Take inspiration from the Danes and embrace the warm and cosy vibes of the much-loved hygge trend.
When the temperature drops it’s always a sign that it’s time to wrap up and huddle indoors with a warm drink. With winter upon us, let’s take inspiration from the Danes who’ve mastered the art of how to be cosy. Known as hygge, it’s all about creating a home that’s contemporary yet extremely relaxing.
The great thing about hygge is that you can introduce it in big and small touches throughout your home. It could be a small cosy corner under the stairs or an entire room dedicated to relaxation. Hygge can mean lighting candles after a long day or curling up with a cosy blanket near your fireplace.
From colour palette ideas, and styling tips to the best textures to use, read our guide to discover the many ways you can incorporate hygge décor in your home with the help of Amthal Karim, Head of Design at Furniture And Choice.
Originating from Denmark, hygge has no literal translation. It’s more about a feeling than a physical act or item - like that warm feeling when surrounded by friends and family. Hygge (pronounced as ‘hoo-ga’) is about elevating home life, feeling present, and having a sense of comfort, contentment and gratitude.
So when that’s translated into the home, it’s all about creating a space that evokes that feeling for you. For example, when you’re snug on the sofa when it’s raining outside or curling up with a good book while a cake is in the oven. Find out more below to learn how to create this feeling through interior design.
As Head of Design, Amthal has long-term experience in tracking and analysing the latest interior trends and working with our team of stylists to create fresh new, exciting content. Having worked in PR and marketing, Amthal puts her skills to good use by brainstorming photoshoots and planning the latest campaigns. With her eye for detail and insight, Furniture And Choice has been featured in Homes & Gardens, IdealHome and Big Furniture Group.
Scandinavian homes are known for being minimalist in style but have you ever wondered how they feel warm and inviting instead of stark? The key is in the materials they choose to decorate with like wood, stone and wicker baskets. “Denmark is the home of furniture design so they put the most emphasis on furniture,” Amthal says. “It’s all about texture and warmth. Wood can be dark or light - darker woods give a more rustic feel whilst lighter woods can give a modern style element to a space.”
Emphasising natural textures allows you to draw attention to architectural elements of your home like exposed wooden beams or wooden flooring. “You can also choose to have the materials in their raw or polished form,” Amthal explains. “Raw textures add a rustic feel like a wicker-weaved basket or sleeper-style wood. Polished contemporary wooden furniture makes the space feel modern and lighter.”
When choosing a colour palette for your hygge home, the first thing to do is think of colours associated with warmth and cosiness. Similar to the materials and textures used, the hygge colour palette takes inspiration from nature.
“Go for muted or a ‘down to earth’ colour palette inspired by nature,” Amthal says. “If any white is used - it’s always a warm white. If you’re using any other colours, they are always muted and dusty like pink, light blue, soft earthy oranges and browns. You can go dark and cosy or soft and cosy - just make sure the palette is not too vivid or bright.” When it’s colours to avoid, stay away from cool greys or blues for wall colours as they make the room feel cold.
Relaxation is a key part of hygge interior design so making your home feel cosy and inviting is essential. Soft textures like fabrics and textiles will make the space warm up your home and set the mood for lounging. Go for soft fabrics like cotton, cashmere and wool when choosing blankets - the more the better.
“When it comes to texture, think chunky, hand-knitted woollen textures or boucle fabrics,” Amthal says. “Modern accessories take texture to a new level like the popular knot cushion which is made from high quality materials that are made to last. The texture comes from the weave of the knitting or the bobble on the fabric.”
With shorter days in winter, lighting is essential when you spend most of your days indoors. It also plays an important role in nailing the hygge aesthetic. If you have bright white light bulbs it may make your room feel too stark so it’s best to choose yellow bulbs for table and floor lamps to create a warm, ambient glow.
“Ambient lighting is important for a cosy, hygge-ready space,” Amthal says. “Table lamps dotted around the room emit a soft, warm glow. A floor lamp with light directed downwards keeps the room from feeling too bright but gives enough light to read a book beside it.” The current hygge-inspired trend is the mushroom lamp. The latest ones are energy efficient so they are LED powered which makes them easy to use and is extremely versatile as you don’t need for a plug switch. You can place them anywhere in the room with no trailing leads.
5. Set The Mood With Candles And Scents
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According to Meik Wiking, happiness researcher and author of The Little Book of Hygge, Danes burn 13 pounds of candle wax a year per capita, which is more than any other country. So take a cue, and include candles in your home for a hygge feel.
This provides natural light, offering a gentle, cosier alternative to electric lighting many of us have in our homes. “You can layer candles in varying heights and sizes for an eclectic look,” Amthal suggests. “A set of candles placed on your side table next to your sofa or bedside table for example, can help create a calm atmosphere.” For extra sensory effects, choose a soothing scent you enjoy, and get the benefits of aromatherapy as well.
“Nordic design is defined by subtlety,” Amthal says. “Longer winters mean Scandinavian people want their homes to have some colour and warmth – after all, that's where and how the hygge concept was created.” As one of the most communal spaces at home, the living room is one of the best places to add a hygge touch, especially if you have a fireplace.
Decorate around the fireplace with artwork or mirrors to create a focal point in your hygge living room. If you want to highlight the natural element, you can add wooden panels or wall slats above or around your fireplace. “Create a cocoon-like feel in your living room by keeping colour tones dusty and deep,” Amthal suggests. “If you want to add depth to the room by colour-drenching the skirting boards and architectural features.”
Winter can feel isolating with shorter days and longer evenings. Creating a space dedicated to gathering around at home will make it easier to socialise and motivate you to invite people over. Whether it’s decorating your dining table or a cosy lounge area in your living room stick to the basics of hygge style – lots of natural materials, cosy layers and ambient lighting.
In the dining room, a beautifully crafted wood or stone dining table will bring the most warmth. “Go for dining chairs with a curved design which makes it feel like you’re given a hug when sitting down,” Amthal suggests. “Choose dining chairs in luxe upholstery like velvet. Upholstery is important and makes the seat feel comfy and the snug feel comes through with a high quality, rich material or textured finish such as bouclé.”
When it comes to adding small hygge touches throughout your home, styling nooks dedicated to relaxation is what this décor trend is all about. Make use of alcoves and transform them into a cosy reading corner or a breakfast nook with blankets, candles and cushions. If you don’t have enough space for a big armchair you can opt for a beanbag or fabric pouffe. For breakfast nooks, a small wooden table and bench set is the perfect place to enjoy a cup of tea to kickstart the day. If you’re looking for more ideas on how to incorporate wellness in the home, read our guide to find out more.
Besides natural textures, livening up your home with indoor greenery or flowers not only brightens up your space but also creates a calming atmosphere. Choose plant pots made from rattan, terracotta or ceramics or use hanging planters if you’re decorating with trailing plants.
If you prefer to freshen up your space with flowers all you need is a colourful bouquet on your dining table. Choose seasonal flowers in soft colours like lavender or blush pink to match the colour palette.
We hope you enjoyed reading our hygge home décor ideas. Are you looking for more décor ideas like this? Check out our guide to Scandinavian living room ideas for more inspiration.
