Interior and exterior confidence
Create Academy has been such a great resource. I'm in the middle of renovating a bungalow with a very large garden and the courses have offered a wealth of inform...
Harvey
Jun 10, 2026
with REENA SIMON — Acclaimed author, designer, and founder of Hygge for Home.
Lesson 5 of 12
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A defining element of Scandinavian design is the use of neutral colours and earthy tones. Discover the palette Reena gravitated towards in her home, and how she created a layered colour scheme.
I gravitate toward the Scandinavian aesthetic, which favours light and neutral tones. I recommend using off-whites, soft greys, earthy tones, and muted pastels as a base for your home. These colours form a solid foundation for creating a serene environment.
The colour palette is a key element in creating a calm and harmonious home.
When it comes to furniture, I believe in balancing aesthetics with practicality. I recommend investing in modular furniture, which offers flexibility and can adapt to a growing family's needs. In my own home, I chose a modular sofa that can be reconfigured into different layouts, making it versatile and long-lasting. To create visual interest, I combine contrasting materials. For instance, I pair a concrete coffee table with a wool rug, bringing together hard and soft textures. This approach not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also adds warmth and depth to the space.
When budgeting for furniture and decor, I like to prioritise items I use and feel daily, like seating and soft furnishings. I believe in investing in quality pieces, such as a sofa, to enhance both comfort and style, especially in a Scandinavian-inspired design.
ANYDAY Skye Jute Rug from John Lewis
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479 reviews
Read moreCreate Academy has been such a great resource. I'm in the middle of renovating a bungalow with a very large garden and the courses have offered a wealth of inform...
Harvey
Jun 10, 2026
Absolutely love Create Academy! The instructors are extremely informative, and it is beautifully filmed. Create Academy is great value for money and plan on renew...
SG
May 31, 2026
Butter's creativity is stunning! Her ability to incorporate brilliance in small gardens is magical!
Carla
May 30, 2026
The best adventure. I like all the courses, but my favorite are both Rita Konig interior design courses and Anna Jones. Excellent!
Karolina Kluczewska
May 20, 2026
Create Academy has been such a great resource. I'm in the middle of renovating a bungalow with a very large garden and the courses have offered a wealth of information to dive into and explore new ideas. I'm...
Harvey
Jun 10, 2026
Absolutely love Create Academy! The instructors are extremely informative, and it is beautifully filmed. Create Academy is great value for money and plan on renewing my subscription yearly because there are ...
SG
May 31, 2026
Butter's creativity is stunning! Her ability to incorporate brilliance in small gardens is magical!
Carla
May 30, 2026
Your Instructor
Acclaimed author, designer, and founder of Hygge for Home.
Known for her modern Scandinavian aesthetic, Reena has gained a huge social following through her online lifestyle journal Hygge for Home where she shares advice on how to create beautifully designed, joyful living spaces. Documenting her cosy lifestyle Reena shares her journey of building and remodelling a 1960s bungalow into her dream family home, a black-clad cabin-style propoerty with a backdrop which could easily be mistaken for a Swedish landscape and an interior that you could find in any of the Nordic countries. Alongside co-writing a bestselling book, Scandi Rustic, which has sold over 75,000 copies worldwide, her acclaimed substack offers Scandinavian inspiration and innovative design ideas.
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