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
Materials for walls
with REENA SIMON — Acclaimed author, designer, and founder of Hygge for Home.
Lesson 9 of 12
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Reena wanted a more unusual finish for her walls; one that felt warm, inviting, and in keeping with the 'imperfect' aesthetic she was crafting. She talks through how she came to her decision and the benefit this has had on the overall look and feel of her home.
From the Lesson Workbook
Materiality
Materials for Walls
To create warmth and texture, I chose materials that invite touch and interaction rather than traditional matte paint.
Inspired by Scandinavian design, I used Detale Copenhagen textured paint finishes, which add depth and shift with the light throughout the day. These finishes are not only visually dynamic but also low-maintenance, allowing for easy touch-ups. In addition to textured paint, I incorporated limewash for a soft, chalky effect and Moroccan Tadelakt plaster on the fireplace for a smooth yet organic feel.
To further enhance the sensory experience, I added cross-sawn wood panelling, which brings a natural, tactile element into the home. Wood echoes the outdoors, creating a calming atmosphere even in spaces without direct views of nature. By prioritising materials with texture and movement, I designed a home that feels warm, inviting, and deeply connected to its surroundings.
Sourcebook
Cross-sawn wood from Waxed Floors
Moroccan plaster finishes from Decor Tadelakt
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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...
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May 31, 2026
Magic in small spaces
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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 information to dive into and explore new ideas. I'm...
Harvey
Jun 10, 2026
Absolutely love Create Academy
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
Magic in small spaces
Butter's creativity is stunning! Her ability to incorporate brilliance in small gardens is magical!
Carla
May 30, 2026
Your Instructor
Reena Simon
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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