Hygge is the ultimate in coziness, comfort, warmth, closeness and contentment. The word “hygge” comes from a Danish word meaning “to give courage, comfort and joy.” Other sources note that the word comes from an Old Norse word, “hugga,” which means to comfort or console – which is also the source of the English word “hug.” This is the essence of hygge – all the feelings you get from a hug. In a time when physical distancing is necessary and many of us are unable to hug our friends and loved ones, the attraction of hygge is powerful.
Hygge brings to mind images of comfort, happiness, warmth and togetherness: reading a book curled up on a cozy armchair with a mug of steaming tea; an intimate conversation with a loved one over a candlelit dinner; or warming up in front of the fireplace while snuggled up with a pair of woolen socks and nursing a cup of mulled red wine.
Embracing hygge is all about focusing on what matters in life, appreciating the details and spending quality time with family and friends (even if it’s over Zoom or FaceTime). It’s about enjoying the good things in life. Making your home feel more hygge will make the wintertime feel like a blessing rather than a curse, and will help you to enjoy the long stretches of isolation with more ease and pleasure. So slow down, take a deep breath and enjoy these easy tips for making your home more hygge this season.
Take hygge outside and support local businesses with these great gift ideas.
Create a Cozy Ambiance with Soft Lighting
Creating the perfect hygge environment starts with embracing soft lighting. You can create this ambiance at your home or condo by lighting candles, which are a hygge essential. Try tea lights in glass jars, long tapered candles or beeswax candles. Dimming overhead lights and replacing them with table lamps will also help to create a more mellow, relaxing and romantic atmosphere.
Get Comfy with Hygge Accessories and Accents
Ask yourself how you can make your home more calm, snug and inviting. Perhaps it’s tidying up or investing in storage so that your home is more serene and uncluttered. Or maybe it’s creating spaces – like a nook by the window – where you can relax and unwind. A wool blanket on the couch, comfortable throw cushions, cozy socks and wooly sweaters are all wonderful options to add to your home and life to make you feel comfortable and cozy. You can also bring the outdoors in by incorporating some pinecones or evergreen branches into your home’s décor. These will smell lovely and make your home feel more hygge.
Delight in the Rich Scents of Cooking and Baking
Take time to bake and cook more, and to savour the delicious scents that fill your home as a result. A hearty stew simmering on the stovetop, a hot French press coffee or cup of cocoa, a decadent cake or a bowl of popcorn made the old-fashioned way are all cozy things to prepare in your kitchen and to enjoy on a cold winter day, as are porridges, pancakes and other hearty comfort foods. Stock up on any kitchen tools or utensils you need to make your time spent cooking smooth and easy. Set your table with some beautiful placemats, light a candle and enjoy your home-cooked meal or treat by the flickering candlelight.
Make Time for Slow Activities You Enjoy
Playing board games, reading a good book on a grey day, taking a snowy walk at a nearby park or even just enjoying some Netflix and chill are all the epitome of hygge activities. Set your phone aside and get present. Find a cozy nook and snuggle up with a blanket, a favourite book or activity and a cup of tea. If you have a pet, spend time cuddling it. If you have a partner or kids, set time aside to spend more intentional time connecting with them and sharing in your favourite activities.
Practice the Art of Being Present
Setting up your home to be more hygge is all about simple updates, such as adding candles and other elements that will up your coziness factor. The real essence of hygge, however, lies in slowing down, being present and enjoying quality time spent with yourself or your loved ones. This winter, amidst the ongoing pandemic and quarantining, a hygge home will be more comforting than ever.
What’s your favourite tip for making your home more hygge this winter? Join us on our social media pages (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) and let us know!