The real "hygge" and why we love it
There have been many blog posts written about so-called 'hygge' interior style over the past few years. It has come to be synonymous with anything apparently Scandinavian in terms of décor. But what is hygge, really? Does it all come down to oversized knitwear?
"Hygge" can be pronouced "hoo-gah" by Anglophobes, but I won't pretend it's that simple. I've been attempting to learn Danish for a few years and the pronunciation of any Danish word is never quite what you think it is. That aside, "hygge" is actually short for "hyggeligt" which is sometimes translated as "cozy", "convivial", "a sense of wellbeing or contentment"...
It recently became fashionable to recreate this feeling as a style of interior design, but "hygge" is not an aesthetic genre. It is an experience. It is about spending time with family over a meal or drinks, a meandering but meaningful conversation between close friends, a sense of being safe, a cozy ambience or a room that seems to wrap you up.
Hygge can't be conjured by installing a certain kind of furniture or laying down shaggy rugs, though these may help. It is rather something we find in our day-to-day lives as we live out our values in relationship with the people and places we love. When you make time for people and give them your full attention, you will find hygge in those moments.
So, how can architecture and interior design assist us with this?
One thing to keep in mind is that from the Danish point of view hygge is experienced most of all through time spent with others. This means living, working and socialising in spaces that encourage human interaction. Consider the following:
A family home with a definite centre or heart where family members congregate or bump into each other throughout the day, rather than 'wings' that meander far away from each other and encourage occupants to keep to their own spaces all day.
Compact form that prioritises common areas above over-sized bedrooms.
Plenty of wall space for memories and art to decorate the space, rather than high amounts of glazing. This is also especially useful in high performance builds.
While open-plan kitchen and living spaces are highly practical at mealtimes, think about adding a snug off to the side that can be closed off and put the TV in there. Not all common areas need to be exposed and open-plan all the time.
Building/renovating a workplace? Instead of the usual bland kitchenette as a staffroom, integrate the staff facilities into the common area. This makes it more accessible throughout the day so workers can cosy up with a cuppa or connect with other team members more easily.
With regard to the interior design element, the main way hygge can be enhanced is with lighting. Hygge is all about lighting up our lives with a warm glow.
Install low-hanging LED pendant lights in any style with dimmable switches.
Throw up festoon or fairy lights in either interior or exterior spaces. These are also a great way to bring down the cozy feeling in spaces with very high ceilings such as some commercial buildings.
Does painting everything white give you that "hygge" feeling?... Then don't do it! Forget the 'Scandi' stereotype and try stepping out of the boat with your colour choices. Select deep colours that bring the walls in for cozy reading spots. You can try a non-white ceiling too, for an even more intimate feel in the office or the snug.
Candlesticks and candles. These are not just for decoration so they can sit gathering dust on the piano or next to the bath. You must promise to use them! Gather the family around the table for a candlelit meal. At the office? Install flickering LED candles on shelves and tables in common areas. Your colleagues/employees will love this on those dark winter days.
When you stop and think about it, Kiwis are pretty used to hygge already.
We find it in our café culture or around the barbecue for that good old Kiwi Christmas with the fam. It's all about peace and connection. The Danes may be especially good at noticing these special moments and saying, "This is so hygge", but I suspect hygge itself is common to all people.
Have a hygge summer holiday, everyone, and Merry Christmas from us at Reform Architecture.
