Design Tips | Making Your Home Hygge
The Danish concept of hygge (pronounced hoo-ga) is defined as a quality of comfort and coziness that produces feelings of contentment or well-being. Often applied in the form of a design style as well as a lifestyle, hygge is the art of cultivating comforts and relishing in the little things that make our spaces relaxing and our lives inviting. Today we will explore some of the best ways to add a touch of hygge to your home and life this winter.
soft neutrals
Hygge homes promote a sense of peace and balance, which often begins with the choice of colors in each space. Palettes that are mellow and neutral, and lean towards the warm end of the spectrum, work best in these kinds of spaces. Nature is a great source of inspiration for hygge colors, especially light and medium wood or earth tones mixed with cheery beiges. Be sure to avoid colors that will make a space feel too cold, as hygge is all about warmth!
organic elements
The tranquility and simple beauty of the outdoors has influenced the interior of many traditional Nordic homes, which is why hygge promotes such a strong organic and natural style in its home decor. Try to stay away from angular and contemporary materials when choosing furniture, and opt instead for pieces made of wood and other natural, tactile materials. The shapes and vignettes created by your furniture are just as important— opt for traditional styles, or choose pieces with unique organic shapes and lots of rounded corners.
mood lighting
Hygge is about setting the mood as much as decorating the space. Lighting plays a huge role in how you interact with and feel about your home, so take ample time to evaluate your home’s lights and come up with solutions that will make your space feel softer and warmer. Changing the color temperature of your lightbulbs, using lamps, sconces, and candles in place of overhead lighting, or relying on your home’s natural light are all great places to get started.
cozy details
Probably the most well-known feature of hygge is its sense of pervasive coziness and comfort. When following the guidelines of hygge, every area of your home should be filled with little comforts that brighten your day— whether it be a plush throw blanket in the family room, a scented candle in the bedroom, a high-pile rug by the fireplace, a fragrance diffuser in the kitchen, or a set of cloud-soft towels in the bathroom. Give your home the Nordic spa treatment by finding warm little luxuries to give yourself every day.
intentional spaces
Hygge is just as much about family, friends, and community as it is about seclusion and comfort. Your home should exemplify both of these attitudes in a balanced manner; this is where breaking up your home into intentional, purposeful spaces comes in. Pick certain areas of your home that should be focused on togetherness and communal living, and other areas that serve as little escapes for each member of the household. A good example of a community space would be a large seating area by a roaring fireplace, while a good example of a secluded space would be a private reading nook near a window.
vintage touches
Finally, hygge calls back to tradition by incorporating little touches of antique or vintage decor that warm our spaces and remind us of simpler times. These could be sentimental pieces passed down from generation to generation, reclaimed items, or collected pieces that have a special meaning in your home. Whatever style or type of antique decor you gravitate towards, incorporating it into your space will give your home a lived-in and tactile warmth that will be felt by all who enter.