightweight linens for the summer months and chunky knits  and furs for the colder seasons.  The usual dependable greys and creams work well with earthy terracotta’s, mossy greens and blush pink (sorry fella’s – it’s here to stay for a while) to create instant cosiness to your rooms. 

Pared back wood furniture and floors continue the Nordic nature theme.  Rustic textures can be added to walls and décor with the use of wooden slats, worn leather or enduring stoneware.  If you it makes you want to reach out and touch, it works in this scheme.

 Image from That Scandinavian Feeling

Even more greenery!

As if the message of nature didn’t need driving home anymore, the trend for 2020 is to add more of the botanical goodness. 

Not only are green plants good for purifying the air, they make your home feel homely and connected to our outside world.  Peace Lily plants are great for removing toxins in the air.  With their strong green leaves and elegant white flowers they make a wonderful statement whilst being a doddle to care for.

However, there is a balance to be had here.  Overcrowd it on the green stuff and you’ll be welcomed by a dense forest every time you open your front door.  Keep it subtle.  Add a little on the table, on the walls or use a natural jute string macramé plant holder to hang a leafy specimen from the ceiling.

 

A final note!

The key to remember with Nordic style is that the ‘nature look’ will always be classic and you will never run out of inspiration.  From national trust gardens to your local park, it forever surrounds us.  Therefore, in the opinion of this humble blogger, embracing a few simple key pieces of nature in your home will give you style and comfort throughout the decade.

Happy decorating!

 

Hello December and welcome back to my blog.  It’s my last one for 2019 (where has the time gone?)

As we draw the year to a close, I decided that I would finish by sharing with you 10 Instagram Home accounts that I have find to be great sources of inspiration throughout the year. 

Enjoy!

 

@peartreecottagelife

The lovely Catherine owns the most beautiful & cosy English home called Pear Tree Cottage.  With a cute name like that you know you are in for treat before even going through the front door. 

Her interior is based on simple country living using gently muted tones of white and grey teamed up with warm wooden furniture and wicker hearts.   Her photo styling of quality home accessories and passion for home baking makes for an enviable Instagram feed.

 

@daffodils_and_gin

An interior Instagram account featuring Janet’s lifestyle in her stunning Edwardian terrace house. 

Janet has done a superb job of making a comfortable yet modern home whilst retaining the character of her period home.  Check out the white fireplace in her bedroom – it’s so lush! 

Also, she is a wonderful advocate for small home ware businesses which is why we love her!

 

@ourremarkablehouse

If, like me, you are fan of home interior TV programmes, you may have seen this house featured on the BBC 2 show Your Home Made Perfect.

From a 90’s new build with a poor and sorry layout to the most amazing transformation, all perfectly remodelled for modern family living.  The architect absolutely made the best of the awkward space and what they did with the staircase (or rather creating a new one out of the garage space) was nothing short of brilliance. 

 

@annelii01

This Swedish Instagram account has a massive following and it’s not hard to see why.  I love the modern Scandinavian style of this home and the way it flows.  The use of white tones and the textures of the carefully selected décor accessories really do capture the essence of ‘Hygge’ life. 

Take a look at her hallway entrance photographs.  They are a favourite inspiration of mine

 

@thecaveat63

This is the 150 year old Victorian home of a lovely couple and their Frenchie dog, Nigel.  This Instagram account was inspired by the hugely popular Instagram feed of @mrshinchhome .  With period feature wooden floor boards throughout the downstairs and elegant shutters in the big bay window (I’m so jealous) this style is right up my street.

Check out the feature wall in the dining room.  I love their use of a moody dark colour on the back wall.

 

@the_lemonpipers

Be sure to check out the orangery style dining room overlooking the stunning walled garden with raised sleeper flower beds and decking.  Imagine having breakfast at this table whilst watching the seasons change. 

The exterior is particularly stunning with double height barn shutter doors adorning the façade. 

Such a unique home!

 

 

@kajastef

This minimalist Scandinavian home is exactly what I would aspire for my home.

Although the owner uses a lot of white throughout her interior, it never looks clinical or cold.  The carefully curated home décor captures that fine balance between modern pared back chic and that cosy homely feel.  There are also hints of monochrome to add interest to the rooms.

 

@mystylemia

Another Swedish account for you to explore. 

This lady is a marvel when it comes to accessorising with candles.  The welcoming warmly lit photographs really want to make you step into her home, put your feet up and relax.  Her styling and feed looks like it belongs in high class interiors magazine.

 

@thehousethatbrynbuilt

Anyone who knows me knows I love a bit of green foliage in the home and in my product photographs.  What this lady has done with a hula hoop and some faux ivy to create a feature chandelier is inspired!!!  She is genius in my opinion!

Plus, her pets are very cute too!

 

@eetukannel

Okay, so this isn’t a home account but it is worthy of a mention on my blog because I thoroughly enjoy his photos popping up on my feed.  This young man is a wildlife photographer based in Finland.  What I love about this Instagram account is the way he captures the unique character of each wild animal he photographs. 

Scroll through the feed and look out for the cute raccoon peeking over a log.  Your heart will melt.

 

Have a great Christmas and a very happy new year folks

Helen xx