Hygge at home

This time of year is the perfect time to embrace the hygge philosophy – especially at home.

The Scandinavian people are supposed to be the happiest in the world and so at this time of year in particular, we thought it would be useful to embrace some of that happiness using hygge.

Most Scandinavians will tell you that hygge is more of a concept than an actual thing, but many here have described it as meaning happiness - and at home that means relaxing and enjoying the small things in life.  This is particularly true at this very busy time of year when we do so much running around that we often forget to ‘stop and smell the roses’.

A hygge home is essentially a warm, comfortable space that reflects your personality.  It is about creating intimacy and soothing the senses.  A time to switch off the technology and instead light a few candles – candles are at the heart of the hygge home.

For that cosy, warm feeling, think texture – the softer the better.  Our super soft sheepskin rugs for example couldn’t be better for hygge – you can use them on the back of the sofa or on the floor, whatever you prefer.

The hygge home should reflect your personality, it’s not about the latest trend.  Have some special things on show that mean a lot to you, books, LPs, photographs, your mums old sewing box – whatever makes you feel happy and secure.

Colours are generally natural or muted.  A wooden floor and cream walls but if you do want to add a dash of colour, pale blue or Santa red in small amounts are perfect.  We love these rugs which incorporate the colours beautifully.

As Scandinavian nights are so long, it’s always best to hygge with friends and here at home ‘tis the season to gather your nearest and dearest to enjoy food, drink, conversation and laughter.

Happy hygge!

What's your favourite Christmas interior theme?

In this latest blog we pick three of our favourite interior design themes for Christmas.

Traditional

The traditional Christmas home will feature lots of seasonal colours including of course, plenty of red.  Red is the forever festive colour, always associated with this time of year. Red baubles, red tinsel, red crackers and party hats – the traditional home will be awash with red in all of its various shades.

If you want to pick up the traditional theme in your home furnishings it’s relatively easy to give your home a quick traditional Christmas makeover simply by adding some red accessories such as rugs, cushions and throws.

Natural Christmas

Going back to nature at this time of year is becoming more popular as people reject the ‘shop bought’ decorations in favour of quite literally, home grown alternatives. 

Naturally a real Christmas tree is a must but instead of using tinsel and baubles the ‘naturalist’ will opt for pine cones, mistletoe, holly and berries to dress it - and the room.  Instead of fairy lights, lots of candles or better still battery operated versions, will provide the twinkle and handmade decorations like good old fashioned paper chains and oranges with cloves will add to the mood.

If you’re looking for a natural look, then your home furnishings should be more subtle and shades of green should be the main focus.  This green rug is the perfect accessory for your natural theme. 

Go Scandinavian

Hygge means happy in Danish and when it comes to our homes, you want to create a cosy, warm feel. Our European neighbours in Scandinavia have been doing this for years by using a palette of neutrals featuring cream walls, blonde wooden furniture and pale wood floors. 

The Scandinavian Christmas look features several key pieces throughout the room from the lightly dressed real Christmas tree to wooden hearts, large candles, and perhaps a string of silver lights across the hearth. 

If you do want to introduce a dash of colour, it’s literally just that – a dash. Perhaps a red candle, a green wreath or even a blue table runner. Keep the soft furnishings light and add in a luxurious long pile shaggy rug to complete the Scandinavian mood.

There’s no place like home at Christmas!