This month's challenge is all about living La Dolce Vita. Of course we can learn a lot about that from the Italians and their picturesque Mediterranean land. But what can we learn from our neighbors to the North about living the sweet life? Well the best way to find out is to spend some time with our global neighbor there. Maria Richardsson, founder of Nordic Design Collective takes us to lunch in sunny Stockholm and sheds light on the Nordic perspective of enjoying life.

So where are we going Maria?

Magnolia is this wonderful bar, cafe, gallery and floral shop located just by Mariatorget at Södermalm, Stockholm. I love the atmosphere, it is intimate and creative but still with a lot of integrity. And every evening, they serve pinchos together with a glass of cava! What's not to love about the place...?

Since today is a sunny day, after lunch we will go to our favorite coffee shop Drop Coffee, grab a Latte to go and head for a bench in the park at Mariatorget to soak up some sun before it's time to head back to the office.

Tell us a bit about Nordic Design Collective and why you started it?

I started Nordic Design Collective as a way of helping independent designers in our region to grow their businesses, and to help people from all over the world to find these amazing products! I have a background as a graphic designer myself and from experience in the web industry I know how hard it can be to find customers for your products. And honestly, most designers started their business because they love creating...not sales and marketing. So I created this platform to enable people to connect with designers, buy their products and hear the stories behind their work.

(Check out #adayinalifeof series on NDC's instagram feed featuring behind the scenes work process of the designers in the collective.)

So what can we learn about Scandinavian culture and living from Nordic design?

I often hear from people all over the world how much they love Swedish and Nordic design. I think it is the simplicity of it that speaks to people. We have a culture in our region of doing a lot ourselves, which I think has a big impact on the design style. Historically, there has been a focus on creating what you need for yourself, instead of hiring professionals, and this covers all sort of areas like building, redecorating, gardening, crafting, engineering etc. Combine that with the Jante-law, where you’re not to make a big fuss about yourself, and that might be a part of the explanation.

Scandinavian culture is founded on
simplicity and sustainability.

What do you love about where you live? What do you love about your culture?

Well, with having a long and grey winter behind us, we are all looking forward to spring - so I have to say, nature. We are very much an outdoorsy kind of people, and this time of year you always see a lot of people outside, turning their faces towards the sun. I've heard from foreigners that it looks kind of funny, but if you haven't lived in our winter for several months you really don't understand how much the Spring light means to us! Another very Swedish phenomena is the "fika," coffee breaks with cakes or cinnamon buns. Love it!

What inspires you daily?

I have to say our designers. They are adding new products daily, and it's always so inspiring to see their new pieces! We also try to meet with them regularly, and it is so great to hear their stories and their passion. It is a great honor to be able to work with all of them.

MARIA'S FAVORITES FOR STOCKHOLM:

Lunch Spot:
Magnolia Cafe, Gallery & Flowers, Blecktornsgränd 9, 118 24 Stockholm

Fika break:
Drop Coffee, Wollmar Yxkullsgatan 10 118 50 Stockholm

Scandanavia has a sense of simplicity and sustainability, which is expressed in the design. By gathering the best new and upcoming independent designers, I can help people all over the globe to find interior objects and jewelry that speaks of a calmer and simpler way of life.
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Maria of Nordic Design Collective
(Photos via Maria)

Thank you so much Maria! ~ So it looks like keeping things in your home simple and multi-functional can help us easily create and enjoy sweet moments such as a cozy fika break with coffee and cake. By living in awe and fascination of nature we can learn to love all that it offers and never have to complain about the weather. Sweet life Scandinavian style is learning to simply be satisfied. Period.