The Hygge & Cwtch approach to holistic design and wellbeing

June 17, 2025

As we approach the mid-point of 2025, I’ve been reflecting on our progress so far. This year has felt like a real turning point both personally and as a result, professionally too. It was the year I truly started to take my own advice, turning inwards to understand and lean into what ‘my best life’ actually looks like for me. Aligning my home, my priorities and my lifestyle to what feels good and serves me best. I’ve worked at it and it’s been quite transformative. I especially love that I can help others feel the same through holistic design. Let me explain…

The holistic design approach

Hygge is at the very heart of everything we do at Hygge & Cwtch Design Studio. The Danish concept of finding contentment in simple pleasures has long been a buzz word associated with interior design. But it’s one that we at Hygge & Cwtch have always taken more meaning from, at a deeper level than ‘just interiors’. The rest of the world is catching up. Since the wellness industry has taken off in a big way, philosophies around mindfulness, gratitude and authenticity – all well aligned to the hygge concept – are becoming more accepted and welcomed for their wellbeing benefits.

*Taking a mindful moment in the Hygge & Cwtch garden studio, all the way back in 2020*

Our home, our sanctuary, is the place where we can practice living in a way that serves us best. Creating sensory experiences and spaces with the intention to unplug, de-stress, live in the present, rest and connect… just some of the benefits of a hygge environment and an example of how ‘home’ is intrinsically linked to our wellbeing. For good design to work effectively, make it human-led and holistic.

The property below, designed my Hygge & Cwtch and photographed by Ross Sheppard, really encapsulates that classic hygge feeling. A cosy, personal home, connected to nature (especially in the beautiful bright sunroom).

At Hygge & Cwtch, we specialise in interior and garden design but we consider it as part of a bigger picture, and we encourage our clients to do the same. It’s never about just making a room look beautiful. It’s about creating spaces which support our wellbeing and foster a positive lifestyle. And the only way to do this effectively is to really understand what we, as individuals, need to feel truly happy and content.

Simplicity, connection and intention

The cornerstones of the Hygge & Cwtch brand. Also – no coincidence – key principles of hygge. Every project we take on, no matter how big or small, will be led by these values and we take our clients on the journey with us. A completely personalised experience will get to the root of what our clients really want and need, and we take intentional steps to build their dream spaces from there.

Simplifying our homes through decluttering, clever storage and surrounding ourselves with only things that bring us joy is key to tapping into the hygge concept of finding contentment through the simple pleasures in life. No over designing or showroom-esque styling. We set the foundations for pared back yet beautiful rooms which can evolve with the homeowners over time.

Intentionally creating space to enjoy peaceful moments at our *Newgale project*

*Simplicity and serenity at our Newgale project*

*Prioritising space, flow and social seating at our Robinswood Crescent project, connecting people to each other and to the outdoors*. *Photography: Emily Brittain Delgado*

Connection is part of human nature. Whether it’s a connection to other people, to nature or to ourselves, creating homes which harness connections is always part of the holistic approach. Think social seating and the flow between rooms. The use of technology to stay in touch with the world or find enjoyment or better rest. The inclusion of treasured items which make a homeowner feel connected to a person, a moment in time or a feeling. All points to consider and hold central to any design project.

*Social seating* *aiding connections to the outside and to each other*

*Creating a flow between rooms that balances separation and connection*

Becoming my own case study

If you’re a regular reader you might remember in our December 2024 post we talked about our vision for 2025. For those who haven’t read it, here’s a little snippet:

Put simply, I needed to make some changes in my life. It was time that I put my own words into action. As I encourage my blog readers and my design clients to do, I needed to tune into my preferences and figure out what lights me up.

*Self care includes nourishing my body inside and out*

*Daily dog walks in nature are like therapy*

*Travelling and prioritising family time and experiences*

Making the time and space to get quiet and look inwards earlier this year gave me some real clarity on what my own needs are. I’ve since made intentional changes to my lifestyle, my priorities and my home to really create a life and environment that serves me best. Prioritising good nutrition and a skin care regime tailored to me (you can see more about this about this on my personal Instagram). Carving out time to nurture my love of art and painting, sharing this journey at Annie Pitchford Art. Reconnecting with what hygge means to me and setting myself up to reap the benefits. These are the areas where I’ve been placing my attention for the past six months, aligning what feels good to me. It’s working, and I can safely say that I’m now my own case study for the Hygge & Cwtch approach!

Ready to think holistically about your home and lifestyle?

Have you ever considered what changes you’d need to improve your wellbeing? Or do you want to make changes to your home? We can help you take the holistic approach. Let’s chat and figure out what you really need and want, and how your home can better serve you. In the meantime, give us a follow on Instagram! Our interiors page for everything hygge and home, and my personal page where you can follow my own journey and maybe get inspired to start your own.