The Origins of Hygge
Hygge (pronounced as hoo-gah) is a Danish concept that has its roots in the old Norwegian language, where it “means wellbeing”. It is a term that is synonymous with the feelings of coziness, comfort, and contentment. Although a growing popular term in the world of design and lifestyle, Hygge began with simple acts that brought positivity and a sense of being taken care of, especially during the long and often dreary winter months. What appeared first in Danish writing in the 18th century, as a practice of bringing warmth and happiness to people through acts of kindness during the festival time as well as bringing warmth into the interiors of a building, has now extended to even communal acts that bring a sense of togetherness and friendship, all through the year.
One may understand the need for hygge in the past when electricity and internal heating were not available and combating the cold winter blues was a necessity in the previous few centuries. However, this practice has now come back stronger than ever as a design trend that many designers adopt in their interior designs as well as in the overall design of homes and places of rest and well-being. This is due to the rise in the Global pandemic of anxiety and stress. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 41.5% of U.S. adults exhibited symptoms of anxiety or depression in early 2021. The trend of designing warm and inviting spaces is typically characterized by the hygge aesthetic
The Little Book of Hygge- the Danish way to live well
A noteworthy book introducing the concept of Hygge and all things ‘hyggelic’ is The Little Book of Hygge- the Danish way to live well. Meik Wiking, the CEO of The Happiness Research Institute, writes the book. He is a Research Associate for Denmark at the World Database of Happiness, a member of the policy advisory group for the Global Happiness Policy Report, and a Founding member of The Latin American Network for Wellbeing and Quality of Life Policies.
Key Aspect of Hygge in Design- Lighting
As per Meik Wiking a key component of Hygge surroundings, and something the Danes are a master in, is the use of appropriate lighting fixtures and lighting schemes. The author specifically highlights three examples of lighting fixtures designed by the Danes so that the light emitted from it is soft, filled with warmth, and gives an overall sense of coziness and comfort to the surrounding atmosphere. The lighting helps illuminate the space and sets the mood and feel of being cared for. Examples of this include the PH lamp, Le Klint lamp, and Pantone VP globe lamps. These lamps not only are designed to give a modern edge to the otherwise rustic and often neutral colors to a hygellic room but also emit light without allowing any harshness or stark brightness to hit the eyes of the users.
Colours and textures
So what is the hygge aesthetic characterized by? Although hygge to a particular person may be very specific, it has been characterized by some commonalities that create an inviting and comfortable atmosphere. These include neutral and muted tones which emit a certain softness that has a calming effect on the occupants. The use of different kinds of textures adds interest and breaks the monotony of the neutral tones. This is also done by incorporating shades and tones of calming colours such as blue, green, or blush. A key texture that is featured in this aesthetic is that of Wood and Wool. These two textures add a sense of being connected with the outside world and give a grounding effect on the users. Incorporating various textures like this adds warmth.
“Hygge offers space for both reverie and relatedness. The heat of an open fire draws us close. Its shadow gives us a place to hide and softens our gaze.”
– Louisa Thomsen Brits, The Book of Hygge: The Danish Art of Contentment, Comfort, and Connection
The Vega cottage and the North Vancouver house
An example of a structure that was designed with the principles of hygge is the Vega cottage in Gladstad, Norway. Even in the most chaotic of environments, Vega Cottage brings warmth and tranquillity. Situated near the Arctic Circle and surrounded by untamed northern scenery, the residence offers expansive views of the Norwegian Sea and rocky mountains.
The North Vancouver House is in the heart of Canada‘s breathtaking Pacific Northwest. This 1950s home is at the foot of Grouse Mountain and exudes tranquility. The project capitalizes on the client’s and architect’s appreciation of traditional materials and the house’s original characteristics.
The feeling of hyggelic boils down to something that evokes a feeling safe and grounded. Man’s natural tendency is to look for shelter to protect them from the outside world. Thus, architecture first began with the creation of dwelling units. Hygge is an extension of this and although a popular aesthetic for the 21st century, It acts as a technique to bring about positive feelings among the users. Further research on this, particularly in design can lead to groundbreaking findings, especially when it comes to designing for the sick and displaced. The power of Hygge extends to the management of mental health, wellness and overall physiology of a person.
References:
Designers, I. (2024, June 28). Hygge Interior Design: Create a cozy and inviting home. International designers by Rita Chraibi. https://intdesigners.com/hygge-interior-design/
What is “hygge”? VisitDenmark. (n.d.-b). https://www.visitdenmark.com/denmark/things-do/danish-culture/what-hygge
Clifton, J. (2023, October 9). The next global pandemic: Mental health. Gallup.com. https://www.gallup.com/workplace/357710/next-global-pandemic-mental-health.aspx
Happiness Research Institute: Meik Wiking. happinessresearch. (n.d.). https://www.happinessresearchinstitute.com/experts/meik-wiking
Geleff, J. (2022, May 31). The art of coziness: 11 buildings that embody “Hygge” – architizer journal. Journal. https://architizer.com/blog/inspiration/collections/hygge-shortlisted-word-of-the-year/
