Have you been wondering whether you should be adding a little more Feng Shui to your home? Or maybe some Ikigai vibes? Wait, what about the Scottish one, Còsagach?
When it comes to lifestyle concepts, it’s fair to say that there’s a few to choose from. And as many of us look for ways to add positivity into our lives, turning to our home is a great place to start.
Luckily, new research from Swyft – analysing nine of the most well-known concepts – has revealed the one that’s truly worth your time and here to help you through the rest of lockdown and the colder months.
After analysing over 8,000 Instagram posts and 100 books and videos, Swyft was able to reveal that although Feng Shui is the most talked about (no surprise there) the highest rated is the Danish and Norweign concept, hygge.
If enhancing your fulfilment through home interiors sounds right up your street, then you might benefit from some tips from Swyft’s head of creative, Kelly Collins, on how to bring these concepts into your home:
“When it comes to the home and interiors, this year we’re seeing a big focus on overall wellbeing, having a zen-like space to protect us from the outside world is becoming increasingly important now we are spending more time at home.”
Hygge
This concept is all about evoking a quality of cosiness and comfortability that inspires contentment. Sound enticing? We think so.
Kelly said: “Boucle made its debut at the end of last year and is the perfect fabric for this trend. It’s bobbled surface and messy texture is extremely comfortable.
I’d also be looking to stick to more neutral tones, especially in your living and bedrooms. Try adding warm neutrals to create a calm and soothing environment.”
Lagom
A Swedish and Norwegian term that focuses on everything in moderation, Lagom has simplicity and balance at its core.
“Similar to Hygge, Lagom is about creature comforts but unlike that trend it’s about not overdoing it and being happy and content with the items you have.
“You want to be looking to keep your interiors relatively minimal, focusing on statement pieces such as a structured piece of furniture and pairing it with softer touches to keep the comfy aspect. Styling a lagom inspired room shouldn’t be rigid. It‘s minimal, but not perfect. Move away from styling rooms to look symmetrical and find a minimalist messiness.”
Ikigai
We have East Asia to thank for this concept; Ikigai is based around the reason for one’s being, it draws on the individual’s passions and values in the hope of creating a life full of meaning.
“This trend is particularly relevant as many of us are now working from home. Ikigai is all about having a clear direction and purpose, so creating a space that mirrors these ideologies is key.
“There’s two ways you can achieve this, try ensuring your home office is an organised space. It may be that you add a bookcase or storage in order to bring more structure and tidiness. Another way is to ensure your office is a place full of photos, achievements and positive memories in this space. Maybe finally frame that award you received!”
The research also identified that Fika and Còsagach, two of the nine concepts, have seen the largest rise in popularity over the last 12 months.
Fika
The Swedish Fika, is a concept based around making time to take a break. It’s not surprising that it has become popular recently then…
Kelly said: “After 2020 designers will be thinking differently when planning homes and particularly work spaces. I think the importance of mental wellbeing will be one of the key things in the front of their minds, so adding more private spaces will be considered.”
When it comes to Fika, it’s all about the round edges. Look for furniture with flange detailing, but no straight edges to be seen.”
Còsagach
A concept that’s a little closer to home, Còsagach, is an old Gaelic word for the feeling of being snug, sheltered or cosy, according to VisitScotland.
“In general, we’re seeing a huge trend around natural materials, which expose their raw form. We are noticing that people care more about manufacturing, British manufacturing in particular, in order to celebrate industry and skills involved in building furniture.
“For this, think upholstery that lacks structure in terms of shape, anything goes – curved edges, hard edges, clean lines, oversized arm and back cushions, I could go on…. The geometric prints are still unstructured, like we saw last year, but the shapes are strong and the patterns are organic, which is where the Scottish inspiration comes in.”
Contact one of our designers for more information about how to bring these trends into your home!
