Words Louise Higgins
Hygge (pronounced ‘hue-gah’) is not simply an interior design style; it’s a ‘feeling’ that speaks to the soul and celebrates togetherness and relaxation. It derives from the Norwegian word ‘hugga’, which means ‘to comfort’, and is used to describe the feelings and moods associated with cosiness. The Danish adopted the word as their own, which goes a long way towards explaining why Denmark consistently ranks as one of the happiest countries in the world.
To implement hygge in your home, you first need to create serene spaces clear of clutter where you can appreciate life’s pleasures and embrace the contentment characteristic of Danish lifestyle and design – a convivial place for family meals, a cosy reading nook or a serene bathroom. Display items that have real meaning to you and that evoke happy memories. Appreciate your surroundings and be present and thankful for the comforts of your home, where you can enjoy friendship and family.
Hygge is focused more on the experience of the homeowner and guests rather than on the aesthetic appearance. It emphasises the importance of appealing to the senses of smell, sight, sound, taste and touch to create a secure cosy haven away from the bustle of the world outside. By feeling comfortable and safe in our homes, we are able to be more present, which in turn helps to reduce stress and anxiety.
Even if you don’t want to adopt full-on Scandinavian-style hygge, following its core principles serves as a good guide to creating simple cosy living spaces. Using natural materials and items that are meaningful to you ensures that your home is a reflection of your own personality, and brings peace of mind and enjoyment of the good things in life to share with your family and friends.
Here some useful tips to embrace a hygge style in your home.
Lighting
Make the most of natural light when possible. Pale wall colours and the use of mirrors and mirrored accessories will help to make a space feel brighter as the natural light entering the room will be reflected. Soft voile curtains can offer privacy without compromising natural light. The hygge concept encourages glowing spaces and a relaxing atmosphere, which can be supported with ambient lighting such as wall-mounted fixtures or recessed spotlights. Avoid harsh overhead lighting and add a mix of floor, table and wall lamps. Dimmable light fittings are a great way to cater for all moods – bright enough to fill a room with light when required but also easily altered to create a relaxed evening setting.
Colour schemes
Choose a calm, tranquil colour scheme from a warm, neutral colour palette that includes soft colours and earthy tones. Some popular choices are soft white, taupe, light greys, creams and pale browns, which create a calming environment and nurture a sense of peace and harmony.
Kitchens and dining rooms
The kitchen is ‘the heart of the home’, a place not only to cook and bake, but also where friends and family gather and share food. To create a feeling of warmth and tranquillity, ensure the space is clutter-free by having adequate well-organised storage space. Open shelving that showcases a natural dinnerware display can be a nice addition.
The dining table should be inviting with comfortable seating. Create an eye-catching centrepiece using natural materials – foliage, wooden bowls, twigs, candles, fir cones. For kitchen lighting, consider a few discreet sources rather than one main pendant. Appeal to the senses with the waft of homemade bread and a homely casserole.
Living rooms
The living room is a place to unwind, so aim to create a feeling of warmth and contentment where you can snuggle up on the couch with cushions and throws. Layer soft furnishings to create a cosy inviting space. Living room furniture should be designed for comfort. Cosy nooks such as a window seat or wing-backed chair make for a great place to relax with a good book and a cup of hot chocolate. A cosy nook can also be a place to meditate, browse your iPad or cuddle a pet.
An open fire creates fabulous mood lighting. Add wicker baskets filled with logs, and place a few candles and indoor plants around the space.
Bedrooms
The bedroom should be a sanctuary of calm and comfort to create a relaxing ambience for sleep. Invest in good-quality bed linen and layer it with cosy throws and cushions for a warm and tranquil look. Opt for a mix of fabrics like breathable linen, high-thread-count cottons and flannels. Upholstered or natural wood headboards will add additional warmth and texture. Add storage solutions such as chests or ottomans at the foot of the bed to hold cushions and throws, or to keep toys in a child’s bedroom. Bare wooden floors with natural-fibre rugs, wooden furniture, stacked books on the bedside cabinet, houseplants and some candles will complete the look.
Bathrooms
Relaxation in the bathroom is everything! Consider a white bathroom suite and opt for a relaxing bath to create a spa-like retreat where you can rejuvenate. Warm things up by adding a few design elements; display your fluffy towels in a wicker basket, add a small table for a scented candle or vase of flowers, and choose accessories made of natural materials like wood and stone. Adequate bathroom storage will ensure that surfaces are kept clear of clutter.
Hygge accessories
Accessorising by using natural materials like wood, wool, linens and leather can help reduce stress and promote well-being. Adding greenery such as potted plants improves air quality while also helping to create a serene environment. Pressed flowers framed and displayed on your walls can make a lovely hygge addition.
Louise Higgins, founder of Aspire Design, is an award-winning designer and a graduate of the Interior Design Academy of Ireland. Louise is a full member of the Interiors Association and is also a member of the Crafts Council of Ireland. For further advice, contact Louise at +353 45 982265 or louise@aspiredesign.ie
- ‘Hygge home’ is published in Anthology Volume 18. Read more features from this volume or buy it now.
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