You may have heard the term “hygge” (pronounced “hoo-gah”) in the past few years, especially in the chilly winter months. This Danish word translates into a feeling of coziness and contentment from enjoying life’s simple pleasures, but there’s no exact English word for it.
Put simply, the main concept of hygge decor is to create a calm space without clutter, a serene oasis where you can relax with (or without) your family and friends. If you want to warm up your home this winter, here are some ways to embrace this comfortable lifestyle.
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Opt for Scandinavian design.
This aesthetic became popular in the early 20th century, and focuses on functionality and minimalism. Some of the ways you can do this include:
- Using storage as decor, whether it’s a slick kitchen organizer or a wooden coffee table.
- Getting some house plants. Scandinavian design doesn’t include many pops of colour, so bring in some lush green plants to energize your space.
- Utilizing light. With as few as seven daylight hours in winter months in Nordic countries, Scandinavian design focuses heavily on soft lighting.
You can integrate muted pendant lights into your living room, or let natural light illuminate soft neutral paint colours on your bedroom wall. Read more about how lighting affects paint colour.
Scandinavian design is minimalist yet warm. It’s about reducing clutter without making your home feel cold or sterile. An interior decorator can help you choose the right furniture and decor for you. -
Focus on self-care.
Hygge decor is all about happiness and health. Think about what makes you feel good: is it reading a good book in your PJs? You could create a reading nook with cozy pillows and soft blankets.
Do you love sinking into a hot bath at the end of a long day? You could spend some time setting up your bathroom, whether that’s investing in a clawfoot bathtub, adding scented candles or stocking your linen closet with plush towels.
Use your imagination to incorporate what you enjoy doing in your downtime into your overall decor scheme. -
Warm up rooms.
Being cozy is key to hygge decor, and what better way to stay comfy than placing some plaid blankets or fluffy pillows into a room? Bringing in a new sheet and comforter set or shopping for new throw pillows for the living room is an easy way to make your home more restful for you and your guests.
You can also choose paint palettes that are centered around warmer colours, whether that’s earthy greens or sunset pinks. Set the mood with a colour scheme that works for your home and lifestyle to create an oasis you won’t want to leave. -
Gather around the fireplace.
Part of Danish culture is connecting with friends and family around a roaring fire. If you can, serve drinks around the fireplace, or have a dinner party inside and then head out to the patio under heat lamps.
If you don’t have a fireplace or heat lamps, light some candles or use gentle lamplight to evoke a similar feeling of coziness and warmth.
The beauty of hygge decor is that it’s all about what makes you comfortable; there are really no rules to follow! So make a hot drink, get into cozy pyjamas and grab a blanket to start brainstorming how you can make this winter the best yet.
No matter what style of aesthetic you’re going for, our team can help. Let’s chat about how we can create a beautiful space you’ll love. Contact us today.
