Why I believe trends are a thing of the past and Hygge-led design is the future

In a complex, fast-moving world, the principles of Hygge (pronounced ‘hoo-gah’) offer a much-needed antidote to the challenges of modern living. At its core Hygge is about achieving contentment and, when applied to your home, this translates to far more than simply candlelight and cosy throws. More and more of us want our homes to be a sanctuary, but for many, it can be hard knowing where to start. Central to my work, is helping clients to understand the power of Hygge and identify achievable ways to embrace it, enabling them to reap the full benefits of this transformative approach to living well.

Homes transformed by Hygge-led design are imbued with warmth and authenticity and become places where genuine connection flourishes. Today, as the lure of following the latest trend appears to be lessening, this age-old Danish practice seems more relevant than ever. It offers a valuable blueprint for those seeking to transform their homes into the restorative spaces their minds and bodies crave.

It’s also important to bear in mind that meaningful changes to our homes don’t always need to be a full-scale transformation. This can make change seem overwhelming and costly and so we put it off. Small changes can still have a big impact, and calm can be achieved by a thoughtful approach to the detail. Whether that’s choosing soft edges over hard ones, getting furniture proportions right, improving your storage solutions or picking the perfect scent for your room, making careful choices when it comes to the little things can make a significant difference to your space and how you feel in it.

What are the key elements of hygge-led design?

First and foremost, Hygge is a feeling. A feeling created by filling your life with authenticity, mindfulness, connection and gratitude. When it comes to the interiors I design, this translates to spaces that feel homely and lived in, that have character and soul regardless of how new or old the property might be. I achieve this by;

Drawing inspiration from nature – Hygge has a strong relationship with nature and so a lot of our design inspiration is drawn from what we see around us, be that in relation to colour, materials or textures. For me, without any natural textures, a space just feels a bit flat. I’d actually say that texture trumps colour. Texture is about more than a look or a finish. It can fundamentally change the feel of a space without the distraction or imbalance that you sometimes risk when you introduce pattern or colour. The variety and contrast it brings add depth and warmth, whilst its ability to build layers introduces interest, softness and a cocooning effect.

Creating an inviting atmosphere that encourages connection – this is not just about how a room looks it’s about the feeling you get when you walk into it. Many things contribute to that feeling, but the importance of thoughtfully chosen, layered lighting is crucial to Hygge design. The magic happens when you use distinct types of lighting in combination to achieve optimal ambience. Obviously, in the world of Hygge, candlelight reigns supreme, its soft glow inviting you to relax and unwind. Alongside the real thing, I love to use the most realistic LED candles to bring life to places where a real flame would not be safe – think a mantelpiece under a precious painting, bookshelves, nestled in faux garlands at Christmas time or anywhere in proximity to children and animals.

Designing rooms with purpose and intention that work for the way you live – it’s so important that changes we make to our homes elevate them on a practical as well as an aesthetic level. Successful design has to make a positive difference and take account of the non-negotiables we all have in our lives. I love nothing better than advising clients on what I term ‘savvy storage’ solutions. Often simple and always satisfying!

Creating warm spaces that tell their story quietly, no shouting required – comfort and understated loveliness lie at the heart of Hygge-led design. Layers, textures, lighting and even evocative aromas, create environments that delight the senses and nurture the soul. These are, in my view, the cornerstones of Hygge design.

Mixing old and new – using a confident mix of contemporary and artisan pieces that create a timeless environment. Clients talk about how our designs create spaces that feel elevated but nurturing at the same time. Old pieces have a different energy and introducing them into a space alongside new pieces, is what instantly makes somewhere feel fresh but still homely and full of character.

Allowing spaces to be curated not created – surrounding yourself with things that have meaning for you, that tell a story, that capture a memory, an emotion or an occasion, are essential in helping you create a space that has depth and connection and, as a result, grounds you, nurtures you and brings you joy every day​. I call it ‘slow styling’ and although being patient can be hard, the sense of satisfaction you get from finding, not almost the right thing, but exactly the right thing, is hard to beat. It can take time to reap the rewards of a curated environment, but the connection you have with your space as a result, means it will always be worth the wait.

Decluttering rather than denuding -– having an organised home is an important contribution to making your environment and therefore you, feel calmer. However, it doesn’t always follow that modern, minimalist environments are calm. The absence of belongings can make them tidy and streamlined but also strip them of essential warmth and character. It’s important to strive for balance.