Hygge-Inspired Home Decor Ideas

We’re about halfway through winter and the novelty of this season is starting to wear off. Christmas has come and gone, and that urge to lean into the coziness that usually comes with winter is slipping away. But, we know better than to assume that winter will waltz away come March 21st… so I thought I'd put together a little blog post for you that pulls inspiration from Danish culture that will reignite those feelings of cuddly, cozy, and warm. 

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What is Hygge and where does it come from?

Originating from Denmark, the concept of hygge (pronounced hoo-gah) is centred around creating a welcoming atmosphere that promotes well-being and contentment. Hygge is deeply ingrained in Danish culture, which is probably one of the reasons they are some of the world’s happiest people. Hygge goes beyond the household - it’s a mentality that is carried through in the lifestyle and ethos of the people. 

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What does Hygge translate to?

Translated loosely, Hygge encompasses coziness, comfort, and friendliness, which is why I figured it’s probably a great topic to talk about during the winter season. I will add though, that it is about a lot more than just physical comfort; it's also about creating a sense of emotional well-being and contentment.

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Why is Hygge So Popular in Home Decor and Improvement?

Hygge has become increasingly popular in home decor and improvement for a few reasons. Firstly, up here in the Great White North, we Canadians love it because it offers a simple yet effective way to combat the god-awful winters we have. It places so much emphasis on warmth, softness, and relaxation, that hygge-inspired decor creates an environment that encourages relaxation and connection with loved ones. It’s also popular because it’s rooted in Scandinavian design, and I mean, who doesn’t love Scandinavian design? It’s probably one of the simplest, sleekest, most elegant design styles out there. But in a nutshell, today’s fast-paced world means that we will use any excuse to find stillness and softness, and Hygge offers that solution.

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How to integrate Hygge-inspired decor into your home

Embrace Soft Textures:

One of the key elements of hygge-inspired decor is the use of softer textures. Think of plush throw blankets and pillows, fluffy area rugs and natural materials like wool, fur, and knits to add warmth and comfort to your living spaces.

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Warm Lighting:

I am a huge advocate for warm lighting, the cooler tones, in my opinion, make a space feel super sterile and clinical. Warmer lighting on the other hand, creates a more inviting atmosphere. Opt for soft, diffused lighting sources such as string lights, candles, and table lamps with warm-toned bulbs to cast a gentle glow throughout your home. You should also look into adding dimmer switches to control the intensity of your lighting to create a cozy ambiance that's perfect for relaxing evenings indoors.

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Create a Reading Nook:

Nothing says cozy quite like curling up with your favourite book. If your space allows for it, try and designate a cozy corner of your home as a reading nook. Have fun with this space, and lead with comfort. You can go on Pinterest or Instagram for inspiration, but a few ideas to get you started include finding a comfortable armchair or chaise lounge that can fit near a window. Alternatively, you could create a built-in bench and install a long, comfortable, upholstered cushion on top. But, don’t forget to add a side table for a cup of tea or hot cocoa. 

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Bring Nature Indoors:

Spending a few hours in nature each week has proven benefits to mental health and stress reduction, so I can’t stress enough the importance of Incorporating elements of nature into your decor. Display fresh, local flowers and house plants in vases or pots throughout your home, or incorporate natural materials like wood, stone, and rattan into your furniture and decor accents. Nature-inspired decor is also way more visually interesting, and above all, it brings a sense of calm and tranquillity to your space.

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Cozy Up Your Bedroom:

I think the bedroom falls as a super underrated room. We spend the majority of our lives sleeping in this space, and yet, kitchens and bathrooms always take priority. But I invite you to rethink your bedroom and transform it into a retreat-like space with layers of soft bedding, plush pillows, and warm throws. Consider the above suggestions: warm lighting, soft textures, and natural elements. And keep the colour choices minimal, stick to creamy whites and beiges so as not to overwhelm the eyes when they open for the first time each morning. 

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There are a lot of different ways you can incorporate the Hygge mentality into your home, and also ensure you’re keeping it unique to your design style. Like I said, look at Pinterest for inspiration, or start to Google “Danish-Inspired Hygge Home Decor.” This is one of my favourite articles that showcases Hygge done entirely right (well, in my humble opinion). So, whether you're cuddled up with a book in your reading nook or enjoying a warm cup of tea by the soft glow of candlelight, Hygge ensures your home will be a place that makes the colder months a little more bearable.

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