How To Create a Hygge Atmosphere through design and decor
Hi everyone, it’s Sally from StillMind. I hope you’re all keeping ok and trying to keep positive with the news that the vaccinations are going ahead at full steam.
For this blog, I thought we’d have a think about how to create a hygge atmosphere at home, but without having to spend money on doing so! So… embracing hygge in a really positive and genuine way means looking at all aspects of life and how we lead it. The Danes and their neighbours hold a great deal of emphasis on the home, not just because they have long, harsh winters, and a lot of time is spent in the home, although this is an important factor, but it is considered that home is where the heart is. It is at home that we can be who we genuinely are, to be ourselves completely and also to welcome family and friends and enjoy their company.
To really have a hygge atmosphere at home, we need to look at the elements that make a place hyggelig…..togetherness, cosiness, warmth, relaxation, comfort and gratitude. So we need to think of the following questions in order to start bringing in hygge.
Is your home a place of quietness, comfort and sanctuary away from outside stresses and difficulties?
When you walk in through the door, do you feel glad to be there and happy that this is your home?
Are your friends and family happy to come and visit and be in your home, able to relax and enjoy the ambience and the company?
Do it represent who you are and what makes you happy and content?
Hygge can be made more from furnishings and fixtures and fittings, but it is not just that, the true spirit of hygge is in how comfortable, safe, secure, happy, grounded and grateful you are that this is your home and where you live.
This blog will look into the different ways decor and design can bring hygge into the home. Next time we’ll think about how we can create a hygge atmosphere.
Keep the decor simple but warm - less is more - practical, functional furniture and ‘less is more’ is the idea to keep to. Textures are used to bring in colour and warmth, chunky throws in wool and natural fibres can add splashes of colour and feel really cosy. Cushion covers, blankets, bedspreads can all add to the feeling of cosiness and comfort. Books and bookshelves also add to the comfort factor, as do candles, lighting and plants.
Try and keep to a neutral colour scheme - pastel colours are a good way of not being overwhelmed by any colour scheme.
Try not to have areas of mess - de-clutter areas that can become ‘dumping grounds’. Try not to have pieces of furniture that are just ‘there’. Have furniture in rooms that are used, rather than just being decorative.
Be here and now in the present - try not to have electrical devices such as television, phones etc as the focal point of the room. Instead have the sofas facing each other so that the family are the focal point when they visit. Have board games and books to hand for when company is there or when you are on your own. Let the people become the focal point of the room, rather than the furniture or devices.
Next time, we’ll think about how to use light to create a hygge atmosphere. Until then, take care, stay safe and peaceful wishes.
