Head Over Heels for Hygge: The Scandinavian Secret to a Cozy Home

Cold weather days are well on their way (can you believe it?). While we turn up our thermostats and set back our clocks, we also anticipate curling up with a hot cup of cocoa and spending the holidays with our closest family and friends. Yet, despite the hustle and bustle of the season, those long, gloomy days can sometimes put us in a slump. So, what can you do around the house to beat those winter blues? Learn this secret to a cozy home.

Enter hygge (pronounced hoo-gah or hue-gah). This Danish design trend for warm feelings of togetherness, comfort, and coziness made the list of Oxford Dictionary’s Words of the Year in 2016 and is still going strong.

So, if you’re looking to hygge up your home for the holidays, look no further. Get ready to embrace the chill with a few Scandinavian-approved tips and tricks for your coziest season yet.

Secret To A Cozy Home: Hygge

Although there’s no literal translation for the word, there are plenty of ways to apply the concept of hygge to your house without breaking the bank. All it takes is a little ambiance, relaxation, and a few of your favorite things.

1. Light Plenty of Candles

Dust off those decorative candles and put them to work. Whether scented or unscented, the warm glow of candlelight can transform any room into a relaxing oasis. Not into candles? Try softer lighting with dimmer switches, table lamps, and less fluorescent bulbs.

2. Add Some Texture

Plush blankets, chunky knits, and fluffy pillows are a necessity for chilly evenings. Not only do they keep us warm and comfy, they also add plenty of interesting texture to your sofa and bedding. Go for more natural colors to prevent clashing and don’t be afraid to pile on plenty of layers.

3. Get Rid of the Clutter

Let’s face it, the holidays are easily the busiest time of the year. Cleaning the house oftentimes falls to the bottom of our to-do list.

While it may be tempting to drop everything on the floor the moment you walk through the door, resist the urge. Try adding some useful storage solutions like filing cabinets and baskets to your space to hide any visible clutter. This will eliminate distraction when you’re ready to sit back and unwind after a busy day.

4. Surround Yourself with Your Favorite Things

There’s nothing more satisfying than appreciating the things that bring you joy. In fact, that’s what hygge is all about. Why not find creative ways to show off your favorite memories, paintings, and family photos around the house?

For example, clear off some space on a bookshelf to display snapshots of your favorite vacation spot or hang a few posters that inspire you. Rather than spending your money on trends, invest in the things that give you pleasure just by looking at them.

For some, hygge is just a design trend. For others, it’s a way of life and it’s their secret to a cozy home. No matter how you interpret it, hygge is all about what’s special and meaningful to you.