The essence of hygge and its characteristic features

If we consider hygge as a whole, there is nothing complicated about it: hyggelig in Denmark is wrapping yourself in a blanket with a cup of hot chocolate, spending an evening with friends playing board games, watching an exciting movie with the whole family on a comfortable sofa. The same is with the interior style – it is full of simple and understandable things that make life more enjoyable. Features of hygge design:

  • Light shades. In Scandinavian countries, the sun is a rare guest, so their interiors are filled with beige, white, pastel, muted hygge colors.
  • Natural materials. Wood, fabric, wool – even with the help of decoration you can make an apartment warmer. The same applies to decor – pine cones collected in the forest or a beautiful snag are much better than a fashionable modern figurine or painting.
  • Open fire. In private homes, a fireplace or stove is a must; in an apartment, install a decorative fireplace or use candles.
  • Abundance of light. In Denmark, curtains are often not used at all, allowing daylight to penetrate into the apartment non-stop. In the evenings, the sun is replaced by multiple lamps and lights, preferably with a warm glow.
  • Pleasant textiles. There may not be any curtains, but blankets, pillows, rugs, tapestries and other fabric decor are a must, and the more of it, the better.

Color scheme

A hygge-style home is a calm haven where your soul can rest. The palette is selected for this task, so its basis is neutral calm shades.

Predominant colors:

  • white;
  • gray;
  • brown.

The last two can be of any degree of saturation: from gainsboro to graphite, from creamy beige to coffee.

As accents, also take calm pastel, dirty shades – dusty rose, pistachio, champagne, gray.

minimalistic hygge

The photo shows a version of a dark shade palette

attic in hygge style dark scandinavian bedroom

When choosing a color, do not be guided by fashion trends, descriptions and the main colors of the year. The main thing is that you like this shade, and your eyes rest when looking at it.

shelf with pictures above the sofa

The photo shows a light living room in the hygge style

Finishing materials

Renovations in this style are usually light and monochromatic – the easiest option is to paint the walls and ceiling white, and lay a natural floor covering underneath.

If you need to add colors or patterns, use wallpaper with a neutral print, but not necessarily light. Dark blue, emerald, gray and other muted tones are also suitable.

The Danish hygge interior is distinguished by its love for wood, mainly light wood species. The most popular are deciduous varieties – ash, maple, beech. Beams on the ceiling of a country house, decorative paneling up to the middle of the wall, and the floor can be wooden.

The second most popular material is stone. It can be replaced with brick or ceramics. In this case, it is better to choose not a glossy, but a pleasant rough coating.

wooden house hygge pure white walls living room with a stove

The photo shows a hall with a stove in a country house

Furniture

A room in the hygge style cannot be called cluttered – the legislators of this style value space, simplicity and advocate for reasonable consumption. Therefore, the furnishings include only the most necessary.

Furniture in the hygge style is more about functionality than about beauty. It is enough to look at the assortment of the nearest IKEA store to understand the clear direction of the style. A sofa, for example, is usually of a simple shape and unremarkable color – you can decorate it with a blanket or soft pillows.

frameless sofa in the living room

The photo shows a combination of a laconic sofa with an unusual table

wicker furniture in the interior furniture in the style of hygge

In addition, not deliberately new and modern models are welcome, but old things with a history. Grandma’s chest, an antique sideboard, shabby chairs – any vintage adds a pleasant charm to the atmosphere.

low furniture for the hall

The photo shows an example of a living room with two windows without curtains

Curtains and textiles

The main thing you need to know about the hygge style in the interior is that there are no standards. You just have to be cozy! And textiles are best suited for this:

  • Curtains. Refuse them altogether or hang light airy tulle, linen curtains that let in light and air.
  • Pillows. Choose a set in one style or put together an eclectic set – the choice is yours. They can be round, square, cylindrical, rectangular. Smooth and fluffy, plain and colorful.

fur in the interior linen tablecloth in the kitchen bedroom in the attic

  • Blankets. Be sure to keep them where there are armchairs or sofas, because there is nothing nicer than lying down and covering yourself with a soft blanket.
  • Carpets. It should be nice not only to sit, but also to walk! For this reason, rugs in hygge are everywhere: near the sofa, bed, kitchen work area, bathroom.

simple bedroom interior wooden sofa in the hall

Accessories

The main decorative role in the cozy hygge style is, of course, played by textiles, but additional decorations also take place:

  • beautiful dishes;
  • baskets and textile bags;
  • candlesticks;
  • paintings and photographs in frames;
  • memorable souvenirs;
  • indoor flowers;
  • books, magazines.

living room in a studio

The photo shows the interior with a brick wall

Scandinavian style decor hygge style decor

Some decor elements can be made by hand: for example, assemble a garland of acorns or put beautiful dried flowers in a vase.

old lamps in the interior baskets in the interior

Lighting

Hygge in interior design does not accept too bright, cold, industrial light. The lighting here is rather intimate, but there are many light sources:

  • fancy chandeliers with paper shades hiding an incandescent lamp;
  • floor lamps on wooden tripods, comfortably illuminating the corner of the room;
  • hanging garlands with many cute bulbs;
  • candles or their imitation are the most important component of the style.

We have already mentioned the importance of light temperature – the coldest temperature of the permissible is 4500K. It’s a little cooler than the moonlight. But it is better to choose warmer options – 2500-3500K.

garlands in the interior candles in the living room light white living room

In the photo spacious room in white

Photos in the interior of the rooms

In essence, hygge is based on the Scandinavian style and has much in common with it, but is still considered softer and more secluded.

Kitchen in the hygge style

Before you start decorating the kitchen space, you should turn to the philosophy of hygge. It says that one of the most enjoyable moments is cooking together and then eating dinner. Therefore, the space should be designed for the simultaneous work of several people.

The most important attribute is the table – it is at it that you will spend family evenings over a cup of tea or coffee.

The oven is also important, because baking occupies a special place in the hearts of northerners.

dining room in a house in the hygge style table with a bench for the kitchen cozy hygge kitchen

Hygge style bedroom interior

A hygge style bedroom is characterized by three words: light, relaxing, natural.

The first is achieved through open windows and artificial lighting, the second – through a large comfortable bed, pillows and blankets, the third is based on linen or cotton bed linen, natural wood bedside tables or slab tables.

blankets for the bedroom hanging chair in the bedroom Scandinavian style storage

The photo shows a bedroom with a large window

Hygge in the living room interior

The main components of the hall are a fireplace or bio-fireplace, a soft sofa, and a coffee table. But don’t forget about the functional purpose of the room: organize convenient storage using shelves, cabinets, wicker boxes and baskets. You can use the windowsill by placing a few comfortable pillows on it.

living room with a fireplace woodbox in the living room living room with two sofas

Children’s room design

Minimalism is also relevant for a baby’s or teenager’s room – instead of many toys, for example, a few of the most favorite and high-quality ones.

Children’s room decoration options:

  • canopy;
  • live plants;
  • pictures;
  • fancy shelves;
  • baskets with toys.

children's room in cold tones children's room in warm tones

Examples of bathroom design

To make the bathroom a place of pleasure, design it according to these rules:

  • tiles in muted cream, gray, pastel shades;
  • laconic, but modern plumbing;
  • nice little things in the form of aroma candles and bombs;
  • neat storage of towels, toothbrushes, tubes.

gray hygge bathroom attic bathroom

Balcony design in hygge style

Designers have been trying to prove for several years that a balcony can and should be cozy! Remove all the clutter, lay a carpet, put in beautiful flowerpots and create a cozy corner with the help of upholstered furniture.

cozy open balcony pallets on the balcony cozy balcony with plants

Hallway and entrance hall interior

It’s great when you just need to step over the threshold for comfort. But you shouldn’t forget about functionality in the hallway: be sure to think about the contents of outerwear, shoes, and accessories.

storage in the hallway hygge-style hallway