Now the nights are beginning to draw in, and the weather is getting chilly, we are starting to think about creating a space in our homes that we are happy to nestle into and hibernate for the winter. We’ve found the perfect Danish trend for this, hygge.
In recent years the word hygge has gained popularity, and you may have wondered what it means, hygge, (pronounced hoo-gaa) has no actual direct English translation. It is an audio representation of the Danish culture of living well through cosiness and togetherness and will often be cited as one of the main reasons why Scandinavian countries are the happiest in the world.
Depending on who you speak to, hygge can mean a different thing. It could be beautifully dimmed lighting, floor piles of cosy woollen blankets, or even your favourite podcast or house plant. It can even mean a warming hot chocolate and a wonder through the local park with a friend. This trend is a very personal one, focused on the items and experiences that make you feel most comfortable, wherever you are!
Whatever it means to you, it is certainly worth cultivating, we have listed seven top tips to help you bring a bit of hygge into your own home and embrace the trend ready for the upcoming winter!
1. Keep It Simple
If you know anything about the Danish culture, you will be aware that they are not keen on clutter, and love naturally occurring colours like greys, sands, and topes. When thinking about the colour and layout of the room you are planning on re-vamping, try to use low to the ground, minimalist furnishing with plenty of cosy cushions and blankets. Think simple prints or natural images for the walls. You could use our custom photographic wallpaper to create a wonderfully simple mural, such as a beach sunset, or frozen forest to help emphasise the natural look and feel of the room.
2. Light Candles
Having beautiful soft lighting is an integral way of harnessing the hygge atmosphere. Candles are a simple way of achieving a warming vibe in almost any room. Have a go lighting a multitude of tea lights around the room to spread a warming orange glow, or light a few larger candles in glass or metal vase to give off a calming yellow light. Also, try turning off the main room light, and instead enjoy smaller lights placed lower in the room to give a gentler lighting effect.
3. Show Off Your Favourite Moments
Another foundation of hygge is about creating a happy environment, a sense of togetherness in the household. Experiment with placing custom canvas prints of your loved ones, family and friends, around the house displaying your favourite moments. Or opt for a string of carefully placed fairy lights with photos pegged on. Photographs of happy images have been proven to lift your mood when you’re feeling down and can create a very personal, homely environment. So, however you decide to display them, get your favourite photos printed out and disperse them throughout your home to embrace the hygge feeling.
4. Generate Warmth
Few people actually enjoy the sensation of feeling cold; therefore, you should try and create both a psychological and physical feeling of warmth within your home. There are many ways to do this, from lighting candles to using warm tones, such as rich reds and oranges in your soft furnishings to bring the room to life. You can of course also turn on the heating, grab a blanket, or light up the fire to bring the feeling to life! If you don’t have a fire in your home, why not create a custom print of a fireplace as wallpaper? This will create a focal point for the room without taking up any space for a fraction of the cost and will truly wow your family and guests!
5. Embrace Nature
The hygge trend champions minimalism and nature, with wooden features being a key component. Enjoy the sheer beauty of a natural wood pattern on your coffee table, bookshelf, or even photo frame! Not only should you embrace materials such as wood, but also plants. There are a plethora of indoor plants available to buy these days, and a few items of greenery could really bring a fresh feel to your home. It has been scientifically proven that having plants in your home can make you feel happier, as well as improving the quality of air. Could anything be more hygge?
6. Scents and Smells
Hygge isn’t just about the physical objects within your home, but about the atmosphere as a whole. Scented candles and air fresheners are a fantastic way to fill your home with fragrance and can be purchased for a fairly low cost. Other alternatives include fresh flowers, pot pourii and scented beads or oils. These can be chosen in your favourite scent and placed strategically around the home to help you enjoy each and every room.
You should also remember to crack open a window now and then; although the winter is soon to be upon us and the weather is a little chilly, it is vital for a room to be aired out each week to get rid of any stale smells and refresh the air.
7. Create a Social Space
As we’ve mentioned, the hygge trend is all about family, friends and happiness, and it looks to encourage us to engage in social situations within our homes to create further happy memories. Some think of their living room as their social space, while others prefer the kitchen; whichever you choose, ensure that this place is inviting and ready to receive guests. This can include; adding extra cushions or chairs for seating, having a beautiful centrepiece on the kitchen or coffee table. Whatever you feel a space needs to welcome your guests with open arms and leave them feeling in a state of ultimate comfort.
How will you embrace the hygge trend this winter?