Having spent a lot of my time this year travelling around Scandinavia, I’m filled with nordic inspiration from colours, textures to new products and style, my head is buzzing! After travelling to Iceland, Denmark and Sweden all before the end of February, I’m in great need to snuggle up and relax at home (not to mention I still haven’t got over the Christmas chaos yet!).

A strong factor of Scandinavian design and style the respect for nature. Natural materials in their purest forms are often used within product design, that alongside craftsmanship and colours inspired by nature. This style has an instant calming affect on me and design ethics I am inspired by.

When John Lewis asked me to look at their recent Scandi inspired collection I was happy to find a perfect balance of textures, simple forms and colours that reflect the nordic light. To share my vision of creating a calm home filled with nordic inspiration, I’ve selected some key pieces from their Scandi style ‘On the Lake edit’.

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This mood particularly reminds me of my trip to Iceland. When driving around we spotted many stacked stones, known as Cairns, these protected sculptures were created to mark trails in barren terrain. I found them beautiful and fascinating. This stacked pebble ceiling lamp  reminds me of the Cairns and looks pretty cool too.

The colours of Iceland were beautiful and the light was so clear and vivid that it made the dullest days still so beautiful. The key colours that stood out for me were greens, blues and pinks all accompanying greys and whites. This puritan plate and Aurora cushion pick out the greys and blue/greens perfectly.

Texture and layering within a neutral palette will certainly make a home cosy, I love the idea of mixing rugs within the same space. My personal favourite is the hand woven braid rug (this is on my wish list!), another rug that celebrates natural materials and craftsmanship is the hand loomed Portofino rug in grey. Both 100% wool and perfect when adding texture to a bare floor. Another great idea of adding texture is using a woven felt storage basket, still natural but adding a touch of contemporary style.

This small oak bedside table, crafted using dovetail and finger joints fits in with the sleek Scandi style while giving a nod to traditional crafts methods.

Lastly this t light votive may be small but it’s significant. Made by Iittala and inspired by the vases designed by Finnish designer and architect Alvar Aalto in 1936, brings instant style and appreciation for Scandinavian design heritage. I chose this as I visited ‘The Nordic House’ in Iceland, designed by Alvar Aalto himself, he was a true modernist visionary and I believe that we should never forget how important designs like Aalto were in shaping the world of design.

Bringing in these elements, colour, texture, simple forms and objects of meaning I believe that you will create a well balanced home, for me this nordic inspiration could not be more calming.

H x

*This post was written in collaboration with John Lewis, all thoughts and product choices are my own, I only share products that I love. *