Hygge is the name given to a Danish concept centered on coziness and comfort in your home. It reflects a sense of peace and wellbeing, both in yourself and your surroundings. Many people around the world have found embracing the philosophy of hygge can help them better enjoy their homes and improve their lifestyles. It is especially helpful during cold winter months.
Applying the principles of hygge could affect the way you design and decorate your home although you only need to make a few changes to start incorporating hygge into your living space. It is not simply a matter of decorating in a warm and comfortable way. The priorities you have for yourself while you are at home, from the activities you spend your time on to the food you eat, can be made more enjoyable through hygge. More information about incorporating hygge into your home is covered below.
Clean and Tidy
To obtain the pleasure and enjoyment a hygge home can bring, you must be aware of any clutter and mess preventing your happiness or comfort. Although a hygge room may have decorative items, candles and rugs added to it, these items have been added with intention.
Piles of belongings waiting to be put away only act as a source of stress. Try coming up with a low-maintenance organizational system, such as having baskets set aside for loose items you have not had the time to clean up yet.
Decorating and Design
An important part of hygge is placing a greater value on the everyday pleasures of life. It may be tempting to redesign your entire home within the concepts of hygge, but it is more important to consider what you already have and work within those limits. If you do feel some changes would be good, then try following these hygge tips:
- Simplicity is key in making sure the room does not become overcrowded. There are plenty of cozy elements to add and enjoy, but the overall experience of a room must be peaceful and less is often more.
- Color scheme can add to your feelings of both peace and coziness. When choosing paint colors, keep things light and neutral wherever possible, without too many different colors.
- Memories and treasures are to be valued above trendy or designer decorations and furnishings. The items you choose to surround yourself with must bring you happiness, perhaps reminding you of a favored activity or pleasant memory.
- Textures make a big difference to the coziness of a room. You do not have to purchase a new, softer sofa or chairs. Simply adding a few fluffy blankets and throw pillows can make things more comfortable. You can use textures instead of extra color when trying to add more visual interest to a room.
Food and Drink
Hygge involves eating for pleasure but cooking for pleasure and connection. If possible, arrange for your meals to be family time, with everyone sitting together. If everyone can help with the cooking, this could be even better. Take time when preparing meals, and use ingredients and dishes you love. Sit and pay attention to the food as you eat it, rather than hurrying.
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Drinks and snacks can play an important role in hygge. Being cozy does not mean overindulging but enjoying small pleasures when you have them. Try different hot beverages, like interesting teas or gourmet hot chocolates, and take a moment to savor the taste of anything you eat or drink.
Light
Light is important when bringing hygge into the home. Natural light brings a peace electric light cannot achieve. For the best results, prioritize natural light whenever possible. As hygge is often relied on more in winter than in summer, there are other lighting methods you can consider:
- Multiple sources of light from lamps can create a pleasant, warm effect, rather than a single bright ceiling light.
- A fire is always a cozy addition if you have a fireplace.
- Candles can add to the comforting experience, creating mood and atmosphere. Try choosing some with your favorite scents for another sensual element in the room.
- Strings of lights can be an effective addition, either indoors or outdoors.
Nature
Nature is a source of peace and trying to connect with more nature is an excellent way to embrace hygge. You might try including more elements that are natural inside your home, for example, with natural textures and colors. Natural materials, such as wood or wool, can add to the tranquil feeling of a room. Indoor plants or fresh flowers could help with this.
In addition to bringing nature into your home, you can go out to nature. The peace and wellbeing you experience by spending time outdoors can be brought back home with you, perhaps affecting the rest of your family as well. Even if it is winter, you could build a fire outdoors and enjoy a warm drink, or bundle up for a walk, knowing you can return to a cozy environment. Getting extra exercise is keeping with the concepts of hygge, as it can help you feel better in your body and mind.
Connections
Part of hygge is the concept of being together and connecting with those around you. You can take steps toward achieving this by planning family time in the home. An easy way to start is with making mealtimes. You can make an effort to spend time with friends at home, keeping things relaxed so you can spend time connecting and enjoying each other’s’ company. Host weekly movie events with your friends or arrange a monthly board game night for everyone to get together.
Relaxation
A healthy mindset is one of the principal benefits of hygge. You deserve the opportunity to relax in the environment you created for yourself. You might consider making your bathroom a hygge spot, for example, with candles and some way of playing music. A reading nook is another common hygge idea, as reading can be a far more relaxing and pleasant way of spending time than looking at a screen.
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