Have you heard of the Danish Decorating tradition called hygee? In Denmark, it is a part of their entire culture. There, they practice ‘hygge’ decorating style. Pronounced ‘hoo-gah’, there is no direct translation into English. However, it basically means the following: creating a cozy, warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life! This could be anything from curling up with a good book or eating a fabulous meal with your friends. It’s little wonder that the Danish are often considered to be the happiest people in the world! And with a culture also heavily focused on interior design, hygge can be expressed in how you decorate your home too. Whether you’re in an apartment or a log cabin, here’s how you too can decorate your home the Danish hygge style.
Dim the lighting
Bright, harsh lights in your home can often make it difficult for you to relax. White lights similar to the ones installed in offices are likely to keep you in ‘work mode’ and less inclined to relax. Whereas dimmed, red-tinged lights are more likely to send you off to sleep – and rest is an important part of hygge! Buy yellow or orange-tinged lampshades for your living room or bedroom to give a more cozy feel. Avoid turning on your ceiling lamp, most of which are manufactured to light up the whole room. Instead, stick to a couple of floor or tables lamps so that you’re not squinting at your television. If you want even more hygge in your home, consider lighting some candles in pretty colored jars.
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Invest in a beautiful fireplace
A burning fireplace can immediately give your home the hygge-factor. Unless you’re blessed with a real log fireplace, a gas fire is the perfect option for many people across the world. This way, you can also save on the cost of installing a chimney. There are fireplaces available for every kind of home; so if you have an ultra-modern pad, opt for a chic white fireplace with burning stones. If your home is more traditional, make the most of a stunning Victorian fireplace by getting it refurbished. There’s also nothing better than sitting in your back garden, glass of red wine in hand, catching up with friends late into the night. Consider getting an outdoor fire installed so you can stay warmer for longer.
Mix up your fabrics
The whole point of the Danish decorating style called hygge is creating a relaxing, cozy atmosphere. Being comfy is key, and mixing up different fabrics can make for a rustic feel in your home. If you have a leather sofa, consider putting a soft throw over it so you can curl up on an evening and not stick to the seat! There’s nothing like melting into a big pile of cushions after a long day at work, so scatter three or four large ones across each individual sofa. Plus, floor cushions or bean-bags are perfect seating options for guests if you are having a lot of people round – and they are very hygge too. If you have a hardwood floor, get crafty by making a rag-rug to soften the surface and give you something soft to put your feet on.
