We like to Hygge

Us Brits have been embracing all things Scandinavian for the past few years and the latest import has been the concept of hygge. Pronounced hoo-ga, hygge translates as ‘cosiness’ and which implies warmth, conviviality and kinship as described by author Signe Johansen in her latest book ‘How to Hygge’. Signe explores the secrets of Nordic living and shows you how to embrace hygge in your home.

Last month, I was delighted to be invited to a ‘Hygge in the Home’ panel discussion with Signe Johansen, notonthehighstreet.com Creative Product Director, Sally Bendelow and Magnus Englund founder of Skandium. We got the opportunity to really delve into the hygge concept and how this translates into interior design and furniture design.

So let’s just be clear – hygge is about far more than sitting in your onesie sipping cocoa whilst watching I’m a Celeb. Far too often brands jump onto the latest trend to sell their wares. Hygge is more than that – it’s a way of life that actually goes against anything trendy and mass-produced. Hygge is about buying less but better. It’s about realising that we have too much stuff and we have an obsession filling our homes with cheaply designed and made products. Think style over trend!

In Nordic culture, people care more about having a connection with an item. They want to know its story, who made it and where did the materials come from. Hygge in the home is all about quality over quantity and creating a cosy and loved home using natural products. Any materials found in nature get the thumbs-up. Solid wood, wool, cotton, stone and fur create that beautiful Nordic cosy aesthetic.

Hygge is also about spending time with family and friends over great food (and drinks) as well as spending time outdoors. The Nordic countries have a lot of space compared to populations and so there’s a lot of nature to go around!

The first rule of embracing hygge in your home is that there are no strict rules. There’s no template to follow as hygge is very much about your own style rather than following trends. Saying this, creating an atmosphere of nurture and security is key to hygge in the home. Opting for simplicity, quality and natural materials is very much the Nordic way. Longevity is valued in design – timeless style.

Colour schemes reflect the Nordic landscapes and natural colours. Greys, blues, greens and browns are often used in interiors – although colour trends vary from country to country. Finland tends to have a starker interior style, whereas Denmark is rather decorative and bold in colour schemes. You can get more fun in kids’ rooms where colour is very important. You’ll often see quality wooden toys over land-fill plastic though!

The key to hygge in the home is to get as close to the original sub-straight as you can. A paired-back and simple style creates a calmer and more relaxed space which can then have an effect on you and your family too. We’re very sensory as humans and we’re affected by smells, tactivity, colours etc. Lighting is key in creating an atmosphere in any space and so plenty of candles are needed! Flickering candle-light is so wonderfully calming and warming – no wonder it’s one of the key aspects of hygge in the home.

Candle light also hides a lot – so leave those dishes soaking in the sink and pour your guests another aquavit. But first… take a look at my top pics from Notonthehighstreet.com

Leaf art prints £20 each | 2. Giant knit blankets £180 | 3. Carved wooden lamps from £89.95 | 4. Copper waterfall string lights £45 | 5. Sheepskin rug £98 | 6. Handmade wooden lampshade £118

You may be wondering how I’ve embraced hygge in my home? Although the word is new to me, the ethos of hygge isn’t. There’s a lot of cross-over between Nordic and Polish cultures. Sweden and Poland are neighbours after all! Not only do we share a love of Vodka and pickled herrings, but also the social culture of not having to have an invitation to drop round to visit someone. Any being guaranteed amazing hospitality and food when you do. The Poles also embrace their long winters rather than try to fight them. They change around their homes to prepare for the winter months, adding rugs, draft-excluders and stocking up of plenty of firewood.

Adding a cosy wool or cotton throw like this Scandinavian woven blanket from Notonthehighstreet.com softens an armchair or sofa and adds texture and colour for a more homely feel. I’ve mentioned on here before how much I dislike this armchair and finally my husband agrees with me and has given the green-light to get rid! I’ve been on the hunt for an Ercol bench to replace it for months, and hoping to unearth one which isn’t selling for a song ; )

Natalia xo