Forget Hygge: 2017 Will Be All About Lagom

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Photographed by François Halard, Vogue, February 2009

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Has the concept of hygge recently entered your consciousness? You’re not alone. Hygge, or the Danish idea of “coziness,” can be found in anything from a roaring fire to a perfect pair of lumpy socks, and it has long been a vital aspect of the Scandinavian culture. And 2016 was the year in which it moved west. Hygge became a full-blown phenomenon in England, and to a lesser extent, in the U.S. More than 20 books on hygge were published last year in America alone, and more are due out on this side of the Atlantic in the coming months, including Meik Wiking’s The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living, which is already a best-seller in the U.K.

But lagom, the Swedish concept of “not too much, not too little,” may dominate 2017 instead. Lagom translates to “enough, sufficient, adequate, just right.” Unlike hygge, which aims to capture a feeling, lagom is an ethos of moderation. A Swedish friend explains the concept with one clever, everyday example: milk. In Sweden, 1.5 percent fat mellanmjölk is beloved—it’s not a super-lean skim, but also not a fatty whole. Or consider the ever-popular Scandinavian design—practical and functional but never overly adorned.

If you need proof that lagom’s moment is imminent, look no further than England. The epicenter of the hygge trend is turning its attention to this Swedish way of living. Lagom, a magazine that focuses on leading a balanced life, was founded by a Bristol-based couple in 2014. In addition, Ikea, the Swedish furniture company, recently released its Live Lagom project, which focuses on sustainable pieces in the brand’s signature simple, clean designs. So before you go all in on cashmere throws and tea cozies in the name of hygge, consider adjusting your larger living philosophy instead. As appealing as it is to curl up in your one-piece pajamas these days, given the current state of the world, the more apt course of action may be to live a frugal yet fruitful existence. If nothing else, it’s a great way to start the New Year fresh.