Learn how the Swedish lifestyle of Lagom can help you live your best outdoor life.
Loosely translated, Lagom means “just right.” It is the feeling when something hits the perfect balance between two extremes. In her new book, Lagom: Not Too Little, Not Too Much: The Swedish Art of Living a Balanced, Happy Life, British ex-pat Niki Brantmark offers advice on achieving a perfect balance between sterile and crowded decor.
“Whether it’s applied to work, leisure, … interior design or living in a way that’s kinder to the planet, the Swedes will often tell you that lagom är bäst – the right amount is best, and moderation is key,” Ms. Brantmark writes in the book’s introduction. On the patio, a rustic chic style celebrates the outdoors while offering comfort and relaxation. Neutral colors, less clutter and comfortable, natural-fiber textiles are great for toning down the furniture and turning the attention to the greenery Mother Nature created.
Here are a few more of Ms. Brantmark’s hints to help you achieve just the right balance on the patio.
Learn how the Swedish lifestyle of Lagom can help you live your best outdoor life.
“Whether it’s applied to work, leisure, … interior design or living in a way that’s kinder to the planet, the Swedes will often tell you that lagom är bäst – the right amount is best, and moderation is key,” Ms. Brantmark writes in the book’s introduction. On the patio, a rustic chic style celebrates the outdoors while offering comfort and relaxation. Neutral colors, less clutter and comfortable, natural-fiber textiles are great for toning down the furniture and turning the attention to the greenery Mother Nature created.
Here are a few more of Ms. Brantmark’s hints to help you achieve just the right balance on the patio.
- By putting a little “breathing space” between furniture pieces, you’ll be “helping the eye see the beauty in every piece.”
- Use muted colors. “Not only do these muted tones brighten the space but they also create a wonderfully serene feel.”
- Brown glass votives, seagrass tea light holders, oil lanterns or beeswax candles can bring in cozy firelight and gentle scents on the patio. Think simple rather than ornate. Cotton fabrics with tassel edgings used for throws or rugs bring a boho charm.
- But remember: Don’t go overboard. Keep it simple. A sign you need to clean up that patio: “You feel stressed at the thought of friends coming over (or worse still, turning up unannounced) because you have so much to clear away first.”
As Ms. Brantmark says, “clutter makes it harder for us to relax and inhibits our creativity.” Patios can be a private haven for relaxation and de-stressing after a long week. Clearing out everything isn’t the answer, but neither is holding on to extra stuff. Look for ways to add balance to your outdoor space, and you’ll get more out of your patio and life!