How to Incorporate Hygge Design in Your Office

Hygge design is usually associated with homes, but there is a lot of merit in bringing it into your office. In this article, we’ll show you how.

Introduction: What is Hygge Design?

“Hygge” is defined by the Oxford English Dictionary as “A quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being (regarded as a defining characteristic of Danish culture)”. The pronunciation, contrary to popular assumption, is “hoo-guh”.

Why Use Hygge Office Design?

The office may not be the first place you’d think of when you hear the word hygge. However, there are advantages to incorporating the hygge design style into your office.

It is particularly beneficial to businesses where working from home full-time is not feasible. In this instance, hygge is a good way to help make employees feel happier at the workplace – which translates to better productivity.

This is achieved by making the office feel more like home. One rethinks how the office is set up, what employees are permitted to do, and what the space offers. Employees, too, can incorporate the idea of hygge into their workspace.

Between spaces that make you feel an instant warmth and spaces that leave you cold, it’s pretty easy to decide which one you’d rather be in. Adding hygge elements to the office will encourage employees to relax and stay longer.

Elements of Hygge Interior Design for the Workspace

Hygge helps to provide a space that is inspiring, comforting and warm. This in turn encourages communication and greater efficiency. Let’s see how you can get started.

1. Softer Lighting

Harsh fluorescent lights are common in office buildings, and to an extent, they are necessary. However, it may be a good idea to consider alternative lighting options. Softer lighting such as desk lamps and floor lamps works well to create a more comfortable atmosphere.

Furthermore, look for a space with plenty of natural light. It’s a good way to avoid unnecessary electricity bills from lighting, and also raises the mood.

And while candles may not actually bring a lot of light to a space, they serve to soothe and relax people. Having said that, be aware of the fire hazard if you choose to go for candles; if you just like the smell of scented candles, you can always go for a diffuser instead.

For a more in-depth look into lighting, read about the types of lighting and fixtures.

2. Work Beverage Station

If you don’t already have a beverage station, it’s a good idea to install one. If you have the budget, add some richer things like cocoa mix and infusions, and go for the better coffee. Keep an electric kettle and some nice cups and saucers. These small elements will make a big difference!

3. Bring in the Biophilia

Incorporate biophilia in the form of succulents, driftwood, bowls of pebbles or shells, and terrariums. Even better if you have a view of a garden or another natural spot. You can also place plants in or next to bookshelves, for an especially cozy look.

Biophilia will improve the air quality inside your office and help keep employees’ moods up.

4. Personalize Desks

Hygge is all about savoring and enjoying your environment. Hence, transforming spaces into small sanctuaries is a good idea. Consider allowing employees to personalize their desk spaces, which allows them to “escape” and uplift their souls momentarily when they feel overwhelmed or stressed.

It doesn’t have to be a large makeover. Simple things such as favorite mugs, photos, or souvenirs add a lot of personality and go a long way.

5. Encourage Employees to Enjoy Lunchbreak

Encourage your employees to head outdoors to go for a walk, run errands, or even just sit in a cafe and enjoy a book and a coffee during the lunchbreak. This will refresh them and leave them ready to work properly when they get back.

6. Use Natural Materials

Give an organic feel to your office by using materials such as linen, cotton, wood, glass and paper. Consider beautiful wall calendars with images of nature or wooden desk organizers as well.

7. Positive Quotes

It’s hard to remain positive all the time, especially when deadlines are near. But with the hygge design style, it becomes a little easier.

Add some positive quotes around your office by displaying them on walls, pin boards, desks or even desktop wallpapers. For best results, use attractive frames and clear fonts.

8. Create Cozy Nooks

Little spaces to think and relax in can work wonders for efficiency and productivity. Add comfortable chairs, pillows, soft lighting, and perhaps a bookshelf.

To discover more about effective, productive spaces, read about proper office building design.

9. Get Ergonomic

Comfortable, healthy seating is a necessity even without taking hygge design into consideration. When you think of hygge furniture, you may think of plush sofas, but in the office, we mean ergonomic chairs.

Ergonomic chairs should support employees backs and be comfortable enough to use for long periods of time.

Office chairs are considered ergonomic when they have lumbar support and adjustable seat height and depth. You should be able to adjust it so that your legs are perpendicular to the floor.

Ergonomic chairs may also feature adjustable headrests, arm width, seat pan, tilt tension, and tilt locks.

Here are some more tips to support the back, neck and shoulders:

• Sit an arm’s length away from the computer screen.

• The top of the monitor should be level with your eyes.

• Avoid slouching.

• Arms should be kept parallel to the floor.

• Avoid crossing your legs and sit with both feet flat on the floor. This allows proper blood circulation in the legs.

Conclusion

Before you implement hygge interiors into your office, consider your office culture and the personality of your employees.

It’s unlikely anyone will have a problem with more natural light or some succulents, but some activities, such as “team bonding”, may simply make some people uncomfortable if they are enforced. So choose your hygge elements wisely.

The key is to cultivate an atmosphere that promotes comfort and joy without alienating people.

If you do wish to implement hygge design into your office construction or renovation, you’ll need photorealistic 3D serbluvices for the best results.

BluEntCAD offers interior and exterior 3D rendering, as well as product rendering, to commercial architects, real estate developers, home builders, home designers, interior decorators, contractors and remodelers.

Ready to take your commercial building project to new heights with 3D rendering services? Contact us now!

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