Move Over Minimalist, Lagom Is Here And It’s Beautiful

May 2, 2017

If last year was all about the Danish style of hygge (which stands for cosy living), this year, interior goes on the Scandinavian route with lagom, which translates to “just the right amount”.

In a nutshell, it is about a style that is not too little, not too much but just right to make all the difference.

This Nordic lifestyle concept is all about finding a balance and moderation. Where interior’s concerned, go with simple room designs that create calm, tranquility and peace – minus the clutter. Just how you want your dream home to be. Here are eight homes that personify this trend.


1. This home’s living room and kitchen are great examples of the lagom trend: It’s clean and neat yet looks classy and designer. Which goes to show that you don’t have to go all out to make an impression with your home; neutral tones like white and grey create a cool interior while accessories are kept to a minimal so that only the best bits – like the dinosaur! – are left for an impressive style.

Interior designer: Design Collective Studio
Location: Espa
Cost of renovation: $80,000

2. A major element of lagom is the use of natural materials to create balance and harmony in a home. This condo got it right with a mostly wooden interior offset by a simple white – it immediately brings peace and calmness with its pragmatic approach to interior. Unique décor in this home adds a certain refinement that shows off the artisan craftmanship lagom celebrates.

Interior Designer: ELPIS Interior Design
Location: Tanjong Pagar Plaza
Cost of renovation: $70,000

3. At first impression, this home is 100% refined and classy without doing much. Furniture in natural materials and simple shapes offers maximum impact with minimal fuss that allows one to appreciate the workmanship of the object. Practicality is important in lagom – which is why in this home, only necessary accessories (in clean lines, of course) make the final cut to avoid cluttering space.

Interior Designer: Habit
Location: Upper Serangoon
Cost of renovation: $85,000

4. Where less is more – that’s what lagom tries to achieve. Surround your home with things that make you happy and calm, like this four-room apartment with its simple white scheme. Adding textures (like wood grain) and a few key colours (with the furniture) work harmoniously to change the overall feeling of the space so that it is not too clinical or cold. Go with minimal décor to reduce unwanted clutter.

Interior designer: Imagine by SK66
Location: Edgedale Plains
Cost of renovation: $32,000

5. There is no need to go overboard with wanting to fill up every space and corner with a piece of furniture, light fixture or a decorative item. Take cue from this home with a basic colour scheme but minimal decor for an inviting sanctuary. Natural materials like wood add warmth while decorative lights in minimalist style enhance the beauty of simplicity.

Interior designer: KDOT Associates
Location: Woodlands Drive

6. This home’s simple colour scheme keeps with lagom’s not too much, not too little approach. White is always a winner for a basic yet elegant scheme. Using black to create contrast adds dimension while minimal stylish décor uplifts the home’s designer feel. Given that lagom is all about living a simpler life, do with home accessories that are in classic shapes and elegant materials as seen here that you’ll want to display forever.

Interior designer: The Orange Cube
Location: Waterbay
Cost of renovation: $23,000

7. Lagom is all about scaling back on clutter so that you restore harmony in your home. This condo showcases this aspect of the trend perfectly with its organisation, clean lines and understated palette. Here, hidden storage system helps hide the mess, minimising chaotic areas in your home.

Interior designer: Space Atelier
Location: Cuscaden Residence
Cost of renovation: $98,000

8. With its minimal décor except for curated art pieces, this condo showcases the lagom trend with an understated and minimal style. With lagom, you want to make things less complicated and allow the natural beauty of your décor to stand out. The modern art theme celebrates this concept, where against a cream white background, each piece stands out as a conversational piece while the rest of the home remains simple and practical.

Interior designer: Neu Konceptz
Location: The Topiary
Cost of renovation: $39,000


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