Have you ever heard of Hygge? Are you familiar with the term? We could all use some hygge in our lives and by extension, in our homes. Hygge is a lifestyle more than anything, but it can translate to our homes with simple touches, cozy details and a nurturing atmosphere. Join me as we dive deep into the world of hygge and how to bring it into your home for wellness, well-being and welcoming surroundings.
Hygge might look a little bit differently for everyone, but the overall atmosphere is one of nurture, slower pace and human connection. It’s about embracing the smallest details and crafting enjoyment from small moments and human connection rather than possessions.
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What Is Hygge? What Does Hygee Mean?
Hygge is a Danish term. It’s hard to pronounce {hoo-gah} and even harder to define, but at its core, hygge is about slowing down and embracing quieter moments with your favorite people, which creates an atmosphere of coziness, well-being and contentment. Although hygee can be traced back to the 1800s in Denmark it just recently integrated into English dictionaries in the last decade or so, used loosely as coziness and well-being. Before the 1800s, hygge can be traced to the Norwegian culture, where the Danes acquired the custom and made it a way of life.
Inspiration to Bring Hygge into Your Home
According to the Visit Denmark website: “In essence, hygge means creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people.” That lines right up with the vision of this blog to “master the art of joie de vivre”. And here we are. There’s a reason I am attracted to hygge style.
What does hygge style mean? Hygge has been adopted by popular culture and brands to jump on the hygge phenomenon gravy train. Many home accents I gravitate to (think rugs, blankets and soothing candles, etc.) use the term hygge in the description or even in the name of the item. Cozy, comforting environments in your home creates a sanctuary.
Ways to Add Hygge to your Home
The aspiration to turn our homes into sanctuaries where we find comfort and cozy tends to be universal. Simple touches in our homes creates the atmosphere of wellness and well-being where we can unwind and fully relax. This helps our minds, bodies and souls.
Intentional
Give thought to the things you surround yourself with in your home to provide joy and comfort. If you enjoy reading, create a comfortable reading nook; If you enjoy music, make a space to practice an instrument or play music; If you enjoy art, hang pieces that speak to you on your walls or create a studio to create your own masterpieces. These don’t have to be elaborate spaces, but simply a spot for you to enjoy what you love, which can also be shared with a loved one(s) if desired.
Cozy
Layer your home with plush and soft textures with throw pillows, linens, throw blankets, rugs and more. All these layers add warmth, comfort and security in your home without even being overtly noticed.
Lighting
Use soft lighting. Dimmer switches are your friend here for overhead lighting, plus use table lamps, sconces and other light sources that create a soothing glow. Beyond artificial lighting use candles, lanterns and fireplaces. Proper lighting creates a soothing atmosphere
Aromas
Smell is a sensory which provides emotions and experiences. The proper scents can transport us to a pleasant memory and provide a sense of comfort. Whether it’s the baking or cooking of favorite foods, or the scent of a soothing candle or the smell of fresh flowers they all add a layer which wraps around us like a soft hug.
Natural Elements
Bring the outside into your homes, surrounding yourself with nature. Greenery, flowers, plants serve as mood boosters and improve the air quality in our home. Elements like wood and rattan add layers of natural and organic feels, which are beneficial to our well-being.
Sentimental Value
Display pieces in your home which garner a sentiment or evoke a memory. Photographs, souvenirs, homespun elements add a layer of connection and specialness to your spaces. All these items add value to your home experience rather than mindless or useless stuff.
Remove the Unnecessary
Purging and decluttering our interior spaces brings inner calm and peace. Let go of pieces which don’t bring you any joy or provide any purpose. Simplifying your possessions allows room for worthwhile necessities which provides value and richness in our lives.
Ways to Incorporate Hygee Into Your Lifestyle
Connecting our bodies and minds is super important. Living an intentional existence is more crucial than ever in the fast-paced, overstimulated world we live in. Adding hygge philosophies into our everyday, makes for a more content and healthier lifestyle. There’s a reason the Danish are considered one of the happiest people in the world. We should all take a page out of the hygge handbook.
- Slow Down
- Surround Yourself with Your People
- Embrace Pleasures
- Appreciate Luxuries
- Practice Meditation & Yoga
- Be Considerate of Others
We are always striving to master the art of joie de vivre around here. If you enjoy the good life and want a reflection of this in your home, please consider joining the Masterpiece community. Sign up below and you won’t miss any new content, receiving all new posts directly into your in-box.
Closing Thoughts
Adding hygge to your home creates a sanctuary and the ultimate safe zone. I’m a homebody and love to spend time at home with my favorite people, cooking, drinking, laughing, conversing….. We’ve worked hard to make our home comfortable and cozy. I hope this inspires you to incorporate hygge into your home too.
Dealing with all the aspects of my newish MS lifestyle brings to me at this stage in life, makes living a hygge life extremely appealing. My “intentional” word for the year works hand in hand with hygge. Thanks for dropping by today and can’t wait to see you next time. Au revoir!
Shop the Hygge Look
- How to Hygge: The Nordic Secrets to a Happy Life
- Hygge: Discovering The Danish Art Of Happiness — How To Live Cozily And Enjoy Life’s Simple Pleasures
- Chunky Knit Throw Blanket, 50”*60” Knitted Throw Chenille Yarn for Bed Couch, Handmade Cream Crochet Big Thick Blanket, Machine Washable Cute Comfy Blanket for Home Decor
- Faux Fur Throw Blanket for Couch – Super Soft & Warm Plush Striped Blanket for Sofa and Room Decor, Luxury Cozy Plush Fluffy
- Gray Boho Lumbar Throw Pillow Cover 14×36 Grey Accent Long Body Lumbar Pillow
- Soft Moroccan Throw Pillow Covers 18×18 Inch Plush Boho Decorative Pillow Cover
- Pack of 2 Decorative Throw Pillow Covers Rhomboid Luxury Super Soft Plush Set Case Cushion for Couch Sofa Bedroom 20 x 20-Inch Tawny Brown
- Livabliss Hapsburg Moroccan Shag Area Rug, 5’3″ x 7’3″, Beige
- 8×10 Washable Area Rugs for Living Room, Vintage Floral Non-Slip Low Pile Natural Rug Soft Throw Large Carpet
- Himalayan Candles Tree Bark Candle, 9 oz., Grapefruit Pine
- Restaurantware Wooden Bowl Candle – Case of 1-7.09 x 5.51 x 1.97 Inches – Soy Wax Aromatherapy Candle – Handmade Design – Brown Heart Shaped Home Decor
- Sur La Table Handwoven Rattan Scallop Vase, Brown
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How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.”
Annie Dillard