Touch of intimacy

If you need some home therapy check out Soho's newest arrival, Hygge (shop A, 14D Lower Elgin Street, Central, tel: 2549 7255). Pronounced 'Hooga', which means 'the art of creating intimacy' in Danish, the boutique stocks a range of striking candleholders and accessories by designer Piet Hein and other rising Danish stars. Many products are multi-purpose - the hollow glass Galerie candleholder by Menu can be used as a vase, drinking glass or to hold pot-pourri or polished pebbles. There are accompanying 'environmentally friendly' candles from Australia in fragrances such as fig, toffee and wild berry.

Research has shown many candle wicks contain lead, which can cause poisoning when burned (see Top tips below). Hygge has gone to great pains to ensure its products are lead-free. Wicks are 100 per cent cotton and the candles are made from natural beeswax and food-grade paraffin wax, which is commonly used to seal preserves and cheeses. They are covered in a hardening wax to prevent dripping and increase burning times; some models burn for up to 200 hours while Hygge's tea lights can last 10 hours. The shop also sells incense, air-fresheners, essential oils and oil burners.