How do you incorporate the Danish principle of hygge into interior design to create spaces that make us happy? Hygge is a lifestyle that is about exploring human happiness and the principles that exist in daily rituals. But to get into the real Hygge Zen, the Danes also recommend decorating your home according to this principle.
Not all of us have been to Copenhagen, and you don't have to have been to understand and live the Hygge principle.
People in Denmark are incredibly calm, present and balanced. Sure, they work and create, but their mentality is light and balanced. There is something peaceful about their rhythm of life. They are happy and it is assumed that their happiness is due to their hygge practice.
The first thing we need to understand is hygge itself. The pronunciation is debatable, and frankly, it doesn't matter.
The basic principles of hygge include atmosphere, presence, the ability to focus on the here and now, pleasure, gratitude, comfort and togetherness. The concept of hygge is about gratitude and savouring simple pleasures. Since the majority of Danes believe that home is the place where you feel good, it is an ideal time to implement the concept in your own home.
Materials: Use materials for your furniture and materials that make your home feel cosy. Choose furniture that also fits the dimensions of the living space. Furniture that is too big and clunky will make your home seem ill-conceived and impractical. Choosing soft and natural surfaces and panels will bring you into harmony with nature and create a relaxed atmosphere.
Wood: Wood plays an important role in making us feel grounded as it takes us back to our roots of prehistory. This is one of the reasons why wooden toys are making a comeback. Wood brings us closer to nature and has a simple and warm aesthetic. Some examples of the use of wood: flooring, wooden surface for the dresser, wooden panel in the sliding door or a bedside table.
The sitting area: With a cosy armchair, a few cushions and - you guessed it - light, you can easily set up a cosy corner.
Fireplace: It is the ultimate experience of cosiness and warmth. Not always an option for everyone, but they are relatively common in living rooms.
Candles: There is no hygge without candles. Danes light candles almost every day.
Nature: Literally bring nature into the house. Greens, acorns... basically anything you can think of to put on a table, bench or floor. It also helps if you use glass partitions and large windows in your home. This way, rooms can be separated from each other but natural light still falls into the rooms.
Books: Taking a break with a good book, in a cosy chair or on the couch, in front of the fire. What could be better? Also feel free to browse through our brochures for inspiration.
Accents: Design is less about how you think and more about how a room makes you feel. What will you do in a room and how will it make you feel. In your bedroom, for example, you will sleep, read and relax. Therefore, choosing core pieces that enhance these experiences is crucial.
Blankets and pillows: Think cosy, comfy and warm. Layering several blankets and cushions is not only hyggelig, but also a wonderful way to create a colour palette, add texture and add dimension to a room. One of the easiest places to start is your bed.
The cold days can come and we make ourselves extra cosy inside.
