There’s been a lot of buzz in the U.S. lately about the Danish way of living known as Hygge (pronounced hoo-gah). If you’re not sure exactly what it means, that’s okay. It’s somewhat difficult to explain since the word doesn’t translate into English and is based more on a feeling than on anything concrete. The general concept revolves around creating feelings of intimacy and coziness, connecting with the people you love, and taking pleasure in the small things.
If this sounds appealing to you, you’re not alone. After all, it could be one of the reasons that Denmark is ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world. While many of the concepts are based around staying warm and cozy during the winter months, it’s easy to apply Hygge to your home all year round. Here are five tips to help you get started.
- Pay Attention to Lighting
When asked what they associate most strongly with Hygge, candles are typically mentioned. The warm glow of candlelight creates an atmosphere that will lift your spirits and make your home more welcoming. In addition to lighting candles, focus on taking advantage of natural light whenever possible and using strategically-placed lamps to create a soft, warm glow.
- Incorporate Natural Elements
Although there’s not always a lot of nature around during the harsh Danish winters, they make a point to bring a bit indoors whenever possible. Apply this to your home by adding some easy-to-care-for houseplants and accents like natural wood flooring and real wood furniture.
- Create a Book Nook
Curling up to read a good book is one of the cornerstones of the Hygge lifestyle. The Danish refer to the cozy space where they go to read as a hyggekrog (nook). Your book nook can be any quiet and comfortable space in your home where you can relax. Add some soft blankets to the area and display a real book on a shelf or in the corner of your home to give it a lived-in look that’s so common in Danish homes.
- Use a Warm Color Palette
When choosing the color palette for your home’s décor, opt for warm colors like tones of red, orange and yellow. Choose neutral colors for your wall paint and add soft accents like overstuffed pillows. Before you add anything to your home, think about how it will feel there, rather than how it will look. - Keep it Simple
The Danish lifestyle is all about keeping things simple. This means getting rid of clutter and adopting more of a minimalist lifestyle. It’s also about deriving pleasure from your immediate surroundings. Only keeping items in your home that make you truly happy will help you accomplish both of these goals.
Once you’ve adopted the Hygge lifestyle, you’ll naturally start noticing even more opportunities to incorporate it into your home. Eventually, it will begin to feel like second-nature.
