Norwegian design and koselig
Since Scandinavian design gained worldwide popularity around 10 years ago or so, the spotlight has been shining brightly on brands coming from Denmark and Sweden.
Names such as Muuto, Hay and Normann Copenhagen easily pop up to mind. Not to mention the Swedish Ikea, the world’s leading furniture retailer.
In this scene, less is known about the other Scandinavian country - Norway.
Despite having a wealth of designers working for notorious furniture and home decor brands, and despite being home to Northern Lighting ( a leading lighting manufacturer), Norwegian design is still to be uncovered in its beauty.
As a lover of soft minimalism, I have been especially curious to learn if Norway has a similar concept to the Danish hygge and the Swedish mysigt.
Photo credit Silje Gården Lian
Beyond the elegance of the design, all Scandinavian countries share an appreciation for making the interiors cozy.
In fact, while Scandi style is often thought of in terms of minimalism, the truth is that there is an underlying softness to it. Interiors have to be both functional and welcoming.
So, do Norwegians also aspire to achieving this sense of coziness - hyggelig - in their homes?
The answer is yes. The Norwegian term “koselig” seems to carry a very similar meaning.
But how similar? And how does “koselig” translate into home decor and everyday life?
Get ready to read the answer directly from a Norwegian home decor specialist.
I had the pleasure to interview Silije Gården Lian, a 30 years old marketer at a lighting firm who is also passionate about home decor. She has renovated herself - with help from her father and sister - her whole apartment and she is now on a project renovating a 1947 old house.
You can follow her projects on her Instagram feed. Her style is very elegant , with neutral tones and some Japanese inspiration.
Photo credit Silje Gården Lian
Here’s what Silje told me about Norwegian design and the concept of koselig.
1. How do you think Norwegian design characterises itself compared to the design scene from other Scandinavian countries?
I think that Norwegian design has a lot of the same characteristics as other Scandinavian countries, Denmark for example. A lot of interiors in Norwegian design have a clean and simple design.
Designers focus on sustainability, handmade products and on using materials that are close by, like wood.
2. Scandinavian design is worldwide recognised as the prefect blend between minimalism, simplicity, coziness and functionality. Which of these elements do you think are mostly represented in Norwegian design?
I think it’s simplicity and functionality.
To give you an example, Dare To Design Studio designed a couple of years ago a shelf system that is very functional. You can organise the shelves the way you want. You just choose which size you like, and then add pins and boxes as you wish.
The shelf system has also a simple design and it is very trendy with the wooden materials.
3. While hyggelig has become an internationally used word, there is a Norwegian counterpart – koselig – which is yet to be discovered. How would you describe koselig in home decor and what makes it different from hyggelig, in your opinion?
I would describe “koselig” as a home with a lot of personal items, and maybe items that have a great story behind them.
Photo credit Silje Gården Lian
It does not have to be pictures of family or friends, but other personal items that represent you as a person and style.
For example, I own a wooden dinner table that is over 100 years old and this makes it very special.
To add to that, I also have sheers from different vintage shops. I love furniture and items that other people might not have and mix them with new design.
I also would describe “koselig” as a home where you easily can relax and be comfortable, with furniture in cosy materials and warm colours that you can snuggle into.
In general I feel that “hyggelig” is more of a state of mind and the feeling of when you’re in a “koselig”/cosy home.
You can follow Silje on Instagram @siljelian_ for more Norwegian design inspiration!