What Is Hygge Interior Design? Getting Started

Hygge interior design is more than just a decorating style—it's a way to bring warmth, comfort, and a sense of well-being into your home. Originating from Denmark, the concept of "hygge" (pronounced "hoo-ga") has taken the world by storm, offering a path to a simpler, more meaningful lifestyle. This guide by Tailored Interior will walk you through the basics of hygge interior design, providing practical tips to help you transform your living spaces into a haven of coziness and contentment.

What Is Hygge?

At its core, hygge is a Danish concept that embodies the feeling of cozy contentment and well-being through enjoying the simple pleasures of life. In the realm of hygge interior design, this philosophy is reflected in spaces that are warm, welcoming, and conducive to relaxation and togetherness.

Hygge interior design focuses on creating spaces that epitomize comfort and coziness. This is achieved through soft furnishings like plush sofas, fluffy pillows, and warm throws arranged to foster relaxation and togetherness. This design style combines simplicity and functionality, embracing a minimalist aesthetic with no room for clutter. It features clean lines and simple patterns that contribute to a calm environment. 

Natural materials such as wood, wool, cotton, and leather are central, adding warmth and connecting the interior with the natural world, while furniture and decor in organic shapes with rounded edges enhance comfort. Crucial to hygge is soft, warm lighting from candles, fireplaces, and lamps, plus maximizing natural light to create a bright, airy feel by day and a cozy glow by night.

The personal touch is a hallmark of hygge decorating, with spaces adorned with sentimental items like family photos, crafts, or heirlooms that make a home feel lived-in. The colour scheme typically includes muted, neutral shades like white, cream, brown, and gray, accented with soft pastels or earth tones to add depth without overwhelming. 

Hygge design is all about fostering togetherness. Dining areas, living rooms, and kitchens are designed to support communal activities and encourage spending quality time with loved ones, ensuring every home aspect is conducive to shared experiences and a sense of community.

Key Principles of Hygge Interior Design

Hygge decor focuses on creating a harmonious environment that promotes happiness and tranquillity. Here are some of the fundamental principles that define hygge interior design:

Comfort and Coziness

This is the essence of hygge design. It's about creating an inviting atmosphere where one can relax and feel at ease, often using plush textiles and comfortable furniture.

Simplicity and Minimalism

Hygge interiors are clutter-free and functional, emphasizing simplicity and minimalism without sacrificing beauty and warmth.

Natural Materials

Incorporating elements like wood, leather, and natural fibres helps to connect the indoors with the natural world outside, enhancing the hygge feel.

Warm Lighting

Soft, ambient lighting is crucial in hygge design. It often involves the use of candles, fireplaces, and lamps with warm-toned bulbs to create a soothing atmosphere.

Personal Touches

Hygge is personal. It encourages adding elements that have personal significance, such as family photos, heirlooms, or anything that brings joy.

Creating a Hygge Living Room

A hygge living room is a centrepiece for relaxation and togetherness. Here’s how to achieve this:

Use Soft Textiles

Enhance the comfort of your living room with soft throws, plush rugs, and cushioned sofas that invite you to curl up and relax.

Incorporate Wood Elements

Wooden furniture and decor items add warmth and natural beauty, essential for hygge home decor.

Choose Calming Colours

Opt for a colour palette of soft whites, greys, and pastels to create a peaceful and inviting atmosphere.

Add Personal Decor

Hygge decorating is all about making your space feel like a reflection of you. Include books, ceramics, and textiles that tell your story.

Lighting

Arrange candles and use lamps with soft lighting to transform your living room into a hygge sanctuary.

Transforming Your Bedroom into a Hygge Retreat

The bedroom is another crucial space for implementing hygge design. Here's how to make it a cozy retreat:

Layer Your Bedding

Use multiple layers of bedding—such as comforters, quilts, and fluffy pillows—to create an irresistibly cozy bed.

Natural Textures

Incorporate natural materials in your furniture and decorations, such as a wooden bedside table or a wool area rug.

Soothing Palette

Keep the colour scheme calm and neutral to help promote rest and relaxation.

Soft Lighting

Use warm, dimmable lighting to create a tranquil ambiance perfect for winding down.

Clutter-Free Space

Maintain a tidy and minimal space to help calm the mind and promote better sleep.

Hygge Dining Room and Kitchen Ideas

The kitchen and dining room are spaces where hygge can foster communal and family bonds. Here’s how to introduce hygge into these areas:

Use Natural Element

A wooden dining table and chairs can anchor the space with warmth and rustic charm.

Soft Fabrics

Add soft cushions to dining chairs and use linen tablecloths and napkins for a touch of hygge decor.

Warm Lighting

Install pendant lights with warm bulbs over the dining table to create an intimate dining experience.

Open Shelving

Display ceramics, spices, and kitchen essentials on open shelves to add a personal and accessible touch.

Indoor Plants

Greenery brings life and a sense of calm to the kitchen and dining areas, enhancing the hygge home atmosphere.

Hygge Design Tips for Your Home

To create a cohesive hygge home decor experience throughout your house, consider these tips:

Flow and Harmony

Ensure each room flows seamlessly into the next by using consistent elements of hygge style throughout your home.

Hygge Inspo

Gather inspiration from Danish interior design by incorporating functional furniture with a focus on craftsmanship and timeless appeal.

Textures and Layers

Use a variety of textures and layers throughout your home to create depth and interest while maintaining a cozy feel.

Natural Accents

Place natural elements like wood, stone, and plants throughout your home to maintain a connection with nature.

Conclusion: Your Journey to a Hygge Home

Embracing hygge interior design is about more than just decorating; it's about creating a space where you can live happily and contentedly. By following these guidelines and incorporating elements of hygge style into your home, you’ll turn your living spaces into a serene, cozy haven that invites relaxation and togetherness.

If you're interested in learning more about hygge interiors or need personalized advice on incorporating these elements into your home, read more on our interior design blog.

Ready to transform your living space? Contact our Canadian interior designers today for expert interior design, home renovation, and home staging services by our team of award-winning Edmonton interior designers.