Hygge Decor [hue-gah]: The Danish Design for 2017

Alright, your alarm clock rings at 4:50am even though you didn’t fall into a real sleep until 3:30am. You cringe at your alarm while looking for the hair tie you lost somewhere in your pillows. Your dog, whose 80 pound body is splayed across your bed, is unfazed by the alarm and your agitated muttering. He has an entire day of sleeping ahead of him and cannot be interrupted by your responsibilities; spin class at 5:15am, his walk and breakfast upon your return, your shower, and your workday preparations…did you remember to put that PDF on your thumb drive?

Around 4:52am you muster the courage to turn on the light. Then a sigh of relief as you sit at the edge of your bed. Why? Because this morning routine inspired your new interior design; Hygge. And you couldn’t be happier.
This Danish design is meant for your wellbeing; literally. Hygge decor is meant to serenade you with its cozy calmness. Think of the serenity of a spa but the comfort of a rustic fire place juxtaposed to a window with snow on the other side.

Feeling swaddled yet? Comprised of a mostly mute, white backdrop with gentle earth tone like light greys, exposed rustic wood, and exposed strung lights for a complimentary soft glow (warm lighting also attests for better selfies).

The Danish design for 2017 is meant not only for you but for your guests. Yes, it is a gentle encouragement towards hospitality; opening your doors to your neighbors, sharing a bottle of wine with your friends, and yes, even snuggling up to your dog on the couch.

Hygge decor is a movement towards gracious welcoming’s and intimate stays. Is your home your sanctuary yet?

If not, here are the Hygge decor basics:

● Texture.

Think chunky woven blankets in neutral colors from brands like Behr. A faux wool rug for when your feet get cold. Mismatched pillows of the same color scheme. Utilize objects in a refreshing way; use stacked books for a tabletop, use your kitchen’s windowsill as your mug “cabinet”, use a an old candle holder as vase. Despite maintaining a muted color scheme, using different textures enhances the room’s deliverance of relaxation.

● Wall Art.

Hygge still encourages personality through wall art. Consider using differently shaped and sized frames hung in no particular order. Family photo? Wreath? Canvas? Mirror? Or even a refurbished window frame? Adding texture through your personality and memories can create a museum of warmth and familiarity. Surrounding yourself with images of the things you love releases a comfort in the atmosphere similar to that of your childhood bedroom.

● You.

You are the central focus of Hygge. If you’re not there to feel Hygge, what’s the point of Hygge-ing your home? If you do not feel welcome or at ease in your own home, neither will your guests. The purpose of Hygge is to complement your mind’s ease, not contradict it. It’s about enhancing the safest state of mind for you, to offer you solace after it took you an hour and fifteen minutes get home from rush hour traffic.

Hygge decor offers interior design an experience more so than just its aesthetic. It modestly and oh so effortlessly boasts itself as a feeling instead of a design blueprint. In the New Year, what more could you ask for? Perhaps a few less conference calls and a few more candles for 2017?
If you’re unfamiliar with color swatches or already have accent colors of your own that need a Hygge companion, have The Paint Manager help you decide which tones will look the best, feel the best, and put you at ease.
So go ahead, heat some cocoa, decompress. Your alarm will sound again at 4:50am tomorrow but tonight you and your dog are being wrapped in a Hygge hug.