Friluftsliv The Norwegian Design Style Breaking the Internet

Friluftsloven is a Scandanavian law that includes the freedom to roam, so it only makes sense that during this time of isolation, many are drawn to the friluftsliv design. This design trend is centered around the concept of outdoor life and bringing natural elements indoors. Friluftsliv (pronounced “free-loves-liv”) has risen in popularity as the pressures of pandemic life highlight the need to invite nature and organic life into our home designs.

Fresh Majesty Palm Plant by Pottery Barn; Open Front Glass Terrarium Bottle by Pottery Barn; Bal Harbour Outdoor Teak Sectional by Arhaus; Knoxville Outdoor Chair by Birch Lane; Scritpor Outdoor Tile by Daltile; Ivan Round Planter by Burke Decor; Jackie Outdoor Throw by Renwil; Alder Pendant in Bronze by Hinkley available at Lighting One; Billa Outdoor Throw Pillows Set of 2 by Scout & Nimble; Kaleen Ziggy Outdoor Area Rug in Grey; Angular Wood Lanterns by West Elm; Kim Seybert Pave Placemat by Perigold; Black Wire Coffee Table by CB2

Inspired by the outdoors, this unique style focuses on natural materials and elements that enhance your interior ambiance. Wood, greenery, and even glass ground this design style to create a space that feels organic, pure, and calm. 

How Can You Get the Friluftsliv Look in Your Home?

Action Advanced Polished Porcelain by Emser

While friluftsliv might be hard to pronounce, it’s quite simple to incorporate into your home. Create a serene and earthy home environment by decorating with plants, local wildflowers, and other greenery. Install large-glass windows that open out onto screened patios or open terraces.

Incorporate natural materials into your everyday furniture with rattan bar stools, wood dining seats, leather armchairs, wool rugs, bamboo bath mats, and other raw materials. By using these organic elements in your home design, you create a space that feels authentic and brings the colors, scents, and textures of the natural world indoors.

Friluftsliv Floors

Scritper in Rebel by Daltile

Natural materials like hardwood, stone, and concrete are the perfect companion to friluftsliv design. Maybe you’re looking to update your kitchen floors so you opt for a polished natural slate tile or maybe you want to open up the space in your bedroom with hand-sawn white oak hardwood floors. Or, if you’re looking for a simpler solution, get a concrete look with Daltile’s Scriptor tile. This neutral, gray stone comes in large format sizes and an 8" hexagon floor tile. Designed to complement any color palette, the hexagon decorative tile can be used as a flared accent. Plus, thanks to its slip-resistant material, this porcelain tile is perfect for outdoor use on patios and garden terraces.

Friluftsliv Design Inspiration

Design by ANDREA COLEMAN Photography by NICOLE AUBREY

This entryway designed by Andrea Coleman accentuates the raw elements of natural wood and greenery used in friluftsliv design. With a simple potted plant, a wood-framed mirror, hardwood flooring, and a refurbished multimedia console, Coleman draws on the natural world to complete her airy design. 

Design by MICHELLE BERWICK  Photography by LARRY ARNAL

In this cottage-style home designed by Michelle Berwick, outdoor life blends seamlessly with the rest of the cottage design with large bay windows and glass doors installed throughout to provide a quick escape to the beach. Take notice of the colorways in this design as well which are influenced by a coastal palette of ocean blues and soft sandy browns.

Design by KATE DAVIDSON  Photography by STEPHANIE BUCHMAN

Creating open-air spaces within the home is an important element of friluftsliv design. In this home by Kate Davidson, we are reminded of the ease with which you can convert your indoor lounge space to an outdoor space suitable for the spring and summer months with oversized sectionals gathered around a featured wall fireplace.

Read more about the other styles we love this spring in our latest issue of Beautiful Design Made Simple magazine!