Think about your home giving you a hug. Essentially, the concept of “hygge” is derived from the Danish notion of comfort.
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Think about your home giving you a hug. Essentially, the concept of “hygge” is derived from the Danish notion of comfort.
Pronounced “HYOO-guh,” the noun has launched a new home trend in America. Hygge is the antithesis of daily work and school chaos. It is to humans what hibernation is to bears. Think soothing, warm, inviting interiors. Think couples, families or friends gathered around a fireplace, playing games, conversing.
Hygge appeals especially to sensibilities during winter months. But how does one make a home more hygge? Some of mindbodygreen.com’s essentials are:
— Candles, candles and more candles
— Super-soft throw blankets: faux fur, chunky knit, merino wool, cashmere
— Oversized, thick sweaters, sweatshirts, socks, scarves, robes and wraps
— Comfort food such as a family-favorite soup, stew, meatballs or pot pie
— Baking cookies, pies, tarts
— Coffee, teas, hot chocolate, wassail, toddies
— A stack of books next to a comfortable chair or sofa
— Natural or nature-inspired decorative elements, such as live plants and succulents or art featuring woodsy scenes, birds, mountains
— A few items that reflect personal character: photographs of family or a musical instrument, for example
Plush rugs underfoot and plenty of squishy, soft pillows evoke hygge as well.
Hygge is about creating a retreat, a place where homeowners and others want to be — and stay. HGTV affirms that to achieve true hygge, smartphones must be turned off and put aside; the idea is to connect with self and others, enjoy surroundings and avoid distractions.
Country Living begs the question: Can hygge extend into warm-weather months? Certainly, intimate settings with candles and twinkling lights, good food and wine, relaxing music and peaceful hues work together to heighten the hygge ambiance. Hygge can even be realized while on a picnic, with ginghams, a woven basket, colorful plastic ware and homemade goodies.