Modern homes with a Hungarian heart
Moving abroad doesn’t mean leaving “otthon” behind. When you’re setting up a new place in the UK, it’s normal to want something modern but also a few details that remind you of your grandparents’ house. With some simple choices in colour, furniture, and everyday rituals, you can create a calm space that still feels unmistakably Hungarian.
Colour palettes that feel like home
Many British homes are quite small, so colour has to work hard. Instead of filling the room with lots of objects, you can let the palette carry the feeling. Think about soft blues and greens that recall rivers and hills back home, or warm beige and clay tones that echo late-summer fields.
You can also borrow colours from Hungarian folk art without turning the room into a museum. One idea is to pick a single motif from embroidery or ceramics and repeat those colours in cushions or a rug. Another is to use paprika red or deep blue in tiny doses: a tray on the coffee table or a framed postcard on the wall. Small accents feel more relaxed than decorating everything at once.
Mixing modern furniture with Hungarian pieces
Modern interiors are all about clean lines and practical layouts, which is helpful when space is limited. Start with simple furniture that does its job well: a sofa with slim arms, a dining table that can extend, storage that reaches up the wall. Once the basics are in place, you can incorporate memories.
Maybe you bring one wooden chair from home, or a hand-carved box that becomes a bedside table. A lace runner can sit on a very minimal console, or a rustic stool can live next to a sleek armchair. Even high-end pieces from Poliform Milan can sit next to old family furniture, as long as you keep the overall colour scheme calm and let each object breathe.
Daily rituals that keep the connection alive
The most Hungarian part of your home is often how you live in it. A tiny coffee corner for long chats, or a reading nook with Hungarian books can already change the mood. Add familiar sounds and smells – a radio station from home, jars of spices and teas, a candle in the evening – and even a rented flat starts to feel like your own place.
A home that evolves with you
Over time, you’ll probably collect new pieces from markets, charity shops, and trips back home. Let your space change slowly, adding one thing at a time instead of trying to finish everything in a weekend. A new print, a woven basket or a handmade mug can all add a cosy feel without crowding the room.
Most importantly, remember that a home doesn’t have to look perfect to feel right. It just needs to be somewhere you can relax, invite friends round for a chat, and cook the food you love. If your flat holds both your future and your memories, then you’ve already created something special, a modern home with a warm Hungarian heart.