You’ve probably heard of hygge, the Danish concept of coziness and appreciation for life’s simple pleasures that garnered mainstream popularity a few years back. The Swedish word for it is fika. Here are some ideas on how to use the Norwegian concept of kaffeepause to design interiors for mindful relaxation
Now, kaffeepause — the Norwegian phrase for “coffee break” — puts a fresh twist on how to design your home for mindful rest and relaxation. Kaffeepause elevates the standard ten-minute coffee break, and transforms it into an intentional, calming ritual. The creation of a kaffeepause-inspired space in your home is all about attaining a snug and cosy ambiance that allows you to slow down and find peace in a fast-paced world.
Understanding the vibe
In kaffeepause, the overall backdrop of calm is just as important as the rejuvenating cup of coffee. “Think freshly-brewed coffee made from the finest ground beans and a sweet Norwegian bolle (bun) such as a cinnamon bun, and you’re well on your way,” Niki Brantmark, founder of My Scandinavian Home, tells Better Homes & Gardens. “It’s also important to set a koselig (cozy) scene for absolute comfort—after all, it’s hard to appreciate the moment on a hard plastic chair under glaring lights.” At its heart, kaffeepause is an intentional ritual that centers around taking time out to relax and reflect, alone or with others. And, for that, you’ll need to create the perfect cosy, warm, and inviting backdrop—whether that’s within an entire room or a smaller nook in your home.
Choose comfy furniture to create a kaffeepause space
To introduce kaffeepause into your home, choose large, comfy seating that you can curl up on. A huge, plush armchair, for example, is perfect for settling down with a book and a brew, but don’t opt for one based on aesthetics alone. It’s important the chair is comfortable enough to sit on for hours at a time — something with enough cushioning and a high back to support your neck, back, and lumbar spine.
If you also have space for a sofa, go for it. The more seating for friends and family, the merrier. A chaise, for instance, combines a chair and an ottoman with room enough for one person to recline. These sofas have a back, and either one, two, or zero arms, so think about what would be most comfortable for you. Two arms, in particular, are great if you want maximum support as you lay back and unwind. Alternatively, a big, cushiony sofa like a Chesterfield with a button-tufted back, deep cushions, and thick scrolled arms is also a solid choice. Chesterfields are comfortable, and also offer more support than the average sofa thanks to their hard backs. Also, if possible, choose furniture in luxury materials like velvet, boucle, or corduroy. These materials add cozy texture and are soothing to touch.
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Use rugs to pull the space together
The addition of a good rug is an easy way to add warmth and texture to your interiors, particularly if you have hardwood floors. It can also pull your kaffeepause space together. As long as you place the rug so it fits under the entirety of your coffee table and stretches to just under the front legs of your chairs and sofa, it can create a pleasing, seamless flow. Opt for natural materials like jute, sheepskin, or cotton to capture the classic Scandi look, and its emphasis on connection with nature. Similarly, the neutral colours found throughout Scandinavian design (such as, ivory, sage, grey, or grey-blue) instantly calm the senses, and naturally fit the kaffeepause vibe.
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Illuminate with soft lighting
Don’t underestimate the importance of good lighting, which includes natural light. Sunlight is a natural mood-booster, so, if possible, position your kaffeepause space near windows that let in plenty of natural light. However, if natural light just isn’t prominent enough in your space to make good use of, that’s okay. Use soft, artificial lighting to create an ambiance that welcomes and uplifts. So, add layers of light — choose dimmable floor lamps, table lamps, wall sconces, and even fairy lights to create a gorgeous glow. Multiple lighting options provide flexibility throughout the day, as well as create a cozy space at night.
Kaffeepause is the latest concept to take Scandinavian interior design by storm. By incorporating the principles of kaffeepause-inspired design into your home, you’ll carve out your very own special sanctuary perfect for rest and relaxation.
Use The Norwegian Concept Of Kaffeepause To Design Interiors For Mindful Relaxation, written dedicatedly for Daily Scandinavian by Karoline Gore. Karoline is a freelance writer from Stoke on Trent in the UK who left the corporate grind when she started a family and has never looked back. She enjoys contributing to a range of online publications on the topics that are important to her.
Feature image (on top) © Cottonbro Studio/Pexels