What is Hygge?

Embrace hygge and create a comfy, cosy home. Hygge is a Dutch word used to describe a cosy, comfortable, content mood. The emergence of hygge as a lifestyle trend is relatively recent though. The etymology of hygge stems from a Danish word meaning “to give courage, comfort and joy”. Another thought is that it may originate from the word hygga, meaning “to comfort or hug”. Over time, it has evolved from just another word for cosy, to become a cultural concept and way of living. It is used to convey a feeling of safety, intimacy and cosiness. It is pronouced as hue-gah.

How to Embrace Hygge in Your Home

Put simply, hygge is to take pleasure from soothing, ordinary every day things in life. There are lots of little things you can do within your home to generate a feeling of cosiness. Follow our simple steps and hygge your home.

Bring the Outside In

Nature is a natural stress buster. You can introduce it to your home in little ways by adding some plants, or by using natural materials such as wood and stone to decorate with. Use natural wood for flooring and surfaces and consider baskets for storage. If you want to get really serious, consider opening up your home with bifolding doors.

 

Use Natural Light and Lamps

Overhead lights tend to be too bright and glaring to fully embrace hygge and create the comfy cosy feeling you want. Fill your home with natural light, using large picture windows. And in evenings, use lamps or candles to create a homey atmosphere.

Keep it Simple

Declutter your space. Cosy spaces can be small, but they shouldn’t be full of clutter. We’ve all heard the sayings “tidy space, tidy mind” and “less is more”. Studies have found that a cluttered home, can lead to feeling overwhelmed and anxious. Take a tip from Marie Kondo and strip away items that don’t bring you joy.

Make it Soft

We are tactile beings and touch and texture are important. Add blankets, cosy fleeces and comfy cushions. Also, think big cosy chairs and shag carpets or rugs.

Add Meaningful Decor

We all have possessions that make us feel happy. They might remind us of a place, or were given as a gift by a friend. They might be antiques or heirlooms, rich with history and meaning. Decorate your home with things that invoke that feeling in order to fully embrace hygge. Your past is important, have your LPs and books available. Certainly, curling up with a good book is one of the main ways to embrace hygge.

Be Warm and Comfortable

If you are able, light a fire or some candles in the evening to enjoy the warm glow. Draught proof your home with energy efficient windows and doors. Because they are also high security, they will help you to feel safe, and feeling safe is an important part of being able to relax. Furthermore you can add cosy soft furnishings like thick drapey curtains and soft cushions. Use warm and neutral colours when decorating to create a sense of peace and harmony that is not overwhelming.

Create Simple Rituals

Finally, learn to be present in the moment, and take joy from simple things. Brew real tea in a china cup. Pick a posy of flowers to enjoy on your table each week. Have friends around for dinner and share some company. Above all, be aware of and enjoy the moment.