Get the Scandi Look

Five ways to get the Scandi look

Scandi LookIf youÔÇÖve been admiring the cool, calm and collected look, that is all things Scandinavian – then there is no better time than Spring to inject some clean, Nordic inspired lines into your living space.

There are some key design tips which we can take from this simple style. From plenty of light to pale wood, organic materials to muted tones, there are a multitude of ways you can make this look work in your home.

Let the light in

Scandi Look WindowsNot featuring much in in the way of curtains or window drapes, the Scandi look aims lets in as much light as possible. While some may bolt at the idea of losing a trusty pair of curtains, there are ways to maximise the amount of light that you let in through a window. Hanging them a few inches higher and wider than usual, will allow more of the fabric to sit against the wall, as opposed to the window. Using thinner fabric for blinds will stop you blocking the light from seeping through, and still allow you to keep your nosy neighbours out!

Mirrors are great for bouncing light around a room. Position mirrors strategically opposite windows, and use reflective flooring like a wood laminate or floorboards to achieve the same effect.

Candlelight can add a calming atmosphere both inside and out. Bare bulb lighting is also a popular Scandinavian trend. Use stark bulbs on a flex, or diffuse the light through neutral light shades.

Add wood

Wood LightingA huge characteristic of Scandinavian design is wood. Be it floors, walls or furniture, the use of natural materials allows you to bring the outside in. Rustic wooden tones ooze elegance and make a cozy and inviting living space. Add a characteristic bench or stool, or go the whole hog and panel the walls.

Scandi LightUse a (predominantly) white palette

Fresh, clean, modern ÔÇô white is the way forward when it comes to achieving the calm and peaceful nature synonymous with this style. Whitewashed walls are common, and adding accents of black to create a monochrome palette is stereotypical of the Scandi style. You donÔÇÖt have to limit yourself though. Throw in pastels to add charm and colour.

Declutter like never before!

Minimal is the only way to create a ÔÇÿcleanÔÇÖ look. If you loathe hiding your clutter, then you will naturally find this harder to achieve than some. Take note, accessories must be functional and unpretentious or heirlooms with a history.

Keep it natural

Alongside wood, donÔÇÖt be afraid to throw wool, sheepskin, plants and branches into the mix. Varying natural textures adds a certain ÔÇÿorganicÔÇÖ homeliness to the look. A wood burner can only add to the charm.

5 garden gadgets to get your (green) fingers on

outdoor-lighting

With the weather warming up nicely, itÔÇÖs time to step outdoors to smarten things up for spring. And these handy gadgets are set to make your garden maintenance grow well!

  1. (Weather) stations, please!

If youÔÇÖve ever watched the weather forecast only to wake up the next morning to what feels like an entirely different season, your own garden weather station could be just what you need. By monitoring the local microclimate, a weather station can help you plan the next dayÔÇÖs outdoor tasks, not to mention star as an eye-catching garden feature! And, as it is the digital age after all, some versions work with your smartphone to deliver real-time weather updates right to your fingertips.

  1. Photo shoots

garden-camWhether you want to get great views of visiting wildlife or quite literally watch your garden grow, a time-lapse camera can lens a hand. Easy to install, waterproof and with a range of time settings, garden cams capture nature at its best, from the changing seasons to something as simple as a spider spinning a web. With colour images by day and infrared at night, a garden cam can also double as a security camera, giving you peace of mind as well as a birdÔÇÖs eye view of life in the great outdoors!

  1. Over a barrel

Ok, so its spring but this is still the UK, after all! Rather than grumbling about the British weather, why not enjoy the chance to save time and money by installing a rain barrel to collect water. Whether you sprinkle it over the plants or wash the car, itll reduce your water bills and help the environment too. Stylish stone and wood barrels can be bought online and from garden centres, whilst alternatively you can make your own from a plastic drum or rubbish bin.

  1. Lighter evenings

outdoor-lightingNot only are the days getting longer but, with the right outdoor lighting, you wonÔÇÖt need to go inside when the sun goes down either! Contemporary external lighting is now as stylish as its interior counterpart, from stainless steel post lamps and polished hanging lamps to traditional lanterns and even garden floodlights.

  1. TurfÔÇÖs up

Artificial lawns can be a low maintenance, no-fuss alternative to a turf lawn and have become popular in recent years. Good quality, synthetic grass can last up to 20 years and eliminates the problem of mud-covered children and pets, as well as the need for a lawn mower! If laid badly, however, artificial grass can stick out like the proverbial sore thumb, so research thoroughly the preparation required or commission a landscape gardener (or even a carpet fitter!) to do it for you.

What your front door says about you

front-doorFirst impressions count – quite literally, when it comes to opening up your home to visitors! You may not realise it, but the colour of your front door might say more about you than you think!

According to home website www.newhomefinder.co.uk, your front door reveals more than just your entrance hall. So if you are about to move or if imminent home improvement plans involve a new front door, you might want to read New Home FinderÔÇÖs guide first:

Red

Passionate red is vibrant, lively and exciting – and so too is the person behind the door. People who choose to paint their front door red are amongst the most hospitable souls, delighting in entertaining guests. A red door says ÔÇÿwelcomeÔÇÖ – and means it!

Orange

Orange is the colour of warmth, expressing energy, happiness and confidence. A blend of the primary colours red and yellow, it represents a mixture both – the happiness of yellow and the boldness of red – and people with an orange door are often social butterflies.

Yellow

Yellow is the colour of logic and represents the left side of the brain, which is responsible for critical thinking and original thought. As the lightest colour in the spectrum it also inspires feelings of cheerfulness, fun and positivity. People living behind a yellow door have a vitality for life and a ÔÇÿget up and goÔÇÖ attitude!

Green

front-doorYou might expect a whole lotta shakinÔÇÖ to be going on behind the green door, but in fact it represents tranquility and tradition. Green is the colour of health and wealth, and people with a green door are often successful and ambitious, valuing the wellbeing of their family, hard work hard and self improvement.

Blue

Relaxing, calming and honest, blue is the colour of peace. Those who choose a blue front door see their home as a refuge from the outside world and tend to be grounded, honest and true to themselves.

Brown

The colour of earth, brown is warm, stable and organic. Whether the door is painted brown or is natural wood, the person behind it will share the same characteristics, being grounded, down to earth, warm and friendly. But darker brown can reflect a private soul, trying to avoid too much interaction.

Black

The colour of sophistication, black is classic, authoritative and stylish. Painting your front door black is a bold statement to the world that your home is a place of order and control. Anyone living behind a black front door is likely to have a place for everything, with everything in its place.

White

White is the colour of perfection, symbolising wholeness, equality and creativity. People with a white door will be fair, balanced and also highly imaginative, able to fill the blankness of white with ideas and creativity.

Glass

Last but by no means least, the person with a glass door is like the glass itself – friendly, outgoing and open!
If reading this has made you think your own main entrance could do with a revamp, read our handy guide on how to freshen up your front door.