MOTIF HOMES IN LIVINGETC x 2
‘Friluftsliv’ and ‘Niksen’
Why the Norwegian and Dutch Designs are important to embrace.
*LIVING ETC articles written by Kristen Flanagan.
'Friluftsliv'is the Nordic Open Air Philosophy That Makes Your Home a Better Place to Disconnect
Here are our thoughts on the Norwegian Design concept:
“Embrace the beauty of nature's imperfections by including weathered wood elements and reclaimed wood details," says Tiffany Matthews, Greensboro-based founder and lead designer of Motif Homes. "We suggest starting with wood flooring to ground the area, along with a combination of green and warm neutral tones for cabinetry and built-ins.”
We believe integrating elements of nature is essential to great design. We love to achieve this by using color palettes inspired by nature, featuring greens and natural wood accents. Maximizing natural light in a space is also a priority for us. If you have the opportunity to design your space from scratch, these elements can be easily woven into the overall concept. Incorporate a wooden front door and blend materials such as stone or brick for the exterior. For those moving into a pre-existing home or apartment, thoughtfully adding nature-inspired elements will require a bit more creativity. Prioritize bringing in as much natural light as possible by removing blinds and opting for soft, textured Roman shades paired with earthy-toned curtain panels. Introduce wooden furniture pieces and incorporate touches of green and warm neutrals through accessories, furnishings, and pillows. These combined elements will bring ‘Friluftsliv’ to life in your home.
'Niksen' Is the Dutch Design Philosophy You Really Need to Try If Your Home Always Feels Chaotic.
Here are our thoughts on the Dutch Design concept:
There is nothing we love more than to tackle a home that screams chaos. This is where ‘Niksen’ comes into play. Kristen Flanagan says ‘Niksen’ is “rooted in a culture that prizes balance and well-being, niksen invites us to let go of productivity and embrace the simple joy of being.”
This Dutch design concept plays beautifully into our theme of designing comfortable, calm, & fresh living spaces. An increasing number of our clients are requesting tech-free environments, particularly in their main bedrooms. In an era where technology is always accessible and remote work has become the norm, it can be challenging to disconnect from work demands at home. Our living spaces should provide a sanctuary from everyday life. We recommend creating tech-free environments, especially in bedrooms, by hiding electronic devices and replacing them with meaningful objects. We utilize drawers to conceal cords and enhance the nightstand's top with items such as journals, books, photographs, and plants.
We also think it is vital for each room to serve a specific purpose, even in open-concept living areas. Clearly defining the function of each space helps distinguish areas meant for relaxation from those intended for work, allowing these spaces to remain sacred.