The Interior Decorating Secrets Danish Girls Know (That You Don’t)

Here's how to bring that effortlessly cool style into your home.

It's no secret that the Danes know a thing or two about good design. Denmark has a long history of quality design, mainly focused on functionalism and simplicity, and has produced a rich line-up of influential designers including Grete Jalk, Hans Wegner, and Børge Mogensen.

On social media, a host of ultra-stylish girlies are stealing the home design spotlight with their perfectly put-together apartments that exude modern Danish beauty. This style is diverse, and cool, and celebrates a bevy of timeless pieces dressed up in modern ways. The foundation for both the classic and the more bold Danish styles is a feeling of comfort and ease.

Interested in embracing the style? Below, we share a few of the design tricks that Danish girls are embracing in their homes that you might not be familiar with.

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A post shared by Caroline Bille Brahe (@caroline_brasch)

Bold pops of color are in

Danish design is known for clean, pared-back color palettes, but you don’t have to stick to all neutrals for it to feel Danish. More recently, deploying pops of color into the home has become popular and created some of the coolest apartments in Copenhagen. It's all about leaning into color blocking and adding accent pieces in bold shades to create interest and joy.

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Play with patterns

Another thing worth noting in modern Danish apartments is the use of patterns. From embracing patchwork to floral motifs, contemporary patterns are being embraced in spades. Much like how colour is used, contrasting patterns are paired together. Take cues from @albertegregersen_'s home where her checkered orange rug adds depth and visual interest to the space.

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A post shared by Alberte Gregersen (@albertegregersen_)

Illuminate your space with mushroom lamps

Mushroom lamps are having a moment and they are the lamp-style du jour when it comes to cool Danish homes. From designer Louis Poulsen's timeless Panthella lamp to Verner Panton's Flowerpot collection, this curvy lamp style provides a cosy, chic look to any space.

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Embrace the classics for an effortlessly cool look

One way to make a space look effortlessly cool, and like the homes you see on social media is by adding classic mid-century pieces to your home. They don't necessarily need to be pieces from Danish designers, but iconic furniture like Hans J. Wegner-style timeless 'Wishbone' chair will add that classic, stylish look that is so loved.

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Layer soft textures for that hygge feeling

Danish interior design is very tactile and should be felt by touch. Textures activate that cosy and comforting hygge feeling in a home so you can go all-out here and incorporate rugs, throws, and plush cushions. Look to materials like sisal, jute, sea grass, high-pile wool, faux fur, and linen.

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Embrace natural elements

The Danes are known for their strong love of the natural world and bringing the outdoors in is a staple. Eco-friendly materials, lush greenery, and plenty of natural light should all be considered.

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Practicality matters

Whether it's a little breakfast nook or a comfy corner for a night-time read, the Danes believe in useful spaces to enhance their time at home. Consider the way you live and how you can make the most of every space. Try not to fill every gap with meaningless bits and pieces for the sake of it.

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Your home should be joyful

The most important thing everyone should consider when decorating their home is how they can make it feel good to be in. Denmark continuously ranks among the world's happiest countries, so it's unsurprising that part of creating a successful home for the Danes is by implementing things that make them feel good and reflect their personal style. This will encourage the lovely emotions that are central to hygge. Bonus points if they are actually practical as well.