In a world that seems to get busier and even more hectic every day, the need to sit back, relax and enjoy the small sacred things in life has never been more prevalent. The Danes and many other Scandinavian countries have long established themselves as lovers of calm and have in turn consistently been at the top of the polls as the happiest people on earth. It is frequently said that this can be put down to the home decor concept of Hygge which graces every aspect of Scandinavian life and design.

WHAT IS HYGGE?
Pronounced “Hoo-ga”, the word is becoming increasingly recognizable and was originally a Norwegian term for wellbeing. This was then developed into a concept and way of living by the Danish people of the 18th century. Applicable to any time and space, Hygge transverses all seasons and is best described as the creation of “coziness” and “togetherness”. Hygge is largely defined as the ritual of enjoying life’s simplest pleasures and the art of creating a warm and inviting space for yourself, friends and family. It really is a far-reaching notion that has spread like wildfire the world over. It seems everyone is keen for their own little piece of Hygge.

LEARN HOW TO STYLE YOUR HOME HYGGE
It is time to embrace the flickering glow of candlelight with the simple candle being seen as one of the most fundamental parts of the Hygge experience. Whether scented or unscented, candles are most possibly the most Hyggeligt (Hygge like) items out there. Think flickering candles at breakfast all grouped together on a plywood board, candles lit at dusk dotted in groups and in singulars throughout your rooms to greet you as you move through your home and your nightly routines. Candles are strewn abundantly around the bathtub as you soak the day away, the warm and inviting nature of a candle rather than the stark illumination of a downlight is the very essence of the Hygge notion.

THE DETAIL IS IN THE SIMPLICITY
Simple and considered detail is all that is needed to transform your home into a Hygge inspired haven. Hygge as a notion is not about extravagance and your interiors should reflect this, think natural, calm and inviting rather than in your face statement-making! Use large strategically placed mirrors to reflect natural light into darker corners of your home to brighten your interior and add warmth to your rooms. Incorporate Scandi inspired wooden furnishings with rustic decor accents. Wood finishes like warm walnut and natural are perfect for this interior aesthetic and help to convey a sense of hygge all year round. Our top tip: Avoid too many plastics or acrylics and keep to man-made materials wherever possible, the sense of Hygge is all in the small personal detail.

YOUR PAST IS A BIG PART OF HYGGE
Add vintage, antique and heirloom pieces into your interior styling to create that nostalgic connected and homely feel. Think books, vintage records in rough papery packets and antique Scandi pottery in organic groupings. These are also a great way to share a little personal info with those you invite into your home and this sharing/togetherness is very in tune with the Hygge concept. But remember when it comes to Hygge, less is much, much more so don’t over clutter your space!

HYGGE WITH FRIENDS
The concept of Hygge really is about enjoying life’s simplest pleasures in the company of friends and family. It’s the art of creating a warm and inviting space for these friends and family to linger together, sharing in food, drinks, and conversations. Yet it is also the enjoyment one finds in curling up in with a good book on a beautiful lounge and nestling in for the day with endless cups of tea. Hygge is not something you can buy…it's a state of mind brought about by the environment you create.