Is Hygge the Home Design Story that Suits Your Lifestyle?

The notion of Hygge is several hundred years old, yet it seems to just recently be taking a foothold in the U.S. My theory is that Americans have always taken issue with the idea of a relaxation as a lifestyle. Maybe we’re finally correcting our perception of what life is all about.

Hygge Home Ideas Your Family Will Adore

You’ve probably heard the word hygge (pronounced hue-gah). Basically Hygge is the Scandinavian word for cozy, Hygge encourages us to appreciate our surroundings and everyone within our sphere. It’s a lifestyle, but also a design mantra as our home decor is a reflection of our daily habits. The concept as it applies to interior design, is to elevate your decor to create a warm atmosphere and a place to enjoy life’s little moments. Considering the commotion our lives have undergone in the past 2 years, we might all be ready to embrace a cozy hygge ambiance in our homes. These simple ideas can work for the whole family.

Create a Gathering Space
The hygge home is centered around community. It welcomes guests to relax and chat, and encourages household members to take a moment to focus on each other. You don’t have to have a 70’s-style conversation pit to evoke an intimate meeting space in your home. Simply arrange furniture in a way that promotes conversation with the spotlight on connection. This means forget centering your furniture around electronics. Consider occasionally hiding the TV when you want to promote a hygge mentality.

Neutralize
Keep colors soft and harmonious; grays, browns, creams and greens from nature.

Eliminate Clutter
Every element of the room should have a purpose. This isn’t to say that you need to be exactly minimalist, just avoid mismatch and disarray.

Add Textures
Make your space warm and inviting by adding soft textures throughout your home. Faux furs, sheepskins and chunky soft knits are the epitome of hygge. The hygge home is full of comforting items that sooth and ward of winter’s chill.

Sharper textures can be incorporated with natural materials like wood serving trays, twig bouquets, storage baskets, or plants.

Address the Lighting
Since the Danes experience long winters, they know the value of embracing the sunlight when it’s available. A truly hygge design leaves your space bright and inviting. Avoid heavy light-blocking curtains or closed blinds. Opt for sheer white curtains or undressed windows to bring in the daylight. In the evening, avoid fluorescent or hard lighting. Instead, choose strings of twinkle lights or warm illumination options in isolated pockets across your home or living space. Encourage intimacy and well-being by eliminating harsh or sterile bulbs and fixtures. Candles or fireplaces, though not always practical for every room, are the perfect example of hygge lighting.

Don’t Forget the Bathroom
Everyone loves a bathroom that feels like their favorite spa. Modern bathrooms are more than just functional, they’re a place to rejuvenate in the evening or prepare us for the day to come. Make the bathroom peaceful and relaxing by hiding health and beauty items, gadgets and appliances. Add candles, luxurious towels, fluffy rugs and comfy robes.

True Hygge decor goes far beyond uncomplicated aesthetic. Beautification is simply a means to an end. The real goal of a hygge home is to embrace the day and enjoy those around you. Hygge conveys a luxurious lifestyle without the unnecessary price tag of luxury. You can easily create Hygge by transforming items you already own. This is a design goal everyone in the family will appreciate.