6 Ways to Hygge Your Home (And Understand What Hygge Is)

Photo by Stella Rose on Unsplash

2020 has been A YEAR. Not only are we just barely halfway through, we still have A PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION at the end of this year. Instead of crawling under a rock and waiting for 2021, I’m proud of the work I’m seeing done throughout our country, including in myself. And we can’t forget the fact that we’ve also been confined to our homes due to Covid-19 restrictions for several months. It seems now more than ever could be the perfect time to adopt the Danish/Norwegian concept of “Hygge”

I’ll be the first to admit, I definitely pronounced it ‘hi-gee’. An old roommate had the same book pictured above as a coffee table book, so I had a small awareness of the concept. A google search quickly informed me its pronunciation is actually “hoo-guh” (I was way off) and is defined as, “a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.” A simplified description is “Enjoying life’s simple pleasures.” And although there is no direct English translation, the closest word translated is “cozy”.

After spending the better part of a decade tirelessly pursuing adventure and excitement, bouncing from one restaurant to another, always finding the coolest bar in town, I've come to realize some of that pursuit was an attempt to try and attain that feeling of "Hygge" There is always a place for exploration, but it doesn't have to stop when you leave the super-cool speakeasy bar you just found in Koreatown with your friends. It can be apart of your home life too.

Some of the best moments of "Hygge" have been reported to be with friends, sipping on some good wine or even hot tea, cozied up, sharing a meal together, with great conversation. Here are a few tips on how to make your home a place you feel that Hygge feel.

• Candles

  • Danish most often relate Hygge to lots and lots of candles. Candles are usually associated with warm baths, romantic dinners, etc. All elements of the Hygge experience.

• Cozy blankets

  • A safe and friendly environment is a large part of Hygge, and there are few things that make you feel safer than being wrapped up in a large and cozy blanket.

• Soft lighting

  • Mood is everything. Soft and warm lighting invites cozy. Consider stringing up some twinkly lights in your bedroom.

• Slower cooking

  • If you haven’t already, consider investing in a crockpot or a pressure cooker. Nothing better than filling your house with the smell of roast marinating all-day

• Tons of throw pillows

  • That same sense of safety we feel with blankets, we can also associate with throw pillows. They have the ability to elevate the comfort level of any bed, couch, or even floor.

• Decorating in neutral tones

  • Neutral tones invite more of a calming sense, as opposed to brighter, pop colors. Of course, this depends on your personal style but if you’re not itching for a rainbow palette, neutrals will help invite a relaxing and welcoming space.

While you’re working on updating your apartment or home with these new tips, here are some practical actions to invite that sense of Hygge into your everyday life.

• Surround yourself with friends and family

• Enjoy the simple pleasures

• Be present and thankful

• Stay an extra hour in bed

• Appreciate your surroundings

• Enjoy a good book

One of the ultimate goals around Hygge is simplifying. It’s the call to surround yourself with what makes you happy. If that old ratty sweater reminds you of a rough time with an ex, get rid of it. If the TV stand feels too crowded with decor, get rid of the clutter! Make your place a home you love to exist in.