Hygge at heart

From the Resene colour inspiration – latest looks gallery

It’s a principle that shifts the focus back to enjoying the simple things in life.

Hygge (pronounced hyoo-gah) is the Danish and Norwegian word for a mood of cosiness and comfort, with feelings of wellness and contentment at its forefront. It’s a principle that shifts the focus back to enjoying the simple things in life.While we may not need quite the same level of protection from the cold as our friends in the far north, it’s undoubtably a concept that we can all still get on board with.

A minimal and restful space that is pared down to the un-fussy essentials, this relaxing-looking bedroom seems to embody the principle of hygge right to its core. A Nordic blue green, Resene Juniper is a shade that falls firmly in the in the category of hues that evoke a sense of serenity. This relaxed and tranquil colour been used on the walls to set the mood for the entire space.

A hue like no other, the calming power of the colour green helps people to feel rested and secure. It is the colour that conjures thoughts of growth, refreshment and peace. Think of nature and see the seemingly endless variety of shades of green expressing renewal, life and abundancy. Performers are invited to relax in the ‘green room’ before going on stage, and many doctors even use green in their offices to help put their patients at ease. Green is also said to encourage a balance in your brain that leads to decisiveness.

Timber flooring stained in Resene Colorwood Mid Greywash give off a soft weathered look that’s just as ideal for a casual bach as it is for an elegant home. Thanks to its hint of colour, the stain makes for a more interesting choice than a simple whitewashed floor but is much more neutral than other coloured or wood-toned stains – which means it goes well with virtually anything.

Resene Dover White, the milky beige seen on the headboard, and Resene Sea Fog, the white with a hint of grey that’s been used on the nightstand and pendant lamp, are versatile neutrals that work much the same way. The complexity of their undertones helps them from feeling too stark or cold, but their lightness provides the eye with a place to rest, adds to the sense of balance and creates a connection to the artwork and bed linens.

Adding tactile elements can have a big impact on how a space feels. Scandinavian design is inspired by nature, so natural fibres are considered vital to creating a cosy and inviting home. Natural fibres, especially, in materials that are soft and sumptuous invite the hand to touch them, increasing your connection to the space. Surrounding yourself with fibres stonewashed linen, cotton, rattan and wool will all add another level of experience to the space – especially the former and the latter.

Rather than deteriorate, linen simply softens every time you wash it. When cared for properly, quality linen will last year after year and becomes even more beautiful over time. It’s absorbent, breathable and wicks moisture away from the skin – giving it the remarkable quality of keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter.

Wool also boasts some amazing benefits that synthetic fibres can’t compete with. Durable and resistant to soiling, it repels moisture and is comfortable in all seasons. Natural fibre rugs, like this chunky wool one, are also hard wearing and great for high traffic areas. Plus, its high pile creates the texture that a room needs to break things up visually.

These natural fibres can be layered together, creating more texture and depth to the room. When supported by an easy-on-the-eyes colour palette, it’s a quick and easy way to make your favourite relaxation space feel very hygge.

As always, it’s the details that really make a space shine – and this bedroom is no different. The ribbed vases in Resene Balderdash and Resene Double Sea Fog and the large basket in Resene Sea Fog build upon the colour palette, adding further depth, while the ombre plant pot in Resene Celeste (top), Resene Terrain (middle) and Resene Cobblestone (bottom) and the artistic splash of Resene Rose Gold metallic paint on the top of the pendant lamp shade act as points of difference and keep the space from feeling too matchy-matchy.

If you’ve fallen in love with Resene Juniper as a wall colour but want to go for a different look, try it with a powerful steel blue like Resene Atomic, a modest taupe brown like Resene Zorba or a rich jewel tone like Resene Teal Blue.

Styling by Annick Larkin. Photography by Bryce Carleton. 2020