Hygge Design
When the winter months arrive, I just want to wrap up in a warm blanket and get cozy with some friends. There’s a Danish word for that, and so much more: Hygge, pronounced hyoo-gah, sounds nothing like how it looks, in English!
Hygge is a Danish and Norwegian word describing a mood of coziness and conviviality, along with feelings of wellness and contentment. And of course, there’s a whole design style centered around facilitating those feelings. Here are some ways you can welcome hygge into your home.
Create a Cozy Space
You can never have too many pillows! Have a blanket ready for a snuggle, too. I designed a custom-made chaise lounge for this reading nook with plenty of hygge touches, like a sheepskin rug.
Light Flameless Candles
Nothing creates a mood like candlelight. In hygge, more is better, when it comes to candles. Flameless candles with flickering effects are perfect, and decrease the negative effects of burning real ones. Brighten the long nights with an amber flameless candlelit glow, and you’re sure to feel the hygge in your space.
Gather ‘Round the Fireplace
A simple yet elegant design with lots of hygge style! I custom-created this contemporary fireplace and surround to contrast with the warm, knotty cedar wood wall construction, and personalized with art and pottery. The stool and rug are perfect for getting the fire started on a chilly night.
Feed Your Friends
Invite your friends and family around for fun activities to keep the cold at bay. Bake bread or decorate cookies together; offer hot cocoa and cider or tea and nibbles to visitors. The velvet chairs I selected for this Bay Area condo’s dining space provide a feeling of being hugged while talking and eating, the very essence of hygge.
If you want more hygge in your home, Kimball Starr designs comfortable, cozy homes through Northern California and Nevada. Contact her today for a consultation!
