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 matter
with REENA SIMON — Acclaimed author, designer, and founder of Hygge for Home.
Lesson 8 of 12
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The materials you use to build and renovate your home have a huge impact on the overall feel of the space. Reena was extremely conscious of the materiality of her home from the beginning, which set the tone for the rest of the finishes throughout each room.
From the Lesson Workbook
Materials Matter
Material choice is at the heart of my design philosophy. I favour natural, durable materials that add texture and depth to my home.
For the flooring, I opted for polished concrete, which provides a timeless, earthy base. To add warmth, I layered the concrete floors with wool and jute rugs.
Walls
My walls are equally thoughtfully designed. I used limewash paint and Moroccan plaster finishes to introduce texture and movement. These choices create a sensory experience, inviting me to touch the walls and feel their natural imperfections. For wood paneling, I selected cross-sawn wood, which echoes the natural surroundings and adds character to the interior.
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Read moreAbsolutely 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 renew...
SG
May 31, 2026
Magic in small spaces
Butter's creativity is stunning! Her ability to incorporate brilliance in small gardens is magical!
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May 30, 2026
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May 20, 2026
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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