joy ·Jan 20, 2022

6 simple ways to bring hygge into your home

It's no secret that I'm passionate about creating a cozy, joy filled home for my family. I read The Little Book of Hygge years ago and it 100% resonated, I've re-read it often and basically force it into the hands of anyone who stays with us!

Hygge is a Danish term, and means creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people. Danish winters are known to be long and dark, yet the Danish people are some of the happiest people in the world- thanks to embracing a hygge lifestyle.

It's about taking time to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures in life: a cup of tea, your morning coffee, a good glass of red, the smell of your children, the joy of cooking dinner for your family, a quiet moment with a good book. It's about tuning your heart to the rhythms of nature and slowing down to notice the small beauties of your everyday. It's about embracing the winter season, not hiding from the cold weather- but bundling up and playing outside with your friends and family.... then coming home and cozying up!

And while I make an effort to keep a hygge mindset, surrounding your home with hygge most definitely helps.

Here are my 6 (simple) tips for creating a hygge home for your family.

1. Keep chunky blankets everywhere, bonus points having them in unexpected places. I love the "chunkiness" and warmth a blanket brings to any space. I have this blanket here in the dining room and I love how it softens this space

2. Add plenty of overstuffed pillows to couches, benches, accent chairs (even dining room chairs). Pillows make any space inviting (and I happen to know a fantastic shop that sells pillow covers!)

3. Use lamps in lieu of overhead light. Our house has a gazzilion overhead fluorescent lights and we never turn them on. If by accident one of the kids flips a switch and they turn on, the vibe in our home instantly changes and I feel a headache coming on! Seriously, it's awful. The lanterns over our kitchen island and dining table are all Edison warm light bulbs and that, along with a lamp in our living room is all we turn on in the evening. Try using exclusively warm light in your home and see how it makes a difference!

4. Battery operated candles. Everywhere. Hygge is all about candlelight, I am not about the toxic fumes emitted by candles. I have battery candles all over our kitchen and living room and they are all timed to turn on at 6, when I start making dinner. I also have a couple in our bathroom, timed to turn on a bit later so they're glowing when I take my bath and do my nighttime routine. It's seriously one of my favorite things!

5. Use natural elements. Giant woven baskets for holding (faux) fur blankets, natural wood decor, clay pottery. There's something about bringing the outside in, with their natural texture, makes a home feel extra warm and cozy.

6. Books. Coffee table books used as decor, a basket of books by the couch. Books invite your family (and guests) to sit, grab a blanket out of the basket, cozy up and read- all the while encouraging them to stay off technology!

I hope this inspires you to create a cozy, hygge home for your family sweet friends. Don't hesitate to shoot me an email or DM with any questions or links needed!

Currency