Hygge is taking the world by storm, so one needs to ask: what is it in this Danish art of living that we have been missing all this time in the rest of the world? In essence, hygge is a philosophy of simple, happy, relaxed, and comfortable living. Today, it is a list of things, recipes, or arts and crafts that should make you happier. If you genuinely want to bring the Danish art of hygge into your home, go beyond the superficial. You might discover that you already live by the hygge model without even knowing it.
The idea of hygge in your home
The concept isn't new, nor is it truly unknown to most. It just involves a collection of different things for each one of us. With that in mind, what is hygge for the Danish may not apply to you or your home. Take, for instance, a fireplace. Northern Europeans might find it invaluable and a frequently utilized home asset.
On the other hand, it doesn't make sense in a year-round warm Florida home. Instead, a Floridian who wishes to unwind next to the calming firelight will more likely enjoy a relaxing soak in a candle-lit bathroom. And this idea of contrast is precisely at the core of hygge. There is no rest without work nor hygge without effort.
Embracing the personal touch
It doesn't surprise that hygge incorporates mostly minimalistic design ideas as they imply lightness and purity. However, it adds to this basis, warming the home and making it more personal. In this sense, it distances slightly from the minimalistic design. Hygge is not about less but simple.
While it may seem that pieces of furniture should serve solely a practical purpose, it is not the case. Hygge welcomes the vintage, the memories, the story behind an object, and emotional investment. In principle, hygge is nourishing the spirit of well-being and living the best possible life. That life is quite often not led alone but in harmony with others and oneself.
Let go of the purposeless
Taking pleasure in your living quarters requires you to actually spend time in your home. It is not unusual that people spend endless hours and funds decorating and redecorating following current trends, but never sit back and enjoy their work. It is this moment when people get comfortable after a long day and relax in their sanctuary that is at the core of hygge. But to make your surroundings relaxing, you need to clear away the surplus. As advised by New Leaf Moving Group experts, self-storage becomes an ally in the efforts of making a home more hyggelig.
Taking the clutter out is the first step toward making your living space truly livable. Shopping temptations are everywhere and often difficult to resist. They eventually lead to homes turned into warehouses, ones that keep people focused on meaningless things instead of nourishing experiences, especially the hygge feelings of calmness, satisfaction, coziness, and safety. The best way to live the art of hygge is to let go of things that don't have any practical, aesthetic, or emotional value.
Colors and lights that inspire wellness
Even though hygge promotes warm and cozy tones, the colors you choose shouldn't be generic. Once again, the accent is on the colors that naturally bring you comfort and invite you to relax. It doesn't come as a surprise that precisely hues found in nature best stimulate the hygge lifestyle. Consider the warm, natural color trends for 2021, as one of these palettes may be exactly what makes you feel comfortable in your surroundings.
Another important home asset hygge relies upon is lighting. On the one hand, there is the need to bring in as much natural light as possible; it is imperative in a cold and dark Danish landscape. In other parts of the world, it is more about balance and providing the just right amount of light, one that improves your mood.
On the other hand, in the evening, the emphasis should be on the soothing lights. Dim the ambient lighting to set the atmosphere that makes you feel cozy. Use accent lighting to put the focus on paintings or heirlooms that are important to you, or enjoy a favorite book with warm task lighting. It is vital that you feel comfortable; the price of the lamp is irrelevant.
Living by the art of hygge
Why is it essential to understand hygge as a concept instead of a checklist for a happy lifestyle? If you're, for example, making a significant change and leaving Florida and starting over in New York, you won't need to stress about your new habits, new home, new acquaintances, and most likely new furniture and way of life. Live by the hygge philosophy, and you won't overburden yourself with the unimportant.
Your once favorite pastime may change in the new surroundings. Hobbies you used to enjoy or found comfortable are likely to evolve. And that is alright with hygge. It is not about the rigidity in home style or habits, but the opposite. Simply, once you overgrow your shell, find another you'll feel happy, cozy, and safe within. While the concept is not focused on self-discovery, knowing what you like and enjoy doing at home helps you achieve it more easily. Finding time to relax may be challenging, but it is attainable.
Nurture nature in your hyggelig home
Add air purifying indoor plants to your space, not only to accent your interior decor but also to improve your home's air quality. The benefits to your lifestyle will be apparent soon. What better way to lead a healthy and happy hygge life than improving your sleep, removing allergens, and reducing anxiety.
