Scandinavian style has long been associated with a chic, pared-back wardrobe. Think boxy oversized blazers, crisp shirting, and no-fuss straight-leg denim. Much like French-girl fashion, it’s a look that’s emulated by people all over the world – but not just sartorially. For our homes, it means a focus on function with clean lines, pale hues, soft lighting, and cosy materials like sheepskin rugs and mohair throws. Ever inspired by confronting frigid Nordic winters, the aesthetic embraces the concept of “hygge” (pronounced ‘hoo-ga’). This Danish and Norwegian term describes a mood of cosiness and “comfortable conviviality” characterised by feelings of wellness and contentment. With autumn creeping in and chilly, lengthy evenings around the corner, here’s how to incorporate Scandinavia’s enduring design principles into your home – just in time to stave off the winter blues. Luxury London-based interior designer Naomi Astley Clarke begins, “your home should promote guilt free and unconditionally relaxed living in a beautiful atmosphere. In this uncertain world and especially when it’s freezing outside, our homes continue to be our security blankets.” To make your sanctuary as hygge as possible, she advises: “first ask yourself – how do I need my space to make me feel? For example, in your bedroom, you’ll want to be calm, cosy, and well rested. Think about the colours, textures, and things that will help you achieve those feelings.” In keeping with the Scandinavian love of the natural world, consider layering your space with a range of organic materials such as blonde and charred woods, linen, waffled cotton, jute, sheepskin, and leather. Astley Clarke adds, “imagine a scheme with timber floors, a plush, deep pile rug, and billowy linen curtains, broken up by mid-century wood furniture. Tall indoor plants in oversized vintage urns bring lush height and depth to the space. And if you’re after a more luxe look, incorporate some mixed metal details and marble finishes." If you’re wondering where to begin in your own sanctuary, consider the lighting. A dazzling overhead light can be quite the mood killer. Instead, varied and layered lighting – a mix of floor and table lamps, wall lights, and pendants – will cast a pleasing glow around your space for the ultimate hygge factor in the darkest months of the year. Lighting design studio, lights&lamps, has just collaborated with lifestyle creator and co-author of Scandi Rustic Reena Simon, on a range of hygge-inspired fixtures in aged brass, natural walnut, and charred wood. The collection features warm-toned bulbs and layered linen shades, designed to soften a light’s brightness and create a tranquil feeling. Once your lighting is sorted, keep the chill away by indulging in some toasty accessories. Drape a couple of throw blankets over the back of your sofa or favourite leather armchair, and layer over fresh bed linen for a final textural touch. If you’re willing to splurge, go for the Tartan Blanket Co’s Neutral Check undyed alpaca to throw in shades of camel, cream, and fog or Forestry Wool’s dusky pink Stream blanket. For some affordable alternatives, look to Zara Home’s velvety chenille and jumper-esque knit throws, or H&M Home’s wool-blend and jacquard-weave blankets. Bo Hellberg, chief marketing officer at Scandinavian modular storage pioneer, String Furniture, shares, “when it comes to Scandi design, there’s often a big misconception: ‘minimalism.’ Although there are parallels, the region’s style is more than just understated, neat, and necessary. Equally essential as pure function is beauty that draws inspiration from Nordic nature” – which isn’t just pale birch trees and blankets of snow. Consider the wildflower garlands that adorn heads, maypoles, and tabletops during Midsommar, the Swedish celebration of the summer season and the longest night of the year. Don’t be afraid to draw on these joy-inducing shades and botanical motifs to accessorise your Scandi-inspired interior. For example, the String Pocket – a compact floating shelf, ideal for holding books, candles, and houseplants – now comes in hues ranging from neon orange and violet to blush, rust, and sage green. A pop of colourful shelving sits prettily against white walls, transforming a blank canvas into a functional focal point. Cushions are another simple way to inject vibrance and interest into an otherwise pared-back furniture scheme. I suggest fabric studio Molly Mahon’s hand block-printed throw cushions. Lately, I’m in love with their frill Strawberry Copper, Chequer Blues, and Piped Luna Pink designs. Coco and Wolf’s frill-trimmed cushions in rambling floral prints also never disappoint. Candles are a key finishing touch to any hygge-fied home, adding to the cosy ambience and engulfing your space in your favourite mood-lifting aromas. As a candle enthusiast, I often spend my lunch break wandering Liberty’s fragrance hall, so I’ve smelled a lot of smells – but lately, nothing has captured my attention quite like Malin and Goetz’s new Strawberry candle. It’s not at all juicy or juvenile. Instead, it highlights the fruit’s green leaves and stem, accompanied by notes of fresh bergamot, pink pepper and warm musk. Unexpectedly autumn-appropriate, it’s an androgynous scent that’s reminiscent of the neck of your favourite sweater after you’ve worn it all day – warm, comforting and familiar. Suddenly I’m addicted to breathing, and there’s nothing I can do about it except keep Strawberry lit and in my vicinity. 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A Glastonbury regular has been revealing the best clothes to pack if you’re heading to a festival this summer - and what you should be avoiding. Natalie McMullen, 33, says attendees will quickly realise that comfort is just important as style, and recommends wearing dresses, skorts (skirts with shorts attached underneath), and maxi skirts with slits in to marry the two together. “It’s things like that that mean you can still look amazing but you can enjoy the festival too”, she says. When it comes to footwear, however, don’t compromise. Converse, Vans, and Dr Martens have all proven a bad choice for McMullen, who now braves a pair of sturdy walking boots - even if they aren’t the top of her style wish list. Read More Care home hosts its own Glastonbury for ‘festival-loving’ residents 90-year-old man sets all-time record with final 1,162nd blood donation Prince Louis’ best moments from Trooping the Colour

Halle Bailey has earned praise for the “perfect” Ariel-inspired dress she wore to the premiere of The Little Mermaid. On 8 May, Bailey, who plays Ariel in the upcoming live-action Disney remake, arrived on the red carpet in Los Angeles in a metallic blue Valdrin Sahiti gown with a shell-shaped structured neckline that resembled the mermaid’s iconic seashell top. Bailey paired the shimmering blue gown with teal eyeshadow, glittery blue nails and diamond earrings, with the result an outfit worthy of the film’s titular character. On social media, the “Do It” singer’s look has been met with joy from fans, with many declaring the gown a perfect interpretation of Ariel. “Halle Bailey looked absolutely amazing at the premiere of #TheLittleMermaid. The dress was perfect for this event because it looked so mermaid-like,” one person tweeted, while another said: “I am so obsessed with Halle Bailey’s dress for The Little Mermaid premiere!! She looks so beautiful omg.” Someone else described the outfit choice as an “aquatic serve,” while another person admitted that the gown left them “speechless”. “Still not over Halle Bailey’s dress,” one person tweeted. Others were appreciative of the fact that the dress did not prevent Bailey from interacting with young fans, with a video showing the star bending down to greet and embrace Offset and Cardi B’s daughter Kulture, five, during the premiere. The Migos rapper, who dressed in a Prince Eric-inspired outfit for the occasion, attended the premiere alongside Kulture and his daughter Kalea, eight, who were both dressed in miniature ball gowns. “It’s that fact that she can get down that low in this dress that looks like it is PAINTED on [her] body is amazing to me lol I love it,” one fan tweeted along with a video of the sweet moment between Bailey and Kulture. Although the official release of the live-action version of the 1989 Disney film is still weeks away, the remake has already earned praise from critics. Jodi Benson, who voiced Ariel in the animated version of the film, shared her delight with Bailey’s interpretation of the role at the premiere, with Benson telling Entertainment Tonightthat the actress doesn’t need any advice from her because she’s “brilliant”. “[Halle Bailey] doesn’t need any advice from me, she’s brilliant!” she said with a grin. After praising Bailey’s “purity of heart, vulnerability and bravery” in the role, Benson added: “I’m so thrilled for her, and I’m so proud of her.” Bailey’s sister Chloe also applauded her sister, telling ET that “there could not be a more perfect Ariel”. “To know that all of those beautiful girls will be able to see proper representation, whether you’re black or white or anything like that, you’ll be able to look at my sister and say ‘I can be anything I want to be no matter what the world tells me is acceptable,’” she said. “There could not be a more perfect Ariel.” The Little Mermaid will be released on 26 May 2023. Read More The Little Mermaid first reactions praise Halle Bailey as a ‘perfect’ Ariel Little Mermaid dolls based on Halle Bailey unveiled Little Mermaid fan refuses to let go of actor Halle Bailey after they meet at Disney World

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