Nordic design: it’s all about hygge

If we talk about nordic design, our conversation needs to be about hygge, of course. Are you ready to learn everything there is to know about it?

Hygge is more than an interior design trend: it is a lifestyle from northern Europe that people from all over the world are getting to know and appreciate. The Danish word “hygge” does not have a literal translation but probably originates from the Germanic term “hyggja”, which dates back to the Nineteenth century and means “feeling satisfied”. Pronounced hoo-ga, it’s quite hard to translate it into a single word, though; rather, it can be better expressed as the enjoyment of feelings of comfort and coziness. With this word, we describe the typical lifestyle philosophy of Scandinavian people, which concerns harmony, well-being and gratitude.

Higge-inspired design by Vesta

Perhaps this is why Danish people are one of the happiest in the world: because they have discovered the importance of simple things and are able to find time just for themselves and their loved ones, without worrying about frenetic life rhythms and stress.Hygge is a style that applies to everyday life, but that also affects the way of decorating the house, which must be designed for the pleasure of meeting with friends and family, feeling good about yourself and others. The Danish people, forced by nature to spend so many months in complete darkness, have come up with the best interior design ideas when it comes to turning the domestic environment into a shelter. Let’s find out which are the main guidelines to accomplish a true hygge decor in your home.

"Handknitted" ceramic vases by PT

Hygge is about simplicity, respect for nature, and functionality. Hygge is about not indulging in the superfluous: everything you own, must have its purpose, and everything you do must be finalized to your well being. This is, in other words, the synthesis of this Nordic style: live naturally, and let nature in your home. This is why hygge interior design features a lot of wood and natural materials, and also plants, large windows to let in light, light colors that don’t look artificial.

First-quality carpets and rugs by Nanimarquina

Every home décor choice you make must be based on the pursuit of harmony, to experience moments of pleasure and sharing your home with the ones you love. That's why in a hygge style home there's always a big sofa to curl up or chat with friends on, a cozy kitchen, corners dedicated to relax, as we'll see later: "feeling good at home" is the number one rule of interior design. In order to obtain this feeling, your house needs to somehow talk about you. So go ahead and fill the walls with photos, of your childhood friends, of beautiful memories from adventurous trips, of family portraits.

Craftsmanship, quality and originality, with Wedgwood

To get a relaxing atmosphere, you can play with light design, combining different minor light sources, such as table or floor lamps, which will mix with the natural light from the outside during certain times of the day. If you put one in the entrance, you will make coming back home after a long day at work significantly more pleasant, while the light of the living room lamp, if kept low and soft, will make the room more inviting and welcoming. To have a calm and relaxing environment, opt for light bulbs and accessories that allow you to adjust the intensity, so you can choose the effect you want, bright or more intimate and collected.

Creative designs for your little ones? Try BUOKIDS!

Do not forget candles either! Candle light and the warm atmosphere it creates is one of the most representative symbols of the hygge style. You can place them on the kitchen table, but also on the shelves in between your favorite books, or even in the bathroom, to create evocative décor corners, full of intense scents and a special light. Did you know that observing the candle flame is equivalent to a real meditation exercise? Candlelight is able to stop the flow of thoughts, leading to a state of calm and tranquility. Before going to bed, it helps preventing insomnia. Would you like to try that?

We love this cozy set of candles by Opossum Design

We know that technology is not to be excluded from our lives: it would be impossible, and it would not improve our lives. At the same time, it is undeniable how addicted we are to our laptop, our TV, our smartphone. Be present to yourself, live in the here and now, and embrace the hygge manifesto. Transform your home into a safe place, a shelter from the rest of the world. Create a place to stop for a moment and ponder over what really matters in life, listen to music or read.

Urban and hygge at the same time: KORB

Choose a good novel, put on your favorite ambient music, and curl up on your comfy armchair with a glass of wine and don’t worry about taking some time off. There is no hygge decor without a relaxing corner, a safe place for your leisure hours, with a comfy armchair to welcome you in its comfy hug.

A comfy armchair by Gruppo Tomasella: you can choose to keep it either indoors or outdoors...or both!

What pleasure is more genuine than sharing food with those you love? What feels better than enjoying a good meal in the company of those you care the most about? This is such a simple thing to appreciate and enjoy, also because happiness starts even before your guests arrive. Cooking with others and for others, rediscovering the pleasure of preparing food slowly: that is hygge too. Take out your grandmother's notebook of recipes and invite some friends home. Better to have all the tools in sight, so everyone will be able to help without having to ask where everything is. If there is a large island in your kitchen, it will be fun to hang out around it in-between the various steps of a tasty recipe. While you are waiting to cook, a lot of talk and some good wine to taste will make those moments more meaningful. You will transform those hours in a special afternoon.

An essential but definitely cozy kitchen layout by Dada

Of course, to  invite family and friends for an informal dinner or to start a new gathering tradition, you will need a large dining table. A single guest or many, what matters is sharing, being together, telling each other how friendship and love are important: more love means more food to share, and that takes a large wooden table, to make everybody feel at home.

Benches and stools make everything warmer, even outside! Check out this dining set by RS Barcelona!

For the hygge lifestyle, keeping in contact with nature is fundamental. That is why you should always try to find time for an outdoor hobby: reading a book on your patio, create a do-it-yourself corner, or put together a little orchard or gardening spot. These activities will have a therapeutic effect, clearing your mind and erasing all the stress accumulated during your daily indoor activities.

LaSedia: Italian quality from 1936