Hailing from Northern European nations like Denmark, hygge design has perfected how to enjoy each day, especially during the long winter months, by thoughtfully transforming surroundings and mindset. The essence of the practice lies in the details that make your space feel like home.
What is hygge?
While it doesn’t have an equivalent in English, hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah”) loosely translates to a lifestyle centered around coziness, comfort and well-being. It’s often used by the Danish to acknowledge when one is feeling at peace and content in the moment, whether it’s while you’re at home sipping a cup of your favorite tea and watching the snow or you’re out with friends, enjoying holiday festivities.
Hygge is more than a decorative style. It really all comes down to a feeling, so when it’s applied to your home, it means your home makes you feel comfortable, calm and content.
Hygge interior design ideas for your home
Getting rid of all unnecessary clutter to ensure every item you have helps you feel cozy, content and ready to relax. The upside is that creating a space perfect for hygge also fills your space with trendy décor, from chunky knit blankets to fancy candles.
With a few easy tricks, you can create a cozy haven ready for relaxing and Instagram!
Hygge design ideas in your living area
Main living spaces offer tons of opportunity to layer textures, making it a perfect area to make headway with your hygge. Find accents in a similar color palette to keep the design cohesive but with different fabrics. Choosing colors that are earthy and natural, such as variations of white, green, gray and tan or brown work well.
- Use oversized knit blankets and accent pillows and fleecy throws to make your couches and chairs extra inviting.
- Add fluffy and fuzzy rugs to up the cozy factor.
- Use floating shelves on the walls to place photos, plants and decorative items. This will keep side and coffee tables uncluttered and open for the important things — like the book you’re reading and the cup of tea you’re sipping.
- Have several smaller types of lights instead of just one main source, which can be harsh and not particularly relaxing. Floor lamps and table lamps are great, and decorative string lights are key for ambiance.
- Hygge is more than just looks, it includes fragrance, too! Place candles throughout the space as both a potential light source and a way to introduce calming scents.
- Add a soft ottoman for putting up your feet and relaxing.
Hygge design ideas in your bedroom
While smaller than the main living area, bedrooms are also ideal spaces for focusing your hygge efforts. Bedrooms specifically illustrate the side of hygge that prizes true relaxation and rest.
- Start your efforts by making sure your mattress is ready for quality sleep, which might require an additional investment. But there are tons of affordable mattress options online to keep costs manageable.
- Pile on pillows in different soft fabrics like silk, knits and jersey.
- Remember that soft lighting is always hygge’s best friend. Put a lamp on your nightstand or use a floor lamp instead of overhead lighting.
- Add a plant or two for some natural green. You can either set them on a nightstand, dresser or window sill, or you can try hanging them from the ceiling.
- Bring in more natural elements by choosing a nightstand and dresser made of natural wood as opposed to painted wood or synthetic materials.
Hygge design ideas in your kitchen
Companionship and gathering friends together is another huge part of hygge. Odds are that guests will gather in the kitchen whenever you host any event, no matter how far apart you spread snacks around your space.
- Keep clutter to a minimum by storing larger appliances like blenders, mixers and toasters in a concealed cabinet or closet, if you have the storage available.
- Create a fun, laid back atmosphere with snacks and appetizers to share. This could be anything from keeping the supplies for hot cocoa readily accessible for anyone that stops by or baking cookies for a gathering at your home. This can help you and your guests feel at home while hosting holidays or just celebrating the weekend!
- Use a few small throw pillows on benches and chairs around the kitchen table for added comfort.
- Keep your table clean and free of clutter. If you want something on your table, try putting a vase of fresh flowers, a small potted plant or a few candles.
- Use floating shelves made of natural woods to store smaller items you use frequently, like teapots, mugs and cutting boards.
- Rugs are for kitchens, too! Bring in some warmth by adding a flat rug underneath your table or in an open spot on your kitchen floor.
Hygge design ideas in your bathroom
Getting cozy might mean lounging on a couch or cocooning in bed, but consider a self-care splurge in your bathroom.
- Stock your bathroom with face masks and bath bombs. You can either keep them in drawers or cabinets or you can try storing them in decorative jars on the counter.
- Soft lighting from candles can do a ton to help melt stress away, or warm you back up after walking in the latest polar vortex.
- Towels are like blankets for your bathroom! Hang soft, fluffy towels from hooks or bars.
- For storing extra towels, toilet paper and other bathroom products, use storage baskets. There are many different types to choose from and plenty of materials, such as seagrass and woven fabrics.
- Hang plants from the ceiling — you can even hang them in the shower as the moisture can help keep those plants stay healthy and watered.
Embrace the comfort with hygge design
Remember that hygge isn’t just a style of décor, it’s a way of life. Your home is where you live and it should reflect your lifestyle. Hygge can help you live your life with a bit less stress and help create a home you want to come back to — no matter the season.
