The Danish concept of "Hygge" is taking the world of interior design by storm, and for good reason.
But what is Hygge? And should you care?
Hygge, pronounced "hoo-gah", is the Danish idea of comfy and cosy living. This includes enjoying down-time with family and friends, as well as taking that hour to yourself to wrap up in a blanket with a hot cup of tea with a good book, guilt free. This idea has made its way into interior design, with warm throws and blankets with chunky wool knits and comforting candles dominating idea-sharing networks such as Pinterest & Instagram in the last few weeks and months.
Unlike some other interior trends, however, Hygge isn"t hard to achieve. Plus, it promotes DIY crafts such as knitting and sewing, which are perfect for down-time and meditation.
Hygge is one of the easiest trends to achieve at home, so it"s perfect for anyone to try. Here"s how you can get started:
1. Start crafting!
Crafting is the perfect activity when you"re looking for some alone time. What"s better for promoting a peaceful outlook than sitting down and spending an hour quietly knitting or sewing? No distractions, no multi-tasking, just you and your craft. After all, in this busy, non-stop world, we all need some time to switch off and relax. So get knitting or crafting today!
2. Promote warmth & comfort at home.
Many interior design trends don"t list comfort as a priority. This is not the case with Hygge. If it"s not warm and comfortable, it"s not Hygge. If you want to get in on this trend, you need to create a home that"s a haven for the weary. Place warm throws on your couches and arm chairs. Ensure scented candles are adding an ambiance in the evening. Prepare decluttered spaces for hobbies, such as a quiet reading corner with a comfortable chair, nice blanket, and a convenient space for your cup of tea. Before you know it, your home will be the living embodiment of Hygge!
3. Decorate with calming colours.
When decorating your home for comfort, it"s important to utilise colours that you find calming. Try choosing neutral, natural or pastel shades to maintain a relaxed atmosphere. Whether it"s cushions, throws, or pictures around the room, promoting calmness and peacefulness when decorating should always be front of mind.
4. Use the right textures
What creates a comforting and warm effect better than wool, felt, and other cosy textures? Choose knitted throws, velvet cushions, and other textures you might like. Pick what suits you too - use materials that may have a nostalgic value to you, and create your own personalised refuge from the stresses of life within your home.
5. Keep it up outside the home
Hygge isn"t just for weekends, it"s for life! Promote calmness and balance on a day to day basis too. This means spending time with friends and family, taking a walk, enjoying a guilt-free slice of cake, or taking a long, uninterrupted bath. Generally, just take time to stop and smell the roses. Make sure you take some time to yourself on a daily basis, and indulge in the activities that make you happy!
