Niki Brantmark – författare

Uncover the secrets of the Swedish philosophy of life called Lagom – meaning ‘just enough’. At its core is the idea that we can strike a healthy balance with the world around us without having to make extreme changes, and without denying ourselves anything.This delightful book, written by Niki Brantmark, founder and curator of the award winning interior design blog, My Scandinavian Home, gives a taste of the philosophy behind Lagom and shows how to include some of the principles into our daily lives. Inspirational and fun ideas to help you achieve balance, well being and a more sustainable existence.The book is divided into three sections. Introducing Lagom to your personal life includes ideas for decluttering your home, conscious buying and embracing ‘slow design’. At work take time to balance your day with a proper lunchbreak and a gadget free Sabbath, while outdoor staycations in remote settings can offer relaxation you never knew possible!Lagom at home and with our families explains the art of simple pleasures – bring a dish entertaining at home, of shared craft activities with our children and less stressed homework time! And finally there’s Lagom in the wider world and the principles of living sustainably – as IKEA have pledged in their Live Lagom campaign -make some small changes like using LED lightbulbs, taking shorter showers and upcycling and you are living a Lagom life,a rewarding but responsible life; not denying yourself or sacrificing what you love, while not taking from the planet more than you need. It’s just the right amount!

Do you aspire to live a more peaceful, intentional life of mindfulness, positivity, and gratitude? Njuta (pronounced "nyutah"), which means "enjoy" or "delight in," is the Swedish art of savoring the moment. Focused on finding happiness in even the smallest things, njuta can be applied to every area of life: Daily ritualsCreating a comfortable homeNature and friluftsliv (open-air life)Meal times and fika (coffee breaks) Adapting to the seasonsCelebrations with family and friends From relishing a quiet moment of comfort to enjoying the beauty of nature or even just reveling in the deliciousness of a favorite snack, you too can do like the Swedes and open your eyes to all of life's pleasures, no matter how simple. Niki Brantmark, founder of the popular blog My Scandinavian Home, offers easy-to-follow how-to's, practical lists of tips and tricks, and unique insights into the most fascinating aspects of Swedish culture, from morning dips to Christmas crafting. Njuta is the ultimate guide to rejoicing in the moment, anytime and anywhere.

Discover classic and contemporary Scandinavian style with specially commissioned photography of homes in Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland.Scandinavia is famous for its distinctive style: homes are pared-back and simple, and form and function are combined to create aesthetically pleasing and practical interiors. Scandinavians are inspired by light, having an abundance of it in summer but so little of it in winter, and house designs tend to maximize the amount of natural light that enters the home, and allow the inhabitants to make the most of outdoor life during the summer. Similarly, nature and the weather are major influences: homes are made warm and cosy for the freezing winter months – not just literally with log burners, but also through incorporating wood and natural materials. Here Niki Brantmark, owner of the interior design blog My Scandinavian Home, presents a wide-ranging collection of these beautiful homes and explores how the Scandinavian lifestyle is reflected in them all. The first chapter, Urban Living, features styles ranging from minimalist to bohemian, and pale palettes to dramatic dark colours. By contrast, the Country Homes tend to have a softer, calmer feel, through colour and textiles, in line with a slower pace of life. Finally, the spectacular Rural Retreats include a mountain cabin, beach house and rustic summer cottage, and demonstrate how having somewhere to escape to is so important to many Scandinavians. This collection of stunning interiors will put Scandi style within every reader’s reach.

Inspired by nature, these beautiful interiors show how you can bring the natural world into your home whether you live in the country or the city.Relaxed rustic interiors are about embracing the pared-back lifestyle of living in the country, taking nature as the main point of inspiration. Use colours, textures and details to create a home in which to unwind – a retreat from the rest of the world. Niki Brantmark explores various takes on this simple, informal style. The graphical look is striking, reminiscent of exposed landscapes: think whitewashed ceilings, rugged stone surfaces and striking black features, softened by cosy soft furnishings and fresh plants and flowers. Savanna style introduces warmer hues, featuring painted wood and reds, oranges and browns in textiles, furniture and collectibles. Nordic interiors take in the best of the Scandinavian landscape – clean white backdrops against sleek designs – while those inspired by forest and mountain streams are filled with rich, deep greens and blues, combined with traditional patterns and features, such as log burners, wood panelling and woven rugs. The stunning photography for this book takes in locations across Scandinavia and the United States, and all evoke an ideal, rural life, adapted to modern living.