Hygge, pronounced ‘hue-gah’, is a Danish word and describes the way of life that the Danes live by. The Oxford dictionary defines hygge as “a quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.” Put simply, hygge is about living intentionally, in a warm and cozy atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with the people you love.
The aim of hygge is to create a peaceful atmosphere, in a space that is clear of clutter, so that you can fully enjoy the simple and special moments. Clutter can cause an increase in stress levels and anxiety. If you reduce the clutter, you will experience a more tranquil and calm feeling when you spend time in your home.
Autumn is known as the season of cozy jumpers and blankets, roaring fires in the fireplace and soft lighting from candles. It’s the perfect time to start incorporating hygge into your life and home. You can, however, enjoy a cozy and welcoming home all year round as you adopt the relaxing and beautiful lifestyle of hygge.
This blog post will help you create the cozy feeling of hygge in your home and give you some helpful tips on how you can live a more hygge-ly life.
1. Keep it Simple
Hygge is all about appreciating everything in life, including the items that are in your home. Be selective in your choices of decorative objects and collectibles and choose to display items in your home that inspire you and bring you joy. Keep your décor simple but meaningful to you. Choose décor that tells the story of your life, the things you love and the things that remind you to be grateful for the life you have.
2. Create a Warm Atmosphere
A roaring fire in the fireplace is the perfect picture of hygge, but if you don’t have a fireplace in your home, candles can be just as warm and inviting. Group candles of different sizes and heights together in areas of the home where you love to unwind and gather with loved ones for a relaxing atmosphere. Scented candles can be a great way to bring your favourite smells into your home too. Place lamps with soft light in your favourite reading nook and at your desk to create a warm and calming space that encourages the feeling of hygge.
3. Soft and Neutral
For a hygge-inspired home, the colours and materials that you choose should be light, neutral and natural. Wooden floors, cream or light grey furnishings and natural décor can all elevate the sense of calm and peace in your home. Bright and vibrant colours can be used for small accent pieces but shouldn’t overpower the room. Surround yourself with cozy and ultra-soft textures by using plenty of blankets, throws and scatter cushions to add a feeling of warmth and comfort to your home. Try and stay away from furnishings that feel too modern or sleek, instead opt for coziness and softness. Placing natural materials, such as rattan or woven storage baskets, around your home will boost the hygge and is great for additional storage, too.
4. Enjoy Nature
Getting out into nature can encourage a sense of peace and well-being. Whether you enjoy listening to the calming sound of the waves hitting the shore, hiking in the woods or more extreme activities like mountain biking, venturing into nature can help clear your mind of distractions. Having a clear mind can help you focus on what really matters in life and promotes the hygge foundations of enjoying all of life’s beautiful moments.
5. Be Mindful
Hygge is all about appreciating life and loved ones. Take notice and be mindful of the moments that make you feel grateful for being alive. The feeling of sunshine on your skin, the warmth you get from drinking a fantastic cup of coffee or tea, the sound of someone you love laughing or the happiness you feel when you spend quality time with family and friends. Taking the time and energy to notice and be appreciative of these moments are the foundations of the hygge lifestyle.
Hygge is a lifestyle that I think everyone should fully embrace. When you apply Hygge to your life and home, you will be more present in everyday moments, you’ll be filled with gratitude for the blessings that you have, and you will feel peaceful and at ease. It’s a lifestyle that you can create that is unique to you and your loved ones. Choose to do more of the things that bring you joy in life, with the people that you love and surround yourself with items that are special to you.
If you’d like some help creating a more Hygge-ly life and home, let me know here.
