Hygge (pronounced hoo-gah) originates from Denmark and is the concept of creating joy and coziness in life’s everyday moments.
I absolutely love this concept, of surrounding yourself with items that are both personal and beautiful, while also being useful, and removing anything from your home that is not. It is the antithesis of the stark, impersonal look that is sometimes popular in modern interior design, and is rooted in the belief that your home should be a reflection of you and in turn, will be warm and inviting to everyone who enters it. It is about creating space and calm within your home.
Hygge is not a thing or something you buy….Hygge is a state of mind
Morten Georgsen
There is even a recent trend toward Hygge in staging as well, away from the cookie cutter pieces that have been on constant rotation for many years, to more natural elements that bring warmth to a space. So what are the key elements and how can you achieve Hygge in your own home?
Lighting
Move away from overhead and pot lighting, and towards indirect low lighting such as table and floor lamps, sconces, twinkle lights and candles. This type of lighting provides a sense warmth and its flattering effect is an added bonus!
Less Clutter
Place an emphasis on filling your home with items that have personal meaning and are a reflection of who you are, such as well-loved books, family mementos or your treasured LP collection. Surround yourself with few well-chosen accessories that provide style as well as function.
Soften Your Space
Add soft cushions and throws which provide both comfort & warmth. Choose fabrics that appeal to the sense of touch and swap them out seasonally.
le mieux est l’ennemi du bien (the best is the enemy of the good)
Voltaire
Embrace Imperfection
It does not have to be perfect, just a perfect reflection of you. Lean towards the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi which believes that beauty is imperfect, impermanent and incomplete.
Neutral Colour Scheme
Paint your walls white or another neutral colour and offset them with natural fabrics, greenery and wood accents. Wood not only warms your home but helps bring you closer to nature. Accent your wood floors with area rugs made of natural fabric such jute, or vintage rugs in the Persian style.
Slow Down & Simplify
Have spaces that encourage you to slow down and are organized in such a way to simplify your daily tasks. A spa-like bathroom will provide an oasis where you can relax and enjoy a bath with a warm cup of coffee, tea or mulled wine. A pared down well-organized kitchen and office will simplify your daily routine and inject calm into your day.
Fire
Light a fire or candles and this will automatically inject warmth and comfort into a room, while also bathing it in natural light.
Welcome Guests
Create space where you can entertain easily in an atmosphere that welcomes your tribe and encourages the sharing of good food, wine and conversation.
Music
Fill your home with music you love and that provides a backdrop for the calm and serenity that you are fostering throughout your home.
Despite their cold winters and the limited hours of sunlight during those long winter months, the Danish are repeatedly ranked as some of the happiest people in the world. This practice of intentionally injecting Hygge into their everyday lives could be why, and reason enough for me to bring a little Hygge into my own life!