Lagom Is the 'New Hygge' — Here's How to Get this Cozy Look in Your Stylish Home

Photo: Breegan Jane

Move over, hygge. In the pandemic age, decor enthusiasts both amateur and pro are leaning into an even cozier Danish-bred interior design concept: Lagom, which means “just the right amount” in Swedish.

In her book, Lagom: Not Too Little, Not Too Much, author and My Scandinavian Home blogger Niki Brantmark explains that Lagom is all about finding balance in life. When it comes to home design, that translates to a minimalist, “just right” approach with moderation in mind. That doesn’t mean that you have to do away with your favorite bohemian tchotchkes and maximalist vintage decor. The simplicity of Lagom can also mean achieving balance by using what you’ve already got instead of buying new things.

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Extreme Makeover: Home Edition designer and mother of two Breegan Jane explains that it makes sense that many of us are switching up our interiors after holing up for most of 2020. “Because we are spending more time at home, we’ve been forced to take conscious inventory of our living spaces that have also turned into workspaces,” explains the Los Angeles-based interior designer. “This has inspired us to become more intentional about how our surroundings influence our mood and life balance.”

We caught up with the HGTV star to learn more about her take on the “new hygge” and some of her top design tips for bringing Lagom into our own homes. Read on below and see a few inspiring examples from Jane’s own stylish abode, then check out some of our favorite product picks (that is, if retail therapy helps you find that Lagom balance!)

Is “hygge” old news, and if so, what’s the “new hygge”?

I love the Danish way of living! Hygge has had such a positive effect on so many people and I am excited to see that translate into the Lagom movement we are seeing now. I have always been an advocate for living a balanced life and I appreciate that Lagom is all about focusing on having sufficient for your needs. I think that’s an important principle to live by.

A bedroom inside interior designer Breegan Jane’s L.A. home. Photo: Courtesy of Ryan Garvin

As an interior designer, what trends are you seeing in both commercial and residential design that are speaking to this desire to be comfy?

In commercial design, we are seeing efforts to create a more minimalistic work environment as well as implement designs that have multiple uses. This cuts down cost and can be more eco-friendly especially if companies are using sustainable products and suppliers. Working in a less cluttered environment encourages focus and concentration. In residential design, much of the same idea resonates here.

It’s the ability to create more space with minimal clutter, function over design, and focusing on sustainable, eco-friendly products. We are definitely seeing a rise in upcycling in both commercial and residential design. (I think I could have leaned in on COMFY a bit more!)

Best Lagom Home Decor — For her own home, L.A. interior designer Breegan Jane mixed wood accents, a decorative mirror, and vintage finds to achieve Lagom. Photo: Courtesy of Ryan Garvin

How do you translate that into interior decor?

We are noticing more neutral tones and fewer accessories with a focus on statement pieces. Indoor plants are also a must as they bring together an oneness with nature and invite sustainability. The true purpose of Lagom when it comes to the home is creating a harmonious environment. Ultimately, less is more!