Declutter, add color carefully to go hygge

Here are some ways to hygge at home:

Keep it simple

Nordic interiors are minimalist. So to prep for going hygge, you might want to try the KonMari Method, Modern Mobler’s Cynthia Sanford says. The goal is to tame clutter by keeping only things that “spark joy.” To Sanford, a sleek sideboard fits that bill — you can use it to display items and tuck away a few of your favorite things for easy access. “I always want my knitting and yarn near me,” she says.

Go green

Bring nature home with a houseplant. How to Hygge author Signe Johansen recommends aloe vera — they’re a funky shape, they’re low-maintenance, and they’re useful. “It’s the best thing for applying on a burn,” she says. If you’re picking up a bouquet from the florist, go monochromatic. “Too many colors can feel hectic,” she says. Add a personal touch The Little Book of Hygge author Meik Wiking promotes a hands-on approach to furniture shopping. “Consider not only how things look, but how they feel,” says Wiking, who prefers the touch of wood over steel and glass. Danish-style decorating doesn’t have to be pricey, he adds, noting that his favorite pieces are a pair of stools he made with his uncle. Their value comes from his memories. You can attach stories to your belongings even if they’re bought. Just consider the source, Wiking says: “You’re in a flea market in Paris. It’s already different from Bed Bath & Beyond.”

Use candles — with caution

A few flickering candles on a table are fine, but for a cozier effect, use surfaces at varying heights, Johansen says. Experiment with window ledges and bookshelves. Always use candleholders, and be careful: Johansen’s dress caught on fire at a party when she accidentally brushed up against a tea light on a low shelf.

Find your sources

Kira Fortune’s strategy for creating “a Copenhagen house” in the United States involves knowing where to shop. She hits up Ikea every two weeks to restock her candle supply. (Only plain white ones are acceptable — “We’re very much into less is more,” Fortune says.) The Swedish store also sells rye bread mix and holiday foodstuffs. For Kahler-brand striped vases and other ceramic accessories, she orders from Royal Design (royaldesign.com).

And when she’s desperate for other goodies from home, she turns to design emporium Illums Bolighus (illumsbolighus.com), which ships to the United States.