In this post, we want to share three of the biggest lessons we’ve taken from hygge and lagom that have helped us make positive changes in our lives. We’ve also selected some of our best Scandinavian-inspired home décor pieces for you to enjoy. We hope you’re inspired to embrace the laid back, uncomplicated philosophy behind hygge and lagom, and have a healthier, happier life as a result.

Lesson One: Simplicity is King

At Grace & Glory, we embrace simplicity. That’s why we love finding understated interior design pieces that perfectly blend the essence of both hygge and lagom. 

Aston Pendant Light

Simple yet stylish, this brass plated pendant light is perfect for adding a subtle touch of glamour. In fact, there isn’t a room in the house that wouldn’t benefit from the addition of this bronzed beauty. As an added bonus, the 2.5 metre cable makes these lights perfect for use in rooms with high ceilings.

Brass Bowl Pendant Light

Hygge and lagom embrace the simply joys of life. The clean lines and silhouette of this brass bowl pendant light exude the kind of understated charm that has made Scandinavian home décor a staple in homes across the globe. This design comes with a 3 metre cable and a matching ceiling rose.

Lesson Two: Take pleasure in the small things

We live in a fast-faced world and sometimes it can be hard to take a step back and reflect on what’s great about our lives. Hygge and lagom teach us to appreciate the small things in life, whether that be a Sunday afternoon nap, the feel of a soft rug underfoot, or the way the room looks and smells when lit by candlelight.

Denim Throw

If you’re searching for cosy Scandi-inspired accent pieces for your home, you’ll love this blue denim throw. Scandinavian interior design is famously modest, homely, and comfortable, and this generously-sized pure new wool throw ticks all the boxes.

Star Tealight Holder

Star light, star bright, we really love this tealight! Pick from three sizes – small, medium and large – and create a cosy and calming atmosphere in your home all year round.

Kuba Rug

A new addition to our homeware collection, this beautiful white and black striped rug is already a firm team favourite. Made from 100% cotton and designed with simplicity in mind, it will make the perfect addition to any Scandi-inspired design scheme.

Lesson Three: Bring the outside in

Nothing beats the look or feel of real wood, or the simple pleasure that comes from knowing an item has been made by hand with love. Bring the outside in and rediscover the calming beauty of nature.  

Oak Picture Ledge

Real wood is a design staple in Scandinavian homes. This solid oak picture ledge embodies the fuss-free nature of lagom and hygge. There are no limits to how you can use it; display books, herbs, stationery –  get as creative as you like. Available in three sizes, you’re certain to find the perfect length for your needs.

Woven Basket

These woven storage baskets are available in two sizes – medium and large – and are fantastic for storing bulky household items, such as rugs and blankets.

Embrace simplicity with Grace & Glory

At Grace & Glory, we like to keep things simple. If you love Scandinavian-inspired home décor, you’ll love our stylish and functional homewares and accessories. Take a look at our homeware bestsellers for more hygge and lagom design inspiration. 

The excitement and anticipation that comes with owning a post box is hugely addictive and should not be underestimated. We love the sense of mystery and intrigue they lend to such a simple everyday activity as collecting the mail. Has the post man been on his morning round? Has the long-awaited postcard from your best friend arrived? How about the gig tickets you’ve been expecting for months or festive greetings from friends and family?

Let’s face it, there’s just so much more enjoyment involved in checking a post box than there is in scooping up crumpled and torn letters from the floor. And, who out there doesn’t like to dream that there might be an unexpected card from a loved one (or a tax rebate from HMRC) waiting for them when they lift the lid?

Post boxes are cool and we can’t get enough of them. Here’s why…

1. They look great.

Metal Freestanding Post Box with Post

This modern freestanding post box is made of robust powder-coated steel and finished in a classic soft clay colour. There’s plenty of room for small parcels and letters and a security lock ensures your mail is secure at all times. Perfect for homes, businesses and farms.

2. They’re timeless.

Traditional Post Box – Galvanised

Take a step back in time and collect your post in style with this sleek and stylish galvanised letter box. The clever design incorporates a hinged flap which both prevents any rain getting inside the box and hides the lock from view. A timeless design that will complement both period and contemporary homes.

3. They make us feel nostalgic.

Traditional Post Box – Clay

We love the look and feel of this traditional post box. The soft curves combined with the earthy clay colour help the design blend perfectly with nature.  Of course, there’s no need to worry about soggy (or missing) letters and leaflets. This letter box comes complete with a hinged flap to protect your mail from the elements and a sturdy lock and key for security.

4. They’re built to last.

Metal Wall Mounted Post Box

Wall-mounted post boxes are incredibly practical because they can be attached to walls exactly where you need them. This powder-coated post box is made of robust steel that’s built to stand up to the elements and comes with a security lock and two keys for added peace of mind.

5. They are very handy!

Mail Basket

If you are in love with the idea of collecting your morning post from a beautiful traditional post box, but you live on the fourth floor of an apartment block, this vintage-style zinc mail basket could be the perfect compromise. Secure it to the wall by your front door and store all of your post, magazines and flyers in style.

Where can I buy a post box?

Where can you buy a post box? At Grace & Glory, of course. As well as incredibly cool post boxes, we also stock a brilliant collection of architectural hardware, lighting and fresh, functional homewares. Take a closer look at our latest additions or, for more interior design inspiration, head on over to our gallery. 

Searching for autumn interior design trends? With 2016 being the year for natural materials, calming colours and cosy throws, we’ve brought together a selection of our favourite homeware and lighting accessories to help you transform your home into a haven of tranquillity this season.

1. Elemental

The Elemental trend brings the outside, inside by using nature as an inspiration for interior décor. Incorporating a range of textures, colours and materials will help you capture the true essence of the Elemental style.

Log Basket

Nothing quite screams autumn more than snuggling up on the sofa in front of an open fire with a mug of steaming hot Irish coffee. Our new Holkham Log Baskets are available in both medium and large and feature a lovely rope detailing around the top of the basket. Keep well stocked to avoid being left in the cold!

Marble Chopping Board

Incorporating the smooth, solid texture of marble into your interior design scheme is an excellent way of tapping into the Elemental trend. This beautiful chopping board is carved from solid white marble and comes with a stylish cord for handy storage.

2. Soft lighting

October is the month the clocks go back and, while we’re treated to an extra hour in bed, the price we pay for lighter mornings is longer, darker nights. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to bring golden light into our homes, even after the sun has gone down. This season’s trend for soft, subtle lighting shuns the use of cold white lights in favour of softer, soothing lighting schemes.

Mohani Brass Lantern

There’s something incredibly soothing and comforting about lantern light. This beautiful asymmetric brass lantern is ideal for use both indoors and outdoors. Each piece of glass is hand welded, which helps to give each piece a classic, artisan feel.

Star Tealight Holder

These expertly crafted freestanding antique zinc glass stars are perfect for displaying around the home to add subtle mood lighting. Combine with an aromatic spiced tea light to really stir the senses.  Available in three sizes. Small, medium and large.

3. Patterned throws

What would an autumnal evening at home be like without one or two luxury throws to curl up with? This year pattered throws are seeing a resurgence in popularity and there are some seriously luxurious options available for you to choose from.

Natural Lambswool Spot Throw

If you want to wrap yourself in pure luxury, this is the throw for you. Keep this incredibly soft Merino lambswool blanket to hand in your living room or bedroom to keep you cosy during the long, dark evenings.

Petrol Blue Throw

The design of this incredibly soft and inviting check Merino lambswool throw was inspired by the earthy colours of hills and moorland. The traditional pattern is a timeless classic that blends in effortlessly with virtually any design scheme.

Autumn essentials

Here at Grace & Glory, we love autumn interior design trends. 2016 is, without a doubt, the season of mellow calm and relaxation. If you are looking for ways to incorporate some cosy autumn trends into your home, take a peek at our exclusive homeware collection or head on over to our inspiration gallery. 

Read on, as we take a closer look at exactly why Edison light bulbs have become the must-have bulb to have in any contemporary home. Plus, along the way, we’ll share a few enlightening ideas, guaranteed to offer practical and beautiful solutions to your home. Enjoy!

1. They are a design feature

Edison light bulbs are often used without lampshades to make a style statement, and it’s not hard to see why. The elegant shape of this lantern bulb is glorious. It would be a shame to hide it away. Try pairing it with a dimmer switch and a raven black, copper finish pendant set and you’ve got a truly contemporary design feature on your hands.

2. The light they produce is incredible

If you want to achieve a super-soft, ambient glow in your home, there’s no better way than by using a vintage-style filament bulb. If you are a fan of classic, antique style, try pairing a classic bulb with this gorgeous rustic industrial ceiling light.

3. They make a style statement 

Want to add some style to your home without breaking the bank? It’s simple. Make the switch to Edison light bulbs and wait for the compliments to come rolling in. This extra-large globe lightbulb is perfect for dining rooms, bedrooms and studies. The double height “squirrel” filament is striking and is sure to make a style statement even when the lights are off. 

4: They are simple

If you’re a fan of minimalism, the effortless simplicity of vintage-style bulbs will blend perfectly with your home’s décor. The design of this tube bulb is uncomplicated and incredibly beautiful. Pair with virtually any light fitting in your home or an antique finish pendant set for a more striking look.

5. You can hang them virtually anywhere

One of the best things about vintage-style light bulbs is that they can be used in any room and paired with virtually any light fitting. Whether you choose to hang a string of pendant lights over your dining room table, or create atmospheric mood lighting in your bedroom using this Kant silver light kit and a dimmer switch, these bulbs offer an incredibly flexible and stylish lighting solution.

Lighting and design inspiration

Are you searching for lighting ideas? If vintage Edison light bulbs aren’t your cup of tea, take a look at our indoor lighting selection and explore our large range of lights and lamps.  Need help picking out the right bulbs and lights for your home? We’d love to help. Give us a call on 01271 370 095. 

Your home is such an important place. It’s where you spend a lot of your time and the sanctuary you can always turn to when you need to relax and unwind. With this in mind, it’s important to keep it looking and feeling special.

One of the best ways to do this is by incorporating interior design trends into your design scheme. A hugely popular trend for 2016 is home design detoxing. Never heard of it?  Read on to find out everything you need to know about this hot new design trend and discover how to adapt it to suit your home this summer. 

What is home design detoxing?

The design detox is based on the idea of creating a feeling of warm, quiet simplicity in your home through design. Detox-design takes a ‘less is more’ approach to visual stimuli and favours warmer, calmer, traditional minimalist colours like stone grey.

Detox your home

So other than simple, neutral colours, how can you detox your home? Scandinavian style is a great place to get inspiration. Calmness, simplicity and functionality are three key elements in Scandinavian design and wooden furniture fits the bill perfectly.

This oak ladder shelving unit is a stylish, functional piece of furniture that puts emphasis on simplistic, calming design. It’s unique, it’s interesting, and it’s sure to become a talking point. 

Pair it with similar, complimentary pieces, such as this beautifully crafted oak tea towel holder to continue the theme. 

Even something as small as this simply designed ball hook door knob from super-trendy Danish designers House Doctor can become a central feature and continue the detoxed, minimalist feel. It’s practical, utilitarian and completely embodies authentic Scandinavian style.

Add the warmth

Alongside these simple features and colours, it’s important to also incorporate some warmth into your design to avoid your décor feeling cold and unwelcoming. A perfect way to do that is with subtle metal features. Including just a few brass and copper items will showcase your design detox perfectly.

When it comes to warm metals, the key is to keep it modest. Small touches and accents around your home like this effortlessly simple brass shelf or elegant copper-framed mirror are delicate and perfect for adding a calming warmth. 

Lighting isn’t exempt from this laid-back trend either. This exposed hanging copper bulb fits in perfectly with a simple, paired back Scandinavian style. Of course, copper light fixtures are hugely popular at the moment and exposed lighting works perfectly with the design detox theme.

Take a look

Maintaining the aesthetic appeal of your home is really important, and what’s great about design detoxing is that it’s so easy. If you want to keep your interior design looking and feeling fresh and interesting, don’t forget to check out our inspiration gallery. There are some fabulous ideas on how to use beautiful products to bring your home décor to life.

When the sun’s shinning, it’s time to make the most of the Great British Summer! Our collection of outdoor and garden accessories have been carefully selected to add style and beautiful detail to your outside space. Here are our top picks for this season:

Dining al fresco

Picnics, parties and barbeques – whatever the occasion, we have tempting selection of accessories on offer to help you make the most of those memorable events.

Outdoor seating

New for 2016, the pieces in our collection of outdoor furniture are sure to make a statement, whether it’s with a chic blue Parisian style bistro set or hanging out in our wonderfully on-trend bamboo Egg Chair!

Light it up

Good outdoor lighting can really enhance your garden or outdoor space, giving it a wonderful ambience as well as practical illumination for important areas. Our new outdoor lighting includes gorgeously timeless wall mounted pieces, as well as lanterns and fun festoon bulb lighting to brighten up parties and outdoor dining.

In the Garden

Practical can also be super stylish, as our new garden accessories will testify. Add beautiful touches to your outdoor space with these best-selling products:

A new year, a new chance to give your humble abode a little update. Before you call in the decorators, discover our simple tips to give your home a facelift without breaking the bank.

WHAT’S IN STORE FOR 2016?

There are a number of small ways to keep interiors contemporary, and when utilised together in the same space, the impact can be dramatic. Adding a few new homewares around the place can give the impression that you’ve had a design overhaul.

FINE FIXTURES

Perhaps the easiest thing to switch up are handles. Over time, cabinet knobs and pulls and other home fittings can lose their shine and in most cases date an otherwise modern and attractive piece of furniture. Swapping out tired and lacklustre handles is a quick but effective way to breathe life back into your most cherished cupboards and wardrobes. These days there are so many options available, and you’ll easily be able to find something classic, decorative or functional to fit the feel of your décor. Make first impressions count by updating your front door furniture too – because nothing says welcome like a shiny brass knocker to greet guests when they come calling.

IN THE THROW

There are seldom more welcoming sights than a cosy throw draped across a comfy armchair, and when it comes to adding vibrancy, displaying a few colourful throws is just the kind of eye-catching detail that can perk up a room instantly. A good quality throw or blanket will keep you toasty on cold nights and in the summer months can be folded to create an attractive furnishing protector for your sofa or bed. Practical and comforting, throws offer an inexpensive update to your interiors and you’re guaranteed to get plenty of use from them long after 2016.

LIGHTEN UP

Outdated light fixtures are a dead giveaway for a room that’s been neglected. Put the love back into your interior efforts by choosing some new lighting for your home for the New Year.

With so many styles and materials to choose from, lighting is a simple way to inject a bit of personality into a room, whether you’re looking for the perfect vintage pendant lighting, a stunning central ceiling piece for the room, or lamps that can help to create a bit of an atmospheric glow in the evenings. Getting the right lighting can change the mood of a space and is sure to brighten up your year in 2016.

INTERIOR INSPIRATION

For some serious style stimulus, a trip to Alfies Antique Market should prove fruitful. A playful mix of old and new, this vintage marketplace is home to several avant-garde objects that will add an individual touch of sophistication to any home.

Situated in London, this eclectic emporium has become a favourite haunt for the interior designers and amateur home decorators who flock to browse its stalls on Saturdays.

Hannah from Alfies expects to see retro pieces from the 1980s making a return in home décor this year, as well as homewares with a mixed material quality. Other trends for 2016 include one-off ceramic pieces and traditional tableware. She explains how items from another time can fit seamlessly with contemporary staples: 

“Vintage and antique are always great options in terms of sustainability and being environmentally friendly, as well as allowing homeowners to have a unique look that no-one else will have. It allows people to be creative and mix different periods and styles.”

If you’re planning to give your interiors a bit of attention this year, remember a lot can be achieved with just a few choice pieces. For fashionable flair, couple today’s home comforts with unusual pieces from a different era and visit our new in page for all the latest trends and décor ideas. 

Image Credit: outreach.com (flickr.com)