Hygge: Danish comfort in your home
It's more of a lifestyle than a living trend, and that's exactly why the Danish term "hygge" has been on everyone's lips since 2017. We expect the trend to continue in the New Year too. Find out what "hygge" means and how to interpret it in your home.
The term "hygge", pronounced "hou-ga" is a Danish term that describes a feeling of well-being. But "hygge" is more than that: the term also encompasses things like mindfulness, spending time with family or enjoying a cup of hot chocolate. Sensations or situations that warm the heart and make time stand still. Among the Danes, hygge has been applied and appreciated for a long time. This is perhaps one of the reasons why they are among the happiest people in the world.
A "hygge" interior
To translate "hygge" into a single word in furnishings is impossible. A blend of comfort, security, naturalness and harmony is perhaps the closest thing to it. A hygge interior has a pleasant atmosphere. It's a place where you want to stay, where you feel good. It sounds good and can be put into practice with simple means.
Soft colours
Sober colours like grey, beige, brown and white have a calming effect. Whether it's furniture or the colour of your bedroom walls: to turn rooms into a haven of peace, it's important that soft colours dominate. That doesn't mean you should banish the others. Deliberate colour accents such as blue, green or pastel pink are even welcome! Just bear in mind that the more modest your colour palette, the more soothing the effect. [[image:10434468 "Image: Bloomingville",10434439 "Image: House Doctor"]] [[product:5757825,5766348,6085164]] [[product:5757851,6180143,5706680]]
Warm light
The easiest way to create a cosy atmosphere is with lighting. It should be white and warm if you want to relax in the evening. This works best with appropriate light bulbs, candles or a chimney fire. [[image:10434446 "Image: House Doctor",10434498 "Image: House Doctor"]] [[product:7155734,4676342,6520297]]
Natural materials
To break away from the digital world, a return to nature is essential. Yes, in Denmark it gets particularly cold in winter. So it's best to bring nature into your living room. Wood, rattan and natural stone are the basis for all kinds of furniture. These are complemented by wool, linen and cotton textiles, providing a harmonious mix. [[image:10434616 "Image: Nordal",10434442 "Image: House Doctor"]] [[product:5771473,5707615,6147828]] [[product:6805963,5771805,6336055]]
Simple shapes
The secret of this lifestyle lies in the simplicity of the layout. The principle makes sense: the simpler things are, the more durable they are. A simply styled sofa pleases for longer, and small updates to the look are simpler (and cheaper) with cushions and blankets. [[image:10434431 "Image: House Doctor",10434671 "Image: Nordal"]] [[product:6514196,5919795,5942789]] [[product:5721067,5802852,6515601]]
Conclusion
It doesn't matter, how much you like the style: even the most "hygge" furnishing possible is useless if you don't appreciate it for what it is. It's worth bearing in mind that, if we want to flesh out our definition a little further, "hygge" is also related to gratitude. We should only surround ourselves with things that make us happy. So why not switch off your smartphone, relax with your friends and consciously enjoy the present moment? With wool socks and a cup of hot chocolate, of course. [[image:10440052]]
When I’m not busy putting together home décor themes or planning marketing activities for Galaxus, I enjoy decorating my home with things I love and starting DIY projects I finish all too rarely. The inspiration I get comes from blogs, magazines and travels. My favourite home living styles: Nautical, Scandinavian and Nordic.