Most people assume that hygge is only something that they can apply in the living room or bedroom. But it turns out that the principles are universal, even in a functional space, like the kitchen. There are always opportunities to add a touch of Norwegian calm and tranquility to your rooms, no matter what you use them for.
If that sounds a little strange to you, then get used to it. There are already countless people out there who’ve made it happen, and you can join them. Here’s what you need to know.
Make It Neutral
Just like many other concepts originating from Scandinavia, hygge aims to be as simplistic and neutral as possible. It’s not about making bold statements or being “edgy.” Rather, it is coming from a fundamentally different psychological space.
Because of this, hygge kitchens need to be neutral and simple. Colors, such as white, beige, gray, and “greige” should dominate the palette. There’s a role for wood and copper, but these should be accents, not a part of the main theme.
Add Soft Textures
The next step is to add soft textures to the kitchen. It should feel like a cozy hotel breakfast room, not a fast food outlet that might appear on Gordon Ramsey’s Kitchen Nightmares.
Adding soft furnishings helps to create a hygge sense in the kitchen. And what’s nice about the approach is that you don’t need to do a great deal. Just a couple of rugs or a few cushions are often enough to transform how your kitchen feels. It immediately adds a touch of lightness, making you want to stay and enjoy the atmosphere.
Install Gentle Lighting
All bespoke kitchen designers know that the best way to make a kitchen more hygge is to install gentle lighting. You don’t want harsh white spotlights all over the place, especially when you are trying to enjoy a crumpet with butter on a Sunday morning after a late night.
To make lighting gentle, combine ceiling lights with recessed lighting on top of your kitchen cabinets. Don’t use pure white LEDs. Instead, get bulbs with filters that produce more natural light.
You can also add permanent fairy lights. These make the lighting in your room even softer and help your interiors fit in better with your hygge interior theme.
Make It Minimalist
Most Scandi styles are quite minimalist and hygge is no exception. However, you don’t want to push it too far. Getting rid of clutter is a good idea, but you still want the kitchen to feel cozy. Removing too many objects can leave it feeling brutalist, which isn’t what you’re going for. Prioritize wood and soft furnishings, but get rid of all the clutter on your sideboards.
Add Plants
Adding plants to kitchens is another excellent way to make it more hygge. They create a natural atmosphere and improve air quality at the same time. Even if you are cooking up a fatty meal in ghee, they help to keep everything smelling fresh and beautiful, just how it should be.