8 ways to make your home more 'hygge'
Scrolling through your Instragam feed this season you’ve probably seen a lot of #hygge—seldom has a decor trend been a more apt cultural zeitgeist. More than just pumpkin-spiced lattes, when it comes to home decor, hygge is about creating a warm and intimate space to share with those closest to you. Sound inviting? We think so too.
Once again it’s that time of year when we all need a little hygge in our lives. From warming colour palettes to scented candles, take a look at these 8 ways to make your home decor more hygge.
What is hygge interior design?
First of all, it’s pronounced “hoo-gah”. Hygge is a Danish word meaning ‘cosiness’ but the ideology translates as ‘the art of creating intimacy’. It’s more than just hot drinks and cinnamon candles. Hygge isn’t about grand, formal entertaining, it’s cushions and throws piled high. Evenings in front of the fire in your comfiest pyjamas surrounded by those you feel most comfortable around. It’s about celebrating the winter months by hunkering down and cosying up. So, if you’re looking for ways to make your home more hygge in preparation for hibernation, here’s how.
Opt for a warm and calming colour palette
When choosing a hygge colour palette for your home, the key is to look for warming colours, with a red or yellow undertone, rather than blue or grey. Lighter paint colours will create a relaxed, soothing atmosphere, whilst darker paint colours can make a space feel cosy and cocooning, perfect for a bedroom or a living room in the evening. Explore the warm and cosy colours from our collection or discover our cosy colour palette.
Explore our warm and cosy colours
Opt for natural materials
A rustic wood coffee table, wicker or rattan furnishings, and exposed beams all work to create a warm and cosy hygge home. Plus, carpets are a big no-no, it’s all about natural wood flooring with thick pile rugs. If you don’t have much in the way of natural wood in your home, what about trying your hand at some DIY shiplap cladding. Painted or left untreated, it’s a great way to create that modern farmhouse feel, synonymous with Nordic design. Our tips on how to create DIY shiplap cladding will help you get the look.
Ensure you have throws and blankets to bury your feet into
Just as with Scandi interior style, creating a hygge home means layering lots of fabrics and textiles. And when it comes to blankets, you can’t have too many. On your sofa, on your bed, or piled high in a wicker basket—just make sure there is one within arms reach at all times. It’s about texture, rather than colour, so go for thick knits, fluffy throws, or bouclé blankets.
The more cushions, the better
Just as with blankets, more is more when it comes to cushions. Cable knit and Nordic style patterns are classic hygge, but you don’t need to stick to them. We think textured Beni Ourain, shearling or kilim cushions work even better. Take a look at these neutral living room ideas to see how you can create depth and visual interest through layering textiles.
Indulge your senses with scented candles
On your coffee table, on your mantelpiece, on your shelves. If in doubt, if there’s room for a candle there, put a candle there. Decor isn’t just about the eyes, it’s sensory too, so when choosing your candles go for rich, nostalgic, woody aromas.
A hygge home isn’t just about gentle living, it’s about being gentle to the planet too. So opt for soy or beeswax candles, rather than paraffin wax.
Cosy up in front of a fire
Extra hygge house points if you’ve got an open fire or log burner.
Layer your lighting
Layering your lighting helps create an ambient, warming mood in your home. Switch off any bright ceiling lights and opt for warm, yellow bulbs in table lamps, floor lamps, and dimmed wall lights. Hygge is all about creating pockets of intimacy, and layered lighting does just that.
Hygge home decor idea: cosy nooks
A hygge home is all about creating little nooks in which to cosy up. Be that a big armchair to sink into (piled high with cushions and throws, naturally) or a cushioned bench in the kitchen. If you haven’t got room for an armchair, a beanbag or pouffe will do. Make use of tricky spaces by creating a stylish alcove with a bespoke seating nook.
We hope these home decor ideas gave you some inspiration on how to make your home a little more hygge. Take a look at these 5 ways to make your living room more Scandi if this style is up your street.