Ways to Hygge Your Home and Make It More Inviting

The concept of hygge, invented by the Danish and pronounced “hoo-ga”, means the art of creating intimacy and can roughly be translated as cosiness. It has taken the world of interior design by storm and almost everyone is trying to recreate the beautiful Nordic minimalism that manages to offer warmth in a simple, timeless décor.

For beginners, hygge means a fresh, clutter-free space with indoor plants, lovely, fluffy rugs on bare hardwood floors, soft fabrics and furnishings and books. However, hygge is more than just design and décor. It’s about togetherness and family ties, nights of simple joys of being in each other’s company and having fun. So, here are several basic ways you can easily hygge up your home and make it more welcoming and inviting.

Bring in natural materials

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Natural materials are a key ingredient of hygge. Incorporate natural elements by bringing in simple decorative pieces such as a rustic wooden table, an organic wool throw, your collection of seashells, potted ferns, a bunch of fresh flowers or any other item from the great outdoors. If you love DIY projects, find a branch outside that you can use for a lamp post and create a stunning floor lamp that will cast a warm glow in your reading nook.

Create an ambient glow

Lighting and candlelight is an essential element in hygge and in cold and dark winter months in Scandinavia, this is the way to keep the atmosphere indoors warm and cosy. There’s a wide range of hand-made, scented candles on the market today and bringing them in your home will not only evoke warmth, but it will create peace and serenity.

You can also enhance the atmosphere by hanging a string of twinkling Christmas lights around your home and you’ll be amazed how relaxing it can be. Don’t limit this only to the living room. Bring them lights and candles into your kitchen while you’re cooking, into your bedroom while you’re reading and in the bathroom while you’re having a bath. Your kids too will love the soft glow of flickering lights hung around their bed frames.

Use textures to soften up the space

By using natural materials and textiles, it’s easy to create an inviting space. Experts advise adding light linens in summer and soft, woolly blankets in the winter. They advise against carpets but recommend area rugs and soft, white sheepskin that is minimally processed and sustainably sourced.

The nursery can also benefit greatly from hygge design. If you’re going for a gender neutral room and you’re not a fan of typically themed kiddie rooms, cladding the baby’s room in neutral, pastel colours, natural textiles such as wool, cotton, sisal and felt, you’ll design the room that will provide a warm and pleasant environment for your baby to grow up in.

Unplug and unwind

It’s easy to get caught up in work today and lose our heads in information overload. Unplugging and unwinding doesn’t mean you should bury your head in sand and stop caring about what the world around you. It’s really about practicing being present now for just a few moments every day and enjoying the company of loved ones. To have a true hygge spirit in your home, put your phones down, turn off the TV and slow down. Have a delicious meal with your family, talk and embrace the simplicity of life.

It’s all about the details

A few cosy details can go a long way and show people just how much you care. For instance, a basket with slippers by the entrance will help people kick their shoes off and relax, a tray with flowers, tea, coffee, cider and chocolates will indulge everyone’s senses and a lovely woven basket with extra blankets, pillows and favourite books will make anyone feel welcome and appreciated.

To achieve the ultimate hygge in your home, follow the tips listed here and enjoy the cosiness that will follow!