With wintery weather here in Massachusetts, are you craving a roaring fire and a soft blanket to curl up under? As the Danes would say, we want to get hygge.
Hygge (pronounced hoo-gah) is the Danish concept of coziness and intimacy - and it has made its way across the Atlantic! To achieve optimal hygge in your own home, grab a warm drink, put on your chunkiest sweater, and check out these tips on how to hygge your home.
HEAT THINGS UP.
A flickering fire can instantly make any space feel intimate. If you don't have a fireplace in your home, create that warm and cozy vibe by arranging candles of different sizes and shapes into a cluster, or just stream a fake fire onto your TV. Seriously, even the Danish pros do this. Don’t forget to add a warm drink - hot coffee, mulled cider, tea - whatever makes you feel most cozy.
BRING THE OUTDOORS INSIDE.
Take a cue from nature (which is innately relaxing and stress- busting) and add some greenery to your home. Can't keep plants alive? Add natural materials like leather, stone, and wood to your space.
TURN OFF THE LIGHTS.
Unless you have a dimmer, overhead lights are often too bright to create the homey feeling you're after. So turn off that light and rely on table lamps instead.
STREAMLINE.
Cozy spaces might be small, but that doesn't mean they're cluttered. Hygge practitioners don’t believe you can relax in spaces that are overwhelming. So before you add your cozy touches, take a page from Marie Kondo's book and strip away any extraneous items that don't bring you joy.
REACH FOR SOMETHING SOFT.
Texture is a big part of hygge. Surround yourself with soft items like knitted fleece throw blankets, fluffy pillows, shag rugs, and comfy furniture.
SELF-CARE & BATH-TIME.
Think about making a more relaxing environment for the next time you take a soothing bath. You can do this by lighting a few candles and integrating essential oils and bath products with relaxing scents into your routine. Try hanging eucalyptus from your shower head for a spa like experience. Big, fluffy towels are also great additions.
GET SMART.
Technology is your secret weapon in making your home cozy. Wireless speakers can help you use music to set the right mood throughout your home. Smart plugs and thermostats can adjust lighting and temperature so that you can stop running from room to room to adjust, and can just be present.