Designing a Cozy Hygge Kitchen
Posted by KraftMaid on 9th Mar 2023
Tricky to pronounce, but easy to relax into, the hygge aesthetic transforms the common kitchen into a daily retreat where calm and connection can thrive.
Hygge (pronounced “HOO-gah”) is the Danish art of embracing life’s simple moments and pleasures, surrounded by family and friends in a warm, inviting atmosphere. At KraftMaid®, we believe the heart of your home – your kitchen – is a natural place to cultivate this joy. That’s why we offer so many ways to create a personalized space that enhances your lifestyle with thoughtful design that reflects your unique concept of comfort. Here are some ways to craft your own hygge haven:
EMBRACE A CALMING PALETTE
Light neutrals and muted colors provide a sense of lightness, offering relief from the bustle and stresses of everyday life. Surround yourself in serene hues, with cabinetry in KraftMaid’s warm whites, including Cottage and Canvas, as well as crisp, cool Frost. If you crave a little more color, light and mid-tone warm neutrals in grey, like Moonshine and Overcast, and the soft blue of Serenity can set a soothing scene. Minimalist doors with clean lines, and streamlined designs like Scandinavian-inspired Shaker-style doors and clean, no-frills Slab doors, are the perfect hygge complement to neutral colors.
FIND JOY IN THE NATURAL (WOOD) WORLD
Organic materials and natural textures bring hygge tranquility to kitchens. KraftMaid’s cabinetry selection offers a wide range of wood types to explore. Find the characteristics that appeal to your senses — do the prominent grains of Oak speak to you? Perhaps the subtle uniform grains of Maple are more your vibe. No matter which you choose, you can highlight the textures you love with a stain that brings out their true, natural beauty. KraftMaid’s Natural offers a timeless warm finish while rich Praline provides depth. Finish the look with minimalist hardware to enhance the look without overpowering it.
Impart even more nature into your environment with other organic elements. Consider stone countertops in earthy, warm tones from muted greys to soft beiges and creamy whites to enhance your hygge kitchen design. Opting for matted textures that diffuse light, as opposed to shiny polished stone surfaces that reflect it, will help cultivate a softer ambiance.
CREATE A SANCTUARY OF PRACTICALITY
A hygge kitchen is exceptionally practical and intentionally designed with elements that bring ease and contentment to daily tasks. Perfection isn’t the goal, but rather functionality that matches the rhythms you move to. Mindful organization is key:
Keep things in reach: Frequently used items, like cooking utensils and other essential tools, should be readily accessible. Hanging pots and pans above your stove or storing utensils together in a base pull-out can allow considerable ease to cooking.
Open it up: Scandinavian-inspired open shelving allows for a beautiful display of daily dishware and glassware while eliminating the need to rummage through drawers and cabinets.
Minimize counter clutter: You can pack a lot into small spaces and maintain an unfettered flow with clever storage solutions like pull-out trays and pantries, spiced organizer inserts, and tiered drawers.
Invest in quality: Ensure that any cabinetry, accents, and accessories you choose are dependable and built to last, so you can use it freely – without worry. KraftMaid offers a limited lifetime warranty on cabinetry that guarantees quality craftsmanship for as long as you own it.
Organization only works if it makes sense for you. Take the Kraftmaid Storage Quiz – and answer just four quick questions – to discover specialized storage solutions that fit the way you live.
CULTIVATE SOFTNESS IN EVERY WAY
Soft touches enhance the hygge experience. Pendant lights, warm-toned bulbs, and natural light filtered through translucent linens provide gentle illumination ideal for a relaxing atmosphere. Cultivating quiet is also an essential hygge principle – KraftMaid’s Whisper Touch® drawer runners and hinges offer sound dampening while additional design features, like cork and wood flooring, textile wall hangings and textured rugs, and upholstered furniture, can help keep the peace.
Embracing informality also calls for a pleasant place to sit and stay awhile. Provide comfortable places to lounge and linger, whether it’s a few stools around a central kitchen island or padded banquette nestled in a snug dining nook. Chairs and benches are a great way to bring hygge-enhancing textures into your kitchen via cozy upholstery, such as brushed cotton, handwoven fabrics, linen, bouclé, and even leather.
MAKE SURE IT’S MEANINGFUL
Infusing your personal style is a very important part of creating a hygge aesthetic. Following trends is antithetical to its philosophy; instead the focus of your kitchen design should be authentic to you and foster well-being.
Connect to the past: Display decor that provides a dose of nostalgia. Think textiles acquired while traveling, family heirlooms, or cookbooks that have stood the test of time.
Add artful objects: Include photographs, artwork, and one-of-a-kind crafts made by a loved one that evoke positive emotions and memories.
Bring your love for the outdoors in: Impart a bit of natural wonder into your kitchen with potted plants or flowers cut from your garden. A small stone or shell collection can be displayed on open shelving to capture organic charm.