A conversation with Ingrid Opstad
It was a chance photograph on Instagram that led us to discover That Scandinavian Feelingand meet its delightful founder and writer, Ingrid Opstad. The photograph itself was not of the minimal Nordic design that you would have expected us to be drawn to (which we do absolutely love) - rather, it was of the remarkable façade of the most important Gothic church - the Duomo - in Monza, just a handful of kilometres from the heart of Milan.
Ingrid Opstad
With an extensive background in graphic design and almost a decade spent in London working within the creative industry, Ingrid moved to Italy in the name of love, settling in Monza with her fiancé Claudio and the cutest poodle this side of Milan, Bowie. Inspired by her love for writing and her Norwegian roots, she threaded these together to launch That Scandinavian Feeling. What began as a side-project soon evolved into a fully-fledged editorial platform showcasing Ingrid’s personal curation of all those quiet and cozy details that create the distinct hygge lifestyle.
Her approach is unique, for not only does she bring to light her love for Scandinavian minimalism in all of its forms - from interiors to travel and everything in between - but more specifically, she presents these elements to an audience enamoured by the Nordic aesthetic while she herself is based outside of Scandinavia. She too is looking from the outside in, so to speak, while keeping her heritage close to her heart. Over the years, she has garnered a loyal following of readers from across the world, and her writing has won her recognition that includes the prestigious Amara award for Best Written Blog.
The success of Ingrid’s writing and her interior design eye is a reflection of Ingrid embracing her essence, fully and wholeheartedly, genuinely and without the desire to follow trends of the moment. She is rooted in her Nordic identity, while open-hearted in sharing her interpretation of its aesthetic with the world, testament to the fact that when we remain true to ourselves, all unfolds with such ease that our fullest potential cannot help but be expressed. Inspired, we asked her ten questions drawn from the Proust Questionnaire - a questionnaire that has its origins in a parlour game that had been popularised by French essayist Marcel Proust, designed to reveal the player’s true nature.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
To me perfect happiness is achieved by enjoying the simple moments without focusing on always seeking more. It is about being content with your life and what you have.
What is your current state of mind?
Calm and happy.
If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, who or what would she/he/it be and why?
I would have to say my dog Bowie, to me he has the perfect cozy life with no worries. He knows the importance of slowing down, he doesn't need much to be happy and he is always there when you need him - I think we can all learn a thing or two from dogs about life.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
As a foreigner living in Italy, I wish I could speak better Italian because it would make my life a lot easier but it just seems to be a block for me to learn in properly. I am so used to speaking and writing English all day long, and I need to push myself more to find time to learn it.
What is your greatest regret?
I don't have any regrets in life, because even if I have done some bad decisions along the way they got me to where I am now and I wouldn't change a thing about that.
What is your most treasured possession?
I try to not feel too attached to objects in my life, so can I say my fiancé and my dog? But if I have to say a thing that I treasure it has to be the PH 5 lamp by Poul Henningsen that I have in my kitchen. This exact one used to hang in my parent’s kitchen when I grew up so it brings lots of lovely memories around the dinner table and makes me feel connected to them even though they are in Norway and I am here in Italy. Every time I sit down for a meal I see it and think of them.
What is the quality you most like in a man?
Kindness.
What is the quality you most like in a woman?
Kindness. (No matter if it is a man or a woman - I am always looking for the same qualities. No matter who it is, if they are kind it reflects in everything they do; their ability to listen, to care, to be there for you and to be a friend).
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I would say creating That Scandinavian Feeling and building the brand up from nothing (with help from my fiancé!) From being an idea many years ago to what it has become today, I feel proud to see my website growing and along the way winning 'best written blog' at an award show in London in 2019 which was a testament to all the hard work I have put into it so far.
What is your motto?
'Enjoy the little things in life' - because we can easily get caught up in wanting and needing more but in the end those little moments are the ones worth cherishing.