What makes a hygge interior? As autumn paints the world in warm colours and the air turns crisp, there’s a desire for comfort and tranquillity. This need for cosiness is a perfect way of describing the Danish concept of hygge. But how can you integrate hygge sustainably into your cosy home setup?
The hygge interior design prioritizes comfort and cosiness. You can incorporate these elements into your interiors with light sources, fabric choices, natural features and objects with a nostalgic feel.
Lighting Solutions
The first step in creating a hygge-inspired atmosphere is through lighting. Consider the soft, flickering glow of candles. Their gentle light can instantly transform your space into a warm and inviting haven. But candles aren’t your only option; opt for small lighting sources and bulbs with warm tones to create that perfect cosy ambience.
Warm materials
While furnishing your home, think of the materials that you’re choosing. Wood and stone are more hygge than glass and metal. You can balance your interiors by adding more textiles like carpets, blankets or pillows.
Soft textiles
Soft and tactile textiles will add depth and cosiness to your interior. It will create visual interest through different textures. Those choices are especially crucial when it comes to blankets. You need to choose the one that looks pretty and will keep you warm on those calm autumn evenings. Hygge interior without a soft blanket does not exist.
Calm colour palette
Hygge is about relaxing, simple moments. To translate this feeling onto your interiors, choose calm, natural colours. It doesn’t have to be all beige. Use your favourite colour palette and make it calmer, by opting for less saturated, warmer tones. You should avoid harsh, distracting colours to achieve the hygge space of your dreams.
Natural interior decor
A simple way to transform your interiors is through decor. Incorporate natural elements in your decorating process to make your interiors hyggelig. You can display a bowl of walnuts on the counter, place a vase with dry sticks on the table, use wooden coasters for your beverages and wicker baskets for storage.
Vintage is Hygge
New and sterile aren’t hygge. The charm of old things with a history and soul adds character to your space and creates a sense of nostalgia, which is crucial, making it hygge. Vintage decor pieces are the best way to follow sustainable design trends. You can find them second-hand in thrift shops & online. By opting for vintage, you promote sustainability and make better choices for our planet.
Hyggekrog
Hyggekrog — a cosy personal space where you can retreat and unwind, often placed by the window or in the corner.
Library Nook
Craft a cosy reading nook for the autumn season. Find a small, quiet area in your home. Furnish it with a bookshelf and armchair. Include a little coffee table, a lamp for evening reading, pillows and blankets for extra comfort. If space is limited, leave one shelf empty to function as a table. You can also use existing infrastructure in your home (sofa or chair in your living room).
Meditation Corner
Seek out a corner in your home that is calm and hidden. Place a small carpet and a sitting pillow (both easy to find second-hand), add a potted plant for a touch of nature and a candle for lighting.
Window Observatory Station
Choose the window with your favourite view and try adapting it into your hyggekrog. Add some pillows and a blanket if the windowsill can be used as a sitting area. If not, find a comfortable chair or stool and place it facing the window. Make yourself your favourite tea and observe — people walking, raindrops on the window glass, trees bending on the wind — simply the world outside.
Whether it’s a library nook, a meditation corner or a window observatory, every home needs a hyggekrog.
Hygge interiors in warmer climates
Hygge is about the small things — nostalgia and appreciating moments. It’s about spending time with the people you love. Even though the cosiness of hygge brings autumn into your mind, you can adapt the same principles in warmer conditions.
Use natural sunlight as your light source. Opt for breathable natural fabrics like linen. Create spaces in your home that encourage spending time with others and being in the moment. By implementing these rules you will create a hygge interior no matter where you live.
Beyond aesthetics
Hygge is all about those cosy moments. Sitting by the window and observing rain. Playing board games with your friends or family. Reading a book under the blanket. It’s all hygge!
It goes beyond aesthetics. Hygge practices can enhance your well-being and mental health due to their focus on relaxation, contentment, and presence. It can reduce stress and increase happiness. Incorporating hygge into your lifestyle can make you more conscious. This Danish philosophy can inspire you to make mindful, eco-friendly choices in your daily life.
From cultivating mindful routines to embracing sustainable design choices, hygge offers a path to warmth, well-being, and eco-conscious living. By implementing hygge, you can create spaces that nurture your soul and moments that celebrate the simple joys of life. If you want more inspiration these 7 autumn decor pieces will practically transform your home.
PIN FOR FUTURE
Article based on “The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living” by Meik Wiking