My Nordic Abode

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How My Family’s Estonian Country Home Inspires My Design Aesthetic

Estonia is a fairytale-like country that holds a special place in my heart and is my second home. A few years before I was born, my Memme (an Estonian nickname for “grandma”) purchased a traditional country home in a forest just outside the city of Haapsalu. Since then it’s been the place where my family gathered together, worked the land, and enjoyed the magical outdoors

Spending summers with my cousins & siblings at the country home was never boring and there was always something to explore. From picking wild strawberries in the forest to peering out of windows at night to search for wolves, nature was always ready & willing to provide an adventure. Evenings were spent on the expansive lawn admiring countless stars in the Baltic sky while laying on blankets that Memme knit herself, munching on famous Kalev chocolate. Being immersed in such a rural setting let me embrace the beauty of nature.

These sweet memories are wrapped in bliss & joy, the same feelings I want ever-present in my home. Luckily, this can be achieved by harnessing the elements of Nordic style & living: nature, light, and simplicity.

A typical summer day at the country home.

Nature

Estonia is 50% forest and its people enjoy spending time outdoors. Nestled right in the middle of a forest, the country home is a great representation of this. The home is so far removed from main roads and other people that when the wind blows, you simply hear the rustle through the leaves (and the chirping of countless birds). Peace & solitude are very much available here!

The colors & textures found in nature, such as blonde wood & linen textiles, are represented in my home as a nod to the Estonian forest. These are simple ways to bring the outdoors, indoors. Bringing nature indoors also brings in the peace when it’s just you, the wind, and the trees.

The forest is right across the way from the front gate.

There is so much to see & capture in nature.

Textures & colors in nature are unlike anywhere else.

Light

Mornings at the country home are filled with unobstructed sunshine. The morning mist provides a hazy blanket for the rest of the property and then slowly dissipates as the day goes on. Bright sunshine emerging through the dark forest is a gorgeous contrast that provides inspiration in mixing light & dark pieces in home decor style. To create this natural contrast in the home, I love using black as an accent color amidst a light/neutral palette.

As children, we were allowed to wander in the forests and the sunshine would be our literal guiding light. I now appreciate adding as much natural light into my home as possible; it brightens any space & creates undeniable warmth.

Morning light, still hazy, above the greenhouse.

Simplicity

Above all else, spending time at the country home allowed for a simpler life and a break from the hustle & bustle of the city. As children, our parents were happy to let us run around outside all day, far removed from any TV or video games. The adults would help Memme with tasks during the day such as gardening in one of the many fields or greenhouses, building a fence (or new outhouse), or chopping firewood for the sauna. There was always lots to do and Memme reminds us to this VERY day!

The country home exudes a different kind of life that I thought was only possible in the country. Good thing I was wrong! I can infuse simplicity into my home decor; creating a neutral palette, keeping minimalistic design, and being mindful of clean/open spaces. I keep these elements of simplicity in mind anytime we buy a new piece of furniture or even rearrange a bookshelf. Simplicity makes life easier and in turn, more enjoyable.

The sauna, tucked away and looking idyllic.

Mushroom picking in the fall is treasured pastime in Estonia.

Hope you enjoyed this glimpse into what inspires my home decor style and feel free to share your own inspiration journeys.

Cheers!

How to Style an Entryway: A Simple Guide

The entryway is the first and last thing you see & experience in a home. I truly believe that little things make a big impact and when it comes to the often overlooked entryway, this could not be more accurate. Being mindful of little details will give this space of your home some TLC.

There are certainly many ways to style an entryway but keep scrolling to read my tips & find inspiration for styling your own entryway…with a Nordic touch.

1. Start with a console table of your choice.

First things first, you will need a table to house your keys, mail, etc. and of course, decor. I chose this acrylic table to keep the entryway bright & airy.

2. Hang or lean a mirror.

Next, I added a mirror to create depth, dimension, and the allusion of more space (ahhh…the magic of mirrors). You can either hang it or lean it against the wall; I have opted to let it lean.

3. Light a candle.

Candles are a key staple of Nordic design. Placing a candle on your console table will add warmth and overall cozy vibes. You can either use scented, unscented, or battery operated; any will do! I also like to place the candle in a wire basket or on top of a stack of books.

4. Display stacked books.

Speaking of books…choosing to display books allows you to showcase your interests in a subtle way. Since I am an avid art enthusiast, I have stacked a few books of my favorite artists. You can also display books by your favorite designer, photographer, or even your wedding album!

5. Layer in your favorite decorative objects.

Now it’s time for the fun part! Whether it’s your favorite vase or a sculpture from a glorious vacation, this is the time to put them on display. I would suggest keeping it to a minimum so that the decorative object(s) can have the spotlight and pack a decorative punch. You can also swap these out when the seasons (or your mood) changes.

6. Complete the look with a floor vase.

Lastly, adding a large vase (that can double as an umbrella holder) is both functional & beautiful. Keeping a monochromatic color palette, with varying textures for interest, will tie all decorative elements together.

5 Nordic Decor Elements You Need In Your Living Room

Living rooms are a place of comfort, community, and relaxation. I wanted our living room to exude modern Nordic design: combining nature, light, and simplicity. Since moving into our home & redecorating the living room hundreds of times, I have narrowed down 5 decor elements that will help you get the same feeling.

1

Candles – Never underestimate the beauty of candlelight and the cozy feeling it provides in all seasons. Not only do they provide a soft glow, but can make your home smell oh so good. Bonus points for the candles with the crackling wicks for a pseudo-cabin experience!
- Candleholders – Simple candleholders with tall candles also add a beautiful & hyyge-like touch. Sticking with a neutral colors, you can never go wrong. You can find my Iitaala Nappula candleholders here and here.

Picking the right candle is simply picking scents that spark joy.

2

Flowers – Fresh flowers bring nature straight into the home. I usually make a weekly run to the market to have fresh flowers at the start of the weekend. The fresh aroma is inviting & unmatched!
- Clear glass vase – your fresh flowers need a place to rest! A beautiful glass vase allows for the flowers to shine and for design to flourish. This is the Evelyn Small Vase from Crate & Barrel. I love light shining through a unique glass vase.

3

Books – Showcasing your interests in the form of beautiful coffee table books is a win/win. Mixing simple designs & bold graphics allows for a balanced, clean aesthetic. Choose your favorite designer, artist, country, etc. when displaying your coffee table’s main attraction; this can be a great moment of personal expression. You can find similar books here and here.

4

Antiques – At times, I like to mix in vintage pieces with modern decor, especially if there is sentimental value. My grandmother passed down this porcelain Estonian dancing couple to me a few years ago and I have been waiting for the right place to display them. I remember admiring them as a child and now getting to display them in my own home is a treasure.

Music & dance is a vital part of Estonian culture.

5

Plants – Pops of green in a neutral palette evoke that Nordic feeling. With nature being the focal point of Nordic & Scandi design, it is important to keep greenery close. Not to mention, they make the air so much better! Whether you are starting off with your first plant or are a seasoned plant parent, there are a variety of plants that can join your home. To keep the focus on the plant, keep your vase or pot simple and in a neutral color. This Grecian Bust Pot is from Anthropologie and can be found here. (Note the additional books! The Marimekko design book can be found here and the photographic Psalms can be found here)

This Grecian goddess brings life to the bookshelf.

Hope you found these tips useful! Comment below to let me know your thoughts and share your decor elements in achieving modern Nordic design.

Cheers!

Welcome!

Hi/Tere/Hei!

Welcome to My Nordic Abode! I am happy you have found this corner of the world.

I am a newlywed living in lovely Chicago but am originally from the beautiful Nordic country of Estonia. My husband and I purchased our first house this year and are in the process of using Nordic & Scandi design to transform our house into our home/abode/kodu (home in Estonian).

This blog is to inspire you with natural & modern Nordic & Scandi interior design. From the birch trees & juniper berries to the Baltic Sea, we will explore how to bring natural elements of this design aesthetic to the home.

Cheers!