scandinaviandesign – My Nordic Abode

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.