How To Hygge Your Home (+ 10 Favourite Stores)
So What Exactly Is Hygge?
As we may well be spending a little more time at home this year than any of us had originally planned, would you like to find out how to make your home the cosiest, comfiest, calmest and more connected it's ever been? Let's talk a little Hygge, baby.
You may well have heard Hygge decor mentioned over the last few years, but let's back it up a little. What exactly is it?
A Danish word, pronounced "hoo-gah" which is a little easier to explain than the actual meaning. A word with no direct translation but with infinite meaning, and a reflection of the Scandinavian art of creating intimacy, fellowship and cosiness in the smallest everyday moments.
As a visually orientated person, picture this....you're nestled by the side of a roaring fire, settled into your oversized armchair stacked full of sumptuous cushions, favourite book in hand, wrapped in a chunky knit, glistening twinkling candlelight, no stress, pressure and utter contentment.
Well, there's a little glimpse of Hygge decor. More of a feeling than a word. It's a way of life, and as the Danish are said to be the happiest on earth, let's get Hygge with it and channel some Hygge happiness into your home.
WHAT ARE THE DECOR TIPS FOR GETTING HYGGE WITH IT IN YOUR HOME?
Candles...
Lighting plays a huge part in the ambiance we feel in our homes and it's no different in the Hygge Home. Artificial light is no contender for the romantic allure of cosy candlelight.
If you want the Hygge decor secret sauce, it’s candles, and lots of them. Candles create the perfect atmosphere, casting magical twinkling light, washing away all your stress and worry.
Candles are real ambiance uplifters; for cosy evenings by the fire, for intimate dinners with friends, up your candle game and soothe your soul.
Let There Be Light...
Whilst we're on the subject of lighting, surrounded by darkness for most of the winter, natural daylight is a rare commodity in the Nordic nations. It's easy to understand why lighting is such a crucial part of the Hygge home.
Homes are designed to draw in as much natural lighting as possible and will often feature wall to ceiling glass to maximise the precious daylight. And for those long dark nights? The Danish have mastered the art of layered lighting schemes, zoning areas with pockets of rich ambient lighting from floor lamps, table lamps and twinkling string or cafe lights.
Decorative lighting and central pendants normally command attention with sheer beauty. If you want to up that cosy ambiance even further, lower those kelvins with warmer light bulbs to invite the comforting warming winter glow in.
The Essential Kit…
Who’s with me on this? Cold = Blankets. It’s actually impossible to feel cosy without a blanket, right?
Soft and cosy blankets are a must for your hygge home, on your sofas, chairs, beds. The more chunky knits you can find the better.
If you want to step up your blanket game as I (and my entire family) have recently, think about weighted blankets. They contain a weighty filling to create a gorgeous cosy feel. Wrap them around your shoulders, across your lap or legs. Designed to help reduce restlessness and aid relaxation, believe me they deliver.
Warming You Up….
In the spirit of creating a true hygge home, it doesn’t stop with your interior design. That’s just the start. We need to think of all the ways to invoke feelings of cosy, calm and warmth.
We’ve upped the ambience with candles and lighting, upped the temperature with blankets, let’s keep on going with you. Invest in some gorgeous new chunky wool socks and slippers, and all the delicious warming drinks you can consume.
The key to hygge is invoking a sense of comforting, cosy, calm. We’re adding in layers of texture, layers of soothing warmth and slowing you down a little to be mindful of all life’s simple pleasures.
If wrapping yourself in a plush throw by a roaring fire, sipping on hot cocoa from your favourite mug and flipping through decor mags doesn’t make you want to curl up and get toasty, nothing will!
Do Nothing…
You heard it here first, there is absolutely no multitasking in the hygge home! We’re so busy and productive all the time, but do you ever feel like life is whizzing by and you're missing the magical moments?
Today if you need it, I give you total permission to rest up and relax; sip the coffee, read the book, play the game, sit just a little while longer, start that conversation or enjoy the silence, whatever you do to hygge your head, just enjoy the moment and be totally present.
This is your chance to unplug from the world and enjoy the simple pleasures creating magical moments from living a little more mindfully.
If you're looking for Hygge decor but not sure where to head for some nordic inspiration, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite places to shop below.
If you’re looking for vintage pieces, take a look at the Danish Homestore
Have fun creating some Hygge decor in your home! Grab our HomeEnvy Blueprint if you'd like to dig a little deeper with your home designs.
Natalie xx
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