Love it or hate it, winter is here, but there is a way to make it more warm and enjoyable by embracing the Danish concept of hygge. These hygge home tips will help you incorporate this uplifting concept into your living spaces and daily routines.
Hygge, pronounced as “hooga” is about taking a moment to appreciate the present and finding comfort in it. It’s about valuing time spent with the ones you love or enjoying moments of peaceful solitude and calm.
Related: check out Transform Your Space with These Cosy Reading Corner Ideas
Disclosure: This site uses affiliate links and I may earn a small commission when you use my links and make a purchase, at no cost to you.
Hygge prioritises experiences over possessions and promotes a sense of stillness and well-being in everyday life.
It sounds like the Danish have it all figured out to me!
The word hygge has been around in various definitions for centuries. For example, a similar Old Norse word had the meaning “protected from the outside worldโ – I love that!
The hygge concept encompasses all the things I love about winter – cosying up in front of the log burner with a mug of mulled wine or hot chocolate topped with gooey marshmallows, wearing comfy socks, and enjoying a good book with my furry companion by my side while the rain falls outside.
It’s also a season for cooking comforting meals, hosting long candlelit dinner parties with plenty of red wine and laughter, and taking a break from technology to play board games and be present.
So how do we apply this concept to our homes to fully embrace hygge and create a warm and inviting atmosphere?
This post is all about hygge home ideas to transform your living space
Picking the perfect hygge colour scheme
You can create a cosy atmosphere by selecting a colour palette that promotes relaxation and warmth. Try opting for soft neutrals and muted tones like light taupe, sage and ecru, to help achieve this, while also fostering a sense of harmony with earthy shades like olive green and maple.
To add depth and interest, consider incorporating pops of warm colours like mustard or burnt orange into the mix.
Hygge-inspired furniture and decorative accessories
Create a snug haven with furniture and decorative accessories that capture the essence of hygge, providing comfortable seating for relaxation or entertaining friends and family.
Create the right ambience with soft textiles like chunky blankets, textured cushions, and plush rugs, while adding natural materials such as wood and stone for an organic touch that connects your home to the outdoors and helps create a grounded vibe.
Complete the setting with soft lighting to set the perfect mood. Opt for warm, soft lighting to create a calming feel. Use lamps with soft, diffused light, fairy lights or scented candles to add a gentle glow to your space.
Infusing hygge into different corners of your home
Turn your living room into a warm and inviting retreat where you can escape the outside world.
Design a seating arrangement that suits your needs for both unwinding and having the gang over for raucous movie nights.
Add a touch of nature to your indoor space with plants and flowers. Not only will they transform your space but they will bring freshness and enhance your overall well-being.
To take it a step further, introduce a fireplace or candles that will create a cosy mood, making it nearly impossible to leave the comfort of your living room.
Transform your bedroom into a haven of comfort by choosing luxurious bedding and layer with textured throws and cushions.
Enhance the ambience with gentle, soft, dim lighting that encourages relaxation.
Choose wooden furniture or decor items to add warmth and potted plants to add a sense of nature to the space.
Don’t forget to create a cosy reading corner where you can unwind and escape into your favourite books with a cup of coffee.
Personalise this space but keep things simple and clutter-free. Embody the essence of hygge by creating a serene atmosphere that allows you to escape the chaos of everyday life.
Whether your kitchen and dining area is one room or two you can create the ideal space to enjoy a relaxing breakfast at the weekend or a buzzing area to entertain.
Embrace the beauty of nature by incorporating natural elements and textures into your space. Wood not only adds a touch of nature but also contributes to a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Set a cosy table adorned with flickering candles and soft lighting to enhance the intimate vibe and nurture that sense of togetherness and connection by providing engaging and comfortable seating for your guests.
Upgrade your bathroom experience by infusing it with hygge elements such as scented candles, plush towels and bathrobes, natural materials like bamboo, stone and marble and hanging plants in the design, creating a spa-like aura that gives quiet luxury vibes.
Keeping in the spirit of all things hygge, make sure your bathroom is clutter and chaos-free with plenty of storage space.
Adopting the hygge way of life into your daily rituals
Carve out moments in your day to unplug, relax, and savour the simple pleasures that bring you happiness, such as a yoga class with your favourite teacher, having lunch with your friends or taking a walk in the countryside with your mobile left at home. Pay attention to your surroundings, feel the sun on your face, listen to the sounds of nature and breathe deeply.
Create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your surroundings, turning them into a place you want to be where you can spend time with your friends and family and make them feel right at home.ย Cook comforting and healthy food from scratch and eat slowly, savouring every bite.
Discover a new creative hobby that lets you unleash your artistic side, be it through painting, writing, or revamping old clothes and furnishings. Focus on the journey and relish every step, rather than fixating on the final outcome.
From winter’s crackling fires to summer’s outdoor gatherings, explore how to infuse hygge vibes into every season
Hygge isn’t just for the chilly winter months, though I think that is my favourite season! As spring and summer arrive, immerse yourself in the beauty of nature by taking leisurely walks, having picnics, or simply enjoying the sun’s warmth and when autumn rolls around, create a cosy ambience with flickering candles and savour comforting hot beverages to fully embrace the spirit of hygge.
As you can see, hygge is about more than interior design, it’s a whole way of life.ย It’s all about creating comfortable and welcoming spaces and prioritising shared experiences and connections with loved ones as well as practising self-care and gratitude and connecting with nature.
There’s a reason happiness researchers continually find Denmark to be one of the happiest countries on the planet!