Interior designer Ashley Garelick creates inviting living spaces using cozy textures, natural materials and a neutral color palette.
By Maria Allen Photography by Jessica Delaney, Ashley Garelick and Sarah Winchester
In recent years, the Danish notion of hygge (pronounced hoo-ga) has taken the world by storm. The term, which does not have an exact English translation, has been described as a sense of coziness, relaxation and an overall feeling of contentment. With Denmark consistently ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world, it comes as no surprise that many people are searching for ways to adopt a “hygge” lifestyle.
If you type “hygge” into Instagram or Pinterest, you’ll come up with an endless stream of cozy lifestyle images flaunting the simple joy of fuzzy socks, crackling fireplaces and mugs of hot cocoa. But hygge also describes a sense of thoughtful design, quality craftsmanship and understated luxury.
For interior designer Ashley Garelick of Ashley Garelick Designs hygge aligns perfectly with her passion for creating inviting, well-edited living spaces. The Cohasset resident credits much of her minimalist design aesthetic to her mother’s influence.
“My mom was ahead of her time,” says Garelick. “She was very tailored in her color palettes and everything in our home was cozy and soft.”
Whether working with a client or refreshing the décor in her own home, Garelick begins each project by clearing out the clutter and focusing on function. “I am a big believer that everything you have should serve a purpose and make sense in your home,” says Garelick.
The completed look is simple, without feeling stark, and casually elegant. A thick, braided blanket is draped atop a bed, a faux fur throw cushions the seat of a hanging rattan chair and a flames glow in the fireplace.
“To me, hygge is a feeling.” says Garelick. “It’s about being together with family and friends and it reminds you how good it is to be home.”
Hygge How-To
Everyone is looking for ways
to make their home feel cozy in the winter.
Here are Ashley Garelick’s top
tips for achieving hygge at home.
Less is More
Aim to simplify and reduce the clutter
in your home. Surround yourself with things
that you love and that serve a purpose.
Stay Neutral
Natural materials and a neutral color palette
can create a sense of serenity. Think about
layering shades of white, taupe, tan, blush
and charcoal. Limit your use of embellishments
and patterns.
Natural materials and a neutral color palette
can create a sense of serenity. Think about
layering shades of white, taupe, tan, blush
and charcoal. Limit your use of embellishments
and patterns.
Stay Neutral
Natural materials and a neutral color palette can create a sense of serenity. Think about layering shades of white, taupe, tan, blush and charcoal. Limit your use of embellishments and patterns.
Embrace the Imperfect
Strive for comfort, not perfection. Make your home a place where you can rest your feet on the coffee table or snuggle up on a comfy couch or chair to indulge in a favorite book or television show.
Let There Be Light
Whether you have a fireplace, a collection of
candles (I love large floor lanterns) or a statement
light fixture, keep your home glowing.
Spa Style
Give your bathroom the same level attention that you
give your living areas. Use cozy towels and candles to
make a soothing retreat where you can relax and rejuvenate.
Better Together
Gather your friends and family often. Strive for casual
leisurely gatherings with lots of good food and wine.
Gather your friends and family often. Strive for casual
leisurely gatherings with lots of good food and wine.
Finding the Perfect Piece
In addition to working as an interior designer, Ashley Garelick is also co-owner of the boutique décor business Piece. She and Christine McGinty of CM Design established the business as a way to bring limited-edition “impeccably cool” home décor pieces from around the world to the South Shore. Rather than having a brick-and-mortar retail location, the two like-minded designers collect and sell unique finds through the Piece website and occasional pop-up events.
“We are influenced by the elements of nature, says McGinty. “We love cotton, linen, burlap, grasscloth, wood and steel. We gravitate to soft palettes such as ivory, tan, lavender, gray, charcoal and white (there is never enough white!) and we can’t resist a splash of indigo!”
For more information, follow Piece on Instagram, @shoppiece_, or visit shoppiece.com.