At KSL we keep coming across a previously unfamiliar Danish word ‘hygge’ (pronounced like hoo-gah). There is no direct English translation of this word, but if you try and encapsulate the feelings of being cosy, snug or comfortable – think log fires, sheepskin rugs, steaming baths and hot water bottles then you’re at least part of the way to understanding what hygge is all about
At this time of year we naturally need a bit of hygge in our lives. Winter is upon us, mornings and evenings are dark, everyone is being stretched in many directions, relaxation time is hard to find. So here are our ideas for creating hygge in your home.
- De-clutter. Many of us desire a mess-free home, and none more so than the Danes. To truly embrace hygge, invest in clever storage solutions that can hide away any unwanted visual clutter to create a serene space.
- Create peaceful colour schemes. The Dane’s aren’t ones for embellishment or ‘loud’ colours – the idea is to create a calm, serene space that feels peaceful. Schemes are often purely monochrome, or a subtle mix of harmonious tonal shades.
- Use soft lighting. The Danes light more candles per head than anywhere else in Europe and it’s not hard to see why. It’s about creating an inviting atmosphere and developing a soft, kinder form of light that’s perfect for relaxing and socialising.
- Create texture. The Danes use a mixture of materials and pattern as a way of adding character and interest to what would otherwise be a relatively minimalist scheme. They tend to introduce plenty of warm, natural materials, such as wood, leather and wool.
- Make your bathroom a sanctuary. Rather than a rushing for a quick shower in the morning, make sure your bathroom is a place for rest and rejuvenation. The trend for spa-style bathrooms is on the rise with steam showers becoming more common in bathrooms, so why not consider investing in a steam shower in your bathroom at home?
- Fill your home with music. A beautifully designed wireless sound system, such as Sonos, can help make dark evenings at home as relaxing as possible.
In summary, invest in candles, throws, clever storage, good lighting, a steamy bathroom and even a new audio system to make your home as ‘hygge’ as possible. If you’d like further ideas and inspiration for Danish design scheme kitchens or bathrooms, give us a call on 01787 339023.
Image accreditation: Candle and Bath Foam / Adrian Scottow / Sharealike 2.0 via Flickr.