United nations World Happiness Report 2021 Finland was recently declared the happiest country in the world – for the fourth year in a row. The annual study, conducted by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, explored several factors, including the country’s relationship between well-being and the Covid-19 virus. They announced, last month, that the Scandinavian country will retain the crown it has held since 2018.
Therefore, we couldn’t look for a better place for home decor tips than the happiest destination in the world. Here, these local designers – who make homes feel cheerful every day – show you how to mirror their style wherever you are.
1. Invest in timeless antiques and recycled treasures
Finnish homes glorify Scandinavian light and timeless elegance. We cherish the father-to-son style choices of durable and original natural materials,” begins Ida Pihlajaniemi, CEO and Interior Architect of idaDesign. The Helsinki-based designer continues to exhort us to showcase our heirlooms and find furniture from the past for a happy modern home of the future.
(Image credit: Marty Järvi)
She continues: “The traditional skill in craftsmanship is passed on to us as a bloody legacy, and most homes have centuries-old furniture that was made by the family and passed down from generation to generation.” Recycled treasures are also very satisfying for Finns who are meticulous about their finances – which is why we have so many vintage stores, flea markets and online stores.
Ida’s words were similarly emphasized by designer couple Saana Sipilä, Olli Sallinen of Saana and Olli, who revealed all the furniture in their 107-year-old home. tocolaxo It is “completely used”, apart from one “Artek lamp”.
‘We’ve been both garage sale and trash divers our whole lives; we love things that have a history and are proven to be well-made.’ Sanna and Oli add in our minds that combining elements from different decades makes the interior design more interesting and personal.
2. Stick to a neutral color palette
(Image credit: Marty Järvi)
Interior designer Helena Karihtala shares that it’s uncommon to see “too much color” in Finnish homes, with designers particularly choosing “earth tones” and natural paint colors.
Focus on using subtle, neutral matching shades that reflect nature’s color spectrum. Helena adds: ‘Replace natural hues with smaller bursts of softer, brighter hues.’ Ida similarly shares Helena’s claim, sharing how Finns as interior designers aren’t usually considered the world’s most daring use of colour,
“However, I would argue that over the years, we have been encouraged, and our homes have shown their distinct style,” Ida shares.
3. Choose furnishings made from natural materials
Following up close on the importance of neutral colors, Helena explores the “Finnish bond with nature,” which is “reflected in natural materials such as wood, stone, linen and wool.”
(Image credit: Marty Järvi)
“Floors are generally hardwood, and wood furniture is also popular. Use light-coloured wood, as in ash, birch, beech, and light oak. Likewise, Studio Joanna Laajisto, designer, reveals her nation’s love for terracotta, which She suggests that it is an essential element of Finnish design.
It has been used in Finnish architecture for decades. It’s very practical and very economical but still warm and earthy – and thus very Finnish in my opinion,” adds Joanna.
We see: Neutral Bedroom Ideas: 27 Stylish Ideas for a Quiet and Relaxing Bedroom Design
4. Mastering minimalism
Scandi Cool style is known and loved for its simplicity, and it’s not without good reason, according to Helena, who reminds us that less is more.
(Image credit: Marty Järvi)
Finnish design emphasizes simplicity and clean lines from architecture to furniture. Helena adds: ‘We crave uncluttered spaces with minimal frills, and pleasing beauty because of their simplicity.’ Furthermore, Oli and Sana remind us to choose ‘meaningful items’ and choose ‘memories’ instead of ‘latest trends’.
“In the meantime, don’t forget the value of empty space,” adds Oli Wesanna.
5. Emphasis on natural light
(Image credit: Marty Järvi)
No place preserves natural light quite like Finland, where homes are coordinated to squeeze every drop of sunlight through the dark winters. This usually leads designers to skip window dressings, as Helena shares:
Due to the long winter periods, the use of natural light is important, and we usually prefer large windows. Keeping windows bare or using light curtains helps make the space feel open and filled with natural light. The walls are also always a shade of white which makes the most of the natural light.
If our homes reflected a little piece of joy and sophisticated style from this world famous country, we would be really happy.