Hygge Your Home! 10 tips to Cosy Up Your Interior This Winter

Winter is officially here! As South Africans, we’re lucky to have short, sunny winters, but when the cold strikes, it still chills us to the bone. There’s no reason to suffer through winter though. If you do it right, you can turn your home into a cosy haven of comfort and warmth that will make you love the colder months instead of wishing the away.

The Danes have a beautiful concept called hygge (pronounced “hoo-ga”). This interior design principle is all about creating a sense of togetherness and well-being. It emphasises the appreciation of simple pleasures and finding joy in everyday moments. Danish people value spending quality time with loved ones, engaging in meaningful conversations, and savouring the little things that bring warmth and happiness. It is more than just a design trend; it’s a way of life. The word “hygge” itself is derived from the Norwegian word “hyggja,” meaning “to comfort” or “to console.” It encompasses the art of creating an intimate, warm, and inviting atmosphere, especially during the cold and dark winter months.

Denmark consistently ranks as one of the happiest countries in the world, and hygge is often credited as a significant contributor to this happiness. Follow these 10 tips to turn your own home into a hygge haven:

1. Layer Textures and Fabrics:

One of the key elements of hygge is tactile comfort. Layer your living spaces with plush cushions, soft throws, and cosy rugs. Opt for natural materials like wool, fur, or knitted fabrics to add warmth and depth to your home. Our Vermont Faux Fur Throw  is the perfect way to do this. It doesn’t get cosier than this!

2. Warm Lighting:

Lighting plays a crucial role in setting a cozy ambiance. Incorporate soft, warm lighting with table lamps, string lights, and candles. Choose warm-toned bulbs to create a soothing glow and replace harsh overhead lights with softer alternatives. Our handmade, ceramic lamps with their beautiful, textured shades create the perfect, soft, ambient lighting.

3. Create a Reading Nook:

Designate a cosy reading nook in your home, complete with a comfortable armchair, a soft blanket, and a side table for your hot drink. Add a bookshelf filled with your favourite reads and create a serene retreat for those chilly winter evenings. The Mikado Lounge Chair with Footstool is the perfect place to curl up in with a snug throw . 

4. Fireplace Focal Point:

If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace, make it the heart of your living room. Arrange furniture around it, hang stockings during the holiday season, and enjoy the crackling sound and warmth it provides. If you don’t have a fireplace, consider an electric or bioethanol option for a similar effect. Decorate your fireplace with some of our handmade, ceramic vases and unique décor items  to add that extra element of texture and warmth.

5. Scented Candles and Aromatherapy:

Engage your senses with scented candles and essential oils. Opt for comforting scents like cinnamon, vanilla, or cedarwood. The flickering flame and delightful aroma will create a cozy and inviting atmosphere throughout your home. The Ceramic Ball Base Set will make stylish candle-holders. 

6. Warm Colours and Earthy Tones:

Choose warm and earthy colours for your decor to create a cosy atmosphere. Think soft neutrals, rich browns, and deep reds. Incorporate these hues in your textiles, walls, and accessories to create a comforting and inviting environment. The Patina Indoor Rug in Bronze  incorporates all these beautiful colours to add loads of warmth to your living room or bedroom.  

7. Bring Nature Indoors:

Connect with nature by bringing elements of the outdoors inside. Decorate your home with fresh flowers, evergreen branches, and pinecones. Not only do these natural elements add visual appeal, but they also evoke a sense of tranquillity and grounding. Put these plants, flowers and branches in handmade, textured vases for extra warmth and style. With their organic shapes and gorgeous, natural colours, our Pebble Vase Set (https://diygirls.co.za/collections/table-decor-planter-pots-statues-basket-ceramics-glassware/products/pebble-vase-set) will work perfectly. 

8. Embrace Knitted and Handcrafted Items:

Handmade items exude warmth and charm. Incorporate knitted blankets, chunky knit pillows, and handcrafted ceramics or pottery into your decor. These items not only provide a cosy aesthetic but also tell a story and create a sense of authenticity. Picasso Scatter Cushions have the most wonderful texture and all ceramics from DIYgirls are handcrafted.

9. Cozy Dining Area:

Create a cozy dining area for gatherings with friends and family. Drape your table with a tablecloth in a warm colour, use soft, ambient lighting, and add decorative elements like candles or fairy lights. Encourage long conversations and shared meals in an inviting and comfortable setting. Nothing brings family and friends together like a round dining table. Try the Brenton Round Dining Table with the beautiful, earthy Shumba Spice Tablecloth .

10. Hygge in the Bedroom:

Make your bedroom a sanctuary of comfort and relaxation. Invest in soft, high-quality bedding, plush pillows, and a warm duvet . Add dimmable bedside lamps and soothing sounds like rain or soft music to create a peaceful ambiance conducive to a good night’s sleep. Nothing gets more hygge than the Brenda Bed Cover Set with all its texture, warmth and tassels. You’ll never want to leave bed!

Create your own winter retreat at home and discover all the essentials and design secrets at DIYgirls.