Lagom Home

Our home is our sanctuary. When you step inside your home, regardless of the size or type of space, you ought to feel like you are taking a deep breath just by virtue of being in your surroundings. In this HGTV culture, it's easy to get sucked into trends, which is okay if you find it fun. But if those trends are overwhelming or add to your to-do list, think more about removing clutter and, in the spirit of moderation and balance, make it a reflection of you first. Design trends be damned.

I once sold a loft in Tribeca whose book collection rivaled the New York Public Library. The owner was a writer and literally lined every inch of wall space with hardcover and paperback books. No kindles allowed! Walking in to that space evoked such an old world feeling and a sense of who this person was. The books were lovingly organized (not by color, but by subject), and as a visitor you were keenly aware of the importance of language to this person.

Traditional Scandinavian design is minimal, functional, full of light and organic elements, with clean lines, enduring craftsmanship, and a strong tradition of accessibility to all price points. Ikea is still relevant. Your aesthetic may not perfectly align with these priorities, though, and that is okay. You can still live lagom if you do not ascribe to this lounging nook, or this new development Stockholm loft.

So here is a different way to start the conversation about how to edit your interior space to bring more balance to your day-to-day life, and it's not rooted in Feng Shui, although there is certainly a strong relationship to harmonizing your surroundings. Think about your highest aspiration, value, or life purpose. I know, this sounds very new age-y but give it a whirl. If you aren't sure what that is offhand, here is a guide about how to figure out what your core value is, from the fine folks over at Good Life Zen. My highest aspiration in life, for example, is to achieve enlightenment through acceptance. To stop struggling. And I'm a Type A, hyper-organized neat freak. So for me, having my to-do list greet me at the door is completely contrary to that deep breath I want to take when I walk into my space. As a result, I have tried to design my home's entryway to greet me with photos of family, dim light fixtures, art that is meaningful to me, and the plants I am striving to keep alive. It is a work in progress and as I refine it I'll share it with you guys. What does your home's entryway evoke for you? Do you feel that deep sense of calm when you arrive at your sanctuary?