What is Hygge, and How do You Create it in Your Home?

Hygge is not a new concept (pronounced Hue-guh), but it is a fun word and an idea or way of living I believe many people in America want, but have a hard time describing in just one word. So I propose that we pay homage to the Danish culture, and borrow theirs!

Hygge, quite simply, is “a word used when acknowledging a feeling or moment, whether alone or with friends, at home or out, ordinary or extraordinary as cosy, charming or special.” (www.hyggehouse.com)

In today’s world, I think we are all craving a space invoking peace, living in the moment, being happy & cozy, and finding joy in the simple pleasures. If Covid has taught me anything, it’s that people are craving a little Hygge in their life! Here are a few ways you can create that feeling in your home:

Candlelight:

If you ask any Danish person what is the one thing that is most “Hygge”, they will no doubt answer: Candles! When you think of cozy, calm, or romantic, you are probably envisioning lots of candles. It is a fairly easy design element to bring into your space, and really brings a sense of calm. I highly recommend shopping for candelabra’s in thrift stores for a mismatched, vintage look. And who says that a candle-lit meal is for restaurants only? Make dinner an event simply by adding candle light. We deserve to enjoy special moments on a regular basis and not just on special occasions!

Neutral Color Scheme:

As a rule of thumb, warm, neutral colors are best for invoking a sense of calm and cozy. Avoid super bright or harsh colors as these can be shocking to the eye and affect your mood. My blog on the Best Paint Colors for Selling Your Home, has some great suggestions for wall colors that are appealing and peaceful.

Natural Elements:

It’s very relaxing to bring the outdoors in, not only through plants, but also through wood furniture and knick knacks. I love walnut especially for it’s deep, warm hue.

Books:

I love to use books throughout my home as “staging” items, particularly vintage books. Add a nice stack to your coffee table to inspire you after a long day. Create a small library of all your favorite novels. I am such a book lover, I keep every single book, but I know not everyone is this way. It’s so easy to read online versions and check out books at the library, however, there is something so relaxing and cozy about getting lost in a book and holding it in your hands!

Create a Nook:

Although there are all kinds of nooks, I love any space that you can carve out that involves pillows and comfort. My favorite nooks are in places that would otherwise be wasted space: under a staircase, or a small corner in a kitchen. Whether it’s a nook for drinking your favorite beverage or reading a great book, if you want to have more moments of peace in your everyday life, you have to create the space to do it in!

Feature the Fireplace:

Gathering around a warm fire is also one of the hallmarks of Hygge. Instead of your living room focusing on the TV, make the focal point the fireplace. Place furniture in a way that centers around the fireplace and encourages conversation. Layer your furniture with blankets and pillows to invite guests to “get cozy”. You want them to feel like it’s a space meant to settle in, and not a stuffy, formal living room that can’t be messy.

Layer Textures:

Layering in different textures is a nice way of making the whole space feel put together instead of a mess of blankets and pillows! Choose different textures and sizes of pillows and blankets. Layer different textures of rugs. Have a mix of wood and metal furniture pieces. These textures will make your space feel planned and not chaotic.

Embrace Vintage:

This is one of my favorite aspects of Hygge design. Your home can be a collection of different furniture pieces, but if you LOVE them and they have a story, they usually all work together.

Keep it Simple:

Finally, a rule for all the rules: simplicity is best. Don’t over do it in any one category or you will risk making your home feel cluttered and busy. There is a fine line, but if you start with a clean slate consider slowly adding pieces a few at a time and sitting with them for a while to see how it feels. If you’re starting from a place that is already filled, take a moment to consider the pieces that you absolutely love and can’t live without. Leave those and remove everything else. When the room is here, at it’s barest, sit in it and reflect on how it feels. Think about how you want to use the room and see if you can’t create one aspect of Hygge. Again, sit with it for a while, and see how it feels. Discovering your style takes time, but if you surround yourself with only your most beautiful and loved objects, you are well on your way to creating a Hygge lifestyle and home!

I hope this is helpful…

And a great starting point for anyone trying to create a special place in their home. With working from home part of our lives, and not looking like it’s going anywhere, it’s essential for our well-being that our homes are not only a reflection of who we are, but also a space that calms. Home is a sanctuary; they are our modern day castles! It’s time we really start to treat them that way.