The Inside Word with Reena Simon
Whenever I think about the elements that make a house feel like home, I’m reminded of my conversation with writer, designer and author Reena Simon about how she embraces the concept of hygge at home.
In our conversation, Reena shares the lessons she's learned during the slow renovation of a Scandi-inspired 1960s bungalow in Wales, and what it was like to create her book Scandi Rustic, as well as how she has grown an audience on Instagram (@hygge_for_home) through her love of words.
→ Click here to listen to Reena’s interview on the Imprint podcast
Image via @hygge_for_home
What words would you say best describe you?
I think that I’m approachable, loyal, sensible, genuine and I would like to think that I’m quite considerate.
What’s the best life or career lesson you’ve learned?
I’m a bit of a perfectionist, but lockdown life taught me the skill of compromise and that you can’t always control everything. You have to learn to adapt. So I think the last two years have taught me a lot about how to be less of a perfectionist and be more free.
What’s your proudest achievement?
Writing a book, definitely.
What’s been your best decision?
Saying yes to my husband when he said he wanted to buy the 1960s bungalow.
Who inspires you?
I think lots of women inspire me, especially women who run interior design businesses — right now that’s what I’m really drawn to. All of the interior designers that I love are women.
What are you passionate about?
From designing my two houses, whilst having three young children, I’m passionate about how you put mental health and well-being at the forefront of the decisions you make for the design of your home.
What dream do you still want to fulfil?
I want to travel the world. I didn’t get to do much travelling as a child and as a young adult, so I would like to experience and see as much of the world as possible.
What are you reading at the moment?
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens.
What are you listening to?
Right now, I’m actually just listening to the news all the time. I think right now people in the world need us, so it’s good to be engaged with that, and keep people in need at the forefront of our minds. Music-wise, I love Bon Iver, and quite folky relaxing music.
What piece of advice would you give to your younger self?
To have more confidence and self-belief in ideas, and know that with determination and passion, you can make it happen. I think for some people, confidence comes later in life, and that’s definitely been my story.
You can catch my full conversation with Reena on the Imprint podcast here.