Portrait #3 Nathalie Myrberg

Nathalie Myrberg works as an interior stylist and creator.  She runs the social media platform Babes in Boyland, where she also arranges various workshops, both in-house but also together with others. In November 2019, she released the book Hidden Places - Handbook for adults to the children's magical world. "Nature, the slow life and sustainability are close to my heart."

What is your latest personal project?

We have just moved out into the country, to a large old stable a few miles outside Västerås. We currently live in half of the house, and in the other half we will run Målhammar stall from this summer - a summer café, and from next year also a small farm shop.

 What does a day at Målhammar look like for you?

It depends a bit on what day it is, but usually I wake up first and go down and put on some tea or coffee and light some candles. Then after a while the rest of the family usually wakes up and comes down one by one. We have both chickens and rabbits so they need food and care in the morning, so one of us usually does that while breakfast is made. Then I almost always take a morning walk. The rest of the day is filled with work or activities (depending on whether it is a weekend or weekday) and then it ends with us cooking dinner together, crafting at the kitchen table, close for the animals, lighting a fire, drinking evening tea, reading books, putting the children to sleep and finishing the day with a good TV series or book. 

What insights and reflections have you got from living and working closer to nature?

I grew up close to nature and it has always been a big part of my life. For me, it's a lot about getting closer to what we all really are, nature. I think many of us have forgotten that and see nature as a kind of parenthesis in our lives. I also think we have forgotten that we need to live more cyclically, just like nature. We can not bloom all year round, but just like all flowers, we bud in the spring, bloom in the summer, wither and then fall asleep in the autumn and winter. It can be good to have with you, especially now in autumn and winter when the energy is lower and we feel more tired. It's okay, you have to slow down. 

You have moved to a new studio - tell us more! Yes, so much fun! To a yellow old stone house from the 18th century which from the beginning was used for laundry. The house is very central but still close to nature with a beautiful small garden right by Svartån in Västerås. So there we thrive well! Both me and Linda, who is one of those I share the studio with, have been looking at this house for several years, so it still feels a bit unreal that we ended up there in the end. 

How do you think the interior design and fashion trends have changed during your career? What development are you happy to see? Or are worried about?

The biggest difference during these years, I think, is above all the shift of who is in power to be able to influence and influence us how we consume fashion and interior design. Power has shifted from major fashion and interior design magazines to individuals, for example on Instagram. Of course, an incredibly large responsibility is placed on each individual, and I think many people unfortunately find that responsibility difficult to handle. Both as a consumer and as an influencer. With that said, we are more enlightened and aware than ever and I believe and hope that we all try to take our responsibility and do our best when it comes to our consumption choices. 

If you could wish for 3 things for the future fashion / interior design industry, what would it be?

Oh what a difficult question. I hope that we produce and consume less, get better at highlight smaller brands who do local and well-produced products. Environmental awareness must be more than just something beautiful that is said. 

What is your relationship to craftsmanship?

My mother has always been doing crafts and still does. So it has always been present in my life. I myself have been on that path, and thought for a while to educate myself as a textile designer. So when I was around 25, I went to a 1-year weaving course in Borås, to then be able to apply on to the textile college that is located there. Now it did not happen, but I ended up in studying illustration, which is also a kind of craft. I have also published a DIY and craft book called Hidden Places, where crafts of various kinds are a big part of the content. There we also emphasize the importance of talking about crafts with our children. In today's society where everything is quickly produced and wear and tear, it feels more important than ever. 

How do you think you can increase the interest in the entire production chain (and thus also the craft) of clothing and interior and not just see the final product?

By showing more of the process. Show how the whole production is done; from the source of material to the final product. Now, with all social media, it feels easier than ever. We consumers need to be informed to understand. 

Best self care tip?

So this winter, I spend extra time on myself. I work a lot with mind presence, which means that I use my senses to get more in touch with myself and be more here and now. It can be simple tricks like drinking an herbal tea, lighting an incense or using essential oils or just going for a walk in the woods and trying to take in what I see. Right now I make an evening tea with a teaspoon of dried lavender, 1 teaspoon of dried chamomile, warm water and a small dash of warm oat milk. 

And finally, how do you style Laura jumper?

With a pair of classically cropped blue jeans for work and at home with a pair of wide black silk trousers. 

Thank you Nathalie!