Design Anatomy

The Danish concept of "hygge" (pronounced hoo-ga) has captivated the world for good reason—it's the secret to creating spaces that nurture wellbeing rather than just looking pretty. Lauren and Bree dive deep into what makes a home truly feel good, challenging the sterile white aesthetic that has dominated Australian interiors for too long. Drawing from their design expertise and personal experiences, they explore how our spaces profoundly shape our behaviour, mental state, and capacity for connection. While Australia boasts the largest homes in the world, a surprising 15% of Australians report feeling lonely—suggesting our cavernous houses might be doing more harm than good. The conversation reveals four essential elements that create that coveted hygge feeling: thoughtful colour choices beyond stark white, layered lighting that creates intimate pools rather than harsh overhead illumination, genuine comfort (both perceived and actual), and appropriate scale that fosters coziness rather than isolation. Lauren shares a transformative experience at Stockholm's Ett Hem hotel designed by Ilse Crawford that perfectly embodies these principles. What makes this discussion particularly valuable is the practical advice woven throughout. You don't need a complete renovation to bring hygge into your home—sometimes it's as simple as adding soft textiles, introducing varied lighting sources, or creating dedicated gathering spaces where family naturally comes together. Whether you're building, renovating, or simply wanting to enhance your current space, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how thoughtful design directly contributes to health and happiness. Because ultimately, your home should make you feel good, not just look good. Bree is now offering a 90-minute online design consult to help you tackle key challenges like colour selection, furniture curation, layout, and styling. Get tailored one-on-one advice and a detailed follow-up report with actionable recommendations—all without a full-service commitment. Bookings now open - Book now Join Lauren for The Conversation Circle beginning Monday 15th June. This fortnightly small-group mentoring program is designed for interior designers, decorators and stylists who are ready to fast-track their business growth, gain clarity, and have the support and accountability to take action. To ensure everyone receives personalised guidance and mentoring, the group is intentionally limited to just 6 designers . This creates space for meaningful conversations, individual feedback, and practical support tailored to your business. For more info & application process please see below: The Conversation Circle 2026