Pinterest's favorite Danish import, hygge (pronounced "hoo-guh"), isn't a tangible good - rather, it's a feeling of warmth and coziness that brings contentment and happiness.
The New Yorker describes it as, "It is candles, nubby woolens, shearling slippers, woven textiles, pastries, blond wood, sheepskin rugs, lattes with milk-foam hearts, and a warm fireplace...Hygge can be found in a bakery and in the dry heat of a sauna in winter, surrounded by your naked neighbors. It’s wholesome and nourishing, like porridge; Danish doctors recommend “tea and hygge” as a cure for the common cold. It’s possible to hygge alone, wrapped in a flannel blanket with a cup of tea, but the true expression of hygge is joining with loved ones in a relaxed and intimate atmosphere."
Life is about sharing experiences, and hygge reflects that. Gone are the stark, sleek lines of modern decor - 2017 is all about comfort.
How to make your home hygge.
The key to making your home hyggeligt (hygge-like) is cleanliness. A tidy home is essential toward having good mental and physical health.
Begin with decluttering. Remember last year, how Marie Kondo and The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up was everywhere? She had a few great tips about decluttering: rather than a room, choose a category to start with. We recommend starting with clothing to begin the purge.
Now that you've gotten your home tidy, it's time to create your dream hyggekrog (cozy nook). Candles - the unscented kind, as artificial scents are very un-hyggeligt - are a necessity to create soft, ambient lighting. Scandinavians are the top consumers of candles in the world, and for good reason! With sometimes up to only four hours of daylight during the wintertime, it's no wonder why the Scandinavians turn to the comforting warmth of a candle to help them through the cold days.
Next, physical warmth is important as well. While a wood-burning fireplace is perhaps one of the most hyggeligt things in the world, it's not practical for everyone. Stay snug by adding plenty of texture in the form of soft textiles, like our Belgian linen draperies or a fur rug, to block out the cold. Rather than roaming around in jeans and shoes in the house, opt for comfortable loungewear and room shoes to make life at home enjoyable.
Finally, hygge with friends. Forget about being the ultimate host or hostess, rushing around to make sure that everyone's being taken care of, and having hardly a bite to eat. Potlucks are a great way to be hygge - there's no stress to prepare a ton of food, and instead you can focus on what's important: the company.
Are you going to add a touch of hygge to your life? Let us know in the comments!
Follow along on our Hygge Home Pinterest board for more inspiration.
