Table of Contents:
What is Hygge?
Hygge is a Danish and Norweigan word that embodies a sense of cosiness and contentment, sometimes associated with home and interior design to create a comfortable, safe, and welcoming environment. Additionally, it signifies a lifestyle focused on comfort, laughter, and quality time with loved ones.
Hygge and mental health are closely intertwined. A hygge lifestyle encourages mindfulness and gratitude for what we have, elevating mental well-being and contentment.
According to Meik Wiking, author of "The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Live Well", there are 10 principles of hygge which outline the aspects of the concept. Keep these in mind when decorating your home in a hygge fashion and creating a hygge lifestyle.
The 10 Principles of Hygge:
Atmosphere
Presence
Pleasure
Equality
Gratitude
Harmony
Comfort
Truce
Togetherness
Shelter
In this simple guide, we will explore the history and origin of hygge, as well as key characteristics and decorating ideas to help you bring the essence of hygge into your home.
History & Origin of Hygge
Hygge has been a Danish concept since before the 1800s. It's a philosophy that honours the importance of quality time with loved ones, gentleness and emotional well-being.
The Danish-Norwegian word "hygge" (pronounced "hooga") originates from the word "hyggja" which means "to think" in the Old Norse language. Hygge's closest literal translation is "to console" or "to comfort".
In 2024, Denmark was ranked the second happiest country in the world by the World Happiness Report for the sixth year in a row, which is perhaps why the concept of hygge has been embraced so widely across the globe, including countries such as Finland, Iceland, Sweden and Norway. The idea has travelled well, and it's now being practised in the UK and the USA.
Hygge became a popular lifestyle trend sometime in the 2010s, celebrating the importance of self-care, gratitude, community and finding joy in simple pleasures.
In terms of interior design, hygge-inspired spaces pluck inspiration from styles such as Scandinavian. Scandinavian countries experience cold winters, so their homes are typically optimised for warmth and cosiness.
Hygge Key Characteristics
Conviviality: Family-friendly living areas or open-plan living spaces. Giving thoughtful attention to your home's layout can create a sense of togetherness. Keep a collection of board games and puzzles to bring friends and family together, cook a hearty meal for your household, and make a regular commitment to connecting with your loved ones.
Simplicity: High-quality, natural materials, simple colour palettes and clutter-free spaces create an environment conducive to relaxation and peace.
Warmth: Creating a warm environment is crucial to achieve cosiness. Besides temperature, you can create warmth through inviting colours, comforting textures and simplistic decor.
Comfort: Make your home as comforting as possible, from luxurious seating to soft, ambient lighting. At least once a day, find a moment to do something that soothes you - have a warm beverage, read a book under a blanket, interact with a pet, or call the friend you've been missing.
Functionality: Streamlined storage, organisation, optimised functionality, and furniture layouts that create a practical home.
Hygge Interior Design Decorating Ideas
Blend modern and rustic aesthetics: Scandinavian interior design is a key inspiration for hygge homes. This style is known for seamlessly blending modern and rustic design elements to create a sleek but warmly inviting space.
Natural materials: Natural materials possess an authenticity that artificial ones can never live up to. Include materials such as solid wood, cotton, bamboo, silk, clay, wicker or stone.
Cosy nooks: Create cosy nooks in your home to enjoy quiet moments. Think window seats with plush cushions or reading corners with snug armchairs.
Softness: Infusing your home with snuggly elements and "softening the harsh edges" of your decor will enhance the ambience and comfort of the space. Include a range of high-quality soft furnishings including throw pillows, rugs and blankets. Furthermore, opt for furniture with curves rather than harsh straight lines.
Calming colours: Simple, muted colour schemes can be easier for our minds to process meaning they can be conducive to a relaxing atmosphere. Explore our guide on hygge colour palettes here.
Meaningful decor: This could be quality items with a story such as artisan decorations and antiques, or sentimental items like family photos, heirlooms or homemade crafts.
Lighting: Lighting plays a pivotal role in crafting a pleasant atmosphere. Warm ambient lighting and hygge go hand-in-hand to create a welcoming, relaxing and cosy environment.
Nature: Bringing nature indoors has an amazing ability to uplift the space. Decorate with houseplants, flowers, natural seashells, raw crystals, or anything with an organic, untouched quality.
Ambience: Use soothing lighting, calming scents, candles, or the sound of a crackling fire to create a warming ambience reminiscent of a snowy wooden cabin.
Minimalism: A functional and tidy home is a happy one. Adopting a minimalist approach to your hygge decor can help to maintain a practical home and a calming aesthetic.
Related Articles:
Disclaimer: Your invaluable support through affiliate links allows us to sustain our mission of continuously inspiring and guiding you on your enriching home decor journey. It aids us in providing valuable insights, recommendations, and resources, ensuring that we can consistently offer quality content and advice to elevate your home's aesthetic and comfort.
Comentários