Inside design: Eva Lundgreen

S@H The past plays such an important role in the designs of the present and the future.
EL You know, my husband and I met at IKEA. We were sent to Italy, where
we lived for a long time. Now we're in Tokyo. Italy is all about the past; Japan is all about the future. With this collection, I was able to blend those two influences. In general, though, I think we need to remember our history when we move into the future, taking the best parts with us. Today, we want too much. Instead, we need to simplify, to be satisfied with less and to do things more ecologically.

S@H Can you walk us through your ideal holiday celebration?
EL For me, it requires being in the country surrounded by snow. The whole month of December is devoted to preparing for Christmas. In Sweden, we make little ginger cookies and hang them on our trees. On the 24th, we celebrate with Christmas porridge at lunchtime -- it's a special rice porridge with one lucky almond in it (the person who finds the almond gets to make a wish) -- and then take a long walk in the snow. Later, after a big dinner, we sing songs and dance around the tree. Then, we sit down and have some sweets, and someone dressed as Father Christmas arrives with a big bag of presents for the kids.

S@H Oh, so the kids actually see Father Christmas?
EL Yes, although they're usually scratching their heads, wondering where Dad has gone! But that's all part of the magic.

A taste of Sweden
Designer Eva Lundgreen offers these ideas for giving your home a touch of holiday charm with a Scandinavian twist.

1 Choose bold, graphic holiday images, like heart and tree motifs.
2 Dress your tree with homemade gingerbread, brightly wrapped candies and heart-shape objects.
3 Add nontraditional colours like pink and orange.
4 Include stripes for a modern edge. Decorate with evergreens and white candles.
5 Introduce texture with loosely knit blankets and pillows, and a Christmas feeling with embroidered wool fabric.

Read more in Decorating & Design and Inside Design