Home decorating tips from the happiest country in the world
The UN's Global Happiness Report for 2021 recently named Finland the happiest country in the world for the fourth year in a row. Stylistically clean, with straight lines, simple and bright, Finnish interior design is widely known. If you want to bring a little bit of joy and sophistication from this Scandinavian country into your home, these are the tips to apply.
The UN's Global Happiness Report for 2021 recently named Finland the happiest country in the world for the fourth year in a row. Stylistically clean, with straight lines, simple and bright, Finnish interior design is widely known. If you want to bring a little bit of joy and sophistication from this Scandinavian country into your home, these are some tips you should apply.
Invest in timeless pieces and recycled treasures
When decorating Finnish homes, Scandinavian light and timeless style come first. 'We cherish traditional style and real natural materials. The traditional skill of hand-crafting furniture is especially valued, and such furniture is passed down through the generations. Most Finns have century-old furniture in their homes, often made in the family and passed down through the generations. Recycled goods are also very popular among cost-conscious Finns. For this reason, thrift stores, flea markets and online stores are very popular,' says Ida Pihlajaniem, executive director and interior architect at IdaDesign.
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Ida's words are confirmed by Saana Sipilä and Olli Sallinen, from the company Saana ja Olli. For example, in their 107-year-old home in Toukolaakso, they have completely used and recycled furniture, except for Artek lamps. 'We both appreciate quality things that have a history, combining items from different decades makes the interior more interesting and personal,' add Saana and Olli.
Stick to a neutral color palette
Interior designer says that it is very unusual to see a lot of colorfulness and different colors in Finnish homes. When decorating, designers more often opt for muted, earthy tones and colors with natural notes.
It is recommended to choose neutral colors and their associated shades. Play up the natural shades with slightly lighter and darker colors and stick to that. 'As interior decorators, Finns are not usually considered to be the most daring in the world when it comes to color,' says Interior designer Helena Karihtala.
Choose furniture made of natural materials
Following the importance of neutral colors, Helena Karihtala highlights the Finnish connection with nature, which is reflected in natural materials such as wood, stone, linen and wool. Hardwood floors are mostly covered, and wooden furniture is also very common in Finnish homes. Lighter colored wood is used, such as ash, birch, beech and light oak. Joanna Laajisto, the designer at Joanna Laajisto Studio, reveals her nation's love for terracotta, which she considers a fundamental element of Finnish design. 'It has been used in Finnish architecture for decades. It's very practical, quite economical, but still warm and natural - therefore very Finnish, in my opinion,' adds Joanna.
Emphasize natural light
Nowhere is natural light more valued than in Finland, where homes are designed to soak up even the tiniest bit of sunlight during the notoriously dark winters. This usually leads designers to omit curtains, shades, and all other window decorations. 'Because of the long winters, the use of natural light is considered important, and we usually prefer large windows. Bare windows, mostly without curtains, make the space more open and full of natural light, and the walls are also mostly shades of white, which additionally makes the space brighter.' stated the interior designer.
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Post By: Vanessa F.
