Whether your home is based in a remote location with only the forests and mountains as your nearest neighbors or situated deep within a sprawling urban landscape, creating a living space that promotes a feeling of comfort and well-being can offer you a welcome place of sanctuary and respite from the world outside.
One of the best ways to cultivate this ambiance at home is by taking inspiration from the Scandinavian concept known as ‘hygge’. This term refers to a feeling of coziness and warmth that is felt by embracing the simple joys of life and sharing these with those near and dear through surroundings that support this sense.
Whether it’s playing board games with good friends by the fireplace while sipping on some mulled wine, or cozying up under some warm blankets and immersing yourself in a good book, a hygge-inspired home can be the perfect environment for sharing moments of laughter, unwinding after a long day and creating a place that inspires comfort, connection, and enrichment for the soul. In this article, we will offer some practical tips to help you introduce elements of hygge into your decor, helping you transform your house into a home.
Soft Furnishings
A hygge-inspired home is best encapsulated through the use of soft, tactile furnishings that feel gentle to the touch. Chunky hand-knitted blankets and faux-fur throws make the perfect accompaniment for a cozy night in, while a scattering of fluffy cushions can create an added layer of comfort that helps you to unwind and sink into your hygge-inspired sanctuary.
The addition of a large rug across your living room floor can further enhance this sense of well-being. Consider natural materials such as wool, and cotton which offer plush textures and shaggy piles to envelop your feet in a warm cocoon and complement the overall aesthetic of your hygge-inspired interior.
When choosing fabrics and styles for seating, go for comfy armchairs in upholstered designs and sofas in soft, yet durable materials like velvet or chenille that offer deep cushioned seats and supportive backrests that invite you to sit back and relax. If you are looking to furnish your new home in Queensland based on a hygge theme, this real estate agent in Caloundra QLD can offer you expert assistance in finding your dream property.
Add Warmth
Hygge is usually associated with the winter months when the cold weather outside encourages wrapping up warm and enjoying cozy activities such as sharing a hearty meal or knitting by the fireplace.
Consider the introduction of an indoor fireplace that inspires friends and family to gather around and share stories over a warm mug of hot chocolate, while the crackling flames and bright embers offer a beautiful backdrop for the evening’s entertainment.
This atmosphere can be further created by introducing a range of candles into your home. An elegant candelabra or selection of candle stick holders can be placed on your dinner table, to cast a soft, magical glow that enchants guests and encourages conversation into the early hours.
The senses can be further captivated with the addition of various scented candles that promote tranquility and a sense of soothing and relaxation. Allow aromas such as creamy vanilla, spiced cinnamon, earthy sandalwood and calming lavender to gently waft their fragrance throughout your home and fill it with a feeling of comfort and contentment.
Natural Elements
Nature plays a central theme in the concept of hygge, in particular, outdoor life. Closely associated with the concept of ‘friluftsliv’, a Scandinavian term which means open-air living, and embodies the idea of celebrating nature and maintaining a connection with it, no hygge-inspired decor would be complete without elements of nature and a nod to the great outdoors.
From natural materials such as wood flooring and finishes to woven materials such as jute, rattan and wicker, elements of nature can be introduced into your home in practical and functional ways as well as through items of decoration to create a fusion of the two concepts.
Indoor plants can be interspersed with natural arrangements made from flowers, branches and leaves found foraging in nearby woods or meadows to create an interior that not only welcomes nature but also draws inspiration from it and infuses its beauty into the home.
Follow these tips to create a hygge-inspired home that offers an oasis of calm for the mind, body and soul.
