Transform Life at Home with Friluftsliv

If you want to refresh your home or simply need some design inspiration, consider this Nordic way of living that has recently captured the imagination of homeowners and designers alike. Friluftsliv could be described as a sibling to the much-loved concept of hygge. Embracing the restorative effects of being outdoors and spending time in nature, it is encouraging designers and decorators to find ways of integrating the philosophy into every part of life, as well as the home.Whether you are curious about the trend or planning to introduce it into your interiors, our guide explores what you need to know about friluftsliv.

Pronounced ‘free-loofts-liv’ in Norwegian and ‘free-lufts-leee-u’ in Danish, friluftsliv refers to spending time outdoors and exploring nature in both countries, as well as in Sweden. What does this have to do with your home? Applied to interiors, the concept is refreshingly simple. It focuses on bringing the outdoors in through natural and organic materials: plants, natural wood, and themes and materials drawn from outdoor life. Interest in this approach reflects an urgent desire to bring nature into our homes. In a digital age of smart devices and constant internet use, many of us need somewhere to unplug. Recognising that natural elements can bring a sense of calm and tranquillity to a space, friluftsliv allows us to create interiors that feel peaceful and grounded, and to reconnect with nature.

If you are familiar with biophilic design, you may see similarities between the two. Both encourage the use of natural materials, plentiful plants and elements of nature in home décor to create a sense of peace and tranquillity. The key difference is that friluftsliv seeks to create experiences in nature: the aim is not only to bring nature indoors, but also to spend time outside. It encourages you to use outdoor terraces, open large windows and create plenty of open-air spaces around your home.There are many ways to bring this way of life into your home.

The simplest way to introduce friluftsliv is through natural materials. Raw wood, leather, wool, cotton and bamboo are excellent ways to bring nature's beauty into your design. These elements bring the outside in, creating a space that feels authentic and engages the senses, recalling the colours, scents and textures of the great outdoors.

It almost goes without saying that no friluftsliv interior is complete without plants. Houseplants add greenery that recalls the natural landscape beyond your walls. Their benefits go beyond appearance, too: surrounding ourselves with plants can help reduce stress while making the home look beautiful.

As mentioned above, embracing friluftsliv involves more than bringing outdoor elements inside: create an experience of nature on a balcony, veranda or sun terrace as well. If you have a veranda, a portable fireplace can keep you warm on cooler nights. Add plenty of cushions, soft seat pads and warm blankets to outdoor furniture, and surround the space with string lights or torches. The more comfortable the setting, the more relaxing the experience. If you do not have a suitable outdoor space, open the windows to keep fresh air circulating through your home. Remember, we all need time outdoors. Do not wait until you are at home to enjoy the trees, sea, sky or stars: go outside whenever you can.Friluftsliv is a distinctive way of life that encourages us to bring natural elements into our homes and celebrate all the beauty nature offers. It is about reconnecting with nature and creating a calming environment.