Interior design styles – on-trend hygge
What is Hygge?
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Pronounced heurgha, the Danish interior design style everyone is going crazy for is created with happiness and well-being in mind. It's simple, serene and a cosy way of life which is reflected in the home décor and to be shared with family and friends. Hygee embraces the principals of Danish décor, using white, creams and pale colour schemes. Natural pale wood, such as ash, beech and pine are incorporated along with a distinctive nudge towards hand or home-made accessories. Hygee isn't kitsch or shabby chic, it's modern but keeps one foot firmly in tradition.
How to Get The Hygge Look:
Cosy comfort, along with a relaxing ambience, is created by keeping things pure and simple. Hygge isn't over embellished, neither does it have a loud colour scheme. Most colour schemes are monochromatic or a mix of harmonious shades.
Hygge is also clutter free, but don't mistake or confuse it with minimalism, because a homely peaceful space is created using carefully chosen accessories that reflect the closeness of family and loved ones. Texture plays a huge role in Hygge interiors. Soft, snugly textures add to the look, giving both visual and physical warmth to the residents and the room. Chairs and sofas are draped with throws, knitted beanbags and floor cushions are strategically placed on wood floors.
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Cushions abound adding another textural element to living rooms and bedrooms. Their colours tie-in with the overall scheme, however, they do give you the opportunity to add an injection of a bolder colour if you want a more contemporary look.
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Let The Light In:
With short daylight hours during the winter Hygge homes make the most of what natural light is available. White and pale colours on ceilings, walls and floors reflect light. As such window treatments are typically light and airy, with roller blinds exposing most of a window to let light flood into the room during the day, while lightweight voiles provide privacy if required. Window treatments are kept simple, there's no loud prints or patterns. Danish heating systems and well insulated homes means thick heavy curtains aren't required.
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Reminiscent of the sea, blues give bathrooms a fresh, clean look, more especially when coordinated with bright white. Take the coldness away by accessorizing with soft fluffy mid blue towels or a practical bathmat in a contrast blue.
Comfort Underfoot:
Hygge homes have wooden floors, with thick rugs to give comfort underfoot and style to the room.
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Accessories :
Candles must be included in a Hygge home. Creating beautiful diffused lighting effects add a sense of calm and peacefulness. If you are not permitted (many landlords don't allow candles due to the potential fire risk) use battery operated tea-light and candles to get the visual effect.
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Hygge is to be shared with loved ones and while accessories aren't in abundance photos of family and dispalyed keepsakes play a huge role in the decorating motif. Black and white photos and treasured memories are ideal. Wood stoves are fabulous at creating the Hygge ambience, although you ma have central heating with radiators, a stove gives a sense of authenticity to the scheme.
Creative Lighting :
With daylight hours at a minimum during winter in Denmark lighting of various kinds is one area that shouldn't be overlooked. Free standing floor lamps, table lamps and ceiling lights should reflect as much light as possible into the room. Lights should be minimalist in style and design, no fancy or highly embellished light-shades permitted in Hygge décor!
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Embrace the old and imperfect, keep rooms simple and clutter free, use a pale colour palette and above all share your Hygge home with those who are special to you and you'll find inner peace and well-being which is the whole ethos of Hygge.
