There’s nothing quite like stepping into a space that feels like a warm embrace. Cozy design is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about creating an environment that nurtures comfort, calm, and connection.
Across the globe, cultures have mastered the art of coziness in their own unique ways, and there’s so much inspiration to bring into your home.
Here are some of the coziest home design trends from around the world, with tips on how to incorporate them into your space.
Hygge (Denmark): Embrace the Warm Glow
The Danes have made hygge (pronounced hoo-gah) a lifestyle, not just a design trend. It’s all about creating a space that feels snug and welcoming, especially during long, cold winters.
- Key Elements: Soft lighting is at the heart of hygge, so think candles, string lights, and warm-toned lamps. Add layers with textured blankets, plush rugs, and plenty of cushions.
- How to Bring It Home: Dedicate a corner of your living room to a “hyggekrog” (cozy nook), complete with a chair you sink into, a small side table for a cup of tea, and a soft throw to wrap yourself in.
Wabi-Sabi (Japan): Find Beauty in Simplicity
Wabi-sabi celebrates imperfection and simplicity, creating a sense of calm that’s deeply rooted in nature. It’s about finding beauty in the natural wear and tear of life.
- Key Elements: Natural materials like wood, stone, and ceramics are central to wabi-sabi design. The color palette tends to be neutral, favoring earthy tones like soft browns, creams, and greys.
- How to Bring It Home: Introduce handcrafted pottery or reclaimed wood furniture into your home. Let natural light take center stage, and don’t stress about scratches or imperfections—they add to the charm.
Lagom (Sweden): Balanced and Just Right
Lagom is the Swedish philosophy of “not too much, not too little.” It’s a perfect balance of functionality and coziness.
- Key Elements: Decluttered spaces with practical yet beautiful furniture. Think minimalist design softened with cozy textures like wool throws and sheepskin rugs.
- How to Bring It Home: Start with decluttering—keep only what sparks joy and serves a purpose. Add a neutral-colored sofa with a textured blanket and keep decor simple but meaningful.
Cwtch (Wales): A Hug in Design Form
Cwtch (pronounced cootch) is a Welsh term that means a hug or a feeling of being embraced. It’s about creating spaces that radiate warmth and love.
- Key Elements: Rich, warm colors like deep reds, golds, and earthy tones. Think soft textiles, lots of layered lighting, and sentimental touches like family photos or heirlooms.
- How to Bring It Home: Add a statement armchair in a warm fabric to a quiet corner. Layer with cushions and a lamp for soft lighting.
Cocooning (France): Luxurious Comfort
Cocooning is a French trend focused on creating a sanctuary from the outside world—a space where you can recharge in style.
- Key Elements: Velvet furniture, moody lighting, and indulgent touches like silk curtains or fur throws. The focus is on materials that feel luxurious to the touch.
- How to Bring It Home: Opt for a deep, jewel-toned armchair or sofa, and layer it with a velvet cushion and an elegant throw. Add a floor lamp for soft, warm lighting.
Hapori (New Zealand): Nature at the Center
Hapori is a Maori-inspired design philosophy that emphasizes a connection to the natural world and community.
- Key Elements: Open spaces, large windows that let in natural light, and indoor plants to bring greenery inside. Hapori homes often incorporate wood and stone, reflecting the surrounding environment.
- How to Bring It Home: Add indoor plants to every room and incorporate natural materials like bamboo or rattan into your furniture. Choose artwork inspired by landscapes or community gatherings.
Ikigai (Japan): A Purposeful Home
Ikigai is about creating a space that supports your daily happiness and sense of purpose. It’s deeply personal and varies from person to person.
- Key Elements: Functional, intentional spaces that encourage well-being. This might mean a tidy workspace, a kitchen designed for socializing, or a serene reading nook.
- How to Bring It Home: Designate areas in your home for specific activities that bring you joy, like a meditation corner or a cooking space with easy access to everything you need.
Pelekai (Hawaii): Open and Breezy
Hawaiian Pelekai design emphasizes openness, airiness, and a strong connection to the outdoors.
- Key Elements: Open-plan spaces with large windows, neutral tones with pops of tropical color, and natural materials like bamboo and woven fibers.
- How to Bring It Home: Opt for light, airy curtains, and furniture that doesn’t block the flow of light. Add bold green plants and prints inspired by Hawaiian flora.
Bringing It All Together
Whether it’s hygge’s glowing warmth or wabi-sabi’s serene simplicity, cozy design trends from around the world remind us that home is more than just a place—it’s a feeling.
Mix and match these global philosophies to create a space that reflects your personality while nurturing comfort and connection. After all, the coziest home is the one that feels uniquely yours.
Feature Image Credit: Pexels / Gerson Lozano.
