Getting ‘Hygge’ With It

What is ‘Hygge’ and how do you achieve it at home?

Hygge (pronounced hue-guh not hoo-gah) is the latest interior design trend dominating the Pinterest boards of those in the know. So what on earth is it and how can you get it? ‘Hygge’ is a Danish concept described as a heart-warming way to live a life filled with love, happiness, simplicity and laughter. It’s hard to believe that a country subject to freezing cold temperatures and a limited amount of daylight can remain so upbeat!

 If you’re looking to bring a little more hygge into your life, AND your home, then follow these 10 easy steps on how to turn your home into a sanctuary that encourages social interaction, comfort and cosiness.

Create a hygge colour scheme
Hygge should evoke feelings of tranquility and a sense of peace and calm. As such, the colour scheme should be kept pure, simple and as natural as possible. A hygge colour scheme embraces monochromatic or neutral tones with a mix of muted shades and accent tones such as dusty blues, chalky greens, muted greys or pale pinks.

Layer textures
A hygge-inspired room needs to feel warm, cosy and inviting. This all begins with layering of tactile textures. Introducing chunky knit cushions and throw blankets will create a soft, snuggly place to land. Team these with sheepskin and hides for that extra layer of warmth. Ugg Boots are also a legitimate Australian shortcut to achieving hygge although not quite as stylish as some of the above-mentioned solutions.

Evoke a sense of warmth
In addition to the generous layering of textiles, hygge living really does revolve around a crackling fireplace. Nothing beats the beautiful ambience created by a fireplace. However, if you don’t happen to have one in your home, or outside in your garden, there is an alternative. Stacking firewood in a lovely log holder and placing some candles in front and around it is a nice (and cost effective) alternative.

Remember the Simple Things in Life are Hygge
You don’t need to overhaul your interior to make it more hyggeligt (the Danish word for more hygge) tiny additions to the home can transform any moment. Treating yourself to your favourite coffee, indulging in a bubble bath or finally putting your favourite photographs on the wall are all instant mood lifters, so take the time to enjoy them.

Embrace mood lighting
Creating harmony in lighting is a key component of hygge. While nothing quite beats the glow of a roaring fireplace, soothing pools of light using a mix of table lamps, standing lamps, lanterns and candles will create a beautiful ambience.

Make the dining room the centre of your home
The Danish love to spend time in the kitchen cooking a hearty meal or baking an indulgently sinful sweet treat. The dining room really is the centre of a Danish home and in most cases, the centre of most Thrive Homes too. Our open plan kitchen, living and dining areas are the perfect place to get hygge in the heart of the home.

Create special spaces & cosy nooks
Creating a cosy nook is the ultimate way to practise hygge. Find an area of your home that offers either a view or a cosy corner somewhere (beside the fireplace is a great spot). Place a comfy armchair, a soft ottoman or a plush bean bag and layer it with cushions and throws. Then just sit back and relax.

Don't overdo
Hygge is never about extravagance, indulgence yes, but extravagance no. Hygge settings are not about wowing or impressing guests, they are about creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that friends and family never want to leave.

Enjoy the space around you
The key idea behind hygge is to enjoy the environment around you and nowhere is this more essential than in the home. If it’s time to build a home that you love, that is uniquely you, that represents high quality at the right price, get in touch with us here.