How Do You Hygge?

Hygge (pronounced hyoo-guh) is an old Norwegian word that describes a mood of coziness and comfort along with feelings of contentment and well being. In this region of the world people prioritize mental health and an overall balance in life. It’s no surprise it’s taking hold in many other parts as society as a whole is beginning to do the same. It’s also no surprise that creating Hygge at home, where we feel most relaxed and comfortable, has taken storm. In this article we’ll discuss the main elements of Hygge and how to create this for yourself.

The first (and possibly most important) element of Hygge living is making time to get away from the daily grind. Work culture in America is intense to say the least; there are so many people who put in extremely long hours and give their mind, body and soul to their job. While there can be great things found in that, there’s a line that’s often crossed which puts people into an unhealthy balance. Hygge reminds us that giving ourselves respite from the rat race will benefit us mentally, emotionally and physically. It reminds us the importance of enjoying life’s quiet pleasures and making time for them no matter what else is on our plates. Save some you for you! Whether that’s curling up with a good book, a Netflix binge, hobbies or something as simple as a nap - make time. You’ll be happy you did.

Another main element of Hygge living is to incorporate nature into our daily lives. Whether that’s doing an activity outside such as a walk in the woods or gardening, or bringing the outdoors in with house plants, you’re sure to feel the benefits that nature provides. Now let’s jump into how to create a space that help to evoke these feelings of wellness.

LIGHTING

Lighting is an important part of creating a Hygge-friendly living space. Some people don’t realize how much the lighting of a space affects how they feel. Creating calm and comfortable spaces can be done with things like lamps, candles, fireplaces and even fairy lights! Overhead lighting is fine, but perhaps consider putting those on dimmer switches so you have control of how bright they shine. Natural light is also great for the soul, but for people who live in areas with long, cold and dreary winters (raises hand from Michigan) that’s not always possible. That’s when you can bring in those other artificial sources to help warm up the space. Candles are also great for providing aromatherapy. Scents like lavender, eucalyptus and chamomile help to create that sense of calm.

LESS IS MORE

When it comes to decor, Hygge philosophy says less is more. A cluttered home can often create a cluttered mind without you even realizing it. Be sure to give yourself plenty of storage so you can put away any items that contribute to the clutter. Keeping decor to a minimum creates a space that allows for breathing room, literally and figuratively. We recommend selecting pieces with function and an overall subtle feeling. Use soft colors and clean lines, and include mostly meaningful/nostalgic items that also create feelings of happiness and comfort. As Marie Kondo says, be sure to include things that spark joy.

COLORS AND TEXTURES

When creating a Hygge house, keep the color schemes natural, happy and on the light side like this:

Bright and dark colors are often distracting and jarring to the senses, and don’t evoke feelings of calm like the example above. Keeping things neutral will create a cohesive feeling all throughout your home. You’re free to bring in small pops of color, just be sure not to overdo it.

When it comes to furniture, light and warm wood tones are your best bet. White oak is one of the most popular options, as it is the perfect shade and can be matched with just about anything.

Textures are just as important as colors when creating a Hygge friendly space. This can be achieved with pillows, blankets and rugs. Choosing items with soft textures helps to calm the senses and evoke feelings of comfort. Mixing textures is also a way to create contrast, depth and visual interest within the space without overdoing it with color. Fabrics such as cashmere, lambs wool, shearling, linen, velvet and leather are widely used in Hygge homes.

BATHROOM OASIS

Bathrooms are one place we go when we need to rejuvenate ourselves. Showers and baths are relaxing and comforting, so why not go all out in ensuring your bathroom is an oasis? This can be achieved with things like plush rugs, plants, and candles. When it comes to paint, tile, decor and even lighting, keep it soft. White, beige, and gray are the most commonly used colors for the overall design. Pops of color here are okay too, and the use of warm woods will help balance the cooler elements of the room. It’s also important to have ample storage to keep clutter off the counters and shelves.

We hope you’re feeling a bit more clear on how to create a Hygge friendly home! If you’re still unsure how to implement these ideas, reach out to us. We can help you coordinate finishes and fixtures that will create a space that makes you feel calm and cozy!