6 Ways To Bring 'Hygge' To Your Living Room

It's safe to say that we all love a little 'hygge' in our lives.

A Danish term advocating cosy living and warm comfort, 'hygge' (pronounced as hue-gah) has become the hottest byword for interiors in recent times. No surprise here - who doesn't want a comfy space they can melt themselves into?

As the very first room we'd gravitate to, your living area is the perfect space to kickstart your journey towards calm and relaxation. Bring on the movie marathons or sleepovers - here are 6 essentials to transform your living room into a 'hygge'-worthy, cosy fort!

1. Snug Seating

The main highlight of any living space, the right sofas or chairs can turn up those comfort levels to the maximum. Soft, fluffy materials, like upholstered linen, cotton, feather wrapped foam or velvet definitely feel and look great to sit on.

Interior Designer: Icon Factory

While everyone yearns for a huge comfy seat to lie or bounce around in, do consider the size of your home! Get a sofa or chair that's well-proportioned to your space.

Interior Design: Nu Infinity

Bonus Tip: You’ll very likely serve snacks and beverages while in the living room and as such, spills are inevitable. Go for washable materials and replaceable cushion options where possible.

Interior Designer: Matt Interior Design

2. Dim Lighting

Search anything about hygge, and images of chunky blankets or hot coffee by the fireplace would most likely appear. While Malaysia's tropical weather won't require the burning embers of firewood, you can still recreate the same cosy ambience with dim, warm lighting!

Interior Designer: Movent Signature Design

One option is to use dimmer switches that can adjust lighting to various levels of brightness. Likewise, you can layer lighting with multiple lamps and lighting pieces for soft, gentle luminance.

Interior Designer: Dsgnpholio Consultancy Sdn Bhd

3. A Soft Colour Palette

For overall colour themes, choose lighter neutrals in cream, beige and tan as these are known to soothe and relax most atmospheres.

Interior Designer: EDI: Essential Design Integrated

However, if these are not your favourites, any colour in a soft shade will do. Try gentle versions of yellow, indigo, lilac, peach and olive.

Interior Designer: Archiplan Interior Design

If you want to opt for darker colours like navy or burgundy, remember to infuse neutral tones here and there (e.g. with carpeting, pillows or drapes) to balance out the darkness.

4. Warm Flooring

Interior Designer: Vi Interiors

The hygge look is all about incorporating natural elements to one's space. Choose hardwood, cork and warm-toned laminates as the the perfect flooring base for a cosy setting.

Interior Designer: Yong Studio

However, if you don't want to make changes to your stone/tiled flooring, offset their cool look with soft and warm wool, silk or cotton rugs in the family room.

5. Loads and Loads of Pillows

Interior Designer: Icon Interior Design

Make a pillow fort! Plump up your couch or sofa with plush, feathered pillows for added comfort (Bonus: It can also mask an aged or sinking couch!)

Source: Pinterest

If you have space, also consider piling pillows on a luxurious carpet to create a separate lounge spot for younger children to play and relax!

6. Personal Touches

Interior Designer: Kava Decor

Warmth and cosiness isn't just about the right decor - It's also about sharing merry, timeless memories with friends and family. Inject some personalised, heartwarming elements to complete your ultimate comfy fort - photographs, favourite games, books or art that you and your loved ones can bond over.

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