How To Hygge Your Home

The Danish term “Hygge” (pronounced as Hyoo-gah) refers to the feeling of warmth, cosiness and joy from the simple things in life. Hygge has been called everything from “the art of creating intimacy”, “cosiness of the soul” and “the absence of annoyance” to “taking pleasure from the presence of soothing things”, “cosy togetherness” and my personal favourite, “cocoa by candlelight”.

Hygge is an essential element of Danish culture – they have to endure long, cold, dark winters and they embrace this time by making their homes more “Hygge” - from curling up in front of the fireplace with a hot chocolate and a good book in the low light, to sharing a warm hearty meal, a bottle of organic wine and a good belly laugh with a group of friends. Hygge is all about immersing yourself in a setting that soothes your soul. Even though Hygge-life is associated with the winter and fall seasons, it is meant to be enjoyed all year round. But Hygge is the antidote to the cold Winter, the rainy days and the duvet of darkness – it’s a survival strategy from which we could all learn.

There are a couple of simple changes and additions you can make to your home (particularly your living space) to bring it to a level of cosiness that will make your home feel welcoming, warm, cosy and inviting.

Firstly, choose a warm neutral palette for your house to create a relaxing space that radiates harmony. Neutral tones are the ideal backdrop for a space with comfy armchairs layered with cosy cushions, textured throws and shawls. Colourtrend’s colours Temperance, Oyster Bed, Subtle & Lowland are excellent shades to choose to keep your base neutral – leaving you open to add in colour pops through your accessories. You can find the full range of Colourtrend paints in Paintrite in Terryland.

When kitting out your home with soft furnishings to create a Hygge vibe, it’s a good idea to avoid using velvet and leather fabrics as they contribute to a feeling of formality. Hygge calls for materials that make you want to cuddle up with a warm cup of hot chocolate and a great read. Think tactile. It’s not just about how things look, it is just as much about how things feel. Letting your fingers run across a wooden table, wrapping your hands around a warm mug of tea or snuggling up into a super-soft blanket is what it’s all about. Pop into the Kilkenny shop and pick up a Foxford Blanket or a McNutt of Donegal Throw from Meubles, to snuggle up with. Accessorise with cushions – a really cost-effective way to add a splash of colour and texture to any space. Large or small, they’re essential. Harvey Norman have some fantastic options with colours to suit any colour scheme or budget.

Adding an outdoor vibe of warmth and nature is an excellent way to create the perfect Hygge feeling of cosiness. There is nothing more comfortable and welcoming than a well-lit fireplace and candles. No candles, no hygge! We love the beautiful candles from Cloon Keen – especially this Noble Fir candle – a fusion of pine needles, fir balsam, amber and cedar. And to put us in the Christmas mood, there’s an added blend of clove and cinnamon heighten the festive atmosphere.

Helen James has also produced a lovely beeswax candle (and in a vibrant red hue, no less) which would look great on its own, in a cluster of candles or in a lantern.

It’s fair to say that the fireplace may just be the ultimate headquarters for Hygge. Like a warm hug, a wood burning fireplace creates an instant cosy atmosphere. It’s somewhere we sit by ourselves to rest while feeling ultimate feelings of cosiness and warmth and it’s somewhere we spend time with our loved ones to experience togetherness. Only wood burning fires can produce crackling sounds and dynamic flame ambience, an element that has been said to reduce blood pressure and help you relax. 

It’s also important to bring the outside in – surround yourself with beautiful greenery in charming plant hangers, use a rustic wooden stool to hold your cup of tea and biscuits and fill your home with fresh flowers to help boost your mood and brighten your home. Yes Flowers can create beautiful garlands and fresh bouquets – why not treat yourself?

Words by Sarah Petersen

Dan Eire Designs

Upstairs Downstairs Magazine