How to Create Hygge in Your Home
The epically trendy concept of Hygge (pronounced hoo-ga), is a Danish idea that has recently been adopted by the rest of the world. Although there is no direct English translation for this word, the general idea is all about cozy contentment and wellbeing that is achieved through the enjoyment of the simple things in life.
During a cold and snowy Colorado winter, it’s easy to get on board with thoughts of cozying up with a good book or your favorite person. So, here are four key features that can be used to create a hyggelig atmosphere in your home, no matter what the weather is doing outside.
Fireplaces
Winter is the most hygge time of year, and it’s all about making the most of being stuck indoors during those long winter months when temperatures are low, and the sun disappears early in the day.
You’ll want to be keeping your indoor spaces all comfy and warm to help promote feelings of contentedness that are so fundamental in Hygge. And there really is nothing more hygge then settling down in front of a roaring fire with family and friends. An open fire also provides the perfect natural warm light for a chilled-out feel.
So, pile on the logs and nestle down to watch the softly flickering flames while listening to the crackling sounds of the wood slowly burning, and feel all your problems melting away.
Natural Materials
Alongside promoting feelings of coziness, hygge is also all about keeping things simple and as close to nature as possible. With this in mind, a sense of comfort can be achieved through the use of materials such as leather, stone, wood, brass, and wool in both constructing and decorating your perfect space.
Muted colors are also important here, with wooden paneling being ideal for providing a sense of warmth in amongst the calm. Exposed timber beams in a house can give the spaces a very natural vibe. The overall result is an approachable and relaxed ambiance that extends throughout your home.
Spa-Like Bathrooms
The bathroom is also a place for ultimate comfort and relaxation. Home spa bathrooms with a focus on nature and health are growing in popularity. Recline in a bath that is both deep and comfortable. Enjoy a good book or a glass of wine for a greater sense of overall wellness.
If you’re not a bath person, a walk-in shower with a large rain shower head that provides a natural water flow can make it feel as though you are standing outside in a warm downpour.
Underfloor heating and low lighting can further transform your bathroom into a space of physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing with natural colors and materials all around.
Wood and marble are good in the bathroom, with wood effect materials being better for damp places such as the shower. A stone tile effect can also be used for simplicity and practicality.
Lighting
An abundance of natural light is also vital for the back to basics nature of hygge. This connects the space with the outdoors – allowing for airy, natural, and well-lit Nordic-feeling areas.
As the sun goes down, thoughtfully placed ambient lighting can cast a warm glow across larger areas inviting people to sit down and relax. Low light establishes an atmosphere that is perfect for intimate conversations.
Alternatively, personalized pockets of calm, such as nooks with reading lights, are perfect for cozying up and listening to the rain outside or simply watching the world go by.
In the bedroom, discretely placed wall sconces produce a calming effect that can help you drift off into a peaceful and contented sleep.
