Transform your home into a hygge haven this winter

Escape the elements; create a retreat at home with hygge

When the rain outside is horizontal and the temperature is sub-Antarctic, curling up on the sofa under an oversized fluffy blanket, and sipping a steaming mug of Milo sounds very appealing.

If your dream wintry day involves all of the above, you could be a fan of hygge without even realising it. A Danish concept that can’t be translated into a single English word, hygge (pronounced somewhere between ‘hoo-gah’ and ‘hue-guh’) is that cosy sense of wellbeing you feel when the elements are battering your house and you’re tucked up nice and warm inside with all your favourite things.

While it’s more a concept than an actual thing, hygge is tipped to be this winter’s biggest interior style influencer. Revolving around your favourite cosy comforts, hygge-esque essentials include candles, fluffy rugs, faux-fur throws, roaring fireplaces, cuddly socks, even your favourite wine.

If your home could do with a hygge overhaul, a visit to Freedom is a must. And if your budget could do with a boost, a chat with the friendly team at Gem is a must too. From luxurious leather or velvet sofas, to thick rugs and luxurious textural throws, right through to countless candles and stemless wine glasses perfect for mulled wine, Freedom is home to a plethora of furniture and homewares that tick hygge’s boxes – and Gem’s flexible personal loans could help you get your project off the ground faster. With a Gem Personal Loan you’re in control so you can choose your payment frequency, make bulk payments and even pay your loan off early with no early repayment fees or charges.

Thinking of transforming your living areas or bedroom ahead of the cooler weather? If you apply between 1 April and 31 July 2018 for a Gem Personal Loan to cover your home renovation, once approved, you’ll be offered a free interior decorator service from Freedom which includes two consultations. Plus, you’ll be eligible for 10% off your next purchase of $500 or more at Freedom.*

Apply for a Gem Personal Loan to cover your home reno using the promo code ‘GemReno’ by calling Gem on 0800 222 057 or visiting gemfinance.co.nz/homereno