Cozy Up: How to Bring Hygge into Your Home and Life this Winter
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Cozy Hygge-Inspired Winter Living
Oh boy, the winter months can be rough, can’t they? It’s like the cold and darkness wraps around you and refuses to let go. It’s no wonder Seasonal Affect Disorder is long for SAD. But don’t despair, my friend! There is a way to beat the winter blues. Let’s take control with some cozy hygge-inspired winter living.
Romanticizing Winter
Have you heard of the blissful Danish practice of “hygge”? Pronounced “hoo-gah,” it’s about creating a warm, cozy, and comfortable atmosphere, often through simple pleasures and everyday moments. It’s a way of romanticized living that values coziness, relaxation, and the appreciation of the present moment.
Conversely, winter can be challenging for many people, with shorter days and colder temperatures leading to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and even seasonal affective disorder (SAD). That’s why romanticizing winter and focusing on the positive aspects of the season can be so helpful. By finding ways to feel more connected and engaged with the world around us, whether it’s through simple pleasures like cozy blankets and warm fires or by seeking out new activities and hobbies, we can improve our mood, reduce stress, and find joy and connection during a time when it can be easy to feel isolated and lonely.
The Danish Practice of Hygge
Hygge is a Danish practice centered around creating a warm, cozy, and comfortable atmosphere, often through simple pleasures and everyday moments. It is a way of living that values relaxation, coziness, and the appreciation of the present moment.
The goal of hygge is to find joy and happiness in the little things in life and to cultivate a sense of well-being. Basically, it involves lighting candles, snuggling up in a warm blanket, enjoying good food and drink, or spending time with loved ones. One way to find balance and happiness in everyday life is to embrace hygge, which has become increasingly popular in recent years.
To begin, it’s about creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere, whether with a cozy blanket and a cup of hot cocoa or by lighting some candles and snuggling up with a good book. By participating in hygge, you can embrace the winter season and its quirks rather than dreading it. It’s a way to find joy and connection during can be easy to feel isolated and lonely.
Cozy Hygge-Inspired Winter Living
If you’re interested in bringing the hygge aesthetic into your home, there are a few key elements to consider. When decorating your space with the principles of hygge in mind, it’s important to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Soft lighting, cozy blankets and pillows, and warm accents like candles and fireplaces can all contribute to this feeling of comfort and relaxation.
Incorporating natural elements, such as wood and plants, can also add to the sense of calm and connection to nature that is often associated with the hygge aesthetic. And when you’re finished decorating, you’ll likely find that your space feels like a comforting cocoon, where all your worries and stress melt away in the cozy atmosphere. Overall, enjoying a hygge-decorated space can bring a sense of contentment and well-being.
5 Easy Hygge Winter Home Tips
One benefit of decorating your space to create a hygge atmosphere is that it can help to reduce stress and improve overall well-being. A warm and inviting space can be a refuge from the outside world, where you can relax and recharge. Creating a comfortable and welcoming space gives a sense of calm and tranquility that can help alleviate anxiety and stress. Below are some tips to help you create a cozy and welcoming space.
Warm & Natural
First, if you want to bring some hygge into your home this winter, consider incorporating warm and natural materials into your decor. Wood, wool, and natural fibers are all excellent choices for creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
These materials add warmth and texture to your home and have a natural appeal that can’t be beaten. The soft, fluffy wool of a blanket or the smooth, polished wood of a tabletop is both comforting and stylish, making them the perfect choice for a hygge-inspired space.
So embrace the power of wool, wood, and natural fibers. Not only will they make your home feel extra cozy and welcoming, but they’ll also add some serious visual interest to your space. You (and your guests) will love snuggling up in a warm and welcoming home, no matter how cold it is outside.
Layers of Texture
Next up, Layers! There’s nothing like snuggling up under blankets and pillows on a cold winter day. It’s like a warm, fluffy hug that envelops you and refuses to let go. And the good news is you can bring this feeling of comfort and coziness into your home by adding layers of texture!
Think about it – a room full of smooth, shiny surfaces might look pretty, but it doesn’t exactly scream “cozy.” On the other hand, a space filled with plush blankets, fluffy pillows, and soft throws is the perfect place to hunker down and escape the winter chill.
And don’t be afraid to mix and match different materials! Faux furs, fleece, sherpa, and cozy fabrics can all add depth and interest to your space. So go ahead, and layer on the texture – your body (and guests) will thank you for it!
Soft Lighting
Another way to add hygge is through soft lighting. There’s no denying it – soft, warm lighting can make a huge difference in the atmosphere of a space. It wraps you up in a hug and says, “Welcome home.”
If you want to add some cozy lighting to your home this winter, there are plenty of options. Candles are always a classic choice – choose warm, cozy scents like vanilla, cinnamon, Winter Woods, or Clean Cotton from Antique Candle Co. to set the mood. Or, try using lanterns, mercury glass votives, or hurricane lamps to add a touch of glamour and ambiance.
And don’t forget about string lights! Whether they’re twinkling around a window or wrapped around a mantle, these little lights add a magical touch to any space. Just be sure to avoid harsh overhead lighting, and opt for softer, more diffused light sources. This will help create a warm and welcoming atmosphere in your home. So, if you want to bring some hygge into your space this winter, consider adding cozy lighting to your decor.
Natural Elements
Additionally, you can add natural elements to improve your practice of hygge. But who says you must brave the cold to enjoy the beauty of nature? Adding natural elements to your home brings a touch of the outdoors to your doorstep.
One simple way to do this is by adding some winter branches and greens to your space. Whether it’s a vase of pine branches, a bare winter branch, or faux florals, these elements add a whimsy and cheer to your home.
And if you’re not exactly the green thumb type, don’t worry! Faux flowers and plants can be just as beautiful and add the same sense of connection to nature. They have come a long way in recent years and now look more realistic than ever, making them an excellent option for adding a touch of nature to your home without maintenance.
Add some natural elements to your home. Your spirit (and your guests) will thank you for it!
Hygge Simplicity
Finally, when trying to practice hygge, you must remember one easy tip. Keep it simple. Hygge is about simplicity and comfort, so don’t overdo it with clutter or too many decorative elements. Instead, focus on creating a calm and uncluttered space that feels welcoming and relaxing.
Check out our blog post showing how we built this DIY Pottery Barn Canopy Bed inspired by one we saw at Pottery Barn.
Cozy Hygge-Inspired Winter Hygge Lifestyle
Incorporating hygge activities into your life can also have numerous benefits. Taking time to slow down and appreciate the present moment can help reduce stress and promote well-being. Engaging in activities such as reading a book, relaxing, or enjoying a warm drink with friends can create a sense of contentment and happiness. In addition, by focusing on simple pleasures and enjoying the present moment, you can cultivate a sense of gratitude and appreciation for the things you have in your life.
11 Ways to Live A Hygge Life
Here are some ideas for activities that can help you embrace the hygge lifestyle:
- Light some candles. Candles’ soft, warm glow can create a cozy and relaxing atmosphere.
- Get cozy in front of the fireplace.
- Bake or cook a comforting meal. Whether baking cookies, making a soup, or cooking a hearty casserole, preparing and enjoying a warm and nourishing meal can be very hygge.
- Curl up cozy with a good read.
- Take a warm bath or shower. A hot bath or shower can be a relaxing and rejuvenating experience, and it can help you embrace the hygge lifestyle by creating a sense of comfort and well-being.
- Enjoy a moment of presence with a cup of tea or coffee.
- Watch a movie or TV show. Curling up on the couch with a blanket and some popcorn to watch a favorite movie or TV show can be a very hygge activity.
- Go for a walk in nature. Taking a leisurely walk or stroll through a park or in the woods can help you feel more connected to the natural world.
- Gather friends or family members and spend an evening playing board games or card games.
- Enjoy a warm beverage with friends. Invite a few friends and chat over a cup of tea or coffee.
- Practice mindfulness. Hygge is all about being present at the moment and finding joy in the simple things.
Cozy Hygge-Inspired Winter Living
Here’s betting these ideas have inspired you to bring more hygge into your life. Whether you’re lighting some candles, snuggling up with a good book, or hosting a dinner party, there are many simple ways to create a warm and cozy atmosphere. So go ahead, embrace the concept of hygge and find joy and contentment in the simple things in life. Take some time to appreciate the present moment and the people and things you have in your life. You’ll be amazed at how much a little hygge can brighten your day and improve your overall well-being. So take a deep breath, relax, and embrace the cozy, comforting atmosphere of hygge.
So go ahead, light some candles, curl up under a warm blanket, and let the hygge wash over you. Trust me; it will make all the difference in brightening those cold, dark winter days with cozy hygge-inspired winter living.
Design Services
Want a Hygge look without the work? My husband, Mr. Lavender Brook Home, and I have been working for years, turning lackluster and hideous spaces into dreamy ones by designing and building them from scratch. We understand working with a small budget, so we have DIYed most of our work. This gives us a unique perspective. We understand what it takes to make a room beautiful without an endless budget. We also know what it feels like to splurge a little and create stunning spaces truly deserved. Don’t allow the overwhelm of understanding the ins and outs of designing a space to hold you back from having the one you dream of. Take advantage of the design service we offer with one click and start the process of making your home the dream space you deserve.
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*This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. I make a tiny portion of the sale with no additional cost. Click here to read my full disclosure policy. Thank you for supporting this blog.*
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