Article Synopsis
Article synopsis
This article examines the interior design styles which were popular across Europe following on from 'hygge', a Scandinavian style which puts homeliness at its heart. There’s a look at the key features of each succeeding style, as well as how shutters can fit in with every new trend.
This will take around four minutes to read.
A few years ago, hygge was all the rage - a Scandinavian interior design style which translates roughly as ‘cosy’. It was characterised by soft lighting (candles, lamps), warm textures (woollen blankets, rugs and throws), and an emphasis on relaxation and savouring the simple pleasures in life, such as coffee or books.
But, while it remains popular, it effectively reached its peak around 10 years ago. Other styles have replaced it as a ‘must-have’ when it comes to interior design. Here we look at the principal trends – and why shutters can fit with all of them.
Natural Wood Shutters in South London from The Bespoke Shutter Company
At The Bespoke Shutter Company, we can fit high-quality plantation shutters in London, Hertfordshire and Essex. For a free, no-obligation consultation, follow this link and fill in the online form.
Lagom
This also is a Scandinavian term - but while hygge originated in Denmark, lagom is Swedish and translates as "just the right amount". While hygge prioritised cosiness, lagom emphasises sustainability, minimalism and balance - not too much, not too little.
Lagom also extends into other areas of your life - so it’s all about having the right work-life balance, buying only what you need, and decluttering to get rid of any unnecessary possessions. So multifunctional furniture, such as storage ottomans or foldable tables, are key elements of this style. It can also entail using natural materials like wood, stone, and linen, and using live plants to bring nature indoors.
Wabi-Sabi
This Japanese concept focuses on finding beauty in imperfection, impermanence, and the natural, often using raw textures, aged materials, and handcrafted, unique pieces.
The imperfections can be found in linen, cotton, and wool fabrics that are often wrinkled or slipcovered, but which still add comfort and texture. Equally, hand-thrown ceramics such as slightly misshapen clay vases or dishes with imperfect glazes fit in with this style. And any wooden furniture which features natural grain, knots, and rough edges rather than highly polished, perfect surfaces are also examples of wabi-sabi.
Japandi
This is a hybrid of Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian functionality. It mixes the rustic, wabi-sabi appreciation for imperfection with sleek, clean Nordic lines, using natural materials like light woods, linen, and rattan to create calm, uncluttered spaces. In 2026, the style has seen a move towards warmer brown shades, darker timbers (walnut, espresso), and richer textures.
So, when it comes to choosing your furniture, you are looking at using a mix of light Scandinavian wood (oak, ash) with darker Japanese-inspired accents (walnut, blackened steel). You should also look for decorative items that are functional, such as handcrafted, unique ceramics, kintsugi pottery, and rice paper lamps, if you want to follow this style.
Friluftsliv
Translating as "open-air life," this Norwegian trend has gained popularity by encouraging the bringing of the outdoors inside. It involves using natural materials and plants to connect with nature, even within a living space.
This can mean using raw, weathered, or reclaimed wood for flooring, furniture, and walls to add a rustic, organic feel. Natural textiles incorporating wool, linen, and sheepskin throws on chairs, beds, and floors will create warmth and texture. And earthy shades of green, beige, brown, rust, and clay will all create an earthy, relaxing environment.
And rather like lagom, it’s a way of life rather than just an interior design style. For Scandinavians, this means enjoying a spot of kayaking, hiking or skiing. It might not be so easy for everyone to take these up in the UK, but relaxing outdoors in a hammock, taking a walk in the park, or just enjoying an outdoor coffee can all be said to be examples of friluftsliv.
How Natural Wooden Shutters Enhance These Styles
Shutters fit into the Lagom design style by perfectly balancing functionality, simplicity and sustainability. They reduce clutter, provide precise control over light and privacy, and offering a durable, timeless addition to a home.
They also align with wabi-sabi by creating a warm, serene, and organic atmosphere, particularly if they are made of wood or have a weathered finish. And, if you are aiming for a Japandi look, shutters provide a clean, functional window treatment that mixes Scandinavian comfort with Japanese rustic minimalism.
And, although friluftsliv is partly an outdoor lifestyle choice, shutters can help here too; larger louvres can be opened wide to provide plenty of natural light, while other versatile styles - notably café-style, and tier-on-tier - are split into two and so require more than one shutter to cover any window. This means sections can be left completely to let the outside in, while maintaining a modicum of privacy.
Natural Wooden Shutters from The Bespoke Shutter Company
Our natural wood shutters – which we supply and install in North and South London, Essex and Hertfordshire – use either:
- High-quality, sustainable hardwoods (in our Vancouver and Phoenix ranges),
- Basswood, a durable high-quality wood (in our Boston ranges)
- And an engineered wood with a polymer protection (in our Seattle range).
These are all sustainable materials and complement all the design trends mentioned above. And, you can also have them painted and finished in a range of colours and styles – for more details, click here.
If you would like any more information about any of our products and services, call us on 020 3131 3155. Remember, our initial consultation is free.
FAQs
Q: How long will it take The Bespoke Shutter Company to install your shutters?
A: Our shutters are custom-made to fit individual windows and are ready for installation six to eight weeks from the date of your order and receipt of deposit.
Q: Which of the four design styles do shutters fit in with best?
A: Although interior shutters complement all four trends, they pair exceptionally well with Japandi and Lagom, as both prioritise minimalism, functionality, and natural, serene aesthetics.
Q: What are the other advantages of shutters, other than being ‘on-trend’?
A: Shutters offer plenty of privacy, control over levels of light and shade, and keep rooms cool in summer and warm in winter. They also provide plenty of ‘curb appeal’ should you ever want or need to sell your home.
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