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The Jerusalem Post

The simple pleasures of life are perfectly reflected here

 
 Architecture and design: Sarah and Nirit Frenkel (photo credit: Itay Banit)
Architecture and design: Sarah and Nirit Frenkel
(photo credit: Itay Banit)

The Danish HYGG trend is more relevant than ever, emphasizing simple daily joys. How does this cultural approach manifest in Israel?

The Danish HYGG trend is not new, but it is more relevant than ever. It is a cultural approach originating in Denmark, closely tied to the Scandinavian lifestyle, where winter dominates much of the year. HYGG focuses on family life and the small pleasures of everyday life—those simple joys that, in the rush of daily responsibilities, are often forgotten: lounging on the couch, watching a favorite show, sharing a glass of wine with friends, enjoying the first cup of coffee in the morning, playing Rummikub, and more. The trend encourages embracing these small moments as a lifestyle and giving them meaningful space in daily routines.

 Architecture and design: Sarah and Nirit Frenkel (credit: Itay Banit)
Architecture and design: Sarah and Nirit Frenkel (credit: Itay Banit)
 Architecture and design: Sarah and Nirit Frenkel (credit: Itay Banit)
Architecture and design: Sarah and Nirit Frenkel (credit: Itay Banit)

Nirit Frenkel, owner of an architecture, planning, and design office, explains: "HYGG aims to create a warm, inviting, and relaxed home environment. Using comfortable, padded furniture such as sofas and armchairs in soft, neutral tones—white, gray, brown, or cream—can work wonders. Natural materials like wood, cotton, linen, and stone add a sense of closeness to nature and enhance the feeling of warmth. Soft rugs, cushions, and personal throws for all family members create spaces that invite relaxation and enjoyment."

 Architecture and design: Sarah and Nirit Frenkel (credit: Itay Banit)
Architecture and design: Sarah and Nirit Frenkel (credit: Itay Banit)
 Architecture and design: Sarah and Nirit Frenkel (credit: Itay Banit)
Architecture and design: Sarah and Nirit Frenkel (credit: Itay Banit)
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Nirit adds: "Soft, warm lighting is essential for creating an intimate, cozy atmosphere at home. In addition to artificial lighting, it’s important to ventilate the house, open windows, and let in natural light, which brings energy and life to the space. Plants are also an integral part of the approach—bringing nature inside and harmonizing with our daily activities."

 Architecture and design: Sarah and Nirit Frenkel (credit: Itay Banit)
Architecture and design: Sarah and Nirit Frenkel (credit: Itay Banit)
 Architecture and design: Sarah and Nirit Frenkel (credit: Itay Banit)
Architecture and design: Sarah and Nirit Frenkel (credit: Itay Banit)

In conclusion, Frenkel emphasizes that "The HYGG trend values and respects family time, encouraging us to create pleasant gathering places in the home: family corners, comfortable poufs, inviting dining areas, benches, or a spacious kitchen island. A fireplace can also enhance the atmosphere and create a warm, homey experience. These are elements that invite family members to pause, breathe, and focus on the quality and significance of togetherness—values we all long for."

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