1- Identify your idea of the house
Before choosing furniture, ask yourself what household habits and "rituals" you want to practice; what comfort are you looking for? I wanted a living space that was open, relaxed and convivial despite the limited space, but with visual "filters" for the entrance and kitchen. I placed the furniture against the walls and in the center I inserted "mobile" elements (baskets, tables) to be moved according to use.
2- Find your mood
Consistency is essential for an atmospheric environment. How do you achieve it? With clear color and style choices that are repeated from room to room.
3- Make room
Periodically eliminating the superfluous is essential to give harmony. This does not mean emptying, but keeping only what fits your style.
4- Full and empty scales
Alternate open and closed furniture to give an idea of studied composition. The things you leave in view, make sure they are as homogeneous as possible. At the entrance, for example, I gathered my collection of magazines in identical white cardboard boxes.
5- Choose authentic materials
Wood, natural fibers, leather details give authenticity and well-being. The Nordic style cannot do without natural materials. Over time, I have chosen to replace the darker wood species by turning to lighter shades. The only exception is the mirror above the couch, a souvenir of friends (even memories and your history are used to create atmosphere!).
6- Studying the layout of things
Objects of use and decoration, if they are kept in sight, must be composed in mini sets. Move them around until you are satisfied, then take a picture - it will help you judge whether everything is balanced.
7- Mask defects
No house is perfect and defects cannot always be eliminated: try to "neutralize" them by diverting attention. One of the (many) flaws in my apartment is the floor: we didn't change it right away and now the intervention would be invasive. To "dress" it and minimize it, the solution was to stack carpets of different sizes and patterns.
8- Look for intelligent solutions
Do you have little space? Invent open storage solutions. One basket is enough to store pillows and blankets or to hold what you don't use. It will be perceived as a decorative element and will be functional.
9- Don't forget the plants !
It doesn't take much, even cut greenery or succulent or succulent plants. There is no atmosphere without greenery.
10- Choose three colors
"Last but not least", as the English say, the color theme. The choice and use of colors are fundamental to create the right visual comfort. My advice is to compose a color palette with a neutral, restful and luminous base, and to add touches of a hue that you like, that somehow speaks about you and your tastes. Choose three shades, ideally assign the measure to each one (decide which color will be dominant, which one will follow, etc.) and repeat them in every room. I opted for the black and white typical of the Nordic style, plus light wood and mint green and blue details.
One last piece of advice
Those who love the house often also love different styles and risk ... love at first sight and "passionate" shopping! Generally, however, it is best not to fall into temptation and try to buy only things that harmonize well with the dominant style of the house, with the color palette and with the materials. Of course, a certain amount of creative madness is allowed from time to time...