Think about this: coming home from work and finally evading the temperatures that freeze your bones only to find a stark, lackluster kitchen that inspires you to do anything but stay home. Is this what you want this winter? While you may be seeking the balmy glow of the outdoors in the summer or the misty air in the park when flowers blossom in spring, winters bring the exact opposite need. Coming home to a cold environment is the shortcut to deteriorating mental health – studies show. On the contrary, this winter, you can boost your mood and emotional well-being when you enter a cozy and warm room, especially the kitchen. So, why the kitchen?
The kitchen is where people spend most of their time at home, where food is cooked and served, guests are welcomed, and families gather for a chat. Being the heart of your home, you most likely want it to wait for you with open arms—figuratively. This is what the long-forgotten hygge move aims to create! Hygge kitchens are all about cozy settings, warm elements, welcoming vibes, and so forth. Think of Scandinavian homes.
A hygge kitchen boils down to more than just the mercury in the thermometers, thrown blankets and pillows, and so on. To what exactly, you may ask?
First, Let’s Dissect The Concept
While not exactly one of the hottest buzzwords in home interior design, mainly because it’s been prevalent in Denmark and Norway and, hence, in Scandinavian homes, the concept “hygge” is what many households seek but convey through other terms. An attribute of coziness and addictive hospitality that sparks feelings of joy and contentment is what hygge promotes; otherwise, it’s a term that describes the warm, soothing feeling generated by friendliness and coziness. On a deeper level, it comes down to taking time away from your hectic daily schedule and enjoying the company of your loved ones – or yours – in a space that meets all your needs and more. And from a practical POV, it’s about having a kitchen where cooking, cleaning, eating, chatting, working, engaging in your hobbies, and so forth feels like a godsend. Think of a cozy, adjustable chair with leg support near a wooden table on a fluffy carpet and with ambient LEDs in the background.
Now that you’re familiar with the concept, let’s discuss the characteristics and features that make those modern, cozy kitchens you see on platforms like Instagram a long-dreamed-of goal for many.
Dare To Keep It Simple
There’s nothing ostentatious or extravagant about hygge kitchens. After all, just like a decent outfit that exudes good taste leaves flashy and kitschy garments and accessories aside, the same should a kitchen that wants to exude coziness and conviviality should be. Think of your kitchen as if it were your kid and you’re dressing them to make a lasting impression. If you go with the only-the-essentials strategy and opt to go back to basics, you’ll have just enough room to spark your creativity in the kitchen, where you’ll need space to accommodate gear, utensils, or décor that really makes a difference.
For a better glimpse, you can browse the many Scandinavian kitchen designs around, as these are abounding home design categories on TikTok, Pinterest, and so on. Think of how uncomplicated and clean-lined you’d like the room to be and don’t forget that you’ll always have the opportunity to leave marks on your kitchen when big ideas pop up. Maybe that gallery opening in your city will wow you with a sculpture or painting you want to take home, or the next summer trip to Hawaii will have you come back with arms full of souvenirs you wish to exhibit in the kitchen. Not having space for them or risking to overdo your décor would really be a shame, wouldn’t it?
Choose Warm, Neutral Colors
The usual hygge paint nuances revolve around light off-whites, faded ambers, airy greys, earthy beiges, and several other neutrals. These can be beautifully paired with cognac or maple wood for more warmth. Feel free to combine two or three nuances from the same palette, ensuring you don’t overdo it.
On the contrary, assuming you seek a more dramatic look, then stick with the hygge style, but add some bolder, darker hues, too. For instance, you can opt for modern, grey kitchens for a complete makeover if the walls’ paint would contribute to a lovely and welcoming environment. As long as you don’t have walls painted in three, crazy and vibrant hues like gold yellow and fire red, you can reshape the kitchen into a place where your mood peaks.
Make Natural Touches A Focal Point
Whether it’s a solid wooded table, granite countertop, or braided cotton carpet, that exudes warmth in your kitchen, ensure you bring these key elements to light. Place the rug somewhere strategically so that it catches your eye, leave the wood table uncovered for more visual dominance, or add LEDs around the countertop to draw attention to the most impactful elements in your kitchen.
While bold kitchens have flashy elements and colors standing out, the hygge kitchen should do exactly the opposite. Think of these like barometers for measuring contrasts. Lavish, bold kitchens highlight luxurious additions, unlike hygge ones where humbleness in style primes. Take it to the next level and consider accommodating some nature through some greenery that doubles as cooking herbs or a few potted plants that will help you relax while tendering to them.
Go Minimalist
Hygge often translates to minimalist rooms in Scandinavian kitchen design—with a slight difference. The former may be developed through clean-cut, airy appearances that aren’t extravagant, messy, or fussy, but this isn’t all they have to offer. They also exhibit minimalist elements, ranging from the cabinetry to the chairs to the table and so forth.
If you find solace in these tips, it’s time to hygge your kitchen your preferred way and enjoy it for seasons to come!