The year is fast coming to end, the days are dark yet our lives seem to be increasingly busy so if you need to take five we have written this post exploring the secret behind Denmark’s fulfilment. Known for being advocates of calm and lowering stress, the Danes have a concept that they call Hygge. Read on this week to learn more about low-key Scandinavian living.
The word Hygge is pronounced ‘hue-gah’ and was originally a Norwegian term for wellbeing. First developed in the 18th Century, it’s still practised today and particularly during bleaker weather. Although the term has no literal translation it can be described in English as ‘together’ or ‘cosy’. Hygge is the art of creating intimacy in any given moment and so these terms don’t really do it justice.
The number one rule of Hygge is to make sure you appreciate the small joys in life so when it comes to interiors the trick is to sooth the senses through the overall scheme. Imagine curling up on the sofa with a good book, the fire roaring and candles lit. This contented state is at the source of all things Hygge and everything an interior should be. Some tips to embrace Hygge at home involve lots of texture and different tactile surfaces. Here are some tips to help get you started when styling for any room.
When you think of a cosy interior, chunky knit blankets and faux fur may spring to mind. You wouldn’t be wrong, this is wholesomely Hygge and a setting for plush soft textures. Layer materials like wool and cashmere or both to create a warming look in any room. Raw materials like hessian add another dimension for a setting that’s organically Hygge.
At the basis of Hygge is keeping things simple, we tend to overcomplicate things. So take the step to banish all clutter and invest in good storage in order to create a serene space. By making small changes it can make all of the difference - clarity is surprisingly mood-lifting. The Danes additionally steer away from loud tones and themes, instead, opt for a palette of harmonious shades.
If nothing else, the idea behind Hygge is to enjoy your immediate environment. It’s also about culturing joy and enhancing wellbeing by taking some time for you. Denmark is also one of the worlds largest consumers of candles and a warm glow is key to a Scandinavian interior. So draw a long bath and switch off the lights, everybody needs a little sanctuary to sink into each day.
Thank you for reading this week’s post and we hope you’re feeling suitably calm. Whether you’d like to update your home or take more time to ‘just be’, hopefully, this article has been a great help. In terms of an interior door finish to compliment Hygge, our UV walnut is highly versatile. All of our designs are also available with magnetic latches for quiet operation and contentment at home. Thank you for reading.
