Chances are, if you are reading this, you live in Minnesota, a place where winter and the holidays can be a bit cold and snowy. If upping the coziness factor of your home is your way to combat the cold, especially during the holiday season, you’ve likely heard of hygge (pronounced ‘hoo-ga’). If you’re not familiar with hygge, it’s a popular lifestyle and design trend inspired by the Danish. Think comfort food, fireplaces, and simplicity. And, while you may only have thought of hygge in terms of your living room and bedroom, we’re here today to show you how to up the coziness of your kitchen as well! Here are some ideas on how to incorporate hygge in your kitchen, where families gather and memories are made, just in time for the holidays.
Start from the Top
Hygge is about discrete and decorative lighting sources that create an inviting atmosphere. Simple, warm lighting can instantly make your kitchen feel warm and inviting for the holidays. Hygge lighting is part intimate, part cozy, and most importantly…part relaxing. With winters that bring 17 hours of darkness, the Danes seek light for comfort. Try pendant lights in your kitchen that are clean in design and emit a warm glow. LED under-cabinet lighting not only creates useful task lighting while prepping food, but it also provides warm accent lighting and you can never have enough candles – the simpler, the better!
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Live the Simple Life
To truly live the hygge lifestyle, you need to focus on simplicity and joy. The sense of hygge comes from cozy elements like a simple area rug to warm up cold winter floors and open shelving for displaying sentimental holiday decorations. Just remember, less is more so keep unwanted visual clutter to a minimum. It makes clean up easier, giving you more time to focus on what’s important this season.
[houzz=https://www.houzz.com/photos/my-houzz-scandinavian-style-inspires-a-bungalows-new-look-eclectic-dining-room-new-york-phvw-vp~5802397]“Wood” You Relax?
A trademark of hygge is to bring the outdoors in and nothing is more calming than the look, feel, and smell of wood. In the book, How to Hygge: The Secrets of Nordic Living, the author writes, ‘Natural materials add a timeless element to our design’. For your kitchen, consider a mixture of wood for your flooring, countertops, and cabinetry. Natural materials like unpainted wood cabinets and leather and wool accents help ground the space. Since hygge leans away from color and more towards neutrals, wood elements provide a beautiful contrast and add character and interest.
[houzz=https://www.houzz.com/hznb/photos/classic-swedish-shaker-in-dark-moody-tones-scandinavian-kitchen-surrey-phvw-vp~86911622]Holiday Calm & Cozy Decor
Take a page out of the Dane’s ‘masters of coziness’ book this holiday by using traditional Christmas decor like pine swags and simple white lights on your kitchen table. Stick to a harmonious mix of monochromatic color schemes. Simple wood chairs with wool hides draped on the back keep guests happy and comfortable. Hygge enthusiasts tend to have round tables and plenty of greenery (perfect for the holidays). Once you’ve added these elements, you’ll want to gather your loved ones in your hygge inspired kitchen for a glass of glogg (Scandinavian mulled wine).
[houzz=https://www.houzz.com/hznb/photos/??????????-kitchen-phvw-vp~49509991]Your Eagan, MN Certified Kitchen Remodel & Kitchen Design Resource
Want to be like the Danes and create a space that turns your home into a sanctuary? We can help! White Birch Design is your South Metro resource for kitchen, bath and basement design and remodeling. Located in Lakeville, Minnesota, we offer a full range of services to homeowners in Eagan, MN and all of the South Metro. From concept to completion, we take your wants and needs and create a space that can be enjoyed for years to come. Want to see more? Check out our Portfolio to see more examples of our work and when you’re ready, contact us to get started!
