Whether it’s a coffee table book filled with beautiful photographs, or a practical sourcebook offering insight and expertise, there’s nothing better after a long day looking at a screen than getting back to basics and turning the pages of my latest read.
So, if you’re on the lookout for some Nordic inspiration to help get you through the darker evenings, as well as the half-term holidays, I’ve rounded up my favourite new books that you need to know about:
The Soft Minimalist Home: Calm, cosy décor for real lives and spaces by Abi Dare, £35, Ryland Peters & Small
I can’t begin to tell you how excited I was to hear that fellow blogger Abi Dare of These Four Walls was writing her first book. A must for every stylish coffee table, this beautiful publication proves that paired back homes are as warm and as welcoming as the people who live in them. Plus, if you’re needing a little help with your own interior décor, in-between tours Abi also offers practical advice on colour, layout, lighting, texture and of course, storage and display.
The Nordic Home: Scandinavian living, interiors and design by Gestalten, £45, Gestalten
Looking at both the lasting legacy of Nordic design pioneers, as well as tracing the evolution of contemporary Scandinavian aesthetics, across more than 250 stunning pages readers of this book get to explore some of the most celebrated and showstopping spaces, including my personal favourite, the home of Danish furniture designer Børge Mogensen.
Earth, Sky & Water: Houses in the Nordic Style by Mette Lange, £30, Thames & Hudson
In this book, the first by award-winning Danish architect Mette Lange, readers get to find out more about the projects that have defined her illustrious twenty-year career. Split into three chapters: By the Water, In the Forest and In the Countryside, each one offers a unique perspective on her processes and thinking, including how each finished house is strongly influenced and informed by the landscape in which it sits.
Louis Poulsen: First House of Light by TF Chan, £59, Phaidon Press
Delving into their 150-year history this collectable coffee table book traces one of my favourite Danish lighting brands fascinating story. Discover the origins of Louis Poulsen’s most iconic designs, find out more about their exceptional collaborations with world renowned names, and learn how their artistic innovations continue to define how we light our homes today.
Stillness: An exploration of Japanese aesthetics in architecture and design by Norm Architects, £55, Gestalten
Taking a deep dive into the centuries-old connections between Scandinavian and Japanese aesthetics, this latest coffee table book by renowned Copenhagen-based Norm Architects is sure to inspire your next project. That said, with its incredible mix of design, and travel photography, it might also influence your next holiday choice too.
Food Over the Campfire: Recipes for Day Hikes and Wilderness Treks by Saara Atula & Sonja Lassila, €33, Cozy Publishing
This book by a duo living in Lapland – Saara, a doctor and popular food content creator, and Sonja, a chef and wilderness guide – offers a generous dose of inspiration for quick and easy snacks on a camping stove to more elaborate dinners at home. Featuring more than 60 tasty recipes, it’s the perfect go-to when planning family adventures to more elaborate Nordic style dinners.
Nordic Homes: Scandinavian Architecture Immersed in Nature by Agata Toromanoff, £50, Lannoo Publishers
Taking each Nordic nation in turn, and showcasing forty stunning homes, this picturesque publication focusses on a theme that is at the core of all Scandinavian architecture and design, living in harmony with nature. Whether it’s materials that withstand exceptional weather conditions, large windows to make the most of the light, or interiors that bring the outside in; you’re bound to be inspired.
The Art of Danish Living: How to find happiness in and out of work by Meik Wiking, £18, Penguin Life
No matter what Meik writes about you know it’s going to be an enjoyable and informative read, and his latest publication is no exception. Taking a closer look at how to be happier at work, and how this is in turn makes us happier overall, this book highlights findings from the Research Happiness Institute, as well as how and what Danish workplaces do differently, including a quirky Nordic concept called, ‘arbejdsglæde’.
The Furnishing Handbook by Frida Ramstedt, £30, Penguin
I had the pleasure of chatting with Frida for this blog when her international bestselling first book, The Interior Design Handbook was released. And, if like me, you have constantly read and reread it ever since, then be sure to add her latest title to your collection too. Again, its full of fantastic insight and advice, but this time based on how to make sure the furniture you buy doesn’t just look good but is also well-made, long-lasting and, most importantly, comfortable to use every day.
Image 1 by Nicola Capper all remaining images courtesy of the publishers named.
Enjoyed reading this post? Then don’t forget if you need further Nordic inspiration my previous round-ups can be found here.
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