How to make your Canberra home a cosy place this winter

Winter is fast approaching, with thoughts turning to cosy nights at home and, perhaps, an unwinding glass of red in front of a warming fire. The Danes call this feeling of contentment “hygge”, pronounced “hoo-ga”.

Sophie Luton of Luton Properties Manuka, who lists this week’s Deakin feature property, says it begins with a welcoming and relaxing environment.

“It’s not just what you can see, it’s also what you feel when you enter a space, whether it’s your home or one you’re considering as a buyer,” she says.

“An open fire can really set the atmosphere and can be complemented by mood lighting, perhaps table lamps, even candles.

“And you can add to that through soft furnishings like rugs, cushions, throws and window dressings.”

Luton says other senses are equally important – perhaps the scent of fresh flowers and even a few drops of vanilla warmed in the oven.

Bree Currall of Belle Property Canberra says furniture selection can also promote cosiness.

“Choose pieces that are inviting and comfortable and arrange them to promote conversation in a welcoming atmosphere,” she says. “Low-line couches are also great in increasing a sense of space while adding to cosiness”.

Currall also says the incorporation of different textures can add warmth and visual interest, and suggests “using natural materials like wood, wool, or linen to add an organic influence”.

She is also a fan of soft, soothing background music.

“It’s the combination of all these small details that can contribute to an overall perception of cosiness,” she says.

• Huh? Hygge is Danish for a feeling of cosiness or contentment. It might be as simple as how good it feels to sit in front of an open fire on a cold day.
• Happy: Denmark frequently appears in surveys as one of the world’s happiest countries, and hygge is considered to be part of the national identity. Sounds like we all need a serve.
• How? A home can convey hygge through its bones and how it’s personalised. An open fire, under-floor heating, soft furnishings, window dressing and candles can all add to it.

Check out our top pick of homes for sale:

Deakin

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The Danish feeling of hygge can pretty much be translated into Australian as “ahhh” – that feeling of wellbeing you experience when you come home and leave the worries of the world behind.

If that’s what you’re after, then this Deakin home may well deliver with its emphasis on comfort served up with a generous side of luxury.

This architect-designed, single-level family home offers a private sanctuary on a leafy 725-square-metre site. Inside, it delivers some 270 square metres of living with an abundance of light drawn in through a northerly side aspect.

To the right on entry is a segregated main suite that provides something of a sanctuary from the other bedrooms sited to the rear of the home.

The suite offers a generous walk-in wardrobe and an en suite with a double vanity and a corner spa bath.

A formal lounge and dining room is highlighted by high ceilings, a curved bank of windows, a welcoming fireplace and – the envy of any book lover – a bespoke wall of bookshelves.

On the other side of the home is a private outdoor terrace with a gas-heated spa.

The recently renovated kitchen features a large stone island bench, custom cabinetry and brand appliances. Comfort is delivered by in-floor heating.

Beyond are three minor bedrooms with built-in robes, plus a main bathroom.

There’s a double garage with internal access, a workbench and loft storage.

Price guide: $2.5 million+

Auction: Noon, June 3

Agent: Luton Properties Manuka, Sophie Luton 0410 750 413

Or try these:

Forde

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Price guide: $1.3 million+

Auction: Noon, June 3

Agent: The Property Collective, Obi Shadmaan 0423 980 763

Farrer

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$1.6 million+

Auction: Noon, May 27

Agent: The Property Collective, Sean Hegan 0431 158 330

Curtin

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Price guide: $1.65 million-$1.7 million

Private sale

Agent: HIVE Property, Josh Morrissey 0437 799 234