Scandinavian-inspired homeware from independent interior shop Marehalm [AD]

[AD – this is a paid partnership with Marehalm, all images: Cate St Hill] 

I don’t know about where you are, but here in London it feels like summer hasn’t quite started or got into gear yet. Instead of picnics and long, lazy afternoons in the sunshine, I’ve found myself indoors much more for this time of year; getting out the winter blankets, lighting the candles and wondering if I could possibly put the heating back on. I could do without the leaking roof and not knowing what to wear when there’s four seasons in one day (I know we shouldn’t complain when there are far worse things going on in the world) but I think I’ll be nesting a bit longer until summer is here properly and I don’t really mind all that much. It’s a good excuse to slow down, get cosy and enjoy some quiet moments at home.

Today I want to introduce you to a small, independent, home interior company called Marehalm. Founded by a mother and daughter team Heidi and Angela in 2014, they have a bricks-and-mortar shop in Berwick-upon-tweed and an online store that sells Scandinavian-inspired homeware and handmade jewellery.

The name Marehalm comes from the Danish word for Lyme Grass, a blue-grey grass found in the windswept dunes of Northumberland and the west coast of Denmark where they both hail from. Taking inspiration from their coastal setting, Marehalm’s style is harmonious and tranquil, bringing elements of nature inside and using them to create a soft, soothing ambience.

‘We love bringing the natural Scandinavian world into the home: fresh, gushing springs of fresh water; scented pines of thick forests; empty beaches with clear blue waters; open skies with night displays of amazing colours. We use textures, materials and colours to bring an atmosphere that is relaxing but meticulous; casual but inspiring.’

Marehalm’s carefully curated collection combines well-known, much-loved Scandinavian design brands such Meraki, Moebe, Kahler and House Doctor with unique arts and crafts. With a selection of some of their best pieces, I was inspired to create a cosy, hygge setting that aims to capture what the company is all about.

Scandinavian style is about simplicity and taking a considered approach when choosing things for the home. Many might think this look is cold, bare or lacking in personality, but they might not be clued up to its nuances. It’s not about an interior shouting for attention, but taking a more subtle approach. When I finish work at the end of the day, I want my surroundings to soothe me from the daily stresses. I want to feel relaxed and at ease, not stimulated by lots of colour or clutter. If you want to bring a simple, neutral space to life and make it feel warm, layer up different textures and use natural materials to create a tactile, homely environment.

Set the scene with candlelight. For me lighting candles is like a signifier to relax. The first thing I do when I close the laptop is close the shutters in the living room, dim the lights and light a candle. My mum lights a candle at every meal, even if it’s not getting dark yet outside, and I’ve picked up the daily habit too. Even in the summer months, candlelight brings an intimate ambience to a space. I love that this concrete candleholder has a dish shape to hold any used matches.

Build up the texture with different fabrics in similar neutral tones. Here plain linen cushions form a backdrop for quilted cotton and boucle striped designs. Keep things cohesive and balanced by sticking to a type of pattern, for instance the triangular design of the quilted cushion is referenced again in the angular pattern of the grey and white cotton throw. If the cushion had a circular design, you might want to pick a throw which had curvaceous shapes too.

Sometimes when it’s raining outside, I like to pull the cushions and blankets off the sofa onto the floor and have an indoor picnic around the coffee table. I allow myself two coffees a day and if it wasn’t for the caffeine it would probably be more. I find that I don’t actually need the second to stay awake, it’s more for the ritual of sitting down and taking a moment out of the busy daily routine to recharge the batteries. I’m trying to put down my phone in this moments and not endlessly scroll, reading a book or simply being is so much more restorative. We rarely give ourselves time to do absolutely nothing or even get bored anymore. So sometimes I’m going to try and just sit here with a coffee and appreciate it for what it is, enjoying the uneven glaze of the handmade mug and the warmth of what’s in it.

Are you feeling the hygge vibes? How do you make your home cosy?

Featured items:
100% Oekotek cotton throw from Danish Brand Semi Basic, £86
Green linen cushion, £30 
Light grey quilted cushion, £26
One stripe cushion, £22
Small white vase, £8.50
Concrete candleholder, £5.75
Green ceramic cup, handmade in the heart of Denmark’s Jutland, £20
Grey porcelain mug, £10