(ABC NEWS)- If you haven’t yet heard the word Lagom dropped casually in conversations about home design, get ready.
The less-is-more philosophy that has its roots in Sweden is booming in popularity in the U.S.
What exactly is Lagom?
Lagom is a Swedish word that is loosely translated as meaning “not too much and not too little – just right.”
It has come to define a lifestyle that is all about balance: Not staying at the office too late or leaving too early, not partying too hard but enough to enjoy life, for example.
When it comes to your home, Lagom is about finding that same balance: Decluttering, but not to the point that you feel pressured to throw things away.
Here are eight Logam rules to follow:
1. Declutter: Find a balance in your home between clear and clean, but also cozy and inviting and warm.
2. Bring in nature: A home should be in balance with the nature of the environment around it, according to Brantmark.
3. Use muted colors: Colors used in homes in Sweden are very organic and muted, from grey and white to light blue, light white or earthy tones like dark blue and dark brown.
4. Try textures: “Anything that adds texture adds architectural interest,” said Brantmark.
5. Incorporate plants: “If you bring plants and flowers into your home, it’s not about massive, lavish bouquets, it’s about imperfect flowers, ones you may collect outside,” Brantmark said.
Plants are common in homes in Sweden, but they are specifically easy to care for plants in order to “avoid the hassle of constant maintenance.”
6. Pay attention to lighting: Organize your house so they can use as much natural light as possible. Homes in Sweden feature candles but not heavy curtains that would block the light.
7. Go vintage: Secondhand, vintage items are another way of making your home cozy, as they have a history to them and tell a story.
8. Keep it pristine: You won’t find carpeting in Lagom-inspired homes because it is too hard to clean.
