‘Hygge’, comparatively new word to the English-speaking world, yet the feeling that you’ve probably experienced without knowing it. Pronounced “hoo-ga”, it is the concept of true and genuine comfort, brought to us from the Scandinavian part of the world.
The Danish concept of hygge is all about well-being, interior comfort and the calmness of heart. It’s about the comfortable bed with cozy pillows and blankets, about the cozy time spent by a fireplace with a cup of tea and your favorite book, about comfort without overwhelming, the modern warm minimalism, and about home-made delicious healthy meals shared with the closest ones.
Little wonder, the style has captured the attention of designers, home decorators, furniture manufacturers, as well as the FurnitureCart editors team. Danes, after all, are some of the happiest people in the world, so why not borrow a page from the global wisdom.
So, what are the main parts of the puzzle to create a welcoming, warm and restful environment in your home, called ‘hygge’?
1
One of the easiest ways is to add to your space deliciously scented candles. They are essential to the hygge interior. Arrange them neatly on the shelves or in an open bookcase, coffee or cocktail table in your hygge-styled living room or around the bath, and enjoy the evenings in the warmness of hygge every now and then. If there’s a chance to have a stylish modern fireplace – it will perform the main part in that “fire dance” and coziness of your home.
2
Focus on bedding, throws and pillows, while designing your hygge bedroom. As hygge originates in Scandinavia, it’s no surprise that the core is the minimalism in modern style. It is uncluttered but cozy. So, follow the rule: declutter first, and then add light but cozy blankets, throws and pillows. Make it in layers, so you can remove one by one if needed.
3
Use the Scandinavian palette in your interior scheme, stay minimalist, add more natural light where possible. Keep in mind, that hygge stems from the sense of touch and inner comfort. Think about the coziness when you walk barefoot in your apartment. A soft, braided rug underfoot creates a sense of grounding and pleasure. It is another gentle reminder to enjoy the here and now.
4
The parts of hygge are those chunky knits and knitted throws used not only as a decoration but as a useful comforter. Stick to the neutral colors of ‘knitware’ or the deep colors of Scandinavian interior style. Once you feel that you like the hygge style, you can even get to learn a new craft. It is not necessary to do it classically with the knitting needles, opt for the needle-free way for creating chunky knits, which is called arm knitting.