Simplicity and balance: Lagom

Lagom

Lagom (pronounced [ˈlɑ̀ːɡɔm]) is a Swedish word meaning "just the right amount”, "enough, sufficient, adequate, just right". 

Lagom is also widely translated as "in moderation", "in balance", "perfect-simple", and "suitable" (in matter of amounts).

In 2016 we all embraced the Danish concept of Hyyge — the concept of cosy living with friends and family. This year it is all about Lagom — which is all about "not to little, not to much, just right".

Lagom is a uniquely Swedish term that doesn’t have an English equivalent. Not only does it not translate perfectly into English but its just a very Swedish idea, or feeling. A popular etymological translation is “around the team” meaning enough food or drink for everyone at the table, this translation is said to go back to Viking times. Lagom is “Just enough,” “Not too much or too little,” “Just right,” “Enough to go around,” “Fair share.” It indicates balance. Lagom doesn’t have the negative connotation of “sufficient” nor does it claim perfection. It works in a lot of different contexts, which is why its so interesting and special. When searching for unique words, this one was always proudly suggested. “How are you?” can be answered with lagom. “How is the weather?” “Lagom”  Someone can be a “lagom” height. This term not only has many applications but it represents the Swedish cultural and social ideals of equality and fairness. (source)

Here are a few idea to embrace to Swedish idea in your home!

* Moderation is important in the concept of lagom — you don’t need to own lots, instead style your home sparsely with good quality homewares, go for functional and useful over decorative and impractical. Over the holidays I went through my plastics cupboard in the kitchen and throw out anything that I hadn't used in ages and it felt so good. Not only do I have more space, but I can finally find things!

* Bring the outdoors inside with plants adding a touch of greenery to your rooms. I have been doing this for years, I love pot plants in my house (and at my office at work) and if I don't have plants, I add flowers. Plants are often cheap but add a lot of cheer to a room. 

* Recycle — don’t rush out and buy something new (for lots of $$$), instead use something you might have hidden away in the garage or go to the local second-hand store instead. The second-hand stores are overflowing with stock as people toss away their belongings to "upgrade", this gives us who love to rummage through these shops so much to choose from.  

* Embrace storage to bring about order and organisation. Great storage ideas not only remove clutter from the shelves that often declutter your homes to. 

Of course you can simple ignore all of this and do as you please 😀😀😀— it is your home and if you like having lots of things around you, go for it, if you prefer the minimal look, thats great. There is no one rule for how your home should look for feel, it is a very personal thing. 

Both Hyyge and Lagom have some great ideas and many of you are probably doing some of them already and just adding your own flare. That is what creating your own home is all about, grabbing ideas from all the different design concepts out there and adding a little of you into the mix. 

Homemaking should be something you enjoy and not a task that you dread. Do what makes you and your family happy!! You aren't living in a Vogue magazine. 

Links of interest:

Part 1: Hygge = cosiness

Part 2: How to create a cosy home (Hygge)

Making our homes special