Originating from the Danish and Norwegian languages, "hygge" (pronounced hoo-guh) embodies a mindset and lifestyle centred around cosiness, contentment, and well-being. It's a concept deeply ingrained in Scandinavian culture, reflecting the art of finding joy in life's simple pleasures and creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, particularly within the home.
When translated into interior design, hygge encompasses more than just aesthetics; it embodies a feeling of comfort, connection, and sanctuary within one's living space. It evokes emotions of warmth, relaxation, and intimacy, inviting individuals to slow down, embrace the present moment, and find solace amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Indeed, for busy families and professionals, a hygge-inspired home is just the remedy one needs after a long day.
If you’re interested in embracing hygge for your own home, here are a few principles to keep in mind:
1) Minimalist Yet Cosy Spaces
Minimalism and cosiness may seem like contrasting ideas, but they can coexist harmoniously in your home. When it comes to Scandinavian minimalism, the emphasis is on warmth, comfort, and natural elements. It focuses on creating spaces that are sleek and uncluttered while still feeling inviting and comfortable. Aside from that, minimalist interiors with a Scandinavian flair often feature light, neutral colour palettes, such as whites, creams, and soft greys, which help to create a sense of airiness and openness.
On the other hand, conventional minimalist design, while also prioritising simplicity and functionality, tends to have a more austere and industrial feel. It often features a limited colour palette dominated by cooler tones, such as blacks, greys, and whites, which contribute to a more stark aesthetic.
To achieve a Scandinavian minimalist style in your space, focus on quality over quantity. This means paring down your belongings and streamlining your decor, without sacrificing comfort for simplicity. For example, you can choose soft furnishings like plush blankets, oversized cushions, and luxurious rugs that can add warmth and cosiness to minimalist spaces. As an added focal point, you can select dreamy giclée art prints from DROOL. Our online art shop features the works of some of the best up-and-coming visual artists in the UK. With their modern and sleek aesthetic, these artworks will complement your minimalist hygge home very well.
2) Soft and Warm Lighting
One of the critical elements of hygge-inspired spaces is lighting since it can greatly affect the mood and ambience of your spaces. For a truly cosy setting, opt for soft and warm lighting accents like string lights, dimmable lamps, and LED strip lights. Another must-have for this space is real candles that no LED lights can replicate. These gentle sources of light cast a warm glow that enhances the feeling of conviviality and relaxation. Avoid harsh overhead lighting, which can disrupt the tranquil atmosphere of your space. Instead, layer your lighting with multiple sources of light to create depth and warmth throughout your room or home.
3) Natural Elements for Added Warmth
Bring the charm of the outdoors inside your living spaces by incorporating natural elements into your home decor. Materials such as wood and stone add warmth, texture, and visual interest to your indoor spaces.
Furnish your rooms with wooden furniture and create a focal point using a stone fireplace. You can also opt for smooth stone countertops for your kitchen. To purify the air and add a touch of greenery, bring in live houseplants and small trees. Also decorate your shelves with air plants in cute containers and use hanging baskets to hold your pothos and spider plants.
In addition, you can hang nature-inspired wall art from DROOL that celebrates the beauty of nature. These high-quality art prints add an organic element to any room in your home—be it the living room, home office, bedroom, and even your bathroom.
4) Warm and Muted Colour Palettes
Create a calming and cohesive environment with warm and muted colour palettes inspired by nature. Earthy tones, soft neutrals, and pastel shades evoke a sense of warmth and serenity, which will help make your home feel inviting and harmonious.
Experiment with different colour schemes to find what resonates with you and complements your existing décor. For instance, you can opt for warm white for walls and earth-tone colours for your furniture. Furthermore, you can incorporate pops of colour sparingly to add visual interest without overwhelming the senses. For a wall accent, choose artwork from DROOL’s gallery featuring original illustrations and graphic designs by grassroots artists in the UK.
5) Hyggekrug or Cosy Corner
A hygge home should, of course, have a hyggekrug. You can designate a hyggekrug—or cosy corner—in your home as a dedicated space for relaxation and reflection.
Whether it's a window seat bathed in natural light, a snug reading nook with a plush armchair, or a corner of your living room adorned with soft cushions and twinkling fairy lights, you can create a sanctuary where you can retreat and recharge at the end of a long day.
Imagine sipping your tea in your hyggekrug and reading a book to wind down. It’s an opportunity to relax and destress, contributing to a good night’s sleep. You can also personalise your cosy corner with cherished items, such as family photos, sentimental objects, or even wall art from DROOL that truly speaks to you. Having these items around you can help evoke a feeling of nostalgia, and it will also allow you to do a bit of self-reflection.
Embrace hygge design principles to create a warm and inviting home environment where you can unwind, recharge, and connect with loved ones. Whether you're a renter or a homeowner, infusing your space with hygge charm can transform it into a cosy sanctuary that nurtures your well-being and fosters moments of joy and contentment. So, light some candles, snuggle up with a soft blanket, and embrace the hygge lifestyle in your own home.
Create a hygge home that truly reflects your personality and brings you joy every day. Embrace the warmth and comfort of hygge design principles by incorporating natural elements, soft lighting, and cosy spaces into your living environment. To add a touch of personality and style to your home, explore the curated collection of art prints at DROOL. Discover original works from emerging visual artists that will inspire and elevate your space. Visit DROOL today and start creating your own hygge-inspired sanctuary.
