Lagom

While doing some research about Scandinavian design a few years ago, I stumbled upon the Swedish word 'Lagom'. Pronounced like this, (LAW-gome)the word captures the Swedish way of living and design which for a long time has been based upon equality, social responsibility and ethical problem-solving. The 'lagom' quality was the conscious effort to balance social and aesthetic demands. The result was design that was moderate, sufficient and above all not excessive.

New to this profession of interior architecture and its vast array of influences and approaches, it is the 'lagom' principals and values that keep penetrating my work and ideas, perhaps soon to become the root of what I design and why I do it.

But these days, I wonder if or how 'lagom' can be applied to my life. Would I describe it as lagom, that is, enough, but barely so? The actual definition of 'the word is translated as "just right", or "exactly enough, not too much nor too little." (lagom.nl). Can this be compared to Ying Yang, the paradoxical chinese concept of balance, something that has been re-iterated over and over again to me since childhood?

The Local, Sweden's News in English actually has an article titled "How lagom are you?" But I am not Swedish nor am I attempting to be that. On the other hand, I have for years insisted on calling myself a Montrealer refusing to be classified as a Torontonian, despite having spent many of my formative years in the latter city.

I never realized that I would end up staying in Toronto for 12 years. But why not? It is the perfect city: organized with a decent standard of living; full of arts and entertaiment; any kind of cuisine; diverse in culture; friendly neighbourhoods with considerate and polite people; and forward-moving for professionals. Yet, something was missing...and now being back, it is still missing. A friend once described Toronto as the default choice of city. But maybe it would be more appropriate to describe Toronto as 'lagom' - not too good, but not too bad. Life is good, efficient, high quality but not great. The truth is, my travels have shown me that when I am here, my true self shrinks and I walk around with a Toronto face on. I am alright, but not quite right. Have I become 'lagom'?

Here's the catch (as there always is one): My consciousness tells me that it is probably better to lead a life of 'lagomness'. But to design with the passion for 'lagom-like', "form follows function" values, I simply cannot be in the 'lagom" state of mind.

How much is enough? Most people do not want just enough. They want more. CertainIy in the USA, the limits of 'lagom' are well exceeded. Gladly I can say that I do not fall into this level of materialism as I walk disgusted through Costco and Walmart. But in other ways, I don't deny my appetite for more, just a different kind of more. So it may take a while before I become the perfect 'lagom-lady', personally and professionally. But at least, I think as a Non-Swede, I realize the beauty of this word and the addition of it to my vocabulary.