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
![A light blue patterned custom chaise lounge with arms sits atop a very hygge sheepskin rug in front of a large window without draperies or window coverings of any kind, revealing the Craftsman design and warm wood trim, and green trees outside. On the chaise, three pillows are layered, with a tan blanket over the end of the chaise, and a book open. To the right of the chaise as we face it, a small triple-legged table sits, with a white marble top and flowers in a low vase, plus a decorative globe, perfect for resting a warm drink.](https://kimballstarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Kimball-Starr-Interior-Design_Hygge-Reading-Nook-Chaise-Lounge-580x792.jpg)
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
![Three wax pillar candles in different heights, two in an oval container to protect the surface they rest upon, the third on a reflective grey countertop. All three candles are flameless, with lit faux flames peeking out at the top.](https://kimballstarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Kimball-Starr-Interior-Design_Hygge-Flameless-candles-580x580.jpg)
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
![Photo of a contemporary fireplace, surrounded by a knotty cedar wood slatted cabin interior, with tan wood flooring. The fireplace is light grey in finish, without a mantle. Artwork is hung above the fireplace, and two vases sit on the fire surround, finished in black. In front of the fire sits a small grey upholstered round stool with brown wood legs in the Scandanavian style, atop a wooly grey rug.](https://kimballstarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Kimball-Starr-Interior-Design_Hygge-Fireplace-Contemporary-580x835.jpg)
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
![Surrounding a dark wood pedestal dining table, sit four yellow velvet upholstered dining chairs with buttons, and a wavy yellow and gold pattern on the backs. Dark cherry wood flooring is banded by a lighter blond wood at the edges of the room. Behind the dining table is a corner with windows on either side. Above the dining table hangs a round metal pendant light with multiple Edison lightbulbs. On the table are small plates with mugs and fruit, with yellow striped fabric napkins.](https://kimballstarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Kimball-Starr-Interior-Design_Hygge-Dining-Room-580x792.jpg)
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.
![Close up of a black short mug with strawberries on a white china plate. In front of that, a yellow fabric napkin is gently crumpled. In the back, out of focus, is the button-tufted upholstery of the yellow velvet chair.](https://kimballstarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Kimball-Starr-Interior-Design_Hygge-Dining-Room-Closeup-580x792.jpg)
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!