Hygge: Reasons to Embrace the Cosy Scandinavian Trend
Although logic will have you believe that decorating your space the Scandinavian way will make it seem cold, I believe in the opposite. You see, winters in Nordic countries are marked by long periods of darkness and sub-zero temperatures, and to cope with this depressing and inescapable reality, Danes invented the hygge trend.
Hygge refers to bringing more cosiness and inspiring warm feelings all around – especially in their homes since they spend so much time trapped inside. Are you intrigued? Well, now as the days get colder, there’s no better time to embrace hygge. And there are plenty of good reasons you should.
The Best Strategy for Staying Warm
You know the saying “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing”? Well, according to hygge, your home should also be suitably dressed for winter. What this means is that you should try to incorporate plenty of Scandinavian homeware pieces that emit warmth in one way or another. For instance, rich wooden furniture, dimmable lighting fixtures, and scented candles that flicker. Also, try to use as many layers of textures as you can. Think wool blankets, soft cowhide rugs, knit throws for the sofa, fuzzy poufs, and other textural lifestyle pieces which will make for a more cosy and intimate feeling. A fireplace wouldn’t be bad either.
A Great Way to Beat the Winter Darkness
As shorter days mean less natural light, the goal is to bring in as much light as possible through smart home design. This is why Scandinavian interiors tend to avoid hard window treatments and heavy curtains. The key is to open up the view and let more sunshine in. The white walls, which are a symbol for Scandinavian design, also help in making the space feel brighter. Additionally, you can illuminate your interiors with the help of large chandeliers and similar ceiling fixtures made of metal that reflect light. Instead of using décor that will visually overwhelm the space, consider light Scandinavian homeware items in pastel or neutral colours.
You’ll Learn to Cherish the Important Things in Life
As all Scandinavian trends, hygge also has a simplistic nature which just goes to show that you don’t need to pile up a bunch of things to warm up your interior. As a matter of fact, the less clutter in your home, the more you’ll appreciate the little things that make life so good. You add a bit of hygge whenever you drink a warm cup of coffee under a throw blanket on your sofa, watching a romantic comedy. The scent of freshly baked cookies in the air also brings a dose of hygge to your home. Putting up your favourite family photos or art prints that spark warm feelings is also a great way to make your home feel more cosy and intimate.