Hygge pronounced “hoo-ga”, is a Danish term that has recently gained popularity in the UK and worldwide. It describes the feeling of cosiness experienced indoors on cold winter days and emphasises a “less is more” mentality. Denmark consistently ranks among the top 3 countries for life satisfaction, contributing to the growing interest in Hygge, with people seeking to adopt the Danish recipe for contentment.
Hygge encourages slowing down and being fully present in the moment, emphasising harmony and humbleness. It’s about spending quality time with family and loved ones and is often associated with the colder months, but still applicable during spring, summer and especially autumn. As the leaves fall and the days shorten, the ambience of Hygge becomes even more pronounced with the reddish tones of the sun and leaves.
Incorporating Hygge elements into your property can significantly enhance its appeal, especially during the upcoming winter season. It adds a touch of homeliness and warmth, creating an inviting atmosphere for your guests or tenants. Hygge is defined by the use of soft fabrics and pleasing aesthetics that soothe the senses.
So what are the best ways to infuse your properties with the essence of Hygge?
1. Embrace Natural Materials
Incorporating natural materials is one of the hallmarks of Hygge design. Wooden furniture, in particular, has a warm and welcoming character, making it the perfect choice for creating a cosy atmosphere. Our Neyo Armchair, with its wooden frame and linen or leather upholstery, beautifully combines the elegance of wood with comfort and relaxation. It is an inviting piece of furniture that creates a space for sitting back and unwinding.
The Lenny Dining Table is ideal for creating a delightful dining corner. Its smooth and minimalist design embodies the essence of Hygge, reflecting its Scandinavian roots. The Bertie Bed, crafted from sturdy oak, adds an element of class and serenity to the bedroom, enhancing the overall cosy ambience of your property.
While wood is a prominent natural material, don’t overlook the charm of stone, such as marble. Our Pepper Side Table boasts a wonderfully minimalist design with an intriguing shape. Its clean and smooth appearance, along with its darker hue, can create a homely mood in the living room, offering a delightful contrast with brighter furniture pieces.
2. Add Textured Fabrics
Texture plays a crucial role in creating a snug atmosphere. During winter, we all seek comfort in woolly jumpers and puffer jackets. Boucle is the top choice of fabric for experiencing Hygge. Its soft, knotty quality makes it delightful to the touch and aesthetically pleasing. When selecting fabrics, remember that people often assess them visually first, making the fuzzy appearance an appealing feature for any furniture upholstered in boucle.
Incorporating textured furniture can elevate the feeling of comfort and togetherness in the living room. Pieces like the Phoebe Armchair and Ben Stool exude a sense of fluffiness that invites relaxation. For a bedroom with a touch of homey luxury, consider introducing boucle through the headboard, such as the ones in our Hibiscus line.
Velvet is an alternative fabric that you can use to add a soft and pleasant feel to any space. It is a tactile fabric that invites the touch and strikes the perfect balance between homely and sophisticated. We suggest utilising minimalist furniture pieces like Heath Sofa and Jasmine Dining Chair. They allow the sumptuousness of velvet to shine, without overwhelming their surroundings.
3. Foster Togetherness
Hygge is about family. It aims to capture the feeling of warmth that comes from spending pleasant nights with loved ones. To achieve this, it’s essential to use furniture that brings people together and design your property around it. An L-shaped sofa like the Lara can easily become the focal point of the living room, comfortably accommodating four people and creating a cosy nook where everyone can gather. Pair it with an inviting armchair and additional seating to create the perfect group spot.
The dining table also plays a significant role in bringing people together. A spacious and welcoming dining table fosters more interaction during shared meals. The Lotus Dining Table, with its round shape, can be used to create a sense of equality and harmony. Its peaceful ambience embodies the ultimate Hygge feel, encouraging personal conversations and the creation of cherished memories.
4. Think about Lighting
A well-lit space is better for creating a Hygge atmosphere. To achieve this, focus on two key aspects: maximising natural light during the day and creating a soft, warm ambience at night.
During the day, amplify the quality of natural light by installing blinds that allow sunlight to filter in while reducing glare. Strategically placing mirrors, like the Soraya, can increase the amount of natural light by reflecting it throughout the rooms, giving the space a more open and airy feel.
For the evenings, aim to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere with soft lighting. Install lamps with warm, Edison bulbs that will infuse the space with a cosy glow. Make room on the shelves for safely displaying candles which will further enhance the space with a pleasant, balmy ambience. If you do not want candles on your property, then you can place a sunset lamp in a strategic position. It can produce a warm, reddish-orange glow that will bring the ambience of a beautiful sunset at will.
5. Add Soft Touches
Softness is key to achieving the welcoming atmosphere of Hygge. Infuse your property with it, by incorporating various soft furnishings throughout the space. Begin by laying down soft carpets like our Astra or Faux Sheepskin Rugs in the living room. Their fluffy texture not only adds warmth but also creates an inviting space that allows people to unwind, whether seated on the floor for a game night or lounging on the sofa.
Enhance the visuals of sofas and beds with a generous amount of scatter cushions. Our versatile Glow and Lucky cushions offer a plush finish to lean against and infuse any room with a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. They can be easily rearranged and find use in many different situations.
Lastly, equip the bedrooms and living areas with soft throws like Selina. These are essential for the colder months as they provide a comforting and warm touch that your tenants will appreciate. Who doesn’t love curling up under a blanket in front of the TV at night?
6. Personalise the Property with Decorations
By thoughtfully adorning your property with meaningful decorations, you can create a space that resonates with your tenants and fosters a sense of homeliness and familiarity. Consider dressing the walls and corners with prints, paintings and decorative plants. Warm prints like Seaside Dusk or Volcano Day can introduce a touch of colour to the space and become captivating focal points, adding character to feature walls. These personalised touches will make your property feel like home and promote a sense of contentment and well-being.
