Where Design and Interiors Meets Happiness and Wellbeing
If I was to ask you to list the main criteria you would like for your dream home, what would they be?
I’m guessing that high up on your wish list might be for your home to be situated in a location with a breathtaking view. (Perhaps by the sea, in the mountains, countryside or in a forest.) And to be able to enjoy the scenery with a panoramic vista of it through your windows.
I recently wrote about why we are attracted to a room with a view. But what do you do if your room doesn’t have a good view?
If you live in a built-up urban environment, this is an all too common problem. And one I can relate to. The first home my husband and I moved into was a little flat above shops. We had a view of a car park and dustbins on one side, and a view of the main road and petrol station on the other. Quite grim, as I’m sure you’ll agree.
When the view outside your window isn’t a very appealing one, one design trick is to draw attention away from the window altogether. Turn the view inwards, and instead, make something else the focal point.
The Scandinavian look is one of simplicity. It’s easy to live with and looks stylish too. It’s not hard to see why Scandinavian design is such a popular look for interiors right now.
Although it’s a look more often more associated with winter. (Conjuring up images of a cosy living room with thick knitted throws draped across the sofa and the soft glow from a cluster of candles on the coffee table.) The style also works really well for the warmer months to create a light filled space with an uncluttered feel.
So if you would like to freshen up your space, here are some living room ideas inspired by Scandinavian design to help you create the perfect place to relax all year round.
Oliver Heath is a biophilic design consultant, architect, interior designer, writer and TV presenter who has worked on programmes for numerous channels including the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 in the UK and Norway’s TV2.
He kindly agreed to this interview to talk about biophilic design, the benefits it can bring into our lives, as well as share some tips on how to to make your home more biophilic.
One of the key interior trends this year is biophilic design. And with spring on the way, it’s the perfect time to give your living room a fresh new look. So why not add some elements of nature to your decor to bring the outside in?
More than just a visual makeover, biophilia has been shown to relieve stress and promote relaxation. Meaning not only will your living room look great, but give you a sense of wellbeing too.
Sometimes, in the depths of winter, when it’s really cold and the rain is pouring down outside, I dream of being in a little wooden cabin where it’s cosy and warm. A haven and shelter from the elements.
This retreat would have an inviting fireplace, comfortable areas for sitting, and big windows overlooking wide open spaces with a beautiful lake below. I’d sit inside next to the fire and write, while enjoying stunning panoramic views of nature from the comfort of that warm interior.
I think Cabin Norderhov might be that cabin of my dreams.
The idea of open plan living is that it opens up a small space to make it feel larger and give you greater flexibility over its use. However, sometimes it can have the opposite effect.
The problem with open plan spaces is that because you have fewer walls, there’s often less space for storage. In turn, that can have a knock on effect of making your home look more cluttered – especially if it’s a small apartment.
Then there’s the issue of privacy. Sometimes we would prefer to sit in a secluded corner of our home. You might want to relax in the evening with a book or watch a film without a view straight across to your kitchen. Or want a measure of cosiness that an open plan room doesn’t always provide.
Shelving units can be the answer to both these issues. In addition to being a storage solution, you can use them as room dividers to zone up an open plan space. So in one fell swoop they solve two design dilemmas.
Your bedroom is the most personal space in your home and although it isn’t on display as much as other areas of the home, how you choose to decorate it is really important. Perhaps even more so in the winter.
On cold, dark wintry evenings your bedroom should become an inviting haven to cosy up in. And on gloomy mornings, be an invigorating space in which to wake up and boost your mood for a great start to the day.
Incorporating nature into the decor of your bedroom by using elements of biophilia can do just that.
Here are some beautiful bedrooms inspired by nature which may give you ideas on how you can incorporate elements of biophilic design to enhance your sleeping area, turning it into a space that lifts the spirit.
Picture this.
It’s a hot summer day and you’re sitting in the garden on a comfy sofa, shaded from the sun. You’ve got a good book in your hand, and an ice cool drink on the table in front of you. What could be more perfect?
While writing the recent post on Mediterranean living room ideas I came across so many beautiful outdoor living spaces.
Spaces where the decor had been as well considered as any interior.
Throughout the Mediterranean, it’s common to find the garden or any outdoor area transformed into an extra living room for the summer months.
Are you looking to give your living room a fresh new look for spring and summer? Then why not take some cues from from around the Mediterranean region and give your room a sunny vibe (whatever the weather outside!). Just a few simple simple decorating updates can make all the difference.
Here are 10 Mediterranean living room ideas to inspire you.
