The Danish concept hygge, which can be roughly translated as 'cosiness' or 'the art of creating intimacy', has been the __design buzzword of recent times. (It's pronounced 'hoo-ga', in case you were wondering.) We decided to put together a collection of __design tips for making your home ultra-cosy, Nordic-style.
'Nordic homes are minimalist, yet warm. Natural materials add a timeless element to our design,' writes Signe Johansen in How to Hygge: The Secrets of Nordic Living. The book quotes Max Fraser of London design Guide as recommending iitala, glassware from Orrefors, furniture from Swedese, Poul Kjaerholm for Fritz Hansen, the legendary furniture designer Hans Wegner and Andreas Engesvik, amongst others, as designers to look to for shopping inspiration. We would add Skandium, Normann Copenhagen and Carl Hansen & Søn to that list.
Signe gives other tips on how to create a feeling of hygge in the home. Carpeted floors are banned, as is clutter. Candles, indoor plants, soft furnishings, books, rugs on bare wooden floors and a variety of textiles, on the other hand, are key design features. For lighting, a few discreet sources are preferable to one big main light.
Click to discover our hygge design tips
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Hygge: Loft Bedroom
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Hygge: Cosy Living Room in a Barn
Hygge: Garden Room Shed
Hygge: Framing Pressed Plants
Hygge: Minimal White Living Room
Hygge: White Bathroom with Natural Materials
Hygge: Scandinavian-Style Living Area
Hygge: Ikea Sofa Covers
Hygge: Books in a Bedroom
Hygge: Bedroom Storage in Banquette Seating
Hygge: White Attic Bedroom