Hygge (pronounced hoo-gah or hue-gah), is the secret to a happy life – just ask the Danish! They spend 8 months of the year in a wintry apocalypse yet they’re still the happiest people on Earth. And it’s all thanks to hygge. Here’s why!
Hygge Is A Hug From Your Home
The Danish term “hygge” doesn’t have a direct translation in English, but its closest related words are “coziness” and “contentment”. It originated from the medieval Norwegian term “hugga”, which means “to comfort” or “to console”. Do you see where I’m going with this? In English “hygge” can be literally translated as “hug” – or rather – the feeling associated with a hug. Hugs are cozy. Hugs are comfortable. And hugs are best when both parties consent.
Hygge Is A State Of Mind
The cozy lifestyle is about more than wool socks and coffee (but those parts are absolutely essential). It’s about being present in the moment and appreciating the small joys in your life. In other words, hygge is the feeling of warmth you experience when wearing the wool socks and it’s the appreciation of the coffee itself (not to mention all that sweet, sweet caffeine). Winters in Denmark are brutal. Like, the-sun-barely-even-gets-above-the-horizon-between-October-and-March brutal. And when things are that bleak people start to appreciate all the little things that bring them joy – candles, warm blankets, a good book, friends, family, Netflix, etc. That’s hygge – learning to recognize and appreciate all the warmth that radiates from the small joys in your life.
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- Layered, cozy blankets and minimalist wood and brick accents bring out the hygge in this bedroom. Scandinavian bedroom design by gothenburg interior designer INTRO INRED
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- This woman is looking super cozy in her hygge living room
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- Shag carpet: check. Chunky throws: check. Natural wood accents: check. Oh yeah, this bedroom is hygge. Rustic bedroom design by san diego building supplies Eldorado Stone
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- Natural wood and fire are major elements in hygge design. Contemporary living room design by other interior designer Designdock Lakberendezés
Hygge It Out
Sure, this idea of coziness is a state of mind, but it also requires a certain type of environment to be effective. You’re not gonna feel very cozy in a concrete parking structure – I don’t care how many hand-knit scarves you’re wearing. To acquire the hygge lifestyle you still need to surround yourself with the elements that bring you joy. Fluffy throw pillows, cushy poufs, hardwood furniture, the perfect reading chair, a desk for writing letters – all hygge. A great way to highlight this comfy design is to keep your decor minimalist. Natural wood, white walls, and sharp lines all bring out the hygge in your home. Another essential component is lighting. Firelight, candles, and warm-colored lamps are critical. Set the right mood and you’ll immediately start to feel the hygge warmth.
Not feeling that hygge warmth yet? We can help you with that! Check out our great collection of the coziest home decor elements around below. To see the full Hygge For Minimalists collection click here.
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To see the full Hygge For Minimalists collection click here.
