How to hygge your interiors, you will love it!

Creating atmosphere is a key element in hygge, but it’s harder than is seems to get ‘atmosphere’ and can be more difficult in large open plan spaces. Here are a few tips on how you can do it yourself.

Firstly what is hygge? It is a Danish word (hoo-gah), which doesn’t have a direct English translation. On the surface, it’s about coziness, feeling warm and fuzzy and enjoying the simple things in life. Such as hot chocolate by the fire wearing your psychedelic microfiber socks. However one cannot hygge alone, it’s also about spending time with friends and family.

There have been more than a few books about hygge and some might say that it’s a bit of a fad, but I think it’s more than that.

Hygge has been so popular because we want to feel connected and ‘in the moment’. We’ve become addicted to staring into our phones all day long. We communicate via SMS, Instagram, Facebook, email, etc. The concept of hygge is so appealing because it means putting the phone down, talking and listening to friends in person with a coffee and enjoying a treat.

Actually taking that time to do the simple things has become a novelty in our busy, information overloaded lives.

I hope that Australians embrace hygge in their interiors. Along with the Brits and Americans, we have read the books on how to create hygge, and we want to know the secret in what makes the Danes one of the happiest populations in the world.

To create that cosy feel, we can start with the accessories such as the scented candles, throw blankets, reindeer hides and mid-century Danish furniture, however we need to look at the bigger picture too.  Consider the furniture placement and move furniture into the room to create a closer arrangement that works better for conversations. We want to switch off technology and talk again! I know, it’s hard.

Sofas should not be arranged around edges of the room, save that look for the doctor’s waiting room. Bring a sofa into the space and try using a narrow console table behind it, stacked with books and a lamp.

We need lots of layering such as rugs on the floors, beautiful curtains on the windows and floor lamps everywhere.

Five design and styling tips to replicate hygge interiors in their own home:

Step 1
A way to create instant atmosphere is with lighting. Dim down those down lights and turn on a few floor and table lamps. It feels good to come home and flick on lamps to create a warm glow around the house. They don’t need to be expensive, just make sure the globe has a warm colour temperature.

Step 2
Use lots of textiles. Create contrasting textures, rather than bright colours, using cushions, throw blankets and floor rugs. Why not try a tablecloth for Sunday dinner?

Step 3
Handmade ceramics add that perfectly imperfect character to the space. More points for vintage ceramic finds. Go to the Melbourne Ceramic Markets and try your luck at your local op shop.

Step 4
Bedlinen actually made of linen. They should look a little worn, as they feel softer that way. Soft greys and inky blues for a very cosy feel.

Step 5
Print out those photos from your phone and display them in your home. It is a daunting task for some, but why not do it in a true hygge way. Invite a friend over, bake a cake and sort your photos together!

Step 6
A beautiful fresh bunch of flowers or branches inside. Even better, go outside and walk amongst the trees, you can have that for free!

These little things bring us pleasure, this is the tip of the iceberg but the most important thing is to get into it and give it a go.