Have you heard the gospel of hygge? Originally a Norwegian word meaning “wellbeing,” it was taken over by the Danish in the 18th century and has become a complete lifestyle, roughly translated as “cozy.” Today, hygge style and décor trends are the rage in the American lifestyle press and show no signs of going away. So this winter, why not bring hygge style home? These 5 cozy upgrades will wrap your family in warmth and make your home a welcome retreat from the wind and snow.
Keep It Simple
IKEA may be based in Sweden, but Scandinavian countries share a broader design ethos that emphasizes function and simplicity, even in the coziest spaces. Emphasize that scandi style and this type of simple warmth in your home by painting primary spaces in neutral colors and opting for simple furnishings. A modern but comfortable couch and simple table fill out the space and create a calming atmosphere that encourages family togetherness.
Try New Textiles
Neutral walls and simple furniture may seem boring, but these elements are just the canvas for more interesting hygge style elements, particularly a variety of textiles. Tie the room together using accents in wood, leather, wool, or any other texture that appeals to you, and don’t forget to pile on the throws and quilts. As the snow comes down, everyone will want to cuddle up under piles of fleecy, warm blankets, and these covers add color and textural variety to the space.
Keep Out The Cold
Traditional hygge syule homes go far beyond design to embrace practices like barbecuing outside and tending an indoor fire, but that fire won’t do you much good if your home isn’t well insulated – and that’s where your window treatments come into play. Warm up your home with Roman shades, which are not only heavy enough to protect against the cold but come in a variety of different textiles, adding another level of visual interest to the room. With pleating and plenty of color, Roman shades are a great alternative to the blackout shades that are otherwise popular in cold climates.
Light It Up
If you’re going to use curtains to keep out the cold, you’re also going to block out the light, so it’s important to think about how you’ll illuminate your space. In addition to keeping the fire roaring, consider adding wall sconces, which provide warm, low light and definitely avoid the overhead fixtures. Alternatively, if you want something a little brighter than a sconce, opt for an array of reading lamps in different colors and with different bulb intensities so that you can vary the level of light in the space as needed.
Nestle In
Finally, to get the full hygge style effect, you need a space to snuggle up, preferably a window seat with lots of cushions and a view of nature. If your home isn’t equipped for that, though, work with what you have. Pile up cushions and blankets and create the adult version of a pillow fort where you can read and sip a hot beverage. You may feel a little silly at first, but the Danish are definitely on to something here.
Hygge style may be a winter-driven aesthetic, but one of the benefits of its neutral base is that you can enjoy it all year round, minus a few blankets. Until then, put on your slippers and put the kettle on – it’s time to get cozy.
