7 ways to make your interiors more optimistic

Those who usually err on the neutral shade of the color spectrum but want to bring in brighter hues can start by experimenting with small, refined dashes to add a sense of individuality, advises Helle Mardahl, founder and designer of her eponymous candy-colored glassware label. “It’s really common for us Scandis to live in quite a clean, calm space dominated by neutral colors, but there are always a few elements that pop out and add personality,” she says. “This could be a painting on the wall, as well as other smaller objects placed around the home. It doesn’t dominate the minimalistic expression, but it gives a sense of uniqueness, which I really like. That’s what my ‘Bon Bon’ glasses are quite perfect for – adding color to your home in a very subtle way.”

Bringing objects that inspire delight into your space is key. “To me, it’s really important that a home is personal and, most importantly, not too fragile,” Mardahl says. “It’s a space where you should feel comfortable and relaxed, and where you are surrounded by things you love. I really cherish my heirlooms, my small souvenirs from travels and my art investments – things that hold some sort of meaning for me.”

For French-born, London-based artist Laetitia Rouget, who is known for her playful ceramics, a key element of curation is in the way significant pieces tell a story in a space. “I enjoy mixing different universes and collecting pieces from travels or artists that inspire me,” she says. Rather than being a static display, regularly rearranging items gives a renewed energy and transformative feel. “I like my home to represent my life, and I think this is what keeps it optimistic and fun as it’s changing constantly, too.”

For those looking to make a more major impact with color, Mardahl recommends overhauling one part of a room with eye-catching paintwork. “It could be just a single wall, the floor or even the wall panels,” she says. “It adds so much character to a room and it’s also easier to change whenever you feel the need to redecorate.”

Colors can hold great emotional significance and should be chosen based on what you hope to feel in that space. Bo Raahauge and Nicholai Wiig-Hansen, co-founders of the sleek and vividly hued ceramic brand Raawii, suggest choosing colors that remind you of different chapters in your life. “Memories play a big role in color for us,” they say. “Bring color that you relate to into your home; hues that tie you to emotions and the standout chapters of your life.”

Raahauge and Wiig-Hansen believe your most-loved pieces should enjoy the limelight and suggest you “observe the best light in your house and allow objects to ‘live’ through the day by being lit differently”. Also: “Use the pieces! There’s no better way to celebrate an object than by using it,” they add. “Take our ‘Strøm’ jug – let it take center stage at a dinner party. Appreciate the functionality of the pieces and use them for what they’re made for.”

Rather than overpowering an understated aesthetic, an injection of color can actually serve to accentuate it. “It’s well known that we Scandinavians like woods and warm neutral tones,” say Raahauge and Wiig-Hansen, “but bringing in an additional piece that’s strong in color, like a pop of red or a bright yellow, can bring a surprisingly complementary aspect to [a space] that’s rather minimalistic. It frames the minimalism and underlines the beauty of the design discipline.”