Design by White Dahlia Design
As fall settles in, many of us begin to wonder when winter will arrive and how to prepare our homes for the long, chilly months ahead. Amid the myriad of home decor styles that trend on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, along with the glamorous designs of celebrity homes and designer collections, there’s a timeless concept that remains as relevant today as it was back in 2016: hygge. Hygge is all about creating a cozy, inviting atmosphere that fosters comfort and well-being, making it the perfect antidote to the colder months so today, let’s explore how we can incorporate this enduring style into our homes to embrace the warmth and comfort of the season.
Since Meik Wiking’s The Little Book of Hygge came out in 2016, we’ve all gotten a taste of the Danish way of living well. You might not remember much about it or maybe it wasn’t on your radar until now, but Hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah”) is all about coziness, warmth, and contentment. It’s about creating a comfy, intimate atmosphere where you can kick back and enjoy life’s simple pleasures, especially when the weather gets colder. Think of it as a lifestyle focused on relaxation and savoring those little moments.
At its heart, Hygge is all about comfort. Think soft blankets, warm drinks, and candlelight. It’s about warmth, both physical and emotional, and choosing simplicity over excess. Creating a cozy atmosphere that embodies Hygge involves mixing elements like lighting, textures, and personal touches that make your space feel like a little sanctuary. Today, we have put together a quick and handy list of must-haves for embracing Hygge as the days get shorter for this 2024 fall-winter season:
Falling For Color And Embracing Textures
For a hygge-inspired vibe, choose colors that reflect the beauty of fall. These warm, earthy tones capture the essence of the season. Start with a neutral base, such as cream or taupe, and layer in those lovely fall shades. Mixing these colors through pillows, throws, and rugs creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Studio McGee
In terms of textures, incorporate plush materials like wool blankets, chunky knit throws, and soft cushions to add cozy layers. Not only do they feel great, but they also create the perfect spot for snuggling up as temperatures drop. Natural materials like wood and wool are essential to achieving the hygge vibe; they help bring the outdoors in and add a grounded feel to your decor.
Design by White Dahlia Design
In this living space, we experimented with rich textures and deep earthy tones to create depth, highlight the vintage sofa piece, and enhance the cozy atmosphere ideal for the colder months. These grounded colors bring a touch of the outdoors in, warming up the room and making it feel inviting all winter long.
Cozy Lighting & Inviting Scents
Lighting is key to setting a Hygge mood. Soft, ambient lighting helps create a warm and welcoming environment, perfect for those cozy fall nights. Swap out harsh, bright lights for warm-toned bulbs or dimmable options to achieve a softer glow. Use warm-toned bulbs in your lamps, and don’t forget to scatter some candles around your space for that lovely flickering light. Wiking calls candles the "cornerstone of Hygge" because they create an intimate vibe, especially on dark, chilly evenings. Lanterns and string lights can also add a magical touch to corners or windowsills.
Design by White Dahlia Design
Hygge is all about engaging the senses, and scent plays a huge role in making your space feel inviting. Candles with comforting fragrances or oil diffusers are perfect for adding calming aromas to your home, offering a flame-free way to fill your space with soothing scents.
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Create a Gathering Place
The social side of Hygge is all about spending quality time with friends and family. Creating spaces that encourage conversation and connection helps foster those warm relationships. Arrange your furniture to create a cozy, inviting setup. For example, bring chairs and sofas close together around a coffee table or fireplace to encourage chatting and relaxation. Think about pieces that can serve multiple purposes, like storage ottomans or fold-out tables, to keep things feeling tidy and adaptable. A cozy reading nook or a little corner with cushions and blankets is perfect for unwinding. These personal spaces are great for relaxation and reflection.
Design by White Dahlia Design
In this space, created for an amazing client, we focused on providing versatile seating areas for both alone time and hosting, perfect for those moments of “alone together.” Furniture pieces that are easy to move around or serve multiple purposes are key to maximizing functionality without sacrificing aesthetics. Simplicity is at the heart of Hygge, so we aimed for a clean, organized space. Surfaces are kept clear, and non-essential items are tucked away to maintain a calm, tidy vibe. Storage bins and baskets help keep everything in check, ensuring the space remains serene and inviting.
Personal Touches
Hygge isn’t about trends; it’s about making your space feel uniquely yours. Show off items that have personal meaning, like family photos, heirlooms, or books that spark joy. Incorporate things that reflect your hobbies and passions, maybe a cozy reading nook, a basket of knitting supplies, or a little coffee corner. These details make your home feel lived-in and inviting. Remember, part of Hygge is being present and enjoying the moment, so try to put away devices now and then.
Designs by White Dahlia Design
Take time to disconnect from screens and enjoy analog activities like reading, knitting, or journaling. Incorporate simple rituals into your routine that bring comfort, like lighting a candle during dinner or taking a few minutes each morning to savor a hot drink. Whether your interior style is bold and vibrant or minimal and neutral, a space that reflects your lifestyle, interests, and personality is what truly makes it cozy, welcoming, and inviting.
Food & Drink
Hygge is all about indulging in life’s simple pleasures. Think fresh pastries, cakes, or a slice of homemade bread with butter. Baking or sharing these goodies with loved ones can be a cozy activity. Warm drinks are essential to Hygge, whether it’s hot chocolate, spiced tea, or a good cup of coffee. Create a little spot in your home, like a tea or coffee corner, where you can take a moment to pause and savor the flavors.
Design by White Dahlia Design
To Sum It Up!
Embracing Hygge this fall means creating a space that feels like a warm hug, a place to relax, connect, and enjoy the simple pleasures of the season. By focusing on cozy textures, warm lighting, natural materials, and personal touches, you can craft an inviting and comforting environment, just right for those crisp, cool days ahead.
We’d love to see how you make your home Hygge, so share with us on social media @whitedahliadesign! By bringing in these elements, you can create a home and lifestyle that radiates warmth and comfort, capturing the spirit of Hygge as Meik Wiking describes it. This approach not only makes your space feel cozier but also encourages a slower, more mindful way of living, especially suited to the colder, quieter months.
Follow our blog for more tips, and share this article with family and friends who might enjoy these ideas for making a comfy home. For more on topics like this one, we invite you to read our post on Easy Ways to Dial-up the Coziness in your Home This Winter or a before and after for this beautiful space transformation on From DIY Reno to Home Bliss. If you have a space at home that needs a bit extra love, let us know so we can help! Schedule your complimentary intro call here.
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Happy Hygge!
White Dahlia Design Team
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