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She added, \"They’re in another gear. They take the time to do things right in an uncomplicated way and everything is very balanced.\"

Brantmark also noticed that every home she visited in Sweden was more beautiful than the last.

\"PHOTO:
Courtesy Niki Brantmark
PHOTO: Niki Brantmark sits at her desk in her home in Sweden.
>

\"They spend a lot of time focused on creating beautiful homes,\" she said. \"They focus on creating an oasis at home. It's one thing you can control and a safe haven just for you when you come home each day.\"

The focus pays off, according to Brantmark.

\"I travel a lot and when I get back [to Sweden] it’s like, ‘Ahhhh,'\" she said. \"Having moved from London to here, I’ve noticed over time I’ve felt happier as a person, just calmer and happier.\"

Ready to try Lagom in your own home?

Here are eight Logam rules to follow, according to Brantmark

1. Declutter: Find a balance in your home between clear and clean, but also cozy and inviting and warm.

\"PHOTO:
HarperCollins
PHOTO: Niki Brantmark shares her tips for de-cluttering in her book, "Lagom: Not Too Little, Not Too Much: The Swedish Art of Living a Balanced, Happy Life."
>

In Sweden, homes are very de-cluttered and everything in the home is practical, with nothing superfluous.

\"Having less pieces, the ones you do have stand out more,\" Brantmark explained. \"You can see their shape more clearly. With accessories on the shelf, you can admire the beauty of each piece.\"

2. Bring in nature: A home should be in balance with the nature of the environment around it, according to Brantmark.

\"PHOTO:An
STOCK/Getty Images
PHOTO:An undated stock photo of woman reading a book in front of fireplace in Sweden.
>

Homes by the sea may incorporate items like seashells and pebbles and the colors of the sea, while a home in a wooded area might feature pinecones and dark green colors.

3. Use muted colors: Colors used in homes in Sweden are very organic and muted, from grey and white to light blue, light white or earthy tones like dark blue and dark brown.

4. Try textures: \"Anything that adds texture adds architectural interest,\" said Brantmark.

\"PHOTO:
Courtesy Niki Brantmark
PHOTO: Niki Brantmark's home in Sweden demonstrates the Lagom design philosophy.
>

Incorporate textures like throws and rugs, and natural textures like wood, linen, cotton and concrete.

5. Incorporate plants: \"If you bring plants and flowers into your home, it’s not about massive, lavish bouquets, it’s about imperfect flowers, ones you may collect outside,\" Brantmark said.

Plants are common in homes in Sweden, but they are specifically easy to care for plants in order to \"avoid the hassle of constant maintenance.\"

6. Pay attention to lighting: Organize your house so they can use as much natural light as possible. Homes in Sweden feature candles but not heavy curtains that would block the light.

7. Go vintage: Secondhand, vintage items are another way of making your home cozy, as they have a history to them and tell a story.

\"PHOTO:
Courtesy Niki Brantmark
PHOTO: A bedroom in Niki Brantmark.'s home in Sweden features principles of the Lagom design philosophy.
>

A Lagom home would also feature new items that are of good quality so they can be passed on to future generations.

8. Keep it pristine: You won't find carpeting in Lagom-inspired homes because it is too hard to clean.

\"Everyone also takes off their shoes when they come in, even the youngest child,\" said Brantmark. \"Some homes will have basket of slippers or socks to change into.\"

Find more Lagom inspiration on Pinterest

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