What exactly does hygge mean, and why is this concept considered so important in Denmark? What Scandi styling tips can you apply in your home in order to recreate the look? One of Scandinavia’s most known design exports, Morten Georgsen, is a true champion of the hygge concept, and he tells us how:
- Make Sure Your Home Is Comfortable And Warm
It’s nearly impossible to feel hygge when you sweat, freeze, or are otherwise uncomfortable. The indoor environment is simply the foundation. An open fire is great and if you don’t want to use wood or coal, add an ethanol fireplace.
Make sure your home has good acoustics, too, since bad acoustics make people talk too loudly and listen less, creating an anti-hygge environment.
- Don’t Make A Home That Looks Like A Page In A Magazine
When making the hygge, you have to make it fit you! Go to a Scandinavian design block or visit BoConcept.com to get inspired by pictures. Scandinavian lightning, minimalist furniture and kitchen worktops, and other accessories and furniture are a great way to start. Once you’re stocked, get an interior designer to help you follow the inspiration from your favorite pictures. Wood finishes such as natural oak or warm walnut are always great.
- Your Past Is Important for Hygge
Heritage pieces, books, LPs etc. should always be mixed with your Scandinavian furniture. The merit of Danish furniture is that it’s virtually anonymous yet not boring, so it’s easy to mix and match to create hygge.
- Less Is (A Lot) Moref
Often said by Mies Van der Rohe, these words are key when looking to create hygge. If your living room is small, use small nesting tables as opposed to a huge or minimalist coffee table. It makes it easy to create different atmospheres, too.
- Pick Few Accessories And Choose Well
Avoid too much acrylics or plastics. It’s like the difference from a LP cover to a plastic cover that CDs come in. Candle lights are great, and they go well with a subtle coloured plaid in cashmere or pure wool. Consider soft rugs in tonal colors, too, or with smooth patterns.
- Pick Lamps For Their Purpose
While the design of a lamp is important, make sure to think carefully about the light it provides, as indirect light is very important for a hygge atmosphere. The lamp over your dinning table should give plenty of light so you can see your food and each other well. Since hygge is also reading books (The Book of Hygge, £12.99), make sure that you have a nice sofa with plenty of soft pillows and a good reading lamp.
- Music Is Essential For Hygge
For Hygge, your home needs music, and it has to be relaxing. Electronics tend to have a hard appearance, which is a hygge killer, so try to store or hide them within your furniture. For instance, get a TV cabinet where you can hide your device and speakers, or a desk which you can close to store equipment out of sight