COSYING UP THIS WINTER

Injecting what the Danish call ‘hygge’ in your living room

As soon as Halloween was over, I had the overwhelming urge to go out and buy as many candles, cushions and throws I could carry and fit into my studio-sized condo — which isn’t surprising because as soon the mercury drops, fall transitions into winter and the snow starts coming down, it’s time for me to get cosy.

Using the seven elements of interior design — including space, lines, forms, light, colour, texture and patterns — it’s possible to make winter a little less dreary, indoors at least, with a few simple tips and tricks. All it takes is hygge (pronounced hoo-gah), the Danish word for which there is no exact equivalent in English. Cosiness probably comes closest, since hygge refers to creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life.

Whether it’s comfy furniture and accessories, warm paint colours, shag rugs or roaring fires (or, in my case, candles), hygge-filled homes that are imbued with an overall feeling of comfort, well-being and cosiness are the trend du jour.

Since we’re all going to be spending a lot of time in our living rooms this winter, I spoke to José Larivière, the general manager at West Elm, about how to design and decorate a living space that’s functional, comfortable and, most important of all, full of hygge. It’s time to get into your hyggebukser (pants you wouldn’t be caught dead wearing outdoors, in public, but are the first thing you change into when you get home at the end of a long day), settle into a hyggekrog (a cosy nook) with a cup of hot cocoa or tea, and find out how to create the perfect place to hunker down and hibernate indoors this season.

How do you create a living room that’s both modern and cosy?

Larivière: Our modern concept is inspired by the energy of New York City during the holidays and snowfilled winter days. The modern living room evokes a festive holiday vibe by combining the new modern expression with a vintage twist. The juxtaposition of materials and shapes that are square, round, sinuous, clear, patterned, and bright

— all living together in one space — create a playful yet calm atmosphere to entertain guests.

Upholstery that’s inspired by menswear — both in terms of fabric (like wool and felt) and pattern

— and lots of pillows add a handsome, tailored quality to the space, which can be filled with multicoloured accents that look fresh and light against a palette that’s mostly grey, white and wood.

Unique pairings of glass and colour are ideal for dressing up occasional tables and balancing the masculine vibe of the upholstery. The warm, eclectic, travel-inspired living room seems to be popular these days. What’s West Elm’s take on that look? José Larivière: Our global concept takes place in northern Italy and is inspired by the Italian design heritage and passion for hospitality, making it the perfect living room for a holiday story. The soft, artdeco-style colour palette of rich greens and golds creates a warm, merry look that’s best completed with plush velvets, brocade fabrics, Venetian glass lighting, marble, and brass accents. The art-deco vibe pairs beautifully with Italian mid-century chairs, vertically tufted sofas, and playful geometric-patterned chairs.

Soft-hued deco rugs, tonal cut velvet, and curved furniture pieces add an elegant, intimate touch. How do you go about creating a space that’s just as hygge for you as it is for your guests? Larivière: Creating a living room that feels warm and inviting is easily accomplished with a soft, neutral colour palette with South American textiles, to add a little touch of colour. Entertaining is made easy with a large, blocky sectional, a smaller wood frame sofa, and a bench that are nicely complemented by warmer pieces such as a flannel-covered chair, colourful plaid throws and leather detailing.

Living rooms in the fireside house, which is our inspiration for this look — embrace layers of colour block throws, matelassé blankets, faux furs and felt pillows, making it the perfect place to relax with guests. They’re filled with furniture, lighting and decorative accessories inspired by nature that look sophisticated when paired with artisan textiles.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF WEST ELM A soft, neutral colour palette and a large, blocky sectional sofa, together with a grey fabric-covered chair, some throw pillows and a fuzzy warm afghan make for a cosy corner in this living room. The area rug with its eye-catching design and touch of teal blue not only enhances the space, but helps keep feet warm — as does the blazing fire in the fireplace. Altogether, it’s the height of hygge.

Creating a living room that’s both modern and cosy can involve a mix of materials and shapes all coexisting in one space. Upholstery that’s inspired by menswear, in shades of grey, together with an off-white rug and white walls, allow for the playful addition of some bright colours. The oversized orange plaid throw cushion on the couch, for example, or the teal blue niche behind it, help soften the stark black industrial look of the beams and the geometric shape of the metallic gold chandelier.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WEST ELM A warm, velvety pink area rug, fake-fur stockings hung by the fireplace, and a fuzzy throw draped over the grey sectional couch make for a cosy holiday scene in this living room.