He’s doing it. She’s doing it. You may even be doing it without even knowing about it.
What am I talking about? I’m talking about hygge.
What the heck is hygge, anyway?
Hygge (pronounced hue-guh) is a Nordic mindset of finding more meaningfulness and beauty in the most ordinary of things and/or moments in life— a concept that has been a key part of the Scandinavian (primarily Danish) culture since the early 1800s when the word first appeared in the written language. Derived from a Norwegian word for “well-being,” hygge could be equated to English words such as cozy, comfort, charm, simplicity, happiness, content, and familiar.
While the translation extends into all areas of life to the Danes— a favorite blanket, a warm cup of tea, curling up with a good book on a rainy day, a candlelit dinner— it is becoming increasingly popular in the wintertime to those here in the United States. After all, what better way to tolerate those cold, and sometimes downright frigid, temperatures than by making your home a place that exudes warmth, relaxation, and indulgence?
You may already be the type of person who truly appreciates simplicity. You may even have already embraced this way of life in your home. For those who haven’t, however, here are 5 practical ways you can hygge in your home.
1. Keep it simple.
In regards to hygge, the idea of simplicity is incredibly versatile, applying to more than just one area. Take home decor, for example. Scandinavian interiors are typically minimalistic in design. It’s that “less is more” mindset. To get that true sense of coziness in your own home, consider taming the clutter, keeping only items of real use or those that bring you real joy.
Another aspect of hygge is the idea of keeping moments simple as well. The goal of hygge is to create an atmosphere that one can feel relaxed and centered in, whether alone or with loved ones. After a busy day of activities, a hygge home should be one that allows you to clear your mind and reset. Keep the moments simple and magical by ditching devices and other distractions, at least for a little while.
2. Warm and cozy textiles. Hygge interior design often features warm and cozy textiles, such as wool, sheepskin, and chunky knit blankets. Look for soft, comfortable fabrics that invite you to curl up and relax.
2. Warm and cozy textiles.
Hygge interior design often features warm and cozy textiles, such as wool, sheepskin, and chunky knit blankets. Look for soft, comfortable fabrics that invite you to curl up and relax. Because this interior design emphasizes natural materials, such as wood, leather, and stone, look for furniture and accessories that showcase the natural beauty of these materials.
3. Think sustainably.
Sustainability looks to maintain our way of life while protecting our natural environment, as well as our human and ecological health— and that’s a huge part of hygge. The hygge way of life has a deep appreciation for nature, which includes things of nature, as well as things created from nature. Houseplants and natural materials are great places to start. Since going green isn’t a new trend, bringing more eco-friendly products into your home shouldn’t be difficult.
4. Make it personal.
It’s much easier to be cozy in a space where the items have meaning. The value of something often stems from the memories attached to it. Shop selectively, purchasing more items that have a story to go with them. If you have handmade furnishings, or furnishings of sentimental value, even better.
5. Neutral Colors
A neutral color palette, with soft shades of white, beige, and gray dominating the space is key for creating just the right Hygge interior design. Look for colors that create a calm and peaceful atmosphere. Make sure to keep it neutral to warm, not too sterile, as it should create a welcoming feeling.
6. Light it up.
The Danes spend a lot of time in the dark, so it’s no wonder they’ve perfected the art of light! For the ultimate hygge, focus your attention on the soft glow of flickering candles or layered lighting (a mixture of overhead lighting, lamps, sconces, etc) that can be adjusted as needed with a dimmer. If using candles, vary the heights for an extra cozied look. But remember to be careful, placing candles in safe areas. To keep it eco-friendly, shop for candles made of organic soy or beeswax.
7. Immerse yourself in good company.
We all need our alone time, but when it comes to hygge, moments are more meaningful when shared with those we care about. Set the table for an intimate breakfast or dinner, or simply have people over for drinks and good conversation. When friends and family are nearby, you’ll be experiencing hygge at its finest.
Cutting Corners: Your Hygge Headquarter
When the time comes to embrace hygge within your home, come see us first. From our discount designer fabrics to our abundant accessories, we’re sure to have several items that will ramp up the coziness in your abode.
