Did you know Finland was officially the happiest place in the world? The UN’s World Happiness Report 2021 officially informed us that Helsinki was the happiest city on the planet.
What’s more, Finland has been voted Happiest Country in the World, for the third year in a row – from a possible 156 countries in total.
So, what makes a country’s population happy? Well, we’re guessing its environment and culture has a lot to do with it.
Also, people tend to be happiest at home. And this is why we’re focusing on Scandinavian interiors in this article.
Scandi design has, of course, has been around for decades. But it has had a resurgence in popularity in the last couple of decades, in particular. So, what is Scandi design and why does it work?
Neutral colour shades
There are no gaudy colours in true Scandi design. Think restful neutral browns, creams, whites, and other ‘earthy and natural’ tones. These all coordinate well, meaning you’re not stuck with a monochrome colour scheme either.
Lots of wood and wool
Again, nature comes in to play in the textures that Finnish people like to furnish their homes and decorate with.
Woollen throws, linen bedding, hardwood flooring and furniture, terracotta stone tile – it all adds to a feeling of connection and belonging with the outdoors.
Love of antiques
It’s not just old possessions per se that Fins appreciate, but rather items that have been passed down through generations of their own family. In other words, the kind of furniture and accessories that are treasured, loved, and have a story behind them.
Interior architect Ida Pihlajaniemi of idaDesign says @livingetch, “The traditional skill of making by hand is passed on to us as a blood legacy, and most homes have centuries-old furniture made by family and passed down from generation to generation.”
Natural light
This, more than any other factor in the Nordic home, probably contributes to the feeling of wellbeing and happiness.
After all, countless studies have shown us how natural light and the vitamin D it supplies can help fight depression in those susceptible to the condition.
As a result, homes in Finland and other Scandinavian countries, tend to have large windows and light curtains to let in as many daytime rays as possible.
None of the above interior ideas are expensive or difficult to incorporate so why not consider applying some of them to your own home next time you plan on decorating? Who knows, you may even feel a bit happier as a result.
The annual report by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Solutions Network made their calculations based on how residents felt about six main categories.
These were income levels, a sense of freedom, how trustworthy they felt others were, levels of generosity, healthy life expectancy, and the social support residents felt from their community and government.
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